How To Win Clients Without Losing Yourself (or Your Values)

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:

Win Clients Without Losing Yourself: The Importance of Sticking To Your Values

 

Running a business can often feel like walking a tightrope. On the one hand, you want to grow your business and win as many new clients as possible. But on the other hand, you also want to stay true to your vision and values. And here's the thing – these two goals are not always in perfect alignment.

 

Your business vision and values are at the very heart of your company. They define who you are, what you stand for, and what you want to achieve. Your vision is your ultimate goal – what you aspire to achieve with your business. Your values, on the other hand, are the principles and beliefs that guide you in achieving that goal.

 

Why are vision and values so important when it comes to growing your business?

 

Well, for starters, they help you stay focused and motivated. When you have a clear vision and set of values, you know exactly what you're working towards and why. This clarity can help you make better decisions and stay on track, even when the going gets tough.

 

Let's take Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company, as an example. Their vision is to "build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis." Their values include quality, environmentalism, transparency, and innovation. These values are woven into everything Patagonia does, from their sustainable supply chain to their commitment to reducing waste.

 

But it's not just about staying true to your vision and values for your own sake. It's also about attracting the right clients – clients who share your values and appreciate what you stand for. When you focus on building a business that aligns with your vision and values, you attract clients who are a good fit for your company. These are the clients who will be loyal, committed, and passionate about what you do.

 

Next, we'll talk about how winning clients who don't align with your values can have a negative impact on the growth of your business. But for now, take a moment to reflect on your own business vision and values. Are they clear? Are they guiding you in the right direction? Are they attracting the right clients? By focusing on these core elements of your business, you can build a company that is not only successful, but also true to who you are.

 

How winning clients who don't align with your values can have a negative impact on the growth of your business

 

As a business owner, it's tempting to want to win as many clients as possible to grow your business. But winning clients who don't align with your values can actually have a negative impact on the growth of your business.

 

Let me explain.

 

When you work with clients who don't share your values, it can create friction and tension. This can lead to a lack of trust, poor communication, and ultimately, a breakdown in the relationship.

 

For example, let's say you run a coaching business that emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and self-care. But if you take on a client who doesn't value these things, and instead prioritizes working 80-hour weeks and neglecting their personal life, it's going to be hard to work together effectively. You'll constantly be at odds with each other, which can create stress and anxiety for both you and the client.

 

In addition to the strain on the relationship, working with clients who don't align with your values can also have a negative impact on your brand reputation. Your clients are a reflection of your business, and if you work with clients who have different values or ethics, it can damage your reputation in the long run. This can lead to negative reviews, a decrease in referrals, and ultimately, a loss of business.

 

Let's go back to our coaching business example:

 

If you take on a client who doesn't value work-life balance and self-care, and you post about the importance of these things on your social media channels, it can create confusion and a lack of trust in your brand. Your audience may wonder why you're promoting something that doesn't align with the clients you work with, which can lead to a loss of credibility and ultimately, a loss of business.

 

So, what's the solution?

 

It's simple – focus on attracting clients who align with your values. This doesn't mean you have to be rigid or uncompromising, but it does mean being clear about what you stand for and what you won't tolerate. By doing so, you'll attract clients who appreciate your values and are more likely to be a good fit for your business. This, in turn, will lead to a stronger, more successful business in the long run.

 

How to focus on attracting clients who align with your values.

 

Now that we've established the importance of working with clients who align with your values, let's talk about how to attract those clients. Here are some practical examples that coaching businesses can use:

 

Create a clear brand identity: Your brand identity should reflect your values, mission, and vision. Make sure that everything from your website to your social media channels conveys a consistent message about what your coaching business stands for. This will attract clients who are looking for the same things you are.

 

Write compelling content: Use your blog, social media channels, and other platforms to create content that speaks to your ideal client. Write about the topics that matter to them and use language that resonates with their values. This will attract clients who feel seen and understood by your coaching business.

 

Be clear about who you work with: In your marketing materials, be clear about the type of client you work with and the values you share. For example, you might say that you work with busy professionals who value work-life balance and self-care. This will attract clients who share those values and are looking for a coach who understands their unique challenges.

 

Build relationships: Finally, don't underestimate the power of building relationships. Attend networking events, reach out to other coaches in your industry, and offer to collaborate on projects. By building relationships with like-minded professionals, you'll attract clients who share your values and are looking for a coach who is well-connected in their industry.

 

Let's go back to our coaching business example. If you specialise in work-life balance and self-care, you might create a brand identity that is calming and serene. You might write blog posts about the benefits of taking time off or, create social media content that encourages your audience to unplug and recharge. You might be clear in your marketing materials that you work with busy professionals who are struggling to balance their work and personal lives.

 

By doing all of these things, you'll attract clients who are looking for a coach who understands their unique challenges and shares their values. This will help you build a strong, successful coaching business that is based on a foundation of shared values and mutual understanding.

 

Things to avoid when attracting clients who align to your values.

 

Now that we've talked about how to attract clients who align with your values, it's important to discuss some common mistakes to avoid when trying to do so.

 

Here are some practical examples that coaching businesses should be aware of:

 

Don't be too generic: While it's important to cast a wide net when marketing your coaching business, be careful not to be too generic in your messaging.

 

For example, if you say that you help people "live their best lives," that doesn't really differentiate you from other coaches in your industry. Instead, be specific about the values you share with your clients and the unique benefits you can offer them.

 

Don't compromise your values: It can be tempting to take on clients who don't align with your values in order to grow your business, but this can ultimately have a negative impact on your coaching practice.

 

For example, if you're a coach who values work-life balance, but you take on a client who expects you to be available 24/7, this will lead to burnout and dissatisfaction on both sides.

 

Don't be afraid to say no: Sometimes, a potential client might not be a good fit for your coaching business. It's important to be honest with them and let them know that you don't think you're the right coach for them.

 

This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it's better than taking on a client who doesn't align with your values and ultimately leads to frustration and disappointment.

 

Don't ignore red flags: If you notice red flags during the consultation process, don't ignore them. For example, if a potential client is rude or disrespectful, or if they seem to have unrealistic expectations, it's better to walk away than to take on a client who is likely to be a difficult to work with.

 

Let's go back to our coaching business example. To avoid these mistakes, the coach specialising in work-life balance and self-care might be specific about the types of clients they work with.

 

For example, they might say that they work with busy professionals who are struggling to balance their work and personal lives, but who are committed to making positive changes. They might turn down clients who expect them to be available 24/7 or who are resistant to making changes in their lives.

 

By being clear about their values and the types of clients they work with, this coach can attract clients who are a good fit for their coaching practice and who are more likely to have a positive experience. This will ultimately lead to greater success and a stronger reputation in the coaching industry.

 

Tips For Successfully Attracting Clients Who Walk In Your Values

 

To be successful in attracting clients who align with your values, here are some tips that any type of business can follow:

 

Be clear about your values: To attract clients who share your values, you need to be clear about what those values are. Take the time to articulate your values and make sure they are reflected in all aspects of your business, from your marketing messaging to your client interactions.

 

Demonstrate your values in action: It's not enough to simply talk about your values, you need to demonstrate them in action. This means being consistent in your actions and decisions, and making sure that everything you do is aligned with your values.

 

Build relationships with like-minded individuals and businesses: Networking with like-minded individuals and businesses can be a great way to attract clients who share your values. Attend events and conferences, join industry groups, and connect with others in your field who are passionate about the same things you are.

 

Communicate with authenticity: When communicating with potential clients, be authentic and transparent about who you are and what you stand for. Don't be afraid to show your personality and share your own experiences and challenges. This can help build trust and create a deeper connection with your audience.

 

Celebrate your successes: When you attract clients who align with your values, celebrate your successes! Share client success stories on your website and social media channels, and use them as examples of how your business is making a positive impact in the world.

 

By following my smart tips, any type of business can attract clients who share their values and build a strong, loyal client base. Remember, success isn't just about making a profit, it's about creating a business that is aligned with your values and is making a positive impact in the world.

 

In Summary

 

So, aligning your business with your values is not only important for creating a positive impact on the world, but it's also crucial for attracting the right clients and growing your business in a sustainable way. By focusing on attracting clients who share your values, you can create a strong and loyal client base that will support your business for years to come.

 

Remember to be clear about your values, demonstrate them in action, build relationships with like-minded individuals and businesses, communicate with authenticity, and celebrate your successes. These tips will help you attract the right clients and build a business that is aligned with your values.

 

If you would like to take a deep dive into your business values and learn how to apply them to your business strategy, consider booking a bespoke workshop with my team and I via my website. Together, we can create a roadmap for your business that is both profitable and aligned with your values.

 

Thank you for joining me, and I'll see you next time!

Lor Bradley