How does a grown man get locked out of his own house? That was my thought as I stood shaking my head on my front porch. I had given my key to the painter and was stuck outside of my house.

As I mentally walked through each room I tried to think of all the ways out knowing that a way out is also a way in. Remembering that one of our upper level windows is sometimes unlocked, I shimmied onto the roof and was able to crawl through and flopped onto the toy-strewn floor. Jumping up, I smiled with pride and relief at my accomplishment.

In this economy, when many businesses are searching for new customers, there is a similar feeling of being locked out. Many individuals are finding themselves standing on the front porch wondering how to get into new businesses to present products and services. This can leave a feeling of loneliness, weakness, and wonder as to why, after all the years of success, there are no apparent options.

You have many options! Your perspective has changed. The first step is get inside your business. What kind of customer is ideal for you? To figure that out, review your last ten enjoyable and profitable sales. These ten customers have the key you are looking for in your quest for new business.

Equipped with your list of the ten customers you like and want to duplicate, start to list what they have in common. What do they like about you? Why do they enjoy doing business with you? In what ways are you able to help them? As you profile these past ten customers, you are establishing the ideal customer profile that will empower and help you obtain a fresh start in reinvigorating your business during this funky economy.

Standing tall with your ideal customer profile, you now know exactly the types of customers you need to seek out. Half the spoils are yours at this point. You know what you have and you know where to go; you know on whose porch you should be standing.

This leaves a most important question - how do you get inside their door to speak with them? First, stop thinking so much; the first step is starting a conversation. We are not talking about a full sales presentation. People buy from those with whom they connect. You know you have the ability to connect once you are engaged in an actual conversation.

How do you start this conversation? Think the same way as you would if you were locked out of your house. Forget conventional wisdom; forget trying the front door. It is locked. Time to think creatively; to think of all the other avenues that are available. Remember that your only goal is to get a conversation started and that there are many ways to present yourself. The options are endless. Be creative. You have nothing to lose! Try faxing half a joke to your client and ask them to call you for the punch line. Employ creative giving: do some research and send a gift to your client asking for the opportunity to start a conversation or try sending an empty box with a note inside that has something clever written on it.

When you know what you want, you have the ability to get creative. Your creativity will not only demonstrate your unique approach to business, it will allow you the opportunity to demonstrate your personality. Personality and creativity are master keys that have the power to unlock any door you wish to enter; they are the keys that allow you to connect with people, to begin new relationships, and to find new customers.