Simple To Do's for the week that could better your business, your life, and yourself:
1) Take the time this week to e-mail at least three people you've been introduced to within the past month. Could be a new blog you've come across, someone that mentioned you on twitter, or that fab lady you swapped business cards with while waiting for your morning java. Keep it honest, open, and brief. Make a connection!
2) Write down one thing about your business that you would like to change or improve within the remainder of the year and tack it/tape it/glue it somewhere you will see it every day!
3) Get some inspiration by keeping an empowering book at your fingertips for when you're on lunch break (hell, even a bathroom break!) or just before going to sleep. Books that are invoke empowering feelings make you look at things differently, from how you run your life to how your run your business. I recommend this, this, this or this!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Inspiration Quote
“I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.”
-Steve Jobs (RIP)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The REAL Secrets in Marketing?
If you've ever Googled "Marketing", "Successful Marketing Strategies", or even browsed your local Borders for the latest release on how to market like a pro then you've surely come across the word secret. Let's think about this, though.... Whatever content these publications are packed with obviously aren't secrets, as they are available for the world to read. The word "secret" itself is perhaps just clever marketing. Things such as "How to really navigate social media" and "7 Ways to Advertise for Free" sometimes seem like gimmicks to me. And after years of reading content from various books, articles, courses, etc. I feel a bit like I'm starting to see the same ideas, dipped in chocolate, and repackaged.
Here's the Real Secret:
Your true marketing strategies are as unique as your business. When you, a driven entrepreneur pour your blood, sweat and tears into launching a business, product, or service, the way you market it had better be just as damned special as the product itself. When you have an idea for a product, a real heart-and-soul idea, you have a dream. An image in your mind of everything you want this idea to be, right? You want to present it your way. When you believe in your product, then you better believe that their is only one way-your way-to truly market it.
Now, hold on there, I'm not saying there is only one possible way to market yourself and your business. There are probably several. Some easy, some difficult, some longer, some more expensive, some more dishonest, etc. What I'm getting at, is there is one way for you to market yourself through your heart and soul. Why do you want to market through your heart and soul? Because when you truly believe in an idea, a product, a service... other people will listen. Maybe not today, or right away. But over time, true passion builds trust, and trust is the key to a killer clientele.
As a unique individual and a unique business owner, the way that you interact with people is entirely your own. Don't feel like you have to roll with the punches, be everywhere at once, and compete with every other business owner out there. You've got competition, yes. Maybe it's less than you think, though. Do what feels right for your business. Exposure is nice. Loyal, and trusting customers are better. If you don't feel in your heart that pouring a couple thousand dollars into ad space is the right thing for you, then don't do it. Your customers may be happier that you spent that extra money on personalized "Thanks for your purchase!" cards, and "I Appreciate Your Business!" free shipping coupons. They may appreciate it so much that they refer you to their friends. If you don't log in to Facebook half as much as you log in to Twitter, don't waste your time setting up a Facebook page when the comfortable, positive, and more productive energy can be put into tweeting about your latest and greatest. If people like you, they'll find you. And then more people will find you.
Here's the Real Secret:
Your true marketing strategies are as unique as your business. When you, a driven entrepreneur pour your blood, sweat and tears into launching a business, product, or service, the way you market it had better be just as damned special as the product itself. When you have an idea for a product, a real heart-and-soul idea, you have a dream. An image in your mind of everything you want this idea to be, right? You want to present it your way. When you believe in your product, then you better believe that their is only one way-your way-to truly market it.
Your true marketing strategies are as unique as your business.
Now, hold on there, I'm not saying there is only one possible way to market yourself and your business. There are probably several. Some easy, some difficult, some longer, some more expensive, some more dishonest, etc. What I'm getting at, is there is one way for you to market yourself through your heart and soul. Why do you want to market through your heart and soul? Because when you truly believe in an idea, a product, a service... other people will listen. Maybe not today, or right away. But over time, true passion builds trust, and trust is the key to a killer clientele.
True passion = Trust = Killer Clientele
As a unique individual and a unique business owner, the way that you interact with people is entirely your own. Don't feel like you have to roll with the punches, be everywhere at once, and compete with every other business owner out there. You've got competition, yes. Maybe it's less than you think, though. Do what feels right for your business. Exposure is nice. Loyal, and trusting customers are better. If you don't feel in your heart that pouring a couple thousand dollars into ad space is the right thing for you, then don't do it. Your customers may be happier that you spent that extra money on personalized "Thanks for your purchase!" cards, and "I Appreciate Your Business!" free shipping coupons. They may appreciate it so much that they refer you to their friends. If you don't log in to Facebook half as much as you log in to Twitter, don't waste your time setting up a Facebook page when the comfortable, positive, and more productive energy can be put into tweeting about your latest and greatest. If people like you, they'll find you. And then more people will find you.
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