Is there a Marketing Process?

I believe that marketing is connecting with people and forming a relationship, and connecting on a consistent basis.

Having said that, is there an actual process for fostering this relationship? My experience has taught me that yes, there is definitely a marketing process.

People are strangers and do not know you and you do not know them. You need to "introduce" yourself to people in order to get the relationship started.

There are various ways to do this: speaking at community or business venues, sending out an introduction letter, having a free giveaway on your website. With any of your "introductory" marketing strategies you want to give people an opportunity to find out more about you.

For example, at the end of the seminar you have a sign-up sheet for people to put their name and email address and you'll send them a copy of the presentation or 10 Tips and Tricks. The back of your business card may ask them to go onto your website and in exchange for their name and email address you'll send them a copy of your free audio mini-class.

Of course it goes without saying that you want to be providing valuable information with your free reports or Tips booklets. This is how people will start trusting you and getting to know you.

If you always provide information they need that can help them, then they start trusting you. The more they get to know you via your authentic marketing message contained in all your communications with them, the more they feel they know you.

When people sign up for your newsletter or send in a query via your website, this is the beginning of a mutual relationship. They have made an overture in your direction, in response to your introductory marketing tactics and materials. They have shown that they are interested in finding out more about you.

You can now put them on your list and start sending follow-up emails - again always offering valuable information to them and focusing on their needs.

You may invite them to a free or paid teleseminar that you are hosting. You can send them an interesting article or share details of your affiliate's upcoming seminar that they might want to find out more about. You can let them know about the upcoming release of your ebook, and any special promotions you may be having.

Make sure you always give them clear information about how to contact you but don't pressure them into any action. Remember, your aim is to start and nurture a relationship with these people.

By providing good, usable, interesting information to them, you gain their respect and trust. Each follow-up brings them closer to the next step - which is purchasing your services and products. If you've done your job properly then they are eager to take it to the next level - to do business with you.

So you see, there is definitely a process for marketing and creating lasting and mutually profitable relationships with your clients and customers. AND the good news is that this process is easily duplicated and implemented...what are you waiting for?!