One of the keys to marketing yourself the right way is to use multiple marketing avenues and generating multiple marketing touches each month. I have found that it is effective to use a mixture of traditional marketing tools along with the internet and social media. Traditional methodologies would include such things as premium business cards, promotional brochure printing strategies and even radio and television when appropriate.
Networking
Networking can actually feel natural and be ‘unintimidating’ if you have already prepared a simple, short and compelling response to questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and “What do you do?” If you have already crafted and practiced an “elevator pitch” that is interesting and engaging, the conversation will continue and you may end up with another client. Remember, every social event and occasion is a networking opportunity whether you are at a party or you just bump into someone on the street.
Look for speaking opportunities
Look for opportunities to give talks at business meetings and social gatherings. Offer to teach a course at a local school or training center. Use your personal expertise to generate interest in you and your services.
Newspaper articles and guest blog posts
Newspapers are always looking for interesting information to publish. Write an article about yourself and your services for a local newspaper. Write guest blogs about the same thing. The articles don’t always need to contain a sales pitch, write about something interesting and include a subtle inference to what you do, even if it is just in the bio.
Strategic partnerships
You will be surprised how much business you can generate through strategic partnerships with others. Find other businesses related to yours and refer friends and customers to each other. If it is appropriate and necessary, pay a commission or finder’s fee for each lead that turns into a sale.
Friend to friend marketing
Word of mouth marketing is one of the most powerful yet inexpensive methods of getting the word out. People respond to testimonials from their friends. Don’t be shy about asking for referrals and don’t delay once you get one.
Memorable branding
Create a unique logo, trademark or slogan that describes what you do and why you are the best, make it catchy and memorable. Branding yourself can be fun and effective. Be sure to get lots of feedback from friends and associates during the brainstorming stages so that you don’t need to re-invent yourself at a later time.
Linked-In and other social networks
LinkedIn and other social networks provide a great way to get noticed and to connect with potential customers and referrers. Be sure to recommend everyone you can feel good about without asking for any favors in return. Let the natural feeling of reciprocity work its magic.
Utilizing these simple and inexpensive strategies can make the huge difference in the success of your business. Now is the time to put together your marketing plan. A little thoughtful preparation will go a long way.
Steven Wendt is the Internet Marketing Manager at UV Cards, a leader in the printing industry that specializes in business card and brochure printing.
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Good work, keep it up. Am a writter and need a suitable market to sell