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[Mario Sanders Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 6]

How do you identify your target market? I thought I found my target market. I only speak to people on their health issues when they may need a little help adjusting to their new diets. These were my main audience that I put most of my concentration. A much older group I knew I could not touch. If their diets were controlled by some else, then they were out of the target. Such the case of a senior citizen home where their diets are controlled. Or where some one else controls their decisions would not be a good target market. Just the ones who need a little assistance in their diets to lose a little weight or have concerns with a health issue. That was my target market. Today, I went to the bank, a young man was talking to me about toning his muscles a little. I never talked to him before because he looked well in shape. There were no discernable health issues. I explained my program to him. He asked for more information. I went out to my car and brought him a brochure and explained again the program of getting healthy while getting fit for a workout. This widens my market. What do you think to identify a target market?

[Natasha Nassar Hazlett Company: PRO U Contribution Level: 3]

There's not just "ONE" target market. You can have many. But the big mistake people make is making their "target market" too general (i.e, network marketers or "health-conscious" people)

You said your target market is:
"Just the ones who need a little assistance in their diets to lose a little weight or have concerns with a health issue"

I would suggest that you start by describing your ideal customer's "Avatar": I.e,
1. Are they Male/Female/ Both?
2. Income Level?
3. What are their Hobbies/ Interests?
4. Specify Health Issues (Diabetic, Overeating, high blood pressure etc.)
5. Have they tried diets before? If so, why did they fail in the past? How does your product help them succeed?

The answers to these questions should help you narrow your target market. I know you asked if you should widen your market...but in my opinion, your stated "target market" is too broad to begin with... you need to go small- find THOSE people, what forums do they visit? Go to those forums, befriend them, write articles or shoot videos addressing the issues they are having... Be the "GO TO guy" for that target market.

For example, You may focus on Professional Females who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
or Older Men who have been diagnosed as diabetic.

You don't have to stick with one target market for the rest of your life...just corner than market, then move to the next one. BUT, if you run into someone you think might benefit from your porduct, even if they don't fit your target market- don't "not sell'!

Best of Luck!
Natasha

[Mario Sanders Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 6]

Thanks Natasha! This information was been very helpful. I do try to look at older people with health issues such as diabetics, overweights and people who wants to take care of themselves better. My emphasis has been on getting every one healthy. Everybody can improve themselves by just taking a walk and relaxing more to meet just the stressses of the day. Thanks for the information. This will help in rebuilding myself again.

[Mario Sanders Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 6]

Do you know how many people that do not know that they may be diabetic, overweight, or having high blood pressure? At first, I did not know my condition. I was healthy, active and exercising daily. Yes, there are people are here think that pleasingly plumb is exacting what they want to be. It's sexy to have a lot of weight. Listen to the music when the songs talk about women with big butts. And baby got back! When I was working the clubs, a woman told me she wanted to gain weight just for that reason. They did not know what it would do for them over the years. So, a lot of my market is addressing young women. Even super star Aretha Franklin song 'Giving him something that he can feel' mention big women for their man. Our society is saturated with the idea of big is better. I did not say healthier. And you are right again. Some people are so far out of my market, they may need a divine intervention. I will narrow my market to one group at a time. An older working women who needs a little help. A change of diet maybe all they need. Then move to the older men, working who has been diagnosed of their condition. And those who wants to be healthier.

[Natasha Nassar Hazlett Company: PRO U Contribution Level: 3]

Just to clarify, I respectfully disagree with Lawrence's comment about " having the same common interests with the persons in that group."

If you are a professional marketer, you don't have to run around the block or lose 5 pounds to talk to someone about weight loss. Certainly having some personal experience may be helpful initially.

However, your personal experience isn't a long-term marketing strategy (at least if you intend to market online), sorry if this sounds blunt.

But I feel that if you are trying to professionally market a product or service, personal experience is just one small portion of a marketing campaign. The longer-term marketing strategy should be providing valuable information/solutions to people who have questions or issues.

I realize that many people are brand new to this marketing "thing" so I just wanted to weigh in on Lawrence's suggestion.

All the Best,

Natasha

[Joyce Penner Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 8]

Natasha is right on. Commonality has very little to do with it.

Further to Natasha's comment, zero right in on your target market. What does he/she look like, what does their typical day look like, how big is their bank account, married?, kids?, house/apartment dweller, what are they wearing today, what kind of transportation do they take to work. Every little detail needs to be imprinted in your mind then when you write or do a video and you can speak right to them. You've identified their problems, needs and wants. Solve the problem that (imaginary) person has in everything you do and you'll never be using buckshot again to round up an audience.

Example: You've identified he doesn't have the motivation to go to the gym to lose the weight his doctor tells him he must. Focus on the fact your weight loss product doesn't require exhaustive exercise to lose pounds although you can excitedly share with them that when they do start losing they'll want to go to the gym.

Every word, every thought, every video needs to be addressed to that one particular person.

And you'll win big time !
Good luck,
Joyce

[Mario Sanders Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 6]

That is a lot to think about. I am no way a doctor or experienced in a medical field. I am taking baby steps to address the target market. I can narrow it down to one particular person and address that problem. There may be many like him so I can use this as a model. This is a lot to start to work on. Thanks for the information.

[Christos Christou Contribution Level: 4]

I am lucky enough to be a well known triathlete in my country, so they find me actually, since i participate in races wering my companys logos. Visit my group Triathlon for more about it

[Paul Rosen Company: DrinkACT Contribution Level: 2]

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Paul Rosen

[Cynthia Acoff Contribution Level: 4]

Mario, interesting question and having been in NWM for more than 13 years now, I can't say that I know the answer to it. My proven way is to talk to EVERYONE! I try to talk to 3-5 people everyday about my business. It just comes up in conversation. If the person I am talking to is not "my target", then they know someone that is. Keep talking and moving forward