The Edge Marketing

Have you found marketing your own business to be a challenge? Maybe you don’t care to go out and network because you are not comfortable in large groups, have difficulty putting into words your thoughts and knowledge, or find speaking in front of a group intimidating. Maybe because of this, you feel there are no other options for marketing and therefore have never put into motion a plan. Or, like me, are you great with coming up with a plan and ideas for a client, but then fall short and out of time for yourself?

Crucial to a successful business is having a marketing strategy and setting aside the time to implement it. But, it doesn’t have to be a lot of time. Here are 5 keys in establishing your marketing strategy and setting yourself up for success.

1. Establish a marketing strategy that is “YOU.” If you are uncomfortable with public speaking, than by all means do not use this as a marketing venue. If you are more comfortable with writing and enjoy writing, than write articles and circulate them for publication. You have to enjoy what you are doing or you will more than likely, not do it.

2. “START” – How many of us get stuck in “analysis paralysis.” I do – I want things to be perfect the first time and I sometimes become overwhelmed with all the ideas and choices to make. Don’t wait to start a marketing strategy. It does not have to be perfect, in fact it won’t be. What I have learnt is that, “it’s a process.” Your marketing strategy will never be done, it will never be perfect, and there will always be changes because as your business grows and develops, your marketing strategy will grow.

3. “Choose a set of simple, effective things to do, and do them consistently.”* The simpler the techniques, the more likely you will be consistent in taking action.

4. Don’t expect “Overnight Success.” Marketing is all about building relationships. They take time. In fact, it has been reported it takes approximately an average of “7 touches” before someone becomes your client. Your marketing strategy is all about filling your “funnel” and keeping it filled. As time goes on and people get to know you, like and trust you, the benefits will be reaped with new clients. But, if you don’t have a marketing strategy and you don’t consistently take action, there will be no prospects in the “funnel” to become new clients.

5. Consistency, Consistency, Consistency – If 10 actions a day in your marketing strategy is too much, than do 5 actions a day, or 3 actions a day, but whatever you decide do it everyday with consistency. It is the consistency of your marketing strategy that will bring you success. The actions are only as good as your consistency in completing the actions.

*Quoted from the book, “Get Clients Now™” by CJ Hayden.

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