Simple Actions Can Get You Out of a Rut and Into the Game

Whether you are new to your business, busy or just don’t like to market, here are 10 tips guaranteed to build your momentum, start conversations and help you to step up to the marketing plate… You go,  Jose Bautista!

1.  Email Signature

What’s on your signature line, just your name and title?  Why not pump it up? Say a little about your services or the new program you’re launching. Or that new product idea you want to test?  Your signature line is seen by everyone you email, every time.

2.  Voicemail Message

Do you have the standard, “This is so and so, I’m not in…”?  Or do you have a 5 second summary of your business offerings?

3.  Business Cards

No brainer.  Carry business cards with you everywhere.  When you need to exchange phone numbers with anyone for any reason, don’t fumble with pen and paper, you have your card.  This goes for your friends, your kid’s friends, the auto repairman, the new neighbors, etc.  You never know where those puppies will wind up!

4.  Dress for the Role

Do you look successful?  Really.  When you run that errand in your slightly stained around-the-house-clothes because you “just need a few things” and that person in front of you, in that longer-than-you-thought-it-would-be  line, turns and out of boredom asks, “So, what do you do…”  Are you ready to be ‘representin’ your business or do you just pretend not to speak English?

5.  How Can I Help This Person

If you have trouble speaking up and selling your services, take the pressure off and don’t even try.  The next time you meet someone think to yourself, “How could I help this person?” Don’t say it out loud, just go over in your mind what you would say. Do that with everyone you come in contact with, just in your mind– to yourself.  This is called mental rehearsal.  You are getting comfortable with the concept and language.  After that feels comfortable, do some out loud rehearsing– in front of the mirror by yourself.  After awhile, you will be ready because you have spent time rehearsing.  Eventually, you will be so comfortable you won’t be able to keep yourself from speaking up.

6.  Talk About Your Clients

When someone asks you, “How was your day?” or “What have you been up to?”, don’t say, “Not much”. Find the positive and talk about it.  Say the word “client”, too.  “I had an exciting week.  My client(s) are making tremendous progress, and that really gets me going!”   But what if you don’t have clients?  Well now is the time for a little marketing spin.  Your clients are the people you are helping.  Who do you help, family, friends, lady at the bus stop?  If you are helping them with your business services, they are clients.

7.  Get a Role Model

Who is doing exactly what you want to do and doing it extremely well?  Crown this person your role model and make it your mission to find out as much as you can about them.  How they got started, what they are up to, etc. Learn from them.  And here’s the best part.  You don’t need to have a personal relationship with them.  Just model them from afar.

8.  Get to Know Your Neighborhood Reps

Identify your neighborhood residential association or city officials.  Join local organizations and get to know the members.  Write articles in the newsletters they publish.  Let those around you know what you do.

9.  Become Visible in Organizations You’re Already a Part Of

Step up to the plate in the organizations you are already a member of, your place of worship, your children’s schools, social clubs, etc.  Volunteer your services or take a leadership position.  They could probably use the help and you could use the visibility and opportunity to strengthen your skill set.

10.  Get Your Business Name Out There

Personalize items with your business name.  Instead of “Kris Knopp”, monogram “Inspired Biz Solutions” on your gym bag.  Anywhere others will see it, gym lockers, tote bags, applications to join clubs, etc.  Let the people who sell mailing lists work for you.  Hey, they are going to sell your information anyway, right?  Might as well get your business name out there for the public to see.

Have a great idea to share?  Post a comment and lay it on us!