If you’ve been in business for more than a day and a half, you’ve probably been reminded no fewer than a thousand times that in addition to whatever business you think you’re in, that you’re in the marketing business.
Marketing yourself and your business has been, and will continue to be the most important element for your success. The time to ply this trade is right now. I fear that many of you just don’t know what to do.
So, how do you actually “go to market”? Many people approach this question by purchasing a copy of Marketing for Dummies. They follow up with a copy of The Idiots’ Guide to Marketing.
Having personally read both guides for dummies and idiots, along with over 2,357 other marketing books, I’ve successfully boiled it down to a 10-step approach designed for us mere mortals.
Hone your database. This is Job 1. Having one is nice. Using one is key to your success. Once you identify with whom you would like to do business, your marketing chore is half done. Insert your target audience into your database. Then work it.
Identify ideal clients. Working with people you have no business working with is not very intelligent. There are people you can help, and there are people you can’t help. Focus on the correct group.
Develop your message. Once you do schedule face-time with a prospect, it’s not time to wing your way through the relationship. Stop to think: What do I want to say to my new clients? Draft, craft, sculpt and edit a message worth sharing.
Select your tools. There are many ways to go to market. Regardless of the tool you select, it’s important to remember that consistency is the name of the marketing game. Pick your tool and use it.
Pick your team. Teamwork has become an essential ingredient in today’s competitive environment. Collaboration is becoming the most direct route to personal success. If you’re not already collaborating with somebody now, begin collaborating with somebody soon.
Use technology. You have a tremendous advantage if you understand and use today’s technology. Websites have handed the baton to blogs; social networking is fast becoming the new Pac-Man; Twitter is taking on a life of its own. Pick one. Learn it. Use it.
Blow your horn. When you’re out of sight, you’re out of mind. The sooner you realize this the sooner you can make an impact on your audience. It’s your job to spread the good word about your ability. This is not conceit—it’s business at its best.
Get free ink. It’s entirely up to you to garner some positive publicity. Just keep in mind that the ball is in your court and you need to get the right information to the right people at the right time in the right medium. If you want press, go out and get some.
Plan your marketing. General Eisenhower once reminded us that although most plans are ignored, planning is everything. In my 27 years in the marketing business I have met very few people or companies who actually followed their marketing plan.
Follow through. Think about building your database and decide what your most attractive client looks like. Decide what it is you’re going to say to sales prospects and then select a marketing tool that complements your time, budget and your personality constraints. Choose your playing partners, spread the good word and organize a consistent method to get your message to the media.
Once the “thinking” is done, you have to get up, get out and actually do something. This is when marketing becomes fun and begins to pay dividends. This is when you make more people glad they know you.
Mike Marchev is a down-to-earth motivating sales trainer, author and business coach who specializes in the travel industry. For a complimentary copy of Mike’s 12-Word Marketing Plan send him an email at mike@mikemarchev.com with the number “12” in the Subject Box. His daily column is made possible by AmaWaterways.
Mike presents a business-building webinar on the third Thursday of every month sponsored by AmaWaterways. To receive a complimentary invitation send Mike an email with the phrase “AmaWaterways” in the Subject Box. You will also receive a link to the recorded version.
For information on Mike’s 6-Week Online Selling Course, email Mike at mike@mikemarchev.com with the words “sales course” in the subject box.
