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Why Trying to Appeal to Everyone is Killing Your Styling Business – And How to Fix It

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Primary Blog/Why Trying to Appeal to Everyone is Killing Your Styling Business – And How to Fix It

When I first started my styling career, I thought the way to success was to cast my net as wide as possible. I wanted to be the go-to stylist for everyone—corporate clients, stay-at-home mums, fashion-forward professionals, and even people looking for wardrobe makeovers on a budget. I felt the pressure to be everywhere and serve everyone.

Does this sound familiar to you? Have you ever found yourself thinking you need to offer everything to everyone just to build a successful styling business?

I often meet personal stylists who was on this very path. They want to style successful men, to serve corporate clients, to help the average woman find her style, and more. It's like looking into a mirror from my early days as a stylist. I knew the struggle all too well—the feeling that if you aren’t broad in your approach, you won’t get clients, or worse, that you’ll miss opportunities by being too niche.

But here’s the hard truth that I learned through years of experience: you don’t need to be everything to everyone to be successful. In fact, trying to do so can end up costing you the very success you’re working so hard to achieve. The key to building a sustainable and fulfilling career in personal styling lies in one simple truth: you only need to be an expert for your ideal client.

Why Casting a Wide Net is a Trap
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the broader your offerings, the more clients you’ll attract. I used to believe this too. In theory, it makes sense: if you market yourself to everyone, more people will hire you, right? Wrong.

When you try to appeal to everyone, you dilute your message, your brand, and ultimately, your impact. Think about it. How many brands do you know that are loved by everyone? The reality is that successful brands—whether in fashion, beauty, or even technology—become successful by zeroing in on their ideal audience and catering directly to them. They don’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, they become the perfect fit for a specific group of people, and that’s what makes them powerful.

The same goes for your styling business. By trying to cater to everyone, you end up connecting with no one in a meaningful way. The magic happens when you focus on serving your ideal client—the one who resonates with you, who values your expertise, and who you feel passionate about helping.

Alignment is the Secret to Attracting Your Ideal Clients
When I first started out, I didn’t have a clear idea of who I really wanted to serve, and as a result, I felt disconnected from my work. I was trying to please everyone, but it didn’t feel authentic to me. Over time, I realized that this disconnection was the very thing holding me back.

You are not for everyone, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s essential for your growth. You don’t need to mold yourself into what you think everyone wants you to be. The sooner you let go of that pressure, the easier it becomes to attract your perfect clients.

Your ideal clients are the ones who will naturally gravitate towards you when you’re in alignment with who you are. They will love the way you approach styling because it reflects your authentic self. You won’t have to chase them down or convince them to work with you. When you fully embrace who you are—your values, your style, your expertise—your business will flow effortlessly. Clients who you adore working with will be drawn to you like a magnet.

Why Honoring Who You Are Matters
I often tell my clients: Honor who you are, and your business will flourish. This means being clear about your strengths, your passions, and your unique approach to styling. When you honor who you are, you naturally create a business model that works for you, and clients can sense that authenticity.

Being authentic is not just about feeling good in your business—it’s about building a brand that stands out. When you’re true to yourself, you’ll stop feeling like you need to compete with every other stylist out there. Instead, you’ll carve out your own unique space in the industry, and clients will choose you because they connect with your unique voice and your way of doing things.

Think about it this way: when you fully embrace your authentic self, you give your clients permission to do the same. This is one of the most powerful things you can offer as a personal stylist. Your clients are coming to you because they want to feel confident in their own skin. How can you help them do that if you’re not comfortable in yours?

Who is Your Ideal Client?
So, how do you figure out who your ideal client is? Start by asking yourself some important questions:

❓Who do you enjoy working with the most?
❓What type of client lights you up and makes you feel excited about your work?
❓What are your values, and how do they align with your business?
❓What kinds of problems do you feel passionate about solving for your clients?

It’s important to get crystal clear on who this person is. Once you know who your ideal client is, every part of your business becomes more focused. Your messaging, your branding, your services—it all aligns, and that’s when the magic happens. You stop chasing clients, and they start coming to you.

Embrace Your Expertise
Lastly, remember that being an expert doesn’t mean knowing everything. It means knowing your specific area deeply and serving your ideal clients with that expertise. When you focus on your strengths and the clients you’re passionate about helping, you naturally become an expert in their eyes.

So, let go of the idea that you need to be everything to everyone. You don’t. You just need to be the perfect fit for your ideal client. And when you do that, your business will flourish, and you’ll feel more fulfilled than ever before.

By focusing on authenticity and alignment with your unique strengths and passion, you can build a thriving personal styling business that brings joy, success, and the clients you love working with. Embrace who you are, honor your expertise, and let go of the need to please everyone. Your ideal clients are waiting for you ❣️






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Hi, I'm Aileen Lane AICI CIP

6-Figure  Mentor To Personal Stylists

I help stylists build 6 figure income.

I provide:

🌈Certified Online Colour Analysis Expert Training

👠Certified Online Style Training

💰Marketing Programs to help you reach consistent income in your styling business.

🔥Want to build consistent income as a personal stylist? Pop me a message through the chat bubble below💬. 

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