Sometimes this question can't be answered by thought and planning.
Sometimes, a business owner is still in the discovery phase of their
fledgling business and is still figuring that out.
I think coming to a forum to bounce ideas off of other business owners
is actually a great way to brainstorm some possible approaches. Then,
targeting various groups and seeing which one "sticks".
Personally, my background is in traditional ad-agency copywriting. I've
worked on big accounts like McDonald's and Toyota at LA ad firms.
Once I went freelance, I thought surely my target work be per-project gigs
at these same agencies. But those jobs were few and far between (as the
market was already saturated with writers servicing this niche). I still do
some work for these firms, but not as much as I used to.
Turns out, servicing small-to-mid-sized business works a lot better for me!
I don't know how it happened. Just gradually, over time, more and more
client calls were from small businesses, or referrals from other small
business clients. I surely didn't set out to be a marketing asset for small
businesses...but the more I did it, and the more they found me, we just
clicked!
So I'd cut the businesses who post here without knowing their target a little
slack. Honestly, IMO it's like dating: you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find
your business' prince charming. You can plan and strategize to a point,
but there's always the "black box" factor of chemistry at play. And posting
to a sb forum is like getting dating advice from friends as you navigate the
waters.
But once you finally click with the people you're truly meant to service....
ahhh, it's mahvelous, dahling!
:-) - E
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