MARKETING MUSINGS

How do you want your business to be described?

What one sentence would you like people to use to describe your business? When they tell others what do you want them to say? Will they only remember that it's a women's clothing store or you're a massage therapist or a life coach or will they tell what makes you different, too? If they used your products or services, this could be a referral for you and mean money!

There is a woman who comes out to one of the networking groups I attend and she calls herself "The Belly Dancing Therapist". Do I remember her? You bet I do. I've been to a dessert restaurant a couple of times (I LOVE dessert). It's called "Chocolate Heaven". The food is good and the service is friendly and prompt. Do I remember the name and tell others to go there? Yes, I do.

Both of these are examples of how "branding" yourself and choosing a niche market are useful things to do. I refer many people to both of these and tell people EXACTLY what the owners want me to say when describing them.

How are you different? How do people describe your business?

Buy from you or sell to them - what's the difference?

A big one!!!!! Close your eyes and imagine what it would be like to have people "buy from you" or for you to "sell to them". Different feeling and result, isn't it? Most people love to shop and buy  - when they need or want something. What would your business (or world) be like if people searched you out? Think about what it would be like to know that you have EXACTLY what someone is looking for.

That's also what "Attraction Marketing is about. Clients find you and your product or service ... and if it's "right" for them, they buy it!

What do YOU do? Do you attract people to buy from you or do you sell to them? The latter is what most people believe sales is all about. That's difficult. Make it easy on yourself. Have others buy from you.

Leads: Do you qualify or disqualify them?

Most people think (often because they've been taught) that you always qualify leads since you have done a list of the qualities of your ideal client. I've heard differently from several people - Dan Kennedy (a master marketer), Seth Godin, Michael Hepworth (a successful Canadian business owner) and others that it's MORE important to DISQUALIFY leads. Pick the ones you don't want to do your business with.

Write your copy to attract those you DO want and be happy that others have "self selected" out. Write copy to those who you don't want and then you'll get the clients you DO want. Think about what you say in everything you put out. Design to "repel" those you don't want and you'll get those you do want.

You must repel AS WELL AS attract. Does that make sense? Comment with your questions, will you?

Teach your clients how to buy from you.

That may not sound "nice" to you but you have to do it. These are tips on what to tell people that will help you to do business with EVERYONE the way you'd like.

Here are a few pointers, Tell them:
what time they can phone you
what days you "do business"

how often you check your email. Some people assume that because it's fast you look at it often

when they use email to get in touch with you, they can write any time but tell them when YOU will REPLY

whether phone or email is "quicker"

exactly how available you are. If you're training during certain times or going away for particular dates and won't pick up or reply to phone or email, tell them and give them an alternative (if that's appropriate) .

how to book with you, what payment method you prefer (whether you accept credit cards or not), or when you begin to work with or for them

Be as specific as possible. Pretend you're them. Walk through the process. But most important -- know what YOU want.

A Marketing Idea!

Here's something you could do. It works for products and services like makeup, massages, jewelery, pots & pans, and clothing so why not you! You don't have to want many people to sell your "stuff" or to have an outlet to do it.

Have someone you know well (or do it yourself) hold a "home party". I know of some one who does mini spa sessions like massages, manicures and pedicures. There is another woman who shows/ promotes "Spa Sensation" products. In each case, (you know the way it happens especially if you're a woman). The person holding the event invites people they think may be interested in that particular product or service. There is a presentation by the "expert". People buy the product or service showcased. Based on the total dollar amount of the sales, the host or hostess gets a gift.

Two things:

• the host could be someone you know or have met
• the hostess could be YOU. You could hold an event as a way to get people to buy your products or services.

You may be the host or hostess. This could also be your way of saying thank you for using your things. Invite them and give them what they need or would like.

Another marketing idea .... for everyone! Hmmmmm that's interesting.

What to write in YOUR Marketing Materials

There are many different materials that market you - website, bio, articles online and offline, blog, handouts when you speak or train. All of them share one thing in common. Their purpose is to get people to buy from you.  When you promote your 1 on 1 service - coaching (of all kinds) or therapy you could use this information in all of them ... "people come because they get to have one hour of someone's undivided attention".

Try it and tell me what happens. Do you get more clients?

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!

We have much to celebrate and be thankful for - our freedom, the beauty of our country, .... and MUCH MORE. We who've gone into business for ourselves have a lot of freedom.

We can and should and do give to others. I've been watching the celebrations on TV, too and feel really proud that I was born here and am a Canadian. Thank you ... to God, spirit, energy, whatever you believe in :-)

YEAH!!!!!!! HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!!