Does Anyone Work Here? The Hidden Cost & Missed Income of Being Invisible to Clients
Does anyone work here?
That’s exactly what I shouted as I walked into an Office Depot in San Jose, California.
The silence was deafening.
No one answered.
I didn’t see anyone except for one guy in a red vest buried in the back, working the printing station.
That was it.
The eerie emptiness of the store left me wondering: Where am I?
And then the bigger question hit me: Can my ideal clients find me when they want or need me?
It’s easy to get so focused on the day-to-day hustle of running a business that you neglect the bigger picture.
Are you working in your business so much that you forget to work on our business?
Are you visible where it counts?
Can your clients quickly and easily find the solutions you offer, or are they leaving “our store” and heading elsewhere because no one seems to be there to help?
For me, it’s more than a rhetorical question.
As a ghostwriter & messaging writer, book marketing strategist, and brand strategist, I often ask myself,Am I making it easy for potential clients to find me?
Whether someone is searching for help writing a book, refining their marketing strategy, building momentum, or rebranding their business, the question lingers: Where is Ruth?
Are You Visible?
Let’s face it—we’re all competing for attention.
Just like my experience at Office Depot, a client ready to make a purchase is ready now.
But if they don’t see you, they’re likely to walk out and find someone else.
The scary part?
You may never even know they were looking for you in the first place.
Now, take a moment and ask yourself:
- Can your ideal clients find you when they need you?
- Are you showing up in the spaces where they’re searching for solutions?
- Do you have a clear online presence, a consistent message, and a plan to stay top of mind?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no” or “maybe,” then you’ve got some work to do—and you’re not alone.
Making Yourself Unmissable
Here’s how you can make sure your potential clients never have to ask, Where is [your name here]?
- Be Present Online: Your website, social media, and professional profiles are the digital equivalent of being “in the store.” Are they updated? Are they active? Are they in alignment with your values, mission and personality?
- Engage Regularly: Consistent communication—through blogs, newsletters, videos, or podcasts—keeps you top of mind for those who might need your services down the road.
- Position Yourself as the Solution: Be clear about the problems you solve. Whether it’s ghostwriting, marketing, brand strategy or creating momentum, make it obvious that you’re the expert people should turn to.
- Make Contact Easy: Don’t hide behind generic forms or outdated contact info. Make it simple for potential clients to reach out.
- Check Your Visibility: Do a quick audit. Google yourself. Are you showing up in searches for your expertise? If not, it’s time to boost your SEO and strengthen your online footprint as well as your Brand Footprint!
Don’t Let Dollars Walk Out the Door
At Office Depot, I was ready to spend money. I had a clear purpose and knew what I needed. But the lack of service turned me away.
That’s a sobering reality for any business owner.
How many potential clients walk away because you’re not visible enough or accessible enough?
How many people who could be a perfect fit for your services go elsewhere because they can’t find you?
If you’re feeling invisible in your industry, now is the time to change that.
Take the steps to ensure your ideal clients know exactly where to find you.
After all, they’re looking for someone who can solve their problems—make sure they know that someone is you.
I’m Here to Help
If you’re unsure where to start or feel overwhelmed by the process, I’m here to help.
Whether it’s boosting your visibility, refining your marketing strategy, building momentum, or rebranding your business, let’s make sure your ideal clients can find you easily and confidently.
Reach out today, and let’s work together to ensure no opportunity walks out the door.
Let’s chat…