How to Use Affinity Groups for Client Attraction

Often when new small business owners lack a full roster of potential clients or even any clients at all is they don't know where to find these ideal clients. When looking for clients, often you need not look further than your backyard-- so to speak. Finding ideal clients is actually easier than you think because you don't really have to go searching for them, you just need to look in a few places you are currently hanging out. Affinity groups are the communities you are already associated with or belong to. These groups could be found online, as well as offline. You might be thinking to yourself, "but I don't belong to any communities or affinity groups." This is what I head from most small business owners. However, unless you truly are a hermit, an anti-social, or a recluse (which if you are, then you probably won't go very far as a business owner), then it's practically impossible you are already affiliated with an affinity group. The secret to client attraction is to be yourself and there is truly no better place to be yourself than to do what you are currently doing, only this time with a little strategy. Here are my 3 tips on how to use affinity groups for client attraction: 1) Where do you hang out? This is the first step to finding those ideal clients is to make a list of all the places you hang out. This could include eating out at Whole Foods on Wednesdays for their $5.99 salad bar special, Friday night bowling, coffee with your favorite gals pals at your favorite cafe, shopping at a local boutique, going to Saturday morning farmer's markets, frolicking at weekend flea markets, cocktails at your go-to happy hour spot, your yoga studio, the gym... the places you are currently hanging out are endless. Jot them all down and then pick 2-3 of them and start talking to the people who work there. Introduce yourself and make connections. The more people who know about you the greater the chances of someone they know needing your services is much greater. Make sure to always have a great business card to hand out! 2) Who is your buddy? Having a friend or colleague attend events, seminars, conferences, and meetings together can be very powerful. This is a great way to start building your tribe of power partners. A power partner is someone who refers you business while you refer business to them. Just make sure it's someone that compliments what you do for a living, not someone who offers similar services. Having this type of business buddy is instrumental when attending affinity gatherings because they can introduce you to the people they are talking to and vice verse. Team up with people at those places you are hanging out and offer to be their power partner. I'm sure they will offer you the same in return. 3) Have you networked online? Online is a powerful place to meet people all over the globe who would like to do business with you or knows someone who would. Never neglect joining forums, Facebook groups, Meetup groups, or engage in social media as often as possible. Making social media part of your marketing plan is essential and definitely can pay off in the long run. Be sure to introduce yourself in every group you join and thank people for following you on Twitter or for adding you as a friend. These types of affinity groups are going to help you grow your business nationally and internationally. And the whole point is to get people to remember who you are, what you do, and what problem you solve so they can send people your way. There is nothing wrong with being a new business owner who is still filling their practice with awesome clients, just don't sell yourself short. Your talents are needed in the world, and the most authentic place to find your tribe is by networking at the places you already attend and then tending to the people who are already following you, liking you, and commenting on what you are doing. Take a few minutes every day to say hello to a few people you haven't met, online and offline, and before you know it, you'll be at full capacity. Love & Success, Angel Quintana ___________________________________ copyright Angel Quintana, Inc. {Want to use this article in your newsletter or on your website? You're welcome to. Please just link the article back to my website and include the following blurb} "Angel Quintana, CNC, HHP is a Holistic Business Coach who helps new entrepreneurs discover their marketing style so they can attract the right clients, create financial prosperity, and become a trendsetter in their industry. www.angelquintana.com"