Marketing your business is not a one-time event. Rather, it is an ongoing process that you execute repeatedly to present your solutions to those that are already looking for them. To do this easily and effectively, you need a plan to follow each day, each week and each month in order to create visibility and attract a steady stream of leads. This plan should include specific marketing strategies that will allow you to position yourself as a problem solver for your target market.

There are a LOT of marketing techniques to choose from. So it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer number of marketing methods. But as a solo service professional, your time is extremely valuable (and often limited). Thus, it’s important to select the few marketing methods that A) make sense for your business and B) are not only effective, but that can be done consistently. Your potential clients are always looking for solutions, so it’s important that you remind them regularly of what you have to offer. MORE

Small business marketing is not only necessary to your success as an entrepreneur, it's easier than you think. Statistics say your small business has a 1 in 6 chance of survival, but without effective, ongoing marketing, your odds are far less than that. Utilize proven small business marketing strategies that will let you spread the word about your business quickly and get in front of the right people.

Small business marketing can seem like a big task. After all, big corporations have entire departments devoted to nothing other than marketing, so what can you do with a one-woman (or one-man) show? The good news is ...plenty! You can market your small business in a number of ways that will have your phone ringing, inbox filling up and your bank balance growing. One of the keys to success is to build a compelling brand and consistently create awareness for that brand. Read more about Small Business Marketing is Easier Than You Think

Feeling overwhelmed with marketing your business?  We've all been there at one time or another.  But you don't have to stay there! Being in a constant state of overwhelm is a choice.  It's a choice one makes partially as a result of a limiting belief that being successful in business is hard and can't be done with grace and ease.  It's also partially a result of poor time management and disorganization.  Whatever may be contributing to your overwhelm, let's get you out of there!

You can’t possibly tackle every aspect of your marketing plan at once. But doing nothing to create awareness about your business is not an option, either. MORE

Do you feel stuck in your business because you don’t have enough money to devote to marketing? While there are great marketing programs out there that are worth an investment, you don’t have to have a huge budget in order to get more clients and generate more revenue. In this week’s podcast, I share five specific ways that you can market your business using the smallest of marketing budgets.

No Cost Marketing Strategies That Work (SSMS Episode 43) [ 6:59 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (328)

Offline marketing is sometimes ignored by solo service professionals – but it shouldn’t be! By holding workshops and in-person appearances in your local area, you can increase your income, raise your public profile, and build a foundation for a stronger business in the future. In addition, you help build your relationship with your audience. You’ll be able to get to know your local target market while you’re earning revenue from the event AND laying the foundation for future upsells to other products and/or services. MORE

It isn't rocket science, but for a lot of service professionals, a simple step-by-step social media plan seems difficult to create. 

Yet, developing one takes all the intimidation and guess work out of using this popular tool for business marketing. If you've been holding off on using social media to market your services, then you'll be especially interested in today's article. Implement the following five steps and get ready to watch your business grow like never before.

Step One: Understand the Game

Social media is different from sales and other types of marketing. This isn't the place to do a hard-sell, “just for you, just today” kind of selling tactic. Successful entrepreneurs have quickly learned how to marry marketing and socializing on these types of sites and if you want to be effective, you need to do the same. Social media begins and ends with ... being social! Let people get to know the real you -- let all the best aspects of your personality shine through. Make sure in each interaction that you are pleasant, informed and helpful. Know that you need to let a little bit of your “real life” shine through, but keep in mind, a little bit goes a long way. MORE

To fix what’s broken, the first thing you need to do is look at your current marketing system with an objective critical eye and determine where the problems lie. Your marketing system consists of the materials, steps and tools you use to create awareness around the solutions you offer.

Whatever strategies and systems you have in place, do you find that your efforts are supporting your goals and creating results?  Or do you feel "stuck", confused or overwhelmed?

It could be that your difficulties lie within some of the intangibles of your marketing system. Take a look at two of the most common mistakes service professionals make with their marketing systems.     MORE

Charging what your services are worth is simple.  But in order to do that you know be clear about the value of what you offer.  When you start to think about pricing your services, or updating your prices, you need to consider how much value your clients are receiving. That value is calculated not by dollar figures but by the benefits and result that you create.

When your prospects start looking for a service provider, they are really looking for a solution. No one says “Wow – I really need a graphic designer to make   my life perfect” or “If I could hire a management consultant, I wouldn't feel so stressed out.”

Instead, they are looking for a more professional presence or a more organized business. Since your prospective clients are focused on these benefits, you should be too. When you start to create your service menu, it's important to keep your client’s goals in mind. MORE

Even though you’re a solo service professional, you don’t have to go it alone when it comes to building your business.

Partnering with other service professionals that serve the same market in a different way can really pay off. For example, if you’re a professional organizer, you’re probably working with client who could use the services of a personal chef, interior designer, landscaper, painter and real estate agent in your area. By networking with these types of professionals, you can significantly boost the reach of your marketing efforts. You can cross promote one another’s services since you serve the same market without competing with one another.

Create powerful, profitable partnerships easily by following a few simple steps:

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Your business card is your doorway to new business and powerful partnerships. If your card isn't getting you the results you're looking for, you may be missing a few MUST have elements. In this session, I’ll share some tips for designing your new card so that you’ll get the attention you deserve!

4 Must Know Tips for Designing A Business Card That Gets Results (SSMS Episode 31)) [ 7:42 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (342)