Hello Everyone...

When searching for the ideal client, how do I make sure that I am not discriminating against other prospective clients who may not fall into my ideal category?

I would love to be involved with the African American small business community here in my city as well as globally and the Christian community. But I dont want it to appear that I dont want to work for anyone outside of that client base.

Also, can anyone give me any marketing techniques to reach my client base of AA small businesses and the Christian community via the web?

When writing my mission statement, do I mention my ideal client base or do I just mention that I provide services to entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations?

As always, thanks for the advice.

That's a hard question to answer. You are going to turn away a lot of good paying potential clients if you try to market that way. I am going to be blunt, as a black person myself I think I would have a harder time marketing to my African America community, just because it's not enough of us out their, but I'm only speaking for myself. I also know that black businesses have a greater risk of failing in the first year. It's hard enough trying to land good paying clients, much-less one race of clients. So be open minded, their are a lot of good paying Christian businesses out their. "Money see no color" Good luck I hope you find what you're looking for. You may try the Black Chamber of Commerce in your area.

Here is a link that may be of interest to you Here

Thanks for the advice. I market to everyone. Maybe I misunderstood what targeting meant. I will not be marketing to just those two communities. I just figured that those are two communites that do not know the power of our services.

BTW....thanks for the link.

You are most welcome, and sorry for the misunderstanding. I think you are right when you say our community may not be aware of what we do, I have a hard time trying to explain.

I was thinking mixers are great to go to, you meet people with some of the same interest, they may not need your service but they may know someone who does. One thing to remember when you go to these events do not go trying to sell your services, try to get to know the people, in-turn they will remember your good conversations and then they will get your name out there for you. Pass out pens and so fourth with your info on it, everyone passes out business cards, but I think pens are better.

Hi there, interesting question I'm glad for the clarification too!
I think you've gotten some really good suggestions here - finding social situations, commerce networks, and other ways to network directly with your target market is an excellent way to provide some education and outreach while getting your name and services out there within that community.

You might consider also placing an ad in your local Baptist or Christian churches newsletter (if they have that kind of advertising?), a neighborhood newspaper, etc. Many church groups host a business-person's-type networking group on their own...check around and see if anything like that is available in your area.

Also, you might check for paid ad space in an e-newsletter targetted to either of these communities. I'm sure there are plenty of really extensive mailing lists with ad space to sell!

Another way to approach it is to personally go to the establishments you're interested in working with - if you know of a Christian owned office building or store, or an African American owned company - go in there and introduce yourself, let the owners know *why* you're interested in working with them andwhat you can do for them. Even if it doesn't result in a contracted client right away, you're actively marketing to the people you wish to work with and introducing yourself along the way. And do leave something behind like a marketing packet or even just a business card or pen (great idea by the way!)

Best of luck and keep us posted on which methods you find work best in reaching your target market.

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You have to approach the AA community just as you would any other community. We are no different than any other community and if you want the AA business you just need to think they are just people. Over look color and just sale your business.

Promotional and flyers usually work well with anyone. I am putting together a marketing letter as well as my business cards and sending that out. I am offering discounts to those that refer to the letter to get service done.

Thanks for the reply. I am also doing a marketing packet to include a letter, brochure, and business card. I have postcards and other marketing materials that I will be sending out within the next week or so. I am not good at verbally marketing myself. That is something that I am working on. But I love print marketing simply because I am a visual person and I more likely to remember something I see rather than something that I heard.

I just love this site because of all the valuable input that is given here. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read and respond here.