I am fortunate to have truly terrific clients They are great to work with -- I honestly couldnt ask for better. However, it wasnt always like this. When I started my Virtual Assistant business, I had clients who gave me an upset stomach, didnt pay me, and gave me emergency projects on MY time. I found myself feeling beaten-up, frustrated, and resentful much of the time -- wishing I had followed that gut feeling I had when I took these difficult clients in the first place.

It was through these experiences that I began to empower myself to find ideal clients. I learned to discern the types of individuals who were a good fit for me, to clearly define and communicate my boundaries, and to take charge of how I wanted to run my business. Soon, I began to attract clients whose personalities meshed with mine, who respected my time and appreciated my work.

There are 5 main steps to finding ideal clients and fostering these relationships.

1. Let go of fear. Once I became unhappy with some of my clients, it didnt take long for me to realize that the only thing that kept me hanging on to them was fear. I was afraid that by giving up a client, I would be putting myself at risk for financial disaster. I was afraid of transitioning -- entering the unknown -- uncertain that I could fill the vacant space on my client roster. Once I let go of the fear, and started letting go of clients who weren't ideal - I began to attract clients that were a great fit.

2. Truly utilize the initial consultation. Get to know your potential client by asking the right questions. Listen to the client, and ask questions that will be helpful in determining whether a potential client is a good fit. You might ask: What qualities are you looking for in a professional service provider? Are you a very hands on person, or are you comfortable letting me run with a project or a new idea? How do you spend downtime? Do you have a systematic work style, or do you need an organizer? Take the time to assess whether the answers to your questions fit within your definition of an ideal client.

Trust your intuition. Do you feel excited about the possibility of working with this person? Do you feel nervous? Do you like this person? Be selective as you take on new clients dont just take someone on for the money, even if you think you need to. Landing the right client is a great investment. She or he will not only be a pleasure to work with, but may even become a referral source to other like-minded clients. The right client will be an easy fit.

3. Be clear about your business standards. Let the potential client know about your business boundaries and standards from the start, and stick to them. Communicate to your client what your general time-frame is for returning calls and responding to e-mails. Be especially clear about how you handle last-minute client emergencies. If you cant, or dont wish to respond to eleventh-hour pleadings for help, dont take on a client who you sense could be a procrastinator.

Ask your clients to respect your free time. Stick to set working hours, and try not to deviate unless it is absolutely necessary especially if you work at home. Otherwise, that computer in the corner will beckon in the middle of dinner, or family time, or 2 am. Its too easy to let an at-home business become a 24-hour job. Its not healthy for you, or for your client relationships.

4. Show appreciation and build personal relationships. Once you've attracted your new ideal client, tell them you appreciate them, often. Remember holidays and birthdays. Send thank you notes for their continued business and referrals. Have sincere personal interest in them and their families, their goals, and interests.

5. Encourage use of additional services. Build your business and increase your time working with your ideal clients by encouraging your clients to use your full array of services. This way, you keep your client roster comfortable, but increase your hours and income. It costs less for you to retain an ideal client than to scurry to find new ones. Your clients benefit by having more tasks and services put into hands that have already proven to be capable and trustworthy. The trust and working relationship is already there build on it.

These simple steps have helped me to create a thriving, successful practice beyond my dreams. However, with even the most promising client, you might occasionally find it isn't working. Remember that it's okay if you have to let a client go. This is why we have our own businesses -- to have the power choose who we work with. Chances are, if its not working out for you, it may also not be working for your client. Approach your client with honesty and tact. Believe that there are ideal clients looking for you, and that this temporary loss will open new opportunities for you.