As a BYS coach I get many questions, with the high unemployment rate many are turning to opening their own business…
Hi,
I’m just getting my practice off the ground. At the moment, I have a full time job and NO clients. How does this situation affect the BYS process, if at all? I’ve just started reading the book and it seems to assume I have existing clients. I do not.
Please advise,
Thanks
Thanks for your question. Absolutely fantastic to be a start-up using the BYS System!
What better way to start then knowing who you want to work with. Work the exercises from the mindset of "As if…."
Identifying your Ideal Client and designing your Red Velvet Rope Policy are basically a means to pre-qualify potential clients in a structured manner. Now, remember this is about the person qualities not their circumstances, e.g: happy, reasonable etc.
The importance of "pre-qualifying in your own mind " is often overlooked, because too much emphasis is placed on how to get warm bodies through the door. But one can waste a lot of resources and energy without even knowing they are an ideal client. I know, without current clients and income it is hard to turn anyone away, yes the rope can be a bit looser as you begin. Just know and trust yourself, if you don’t think you can work with them, you probably can’t and will waste your time and money and theirs… when it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work…
Properly positioning yourself as the solution provider for a specific type of work and person has the effect of creating a personal connection between you and the prospect, before even meeting them. This is key to creating an efficient sales cycle… otherwise you may spend your valuable time and resources "consulting/chatting" with people, just to build a level of comfort.
The Red Velvet Rope is for the long-term interest and benefit of maintaining along-term relationships with clients and also for your own sanity. If the client is not the right fit, they won’t be happy and neither will you…
And of course the 7 Marketing Strategies work for any type of business, with the four mandatory ones being, Networking (the BYS way,) Direct Outreach, Referral and Keep in Touch.
I hope this is helpful, the system is very flexible and continues to evolve as your business evolves. At first your red velvet rope may need to be a bit looser that’s okay, just continue to refine each step as you continue to work through the process. Book Yourself Solid is a continually process as your business grows the decisions you make today will change.
Sharon