WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS - Blog

Marketing 101 - Tip # 15 Start Your Own Newsletter

You really can get new clients via your own newsletter. I've done it and so can you! Starting your own newsletter is one of the very best "keep in touch" marketing strategies out there. Some small business owners avoid making a start as they imagine it will be a great deal of work. OK - it does take a bit of work and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it.

Like I said in an earlier post  about blogging you'll be creating valuable content as well as keeping you and your business in front of prospective clients. Using a newsletter service like Constant Contact can cost as little as £10 a month. 

Sending out your newsletter less than once a month makes it too easy for subscribers to forget who you are! I made this mistake early on. So I recommend a monthly routine. See if you can come up with 12 topics for articles you could use in your newsletter in 2010.

Marketing 101 - Tip # 14 Collect Testimonials

 Collecting testimonials and developing case studies about your work are great confidence boosters. If you haven’t been asking for testimonials up to now, it’s time to get started!

When you’re working with new clients you don’t need to wait till the work is completed to ask for a testimonial. People will be full of enthusiasm as they start working with you and results can occur early on. So when your client says something is amazing, ask to write down what they’ve said. Get permission to use it on your website and in your marketing materials.

Marketing 101 - Tip # 13 Time to Think

If you're constantly busy and on the go, where will you find the time to think about new ideas? The trouble is, when we love what we do it's much more difficult to have the demarcation we would get in a traditional, salaried job.

However, taking time out to rest, recharge and just daydream is actually an essential part of being an entrepreneur and business owner. After all, Einstein came up with the Theory of Relativity when he was lying on a hillside on a sunny day wondering what it would be like to ride on a sunbeam! And Walt Disney had a specially designated "Dreaming Room."

So, what's your dreaming time and special place? When did you last empty your mind of to do lists and "shoulds"? New ideas need space to develop, and marketing ideas are no different. Try it out - and I'd love to hear how you get on.

If you're constantly busy and on the go, where will you find the time to think about new ideas? The trouble is, when we love what we do it's much more difficult to have the demarcation we would get in a traditional, salaried job.

However, taking time out to rest, recharge and just daydream is actually an essential part of being an entrepreneur and business owner. After all, Einstein came up with the Theory of Relativity when he was lying on a hillside on a sunny day wondering what it would be like to ride on a sunbeam! And Walt Disney had a specially designated "Dreaming Room."

So, what's your dreaming time and special place? When did you last empty your mind of to do lists and "shoulds"? New ideas need space to develop, and marketing ideas are no different. Try it out - and I'd love to hear how you get on.

Marketing 101 - Tip # 12 Trust Your Intuition

We all have access to our own powerful intuition and we ignore it at our peril. Trust your gut when it comes to deciding what niche to specialise in, which clients to take on or who to go into partnership with. If money is involved and you get a nagging doubt or warning from your intuition, pay close attention!

Of course we'll do our homework and research but if the niggles are worrying you, don't ignore them. Think of a time in the past when you paid attention to your intuition and avoided a problem - or maybe even more likely you ignored the hunches and went ahead only to kick yourself later.

My first feelings about a person or situation are rarely wrong and I've learned the hard way that I really need to listen when my intuition sends me a warning! This may seem a little esoteric for a marketing tip, but do give it some serious thought. It could save you time, money and trouble along the way.

We all have access to our own powerful intuition and we ignore it at our peril. Trust your gut when it comes to deciding what niche to specialise in, which clients to take on or who to go into partnership with. If money is involved and you get a nagging doubt or warning from your intuition, pay close attention!

Of course we'll do our homework and research but if the niggles are worrying you, don't ignore them. Think of a time in the past when you paid attention to your intuition and avoided a problem - or maybe even more likely you ignored the hunches and went ahead only to kick yourself later.

My first feelings about a person or situation are rarely wrong and I've learned the hard way that I really need to listen when my intuition sends me a warning! This may seem a little esoteric for a marketing tip, but do give it some serious thought. It could save you time, money and trouble along the way.

GET YOUR MARKETING SORTED!

If you got the Marketing and Publicity handled, how much would your business grow?

Marketing Mastermind group starts January 2010 Early bird pricing till 15th December 2009

Now, more than ever, you need support to keep your motivation high and  your marketing focused.

How would you like to get vital PR and Marketing advice tailored to your own business but for a fraction of the usual cost?

Well, now you can!

I'm running an exclusive 6 part Marketing Mastermind for just four lucky people starting in January 2010.

Focus, clarity and a plan of action

"The Marketing Mastermind made me realise my business had been ‘drifting’ and that there was no marketing plan in place at all really.  The course gave me focus, clarity and a plan of action I wouldn’t have had otherwise."

 Joanne Fentiman, Top-notch VA

This is not an off the shelf course. As a member, you decide what Marketing and PR advice you need in advance of each call. You'll also get "spotlight" sessions where you get individual mentoring from me and input from the rest of the Mastermind group. I'm keeping the group deliberately small so there's time to focus on each participant and your specific challenges.

We'll have 6 sessions meeting by telephone and there'll be an exclusive website only available to members.

This is an intensive, roll up your sleeves and get things done type of programme! Yes, you'll learn really valuable information, but the key thing is you'll also be implementing what you learn in a very practical way. you'll leave each call with action steps that will ensure you get the right things implemented for your own business.

This is a fun, affordable way to give your business and your motivation a boost. As I've been saying in my newsletter and on my blog: this is not the time to batten down the hatches hoping the situation will improve. This is the time to take charge and make things happen by ramping up your marketing and PR activities. The businesses that will survive this downturn are the businesses that keep their profile high.

Get expert advice on your PR and Marketing challenges. From websites, blogs and newsletters, to press releases and public speaking, your niche market or networking know-how, we'll cover exactly what you need. Remember, you get to choose what we work on.

• The cost for 6 hours of business boosting, motivational, marketing know-how is only £125 with the early bird price until 15th December when it goes up to £155.

• As a participant you'll also be eligible for special pricing deals for one to one business mentoring with me.

Here's what you'll get from the Marketing Mastermind:

• 6 hours of Mastermind learning
• a group of three other motivated business owners
• expert PR and marketing advice tailored for your specific business needs
• motivation to keep you energised
• access to the private, members only website
• accountability to keep you in action
• fresh thinking and new business ideas
• focused, targeted action steps
• individual "spotlight" coaching

This could be the most important action you take for your business this year!

To register interest and claim your place click here to send me an email. This books your place (without having to pay until nearer the time.) But please note there are only 4 places available.

Dates and times:

(all sessions held by telephone bridge line)

Tuesdays at 2.00 pm  GMT (UK)

(9.00 am Eastern US)

Dates to be confirmed

Marketing 101 - Tip # 11 Do Some Public Speaking

One of the best ways to get your business noticed is to do some public speaking. In an ideal world you would get paid, but even if you don't get a fee, think of it as fantastic free publicity. Create a "signature" talk in an area you know a lot about. Think about the problems you solve in your business. What do your clients keep asking you about?

Being the person at the front of the room at a networking event makes you much more memorable than being just another name on a business card. Check out local groups and choose one to approach this month.

One of the best ways to get your business noticed is to do some public speaking. In an ideal world you would get paid, but even if you don't get a fee, think of it as fantastic free publicity. Create a "signature" talk in an area you know a lot about. Think about the problems you solve in your business. What do your clients keep asking you about?

Being the person at the front of the room at a networking event makes you much more memorable than being just another name on a business card. Check out local groups and choose one to approach this month.

Marketing 101 - Tip # 10 - Don't Label Yourself!

Most small business owners, when asked what they do, will respond with: "I'm a Life Coach" or "I'm an Accountant." The trouble with this kind of response is that you have immediately pigeon- holed yourself! Instead of being judged on what you can do for people, you've labeled yourself and this can set off a stream of snap judgements in the other person!

There's a really simple and effective way to avoid this. When you meet someone for the first time, talk about what you do and how you help people instead of using your "title."  For instance I usually say something like: "I teach self employed women and small business owners how to do their own marketing and PR so they can get more clients."  In one sentence you can identify your key area of expertise and the target market. See what you can come up with for your own business using this formula.

Marketing 101 - Tip # 9 Have a Clear Message

 You need to be able to clearly state what you do in one or two sentences. This is what's often called the "elevator speech" as it's supposed to be what you can say in the time it takes to go up a few floors in a lift. Unfortunately, crafting this message seems to "floor" a lot of small business owners!

The answer is to get really clear on what you do. And I mean really clear! If necessary, practice your words till the phrases are fixed firmly in your memory. Don't be caught off guard and end up waffling about what you do!

You can have a few variations depending on who you're talking to and depending on what product or programme you want to emphasise. Remember tip #8 - Ask Questions first!

 You need to be able to clearly state what you do in one or two sentences. This is what's often called the "elevator speech" as it's supposed to be what you can say in the time it takes to go up a few floors in a lift. Unfortunately, crafting this message seems to "floor" a lot of small business owners!

The answer is to get really clear on what you do. And I mean really clear! If necessary, practice your words till the phrases are fixed firmly in your memory. Don't be caught off guard and end up waffling about what you do!

You can have a few variations depending on who you're talking to and depending on what product or programme you want to emphasise. Remember tip #8 - Ask Questions first!

Marketing 101 - Tip # 8 Ask Questions First

It always pays to ask questions first - whether you're networking or you have a prospect on the phone.

Ask pertinent questions and really listen to the answers. So few people feel truly  heard these days. The temptation may be to jump in with ideas and solutions, but be patient until you have a clear picture of what your prospect  needs. By asking follow up questions and not making assumptions it won't even feel like "selling."

Think about the last time you were networking. Did most people jump into their pitch when they met you, or did anyone take the time to find out more about you and your requirements. Treat prospects the way you'd like to be treated! You'll be remembered for the right reasons

Marketing 101 - Tip # 7 Have a Networking Plan

Networking is the life blood of many small business marketing plans. In fact - in some small businesses it's the only marketing they do. Don't get me wrong - I love networking and it's one of the ways I built  my own business in the early days.

Make networking part of your marketing plan, but not the whole effort you put in! When you've picked your niche, check out which groups are available  locally  for your target clients. It's better to attend a small number of networking groups regularly than to go to lots of different ones only now and again.

When you're at events ask questions first so you can find out what the person you're talking to really needs. Be a good listener and don't talk about you and your business unless it's specifically focused on the person you're talking to.

I'll talk more about networking  in future posts.