08-04-2008
The Secret to Marketing when You Hate to Sell
Many small business owners hate marketing, especially if they’re creative service providers like designers and writers. Unfortunately this attitude can cripple your business.
Here’s how to get inspired and start to LOVE marketing your business.
It’s All About Helping People
Somewhere along the line many of us were told not to toot our own horn, or heaven forbid - to brag, but marketing isn’t bragging. It’s sharing what you do with people, so that you can help them.
How Does Your Business Help People?
Make a list of how your business helps people. Be specific. Write down your last five clients, what you did for them, and how this helped them.
If you’re a designer, your latest Web site certainly helped the business - one designer friend told me that it’s not uncommon for businesses to go from zero online sales to million dollar sales in less than a year, simply because they’re now online with a professional site which works.
Imagine how many people she’s helped with a single site: the people who run the business, the staff and their families, and of course the people who’ve bought from the site.
Marketing is all about finding people you can help, by explaining HOW you can help.
If you hate the idea of a “hard sell,” relax. There’s never a need for that - once you show people how you can help them, they’re eager to hire you.
Your list of help that your business provides is important, because you can base all your advertising and promotions around it. It’s important in another way too - it will inspire you, and get you excited, because it will show you how much you’re needed.
Your Own Enthusiasm Is Your Biggest Marketing Asset
Now you’ve got your list, and you’re excited, you’re ready to market. Your enthusiasm is contagious: it will make you a magnet for customers. Everyone likes being around people who are filled with positive energy.
Keep your list handy - add to it whenever you can. Before you know it you’ll have changed your mindset: you now love marketing, because you know the “helping” secret.
Discover more secrets to marketing your services with Angela Booth’s video series and marketing ebook. Give your business a marketing boost today - you’ll be thrilled with the results.
Sell your Writing using Craigslist
Have you discovered Craiglist? This great online classifieds site is your key to an income from your writing. Make money from your writing now, when you discover how, when, where and why YOU should be using Craigslist. If you’re not advertisig on Craigslist you’re losing money.
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Angela Booth, top copywriter, author and writing teacher.
Writers Ezine, Packed with Writing Tips