It’s safe to say I’m obsessed with Fleetwood Mac right now and I’m sure listening to them in the future will take me back to this time. This line sums up where I’m at – “So today she says, well I’ve changed my mind, that’s a women’s right they say.”

Good. ‘Cause I’ve done it three times so far.

If there’s one message that has been repeated through the online success story interviews – it’s been to make sure you research your market before you start your business. You might uncover some surprises.

How many versions??

I’m up to my third business plan; each has a section on my target market. Each version has changed. At first I was unsure this was a good thing, but I’m now looking at it as an evolution and a very good thing.

Why so many versions? It’s all thanks to:

• Researching and listening to potential client’s feedback/wants and needs
• Specifically defining what I want to sell (businesses are all about selling something right) and
• Opportunities for revenue streams that have appeared.

I started designing my business plan with the idea that my target market would be traditional small businesses that didn’t have a website yet. My plan was to sell website design with online marketing strategy and techniques built into the package.

Researching helps you realise your direction

I’ve since realised through research, feedback from my blog and from connecting with people on Twitter, that my target market is actually website owners and digital agencies.

The three new stars of my target market are:

• Small businesses who have websites but who aren’t getting results they want
• Online business owners who want to implement the marketing themselves but need advice so their efforts are placed in the right channels to get maximum results (sales) and
• Successful agencies that need someone to look after their excess of clients and consult as required.

The best bit?

It’s all based on feedback and the fact that I’ve now aligned my business plan to sit closer to what I enjoy doing.

That is designing strategies to attract more quality visitors by reviewing and improving existing websites – from a design, technical and business perspective to convert those visitors into sales/leads/whatever you desire for your business.

But wait, there’s more….

This has brought about another evolution to my business plan.

While I can build a good product/service website – I’m not mad about developing e-commerce, content management websites etc but would love to offer my clients a full service. I’d love to work with a network of creative, talented individuals who specialise in areas that I’d happily pass on and that are complimentary to my services.

Already I’ve found some wonderfully skilled and creative people that I’m hoping to collaborate with.

I keep reading that outsourcing areas that aren’t your speciality is the smart thing to do – and I’m all about working smarter, not harder. It saves my client’s time and money through effective processes – I’m working efficiently = doesn’t take as long to complete = cheaper invoice. And it makes me happier.

It all works out in the end

So I’ve changed my target market, diversified my income strategy and will continue to adapt to what I want to get out of my business and what my evolving target market want.

I’m sure it’ll all change again with more feedback, but y’know, I’m a women and that’s a women’s right they say.

Related posts:

1. Starting up a new business
2. Women in Business Directory – Add Your Business
3. Is Following a Business on Twitter the Ultimate Opt-In?
4. While I’m waiting for our first profile here’s a bit about me

Filed under: Behind the Scenes