If you just started a new business, you may be wondering “What are the most powerful first steps I can take to market your services?”
I know it’s overwhelming because there are so many exciting marketing opportunities. However, there are three particular methods that you can count on to jumpstart your business and get the traction you need to begin building.
1. Meet new people through networking
In order to find new clients, you want to meet lots of new people! That’s where networking comes into play. Do a search online to find the networking groups in your area and look for BNI which is also a referral group. Don’t forget about associations as well, which can be a rich source for potential clients. There are also philanthropic groups such as the Lions Club and Rotary Club that work together to help the community or chosen charities.
2. Start speaking to groups
Decide what your signature talk is and then find places to present it. The more groups you can speak to, the more you are seen as an expert in your field. Many of the networking groups, associations and clubs that you visit are looking for speakers. So, while you may visit at first to meet people, your second objective is to ask if they are looking for speakers.
One thing that can help is to write up a one-page document that pitches your signature talk. Come up with a snappy headline, keeping the problem you are solving in mind. Then include a list of benefits attendees gain from hearing what you have to say.
3. Start building your ezine list
Writing and distributing an ezine is a powerful marketing tool for any business. Once you start networking and speaking, it will be easy to build a list of people to market your services to. The ezine becomes your way to:
Weekly or bi-weekly emails work best to get your readers engaged and in the habit of expecting your ezine. As you grow, you can add other emails to announce special offers or events. Shorter emails are more likely to be read. A catchy subject line will be the hardest working piece of the email to get people to open and read it.
I recommend using Aweber to manage your database and send out emails if you’re starting out. This service is easy to use, inexpensive to start and allows you to send professional looking emails that get through spam filters.
Your Client Attraction Assignment
Start by brainstorming topics to write about for your ezine. Think about all the subjects your ideal clients want to know about and how to solve their problems. Then you can start writing articles and create a stock pile for future use. It can be easier to sit down and write a few articles at a time to get a flow going.
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