Keeping in contact with your target audience is an essential piece of creating your marketing plan.  By knowing exactly what’s going on with your ideal clients and knowing what their challenges are, you can provide the solutions exactly when the need it.

Sometimes the solutions you provide are free – either in the form of answering a question in a social network or in a blog post or an article.  Not everything you do to serve your target audience should be a “paid” service.  Remember, your target audience needs to get to know you and sample your work.  They are more likely to move to a paid service or product when they’ve had a chance to build trust in you and to “try before they buy.”

One key to positioning yourself as the expert in your field, is making sure you absolutely know what problems your target audience are facing and what solutions they’re looking for.  The ONLY way you can know that is to do your market research – consistently.

You’re not going to know everything you need to know by doing a yearly or bi-annual survey.  Really you should be researching what’s going on with your target market weekly, even daily, at the very least monthly.  Doing so will allow you to stay abreast of current trends, what’s new with key industry players and allow you to tailor your offerings just so to address current challenges and problems.

Now, in saying that, I know how challenging it can be to manage a market research campaign.  It could seem overwhelming  even just getting started.  But, the good news is, researching your market is much easier than you think.  And it can be actually (gasp!) FUN!

The key to doing your market research consistently is to follow a system.

Following a system allows you to methodically and easily implement a market research campaign, review the results and follow up with some kind of action such as blog posts, new programs, teleseminars, etc.   A lot of folks get “stuck” when it comes to creating that system though.  It’s almost like you need a system to create a system.

If you’ve ever felt like that, I’d love to help you get “un-stuck” in this area.

My colleague, Joshua Zerkel and I want to help you master the skill of creating systems.  Over the last few months, we’ve created systems in our businesses that have allowed us to improve our marketing activities tremendously, with LESS effort.  Learning how to create systems is a LIFELONG SKILL that you can apply to ANY part of your business.

So, join us on Wednesday, September 8th at 5 PM (PDT) for a FREE teleseminar to learn how to create simple systems for marketing your business.  You’ll walk away from that call knowing exactly what to do to create a system to implement your marketing research campaign – and all the other parts of your marketing plan, consistently.  Thus you’ll be well-equipped to attract more clients and create more revenue, because you’ll  know exactly what solutions to create that your ideal clients are looking for.

Don’t worry if you can’t join us live, we’ll be recording the call so you can review it when you have a chance.  But, you have to register for the call to receive the recording.

Register now!  http://smartsimplemarketing.com/market-your-business/

Oh, and by the way, this week we’ll be putting the finishing touches on our outline for the call.  If you have any specific questions about how to conduct your market research or creating systems in your business, please post your questions below.  We’ll try to answer as many questions as we can during the call and look forward to having you there!

We all collect business cards. When you’re out networking and meeting people, you get their business card and you give them yours. Then you get home or back to the office, you put their business card in a nice little pile and often never look at it again unless you need something, right?

How can you make sure that this doesn’t happen to YOUR business card?

One of the most important pieces of marketing collateral you can have is a high-quality business card. Take the time and effort to make this an impressionable marketing tool so that it will talk to your ideal client, even when you’re not there.

Traditionally, the problem with most business cards is that they are boring. They have a logo, a name, a phone number, physical address, email address and website…that’s it. So no one really gives it a second look or wants to keep it around because it doesn’t really “say” anything. There’s nothing on that business card that makes someone stop and say, “I need to save this card because I’m going to need these services soon.”

Here’s how to ensure your business card isn’t thrown away or forgotten:

1. Spend some time designing your new business card. Really take the time to make it look polished and include all the necessary information. (I’m always amazed when I get business cards without a physical address!) This isn’t the time for “do it yourself” by just using the software that comes with your computer to create a business card and print it on your home printer. Hire a graphic designer who can incorporate style and function into your business card.
2. Don’t go cheap! Your business card shouldn’t have any other companies information printed on it. Your card is a reflection of you and your business, make sure it leaves a good impression. Spend a few extra dollars on the good card stock and color printing. It makes a big difference!
3. Utilize the space of the entire card, both front and back, but don’t put too much info. Maximize the back of the card too by speaking directly to your ideal client. Consider printing your targeted tag line on the back of your business card, or a few open ended questions that speak to catch your ideal clients’ attention. You may also include an offer for the compelling freebie you have posted on your website to drive traffic there. When prospects see you as a solutions provider, they will keep your business card.
4. Resist the urge to put a lot of information on your card, people simply won’t read it. Don’t overwhelm them with details right away, make them contact you for more information.

After you’ve designed a great business card and have them printed on high quality card stock, the next step to ensure your business card isn’t ignored is to follow simple business card etiquette. That is, don’t give your business card to a person unless they ask you for it.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they are out networking and meeting people, is that they automatically shove their business card in the other person’s hand. They haven’t even had a chance to find out their name or what kind of business they are in and they are already “assuming” the other person “needs” them and their services.

Wrong.

Networking is as much about building relationships as it is about building business. But you have to have a good relationship first. Make sure to wait for someone to ask you for your nice new business card before you give it to them. You will be glad you did. This gracious gesture helps create a solid foundation for the beginning of a great relationship. And, it ensures that people will want to remember you and keep your card because of their positive experience with you.

Sometimes, the most difficult part about being a solopreneur is keeping yourself accountable.  When you’re the boss of yourself, there’s no one looking over your shoulder to see if things are getting done.  Of course there are clients, but since they pay the bills, getting their work done isn’t usually the challenge. 

Growing your business and achieving your goals is often the biggest challenge solopreneurs face.

As a business owner, you know all (or almost all) of the things you need to do to make your business successful and prosperous.  For example, you know you should:

• Keep your website up to date
• Network strategically
• Have a plan for marketing your business
• WORK your marketing plan
• Stay abreast of trends in your industry
• Outsource non-revenue generating tasks
• Keep your financial records in order
• Invest in continuing education opportunities
• Apply what you learn

…and the list goes on.

But, while your to do list and wish list get longer, there’s often no one holding you accountable to make sure you get things done.  That’s where a mastermind group comes into play and can be the critical piece you are missing to move your business ahead.

The basic principle of a mastermind group is that like-minded professionals join forces and commit to helping each other accomplish their goals.  As a group, you celebrate each other’s victories and support each other in times of need.  One of the essential players in a successful, profitable mastermind group though, is a strong leader.

The leader of the mastermind group should be someone whose success you admire.  In other words, they need to be successful themselves first to be able to give you the direction you need to create the same type of success in your business.  Think about it, would you want to learn from a ski instructor who’s never been on the slopes?

Here’s what you want to look for in a potential mastermind group:

• A strong, seasoned and dedicated leader that has created the same results in their business that you want to create in yours.
• A group of like-minded professionals – While they don’t all have to be from the same industry, it helps if there is some common ground for support and they are at the same general place in their business.
• Regular access to the leader and other members – A forum is a great way to interact with the group and get fast answers to your questions.  It needs to be a safe place, where no question is off limits.  You also want to have regular interaction with the group through virtual and live meetings.
• A structured program designed with your needs in mind – Having structure is necessary to ensure that each individual receives what they need.  There needs to be clear expectations for the leader and each group members, which creates a supportive environment where each entrepreneur can thrive.

There are many benefits to participating in a mastermind group.  First, you receive ongoing support in your business from people who know and understand what you are going through.  While your family may be cheering you on, even the most supportive family can’t understand all the moving pieces in your business.

Second, you have friendly yet professional accountability.  While you won’t get beat up over not accomplishing your goals, a good accountability partner and/or mentor will help you identify why you didn’t reach your goals and then help you overcome those challenges.

Third, you get real life education while avoiding common pitfalls.  Working with a successful person as the mentor of the mastermind group will save you time, money and needless aggravation. Their insights and experience will help you avoid common pitfalls and give you the support you need if you’ve made a few mistakes.  And, ultimately knowing someone who has "made it" is a great motivator and will keep you inspired. 

At the end of the day, you are still solely responsible for your success.  However, that doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself.  Consider joining a mastermind group to reap the benefits of collaboration and help you leap ahead towards accomplishing your business goals.

Have you participated in a mastermind group?  Or are you interested in participating? Please share your thoughts with me by commenting here on the blog!

Marketing your business is not a one-time event that you participate in when you need to attract new clients or increase your revenue. To create long-term success in your business, you need to market consistently – each day, each week and each month to grow your business and attract a steady stream of clients.

The basis of marketing your business is sharing your expertise and solving problems for your ideal clients. They are always looking for solutions, so it’s important that they are regularly reminded of what you have to offer.

Here are some different marketing strategies that typically work well for solo service professionals:

• Email marketing
• Vlogging/videos
• Blogging
• Social media
• In-Person networking
• Public speaking
• Hosting lead-generating teleseminars & workshops
• Hosting and participating in radio shows

This list encompasses a few different techniques which may be new or “out of the box” for you. It’s best to chose marketing strategies that fit your personality as well what is appealing to your audience. But with so many options available, how do you chose what’s right for you and your business?

First and foremost, you need to be in tune with your target market. You need to know exactly what problems they are facing right now. What are they struggling with RIGHT now? What are they searching for? What do they want to learn from you?

By identifying their most pressing problems, you will be able to choose the marketing strategy that best fits the solution you will provide. For example, if you’re a public speaking coach, you might want to blog regularly about the best techniques to eliminate the fear of public speaking. A post can include tips on how to reduce fear and stress while delivering a great presentation. Then, you can also create a video that demonstrates these techniques, in action, so that your target audience can “see” how to do it.

Providing solutions on two different platforms extends your reach to your target audience, as well as allows them to choose which format works best for them. Some people can read instructions and do something, while others need to see it to understand and emulate it. Either way, you’ve provided exactly the solution your target audience is looking for. Additionally by using a blog and video, you are providing content that will “live” online for months and years to come. So, it will serve not only the people who are looking for a solution now, but also 3 months from now, a year from now and beyond. This content will continue to generate leads for you and support your overall marketing plan.

You also want to get clear on HOW your audience wants your message delivered to them. Are they active participants in social media? Do they prefer live workshops to virtual learning? Would they rather read what you have to say then listen? If you don’t know the answer, simply do some market research and ASK your ideal prospects what they prefer. They’ll be happy to tell you and will be much more inclined to enroll in your offering because you’ve tailored it to their needs.

Finally, consider what you want your prospects to do once they’ve received your message. Do you want them to request a free consultation? To sign up for a teleseminar or workshop? Enroll in of your group programs? Or purchase a product? You’ll want to choose a marketing strategy will make it easy for your prospect to take action on what you’ve shared.

Which marketing strategies have created the best results for your business? Are there any you want to try but have been hesitant to do so? Share your thoughts with me below!

Want to use this article on your website, blog or in your own ezine? You’re welcome to do so! But here’s what you MUST include:

Sydni Craig-Hart, The Smart Simple Marketing Coach, is founder of SmartSimpleMarketing.com Known for her simple, tech-savvy, integrated approach to marketing, she also has the unique ability to find untapped profit centers in her client’s businesses so they can create money NOW. Visit www.SmartSimpleMarketing.com to listen to Sydni’s F.R.E.E. audio class, “10 Proven Steps to Powerful Marketing Results!” and to schedule your F.R.E.E. “Profit Breakthrough” session!

Perhaps you’ve heard of the concept of article marketing, but have never really understood what that means or how it can be a critical factor in the online visibility of your business. Article marketing is a strategy that leverages the power of the Internet and combines it with consumer’s insatiable need for information. Distributing articles around the Internet allows solopreneurs to share their expertise, knowledge and experience by writing about relevant subjects and making the content freely available for others to read and use.

Your first question is probably “how does it work and why should I do it”? MORE

Most of us have heard that people buy from folks they “know, like and trust.” So a logical question for a solo service professional looking to consistently attract more clients to their business is, “how do I get prospects to know, like and trust me quickly?”     MORE