 |
|
A Detailed Portrait of An Ideal Client
|
A couple days ago, I came across an article that made me smile. And think. Boy, oh boy, am I dangerous when I think! Wild ideas! Absurd ideas! Sometimes I even think about crazy things...like doing laundry. But that's usually short lived.
I came across an article on creating a cult following on Abdpbt, using Trader Joe's as an example. And let's not revisit the issue of my undying love for TJ's...we get it...I'm smitten. And have probably spent a large part of my 401k buying hummus and unsalted almonds, but that's for another blog post. The writer, Anna, breaks down how Trader Joe's built a business cult following into five steps and is an enjoyable read.
Beyond it's readability and awareness, it made me realize I needed to reevaluate my detailed portrait of an ideal client, much like what Trader Joe's has successfully done. In order to push my brand forward, I need to know my client. Like, really, really understand what she wants and how I can best suit her needs. In doing so, we're both happier--she, with a photographer who understands her unstated needs, and, me, working with a client who trusts me implicitly. I've realized this is the core of my business: Creating happy brides who not only become fans of my brand, but, rather, fanatics. People who promote my business as a division of their day-to-day conversation. This is priceless. But, furthermore, this is something any photographer can do for his/her business.
Amongst many other things, I reconfirmed my magazine-inspiration as a way to attract J* Brides. Why? Because that's what makes me tick...makes me happy...makes me hungry to create. Clients who aren't models but who want to look like they walked off a glossy page. Clients who love like I do. Clients who want to have fun and feel fabulous. These are things I already know, but reading the article made me sit down and rethink the many components of my ideal client (most of which aren't mentioned in this blog post).
Here's a snapshot of an inspiration board I have in my office. It's comprised of magazine ads I've fallen in love with and want to--hopefully--loosely recreate in the near future. Surrounding myself with editorial inspiration has made the biggest difference in how I see the world and I hope my clients feel it too. |
As I'm booking 2010 clients, I'm happy to know I've actively defined my ideal client and if I continue to produce work that she finds appealing, I know I'll be just as happy as I am with my 2009 clients.
Knowing your ideal client, regardless of your line of business, is a key component to growth and satisfaction. Sorry if this blog post came from left-field today, but it's something I've been thinking about for the past few days and I wanted to write it all out. Because that's what I do. I write. I write when I'm trying to process ideas in hopes of greater things in the future.
Happy Sunday! :) |
    
2010
|
 |
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
