So you are in a room with lots of people. You’ve “eyed” your ideal client, walked up to them and engaged in a conversation, only to discover that you were totally wrong about this person. You walk up to person after person at the event to realize that you are totally wasting your time. Your ideal client is no where to be found in this room of people. You have now learned the third important step to finding your ideal client … know where you can find them.

When we are on our search for our ideal client, we often forget that before we can find our ideal client we need to know where they are likely to be found. Look for associations, trade shows, conventions, networking events, on-line forums and other common areas that your ideal client is likely to “hang out” and start frequenting those areas.

Make yourself visible as this is key. Here are some tips to doing just that, based on some of the places that you are likely to find your ideal client:

Associations
First and foremost, join an association if they allow for associate members. Secondly, volunteer within your ideal client’s association; sit on the Board of Directors, assist with an upcoming event, or help out in any way that will make you more visual. Having a role where your ideal client can see you, especially where you are utilizing those skills that will be important in your partnership with your ideal client, is key.

Trade Shows
Attend the trade shows of your ideal client. You don’t have to necessarily carry on a conversation right then and there, as many times they are very busy, but as a resource to gather information. Ask those probing questions when you find someone that is not busy and willing to talk. This can be a great opportunity to get a number of your ideal clients in one room – where else will someone hand you that much information.

Conventions
Why not sponsor a convention for your ideal client? Perhaps they will have the opportunity to have a display table for your product or service. Attend the seminars to gather more information so that you can better know your client. Start talking with these clients and let them know you are here.

Networking Events
There are so many opportunities for networking out there, but finding the right one can be hard. Attend several networking events until you find the one that more people within your “ideal” client profile are found. If there is a networking event that is geared solely towards your ideal client you have it made!!

Online Forums
Many people make the mistake of joining an online forum and selling themselves. This is a turn off to most potential clients. The better alternative is to start answering their questions and setting yourself up as an “expert”. Many fear that by spreading your knowledge, you are giving away your “trade secrets” when in fact the opposite is true … if you give them just enough, they will be left wanting more.

So, go where your clients go. It is not as simple as knowing where you are going to find your ideal client and then just going there; remember to become visible to them. Once you have become visible to them, you can start asking those probing questions and finding your ideal client!!