How to Make Time for Marketing

To start getting business and success, you must make time for marketing. Most small business owners and solopreneurs know this...let's face it, they've heard it over and over again.

What I've heard over and over again from people is that they don't have enough time to do everything, and certainly not to do marketing!

I know that it's tough - believe me it's the same for me sometimes. But I have seen the results when I do make time to market and so that keeps me finding time, even when it seems impossible.

I have also seen the results that other successful business owners get...and it's because they make marketing their #1 priority.

If you've made marketing a low priority, here are some things for you to do TODAY to start to change that:

- go to your calendar, make a 3 hour block in each week for the next month and label it: Do Marketing!

--> during this time period turn off your email/phone/Blackberry and work uninterrupted

- spend 15 minutes and write down all the administrative tasks you work on during a typical business week

--> take at least 2 of those administrative tasks and give to someone else to do: a college student, your associate, a Virtual Assistant

- make a list of your time-wasters during the day (internet surfing, computer games, yakking with friends, surfing Facebook) and the next time you start to do one of these activities, stop and do a marketing task instead: call a client, jot down 5 ideas for new articles, write a blog post, research a guest for your next teleseminar, write a special email to your list, etc.

- take a look at all the ezines you get and ruthlessly cut it down to only 5 - cancel all the others

- take 15 minutes and figure out a new promotion that you can do within the next month: a "just-for-the-hell-of-it" sale on your products; a membership drive email campaign for your program or association; re-launch an ebook; do a special teleseminar and record the call to make a product later; book a local speaking engagement; etc.

Marketing is an ongoing process for you for the lifetime of your business. The sooner you start cultivating consistent marketing habits, the sooner you'll start reaping the rewards you want.

Try taking these small steps...I know they seem bigger but really, they are doable! I promise you that not only will you attract more clients and prospects but you'll also start really feeling good about your ability to market effectively and this increased confidence will show throughout all areas of your business and personal life.

So what are you waiting for?! Get going on those steps....