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There are many simple ways to subtly and politely keep your name in
the minds of your prospects and customers with heart and
integrity. Here are five easy steps you can take to become an
active marketing agent for your business.
Step 1. Commit to a marketing plan that includes multiple
strategies. There are many ways you can promote your
business. If you are just getting started you might want to
start with three simple marketing activities to avoid feeling
overwhelmed. Then, when you are comfortable with those
strategies you can add more. For example you might start with
distributing an email newsletter, joining or becoming active in a
business organization where you can learn and network, setting up a
few speaking engagements, and doing some article marketing.
Step 2. Create and implement a marketing
routine. You can keep your marketing efforts
on track by outlining a simple marketing routine that you can
easily manage and fit into your schedule. If you have an
assistant some of these items can be delegated. An example of
a marketing routine would look something like this:
Daily -- include your personalized business
email signature in every email you send out.
Weekly -- publish and send out an email
newsletter to your clients and prospects.
Bi-weekly -- attend a business or networking
event.
Monthly -- submit articles to your list of
article bank or submission sites.
Quarterly -- host a free teleclass or set up a
speaking engagement.
Semi-annually -- Update or add a new give away on
your website to get visitors to opt-in to your mailing list.
Annually -- create a new marketing strategy for
the next year.
Step 3. Include your brand on all your
materials. It's important to
create a consistent image or message that people will find on all
your materials. For example, my tagline is "turning your wisdom into
wealth." This appears on all my business
materials: website, letterhead, business card, seminar
handouts, media kit, email signature, etc. This is another
simple marketing strategy that helps clients and prospects identify
you. You will want to use this "brand
awareness" strategy with your company logo, your
tagline, and your bio or author resource box.
Step 4. Educate yourself about current marketing strategies and
trends. Don't be left out in the
dark. Find out what marketing approaches other companies in
your industry are successfully using, attend marketing classes or
workshops, talk with other business leaders in your community, and
subscribe to a marketing magazine, mailing list, or forum.
These actions will help keep your knowledge current and your
marketing strategies fresh and more effective.
Step 5. Don't give up and be
consistent! Some marketing strategies may not
produce results overnight, which is why it makes good sense to use
a mix of approaches. Don't give up too
quickly on any one approach, try to give it at least 6 months to a
year. A general marketing rule of thumb is that it
takes people an average of 7 to 10 times of seeing your message
before they will take action or buy from you. The best advice
is to keep consistently putting your name out there in a variety of
ways, and it will pay off for you in the end.
Kim Lednum, writing expert and content development coach, is
"The Write Promotion Coach for
Business." Kim teaches entrepreneurs how to turn
their "wisdom into wealth" by creating signature products and
programs that generate new streams of income, build credibility,
attract more clients, increase revenue, and add value to your
service-based business. Get free access to her 7 tips
to Attract Business Now! at: http://www.attractbusinessnow.com
