I get it.  You need some affordable marketing ideas you can implement without laying out a lot of cash. But how can you consider even affordable marketing ideas when the budget’s tight, your client base is small and you’re not quite so confident in your marketing skills?

Affordable marketing is easier than you think. In fact, you can start a new campaign today! After all, marketing is simply a matter of presenting solutions to people who are already looking for them! Using just a bit of creativity, you can implement these three affordable marketing ideas right now. Read more about Three Affordable Marketing Ideas You Can Implement Today

Whether you're in start-up mode or an established business owner experiencing a cash crunch, you may find yourself without as much capital as you'd like to spend on marketing your business.  That may be your reality, but that is no excuse for not marketing your services.  The only way you’re going to grow your business and create more cash flow is to market your solutions consistently. Fortunately, there are several FREE strategies that you can use to put your business in front of the people who need what you have to offer.

Use all or one of these strategies to market your business on a budget:      MORE

If you are looking to start a coaching or consulting business, or if you've been in business for a while and want to make sure you've got the basics covered, I have JUST the resource for you!

My good friend Kathleen Gage, The Street Smarts Marketer, has prepared a content-rich special report on this very topic and she graciously has allowed me to share a copy with you!

There's no opt-in required and no obligation! Just top notch content delivered by one of the industries leading experts.

I've learned a LOT from Kathleen over the years and truly appreciate her no-nonsense style, so I'm just tickled to be able to share her expertise with you.  Just click on the following link to download your copy and please, stop back by and let me know what you think after you've read it!

What You Need To Know to Start Your Own Coaching/Consulting Business

Enjoy!

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.

Getting anything "good" in the mail these days is a challenge.  Your mailbox is probably filled with bills, direct mail pieces (i.e. junk mail) and things you’d really rather not look at.  Think about the last time you actually received a greeting card or personal handwritten note in the mail.  When was that?  …Perhaps a long time ago.

The truth is, the times you receive a handwritten personalized note are likely few and far between.  That's why when someone does receive one, it stands out.   This leaves a great impression on the receiver of that personalized note.

Sending a handwritten note to a potential client after a meeting is a great marketing strategy to implement.  One, you have the chance to quickly thank your potential client for the meeting.  Two, it keeps you on top of their mind as they are "thinking" about working with you.  Three, it makes you stand out from the crowd.  If they are "shopping" for service providers, they will be more likely to choose you for your great service, because they are impressed by your gracious follow-up.

But sending a handwritten note doesn't stop with new potential clients.  This practice should be carried out throughout the life of your relationship with your client.  This means thank you notes when the project is completed, a card acknowledging the anniversary of their business, congratulating them on a BIG win, etc.  It doesn't take as long as you think!  Taking 5 minutes to write a note will help you to maintain a great relationship with your client, will go a long way towards creating a satisfied customer and will generate referrals.

And, who doesn't love referrals?

Happy clients will tell their friends, family and anyone who will listen about the great service you provide and the WAY you served them.  The next time your client hears about someone in need of the type of services you provide, guess who they will recommend?  YOU!  Why? Because they had a great experience in working with you and you are on the top of their minds because you stay in touch with them.

The type of card you send should be a mixture of personal style and polished professionalism.  First of all, send the nicest card you can afford.  If you are going to have monogrammed or personalized note cards designed with your business logo, take the time to hire a graphic designer to create a stylish piece.  Be sure they are printed on good quality card stock.  (You don't want someone who is paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for your services to feel like they got a "cheap" card from a discount store.) Depending on your profession, you will probably want to avoid using the cartoon and caricature type of cards.  These may not support your brand or your business and could detract from your professionalism.

I'm excited to see how this strategy works for you and would love to hear the feedback you get from clients. Please share your success stories with me by posting a comment on the blog!

One of the best strategies you can implement to have a successful business is attending live events, both to further your professional development and to connect with ideal prospects.  Doing so will allow you to stay abreast of current trends in your industry, to connect with like minded professionals and to interact with individuals who are actively seeking the solutions you offer.  With a bit of advanced planning, you can turn these events into powerful opportunities to attract new clients and/or joint venture partnerships.

As a solo business owner, you need to take the initiative to research the events that are best suited for your business.  Be sure to stay connected with the organizations that support your industry and your ideal clients.  Take the time to review their event outlines, speakers and guest list to determine if you should attend upcoming events.  Remember, the key to finding new ideal clients is to "hang out" where they are.  So if your ideal client will be at the next big industry event - you should be there too.

You'll want to allocate funds for your continuing education on a monthly or annual basis.  This should absolutely be part of your business budget!  Attending events can cost $1,000, $1,500 or even $2,000 or more when you add in travel, food, lodging, and of course the cost of the event.  While you will have some upfront costs to attend, if you choose the right events the return on investment will more than pay for the expenses involved.   If you have the option to purchase a VIP ticket or host a book, that can increase your visibility and give you access to connect with the speakers and event coordinators.

For example, if your ideal prospect has paid the same $1,000+ to attend the event like you did, it shows that they are willing and able to invest in their business or their personal development.  This is a major pre-qualifier!  So if you provide a solution to a specific problem they're facing and you showcase that value, it’s not unreasonable to assume that they would be willing and able to pay for your services as well.

Plus, when attending a live event, you get to meet your target audience in a more relaxed setting.  There is a spirit of eagerness and excitement, so the foundation of your new relationship is built on this shared experience.  That is very powerful -- and makes it an easy "sell" when you talk about the services you provide and the problems you can solve for them because you already have that connection.

So, consider attending such events part of your overall marketing costs and a fun opportunity to get out of the office and work ON your business for a few days! Take the time now to research events, conferences and seminars for the fall or early winter.  This will give you a head start on finding out where your target audience will be and give you time to budget the costs involved to attend.  It will be more than worth your while to attend; you'll learn something new and get to network with your target audience.

Have you attended any events this year?  What type of opportunities developed as a result? Post your experiences on the blog and let me know how this has worked for you!

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!

How many times have you heard that you have to market your business consistently to keep your client pipeline full? Probably too many times to keep track of. One of the biggest challenges solo service professionals face is scheduling time to market their business.

To overcome this common challenge, you need to take a step back and ask yourself "why" you don't schedule time to market your business consistently. What is it that's holding you back?

For many, marketing seems like an complicated, time-consuming task. It doesn't matter what the task actually is, because it often seems overwhelming. The key to success here is to break your marketing projects down into simple individual tasks, that you can easily manage. Getting the work done then includes doing part of the work yourself and then delegating and automating the rest. MORE

Most of us started our business because we were passionate about a particular topic and found that we are REALLY good at helping others with their related challenges. That is a great reason to start a business!

Unfortunately, it often happens that once you start your business, you realize that you really in the business of marketing. You need to make a living. The only way to do that as an entrepreneur is to sell to clients and customers. And to get clients and customers you need to market.

ARRRGGG! M-A-R-K-E-T….

For some folks, hearing this word creates an instant frown. Perhaps you’ve thought, “I don’t want to market…. I just want to do my ‘thing!’”

I know that this thought has crossed your mind at one time or another, because it has crossed mine. When I first started my business as a Virtual Marketing Assistant, I just wanted to work comfortably in my cozy little home office and to have people send me checks. It never really occurred to me that I’d have to actually get out there and sell my services…I just expected clients to show up knocking on my door.

Perhaps you can relate. I think entrepreneurs who have an aversion to marketing feel that way because to them, marketing represents something pushy, sales-y, and difficult. In the back of their mind their thinking “used car salesman” and that’s not who they want to me. MORE

Last week's article detailed the importance of developing your "Money Map" (a.k.a. marketing plan) so that you have clear direction on how you're spending your time, energy and resources to attract clients, develop your business and make more money.

Once you've put forth the effort to create your plan, then what? This is where I see many entrepreneurs getting stuck. They go through the process of creating the plan and let it sit on their desk and start collecting dust. Or worse yet, they completely ignore the plan and run around chasing ideas, strategies or projects that have nothing to do with their actual goals.

If this sounds familiar to you, you'll be happy to know there is an easy solution. You simply have to "WORK YOUR PLAN!"

"What does THAT mean, Sydni?" you may ask. Let me tell you:     MORE