The M-Word (Marketing) Phase 2 (12 Jun 2006) Last month we looked at what you need to do before you spend money on marketing brochures, a website, advertising or even go out to network. During Phase 1, it's all about crafting your message. Key steps include getting clear about your market niche, developing a clear message about how you solve your target clients' problems, articulating what makes you their best choice, packaging your services so clients will buy, and demonstrating why they should trust you.
Differentiate or Die (12 Jun 2006) Sounds pretty harsh, doesn't it? Well, I can tell you from personal experience with both my own business and with my clients, "differentiate or die" is not an exaggeration. Whether you're a small one-person shop or a large government agency, solvency and the future of your business rely on you standing out in a competitive marketplace.
How to Profit from Your Expertise (Part 1 of 2) (12 Jun 2006) Are you looking for a natural way to market your professional services? What if you could exponentially multiply the number of motivated, pre-qualified prospects you reach in a fraction of the time that networking and referrals require?
Like Brushing Your Teeth (12 Jun 2006) What do the following things have in common: brushing your teeth, regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, paying your bills on time, cleaning your gutters, spending quality time with your spouse and kids…?
Getting Your Services Used (12 Jun 2006) Every day I talk with professional service providers who do great work, have a valuable service that really helps people…and struggle to get their services used as much as they'd like.
The Role of Marketing for Boards of Directors (12 Jun 2006) Small and emerging companies often do not put together a board of advisors or board of directors for many reasons. Some entrepreneurs believe that businessmen and women would not be willing to serve on their board of advisors for the little or no compensation that the new company can afford. Another reason small and emerging companies do not have boards of advisors is that often the entrepreneur does not want advice from others. In some extreme cases, entrepreneurs believe they do not need advice from others. GSI knows better.
How to Put Law & Order into Marketing Your Legal Practice (12 Jun 2006) Regardless of your law firm's focus - criminal, civil, corporate, family, business, etc. - the greatest challenge most small to mid-size firms face is the lack of a strategic and disciplined approach to business development. Relying on referrals does not a strategy make! And waiting to get serious about marketing until that major case is wrapped up is way too late.
The M-Word (12 Jun 2006) Let's play a word association game. Quick...when you think about marketing professional services, what words come immediately to mind...? I played this game recently at a networking event, and here are some of the responses I got... "referrals" "word of mouth" "don't have time" "expensive" "do you mean advertising?" "how do you do that?" "brochures" "logos" and "ugh!"
Network Your Way to Success- 12 Tips to Jumpstart Your Business (12 Jun 2006) Lots of people network but few reap the rewards of zeroing in on their potential when it comes to networking. Here are some tips to help fill the gap between where you are now and where you can be.
Burnout (12 Jun 2006) How do I keep from being burned out while cold calling? Phone work can be exhausting! It is an intense experience. You must stay focused, listen carefully, assess prospects and respond quickly.
Happy Hunting! (12 Jun 2006) Before you ever get on the telephone, send a marketing piece or
set up an appointment with a potential customer, you must first
identify whom that customer might be. To do that, you will need
to create an "ideal customer profile"—a profile of who would be
the best possible prospect for you and whatever you are selling.
Marketing For Just Cause (12 Jun 2006) Cause marketing is a relationship between a for-profit and a nonprofit that brings in money and resources for the nonprofit, while providing credibility and goodwill for the business.
Create a Blueprint for Your Success (12 Jun 2006) Having a strong foundation enables you to build a thriving,
profitable life and business. A simple method to create this
foundation is with Discovery, Vision, Planning and
Benchmarking, the four cornerstones of your life as well
as your business.
Marketing Strategy - Shift the Focus (12 Jun 2006) Most of the small businesses I've worked with don't like marketing or selling. In fact, many even say they "hate it." Shift your focus from trying to "market and sell" and start getting better results.
Marketing Success Defined (12 Jun 2006) In marketing, there are just four measurable elements of success:
Marketing Apathy Solutions: 10 Solutions for Overcoming Apathy Beginning Today (12 Jun 2006) Are you suffering from feelings of indifference or a lack of concern when it comes to marketing your business? Marketing apathy is widespread among today's businesses. Here are 10 solutions for overcoming apathy that you can start using today.
