In my workshops and social networking and media bootcamps we spend time discussing limiting beliefs. 99.9% of my clients have a mindset that holds them back from marketing and sales success. Do you know what yours is?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Let’s face it. Dynamic, entertaining speakers that know their stuff are not always easy to find, but they are always in demand. Packaging what you do into a presentation is a competitive business strategy. Why?
It establishes you as an expert in your field
It gives you exposure to larger groups of potential customers
You become a name that is remembered in the industry.
Spend some time thinking about who your target audience is and research where they meet. Many associations have presentations at those regular meetings- it’s a great opportunity.
Deciding to speak is one thing. Being prepared, dynamic and interesting is another! It’s important that when you decide to present to a group that you’re able to do so in a way that helps your business not hurt it!
Therefore, keep these important keys in mind:
Build three presentations for 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Make sure it is content rich without giving away everything you offer. Ensure it is entertaining. Build logic as well as emotional connections. And make sure it engages the audience!
Be practiced but not scripted. Extemporaneous speakers are the best!
Video record and watch your dry runs. Remember, its one thing to say “I’m comfortable talking in front of a group” and actually demonstrate dynamic speaking ability.
Lastly, make sure you get access to who saw you present so you can follow up!
If you feel you need more practice join Toastmasters! It is a great way to improve your skills and get quality feedback. Presenting is another
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I truly believe that success is a process, not an event.
I recently had a conversation with a very successful Meetup Organizer for a entrepreneurial group. We were discussing business goals, his success and converting it to money. Interestingly, he admitted to me that in 3 years running the group the majority of his members are no further in their business than they were back then!
What makes the difference? What processes are important?
10. Know that to make money you must be willing to put some money out
Where are you with these success factors? Which do you need to work on to take your business to the next level?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Understanding levels of marketing and building a strategy for marketing are critical for your success as an entrepreneur. Marketing plans will have costs and profits, and each type of marketing has different levels of return on Investment(ROI). As owner of Zena Enterprises, we teach entrepreneurs about marketing. I frequently find myself saying to business owners, “You started your business because you have a passion for it, which does not mean you know how to market it.” I watch their faces, and so many nod in agreement!
There are many marketing strategies you might consider. Here are three, plus some insights as to why they may be good (or not so good) for you and your business goals. In the last 11 years as a business owner, I have used all three strategies.
1-Networking and direct contact: This has been proven to be the FASTEST way to get business results. It will achieve the greatest ROI if you do it well. I have a good friend, Ruth. We met at her FIRST networking meeting for her business (she didn’t even have business cards yet!). Two years later, she has an actual storefront and two staff members! When you network, you must realize it is about putting others first, not you and your business. People help you faster when you help them! Also, beware of “FREE” networking events. They can be great, but you want to show up at events where people can afford your product or service.
Three tips to maximize ROI with Networking:
1- Show up regularly; occasional participation does not work, since you cannot build relationships if you aren’t consistent.
2- Show interest in others; remember that people like to talk about themselves.
3- Follow up after the meeting. This is so critical – it is respectful and helps close the deal and refer business faster.
2- Speaking/Presenting: This is a great way to expose what you do to potential customers, especially if you provide a service. Set a goal to speak pro bono at several engagements a year. This was a HUGE win when I first started my leadership consulting business!
Three tips to maximize ROI with Speaking/Presenting:
1- Pick the right groups that have an interest in your product or service.
2- In exchange for speaking for free, make sure you get a contact list of attendees. And always have a handout with a special offer on it.
3- Make sure you are a GREAT speaker. I meet many small business owners who want to speak in front of my groups, but they have not yet developed great speaking skills, which would negatively impact your ROI.
3- Publishing: Again, establish yourself as an expert! That is how you increase business. Post a blog, post on others blogs, and write articles for your local papers, or newsletters that attract your niche market.
Three tips to maximize ROI with Publishing:
1- Write powerful articles that you can use in multiple areas (paper, Web, and more) and keep them short.
2- Always make sure your contact info is included.
3- Keep your articles and post them to your Web site, or use them in your portfolio to increase credibility.
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Education or value-based marketing is an important tool to attracting new customers to your business. Blogging is an excellent tool for sharing that knowledge with potential customers. Therefore, having your own blog or blog posting, commenting on others Blogs is a smart marketing strategy, as long as you implement these tactics. These tips will get you started increasing your education-based marketing online.
When posting your own Blog remember these tips:
Blog regularly. Daily is the optimum goal. At least three times a week is better than only one day a week. Blog visibility increases with regular posting so this is critically important!.
Keep your posts short, yet powerful. People, especially busy ones, like short, value-based information that makes them want more. This tip also helps with the first point because if they are shorter it is easier for you to write and post regularly.
Pose a powerful question at the end of your blog. Your goal is to get people to comment on what you wrote. Comments are a good thing because it increases your visibility and web traffic. A question tempts them to comment.
Make comments open. Too often people “screen” comments by having to approve them. First this is a HUGE time eater as you create yourself more work! Second, don’t be afraid of somebody who disagrees with you. That’s a good thing, not a bad thing and you can actually use it to your marketing advantage.
When reading other blogs:
Read blogs where you can offer your own feedback and value. One of the most powerful ways for clients to find you is through this type of message. Once, I got a client who said, “I was so appreciative of your comment on XYZ blog. After visiting your site I’d love to work with you.”
If you read it, comment on it. First, again it is great to read blogs, but again you can double your value by commenting too! Second, commenting brings business to you.
When you comment, always close with your complete name and web address. This is the most common mistake I see made on blogging. How can they find you if you do not make sure they can? I always end with my full name, and web address and my tagline.
Blogging becomes a powerful way to provide education-based marketing to potential customers which increases your opportunity for business. It will also increase the opportunity for people to “find” you when they search! Establish your expertise through blogging, and watch your marketability soar!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
