| Most of us started our business because we | | | | 1. Stop worrying about what other people think of |
| were passionate about a particular topic and found | | | | you - You'd be surprised, they really aren't as |
| that we are REALLY good at helping others with | | | | concerned about you as you think they are. |
| their related challenges. That is a great reason to | | | | Instead of worrying about what they think, |
| start a business! | | | | channel that energy into generously sharing your |
| Unfortunately, it often happens that once you | | | | expertise with them. |
| start your business, you realize that you really in | | | | 2. Get really clear about what it is you actually do |
| the business of marketing. You need to make a | | | | for your clients. Don't label yourself as an |
| living. The only way to do that as an entrepreneur | | | | Acupuncturist, Graphic Design, Coach or |
| is to sell to clients and customers. And to get | | | | Consultant. Instead, focus on the benefits and |
| clients and customers you need to market. | | | | results you create for your clients. Doing so will |
| ARRRGGG! M-A-R-K-E-T.... | | | | make it much easier for you to talk about what |
| For some folks, hearing this word creates an | | | | you do (and make you much more attractive to |
| instant frown. Perhaps you've thought, "I don't | | | | ideal prospects). |
| want to market.... I just want to do my 'thing!'" | | | | 3. Take action in spite of your fears! Many times |
| I know that this thought has crossed your mind | | | | we allow limiting beliefs, doubts and fears to hold |
| at one time or another, because it has crossed | | | | us back only to find out months (or even years |
| mine. When I first started my business as a | | | | down the line) that the thing we were worried |
| Virtual Marketing Assistant, I just wanted to work | | | | about had no basis. So, stop holding yourself back. |
| comfortably in my cozy little home office and to | | | | Take steps to move forward in consistently |
| have people send me checks. It never really | | | | growing and marketing your business. Kevin |
| occurred to me that I'd have to actually get out | | | | Nations says "Winners take imperfect action!" You |
| there and sell my services...I just expected clients | | | | don't have to be perfect, but consistent action will |
| to show up knocking on my door. | | | | take you a VERY long way. |
| Perhaps you can relate. I think entrepreneurs who | | | | 4. Reach out for support! No one who is |
| have an aversion to marketing feel that way | | | | successful in life or business has done it on their |
| because to them, marketing represents | | | | own. We all need a support system, a place to |
| something pushy, sales-y, and difficult. In the back | | | | bounce ideas and reassurance that "it's going to |
| of their mind their thinking "used car salesman" | | | | be OK". Start surrounding yourself with individuals |
| and that's not who they want to me. | | | | who believe in you and want you to succeed. Hire |
| I get it! | | | | a coach to help keep you accountable and to help |
| The good news is that marketing your solo | | | | you strategize. (If you have not already done so, |
| service business doesn't have to that way. And | | | | I encourage you to contact me for a FR*EE |
| you don't have to be afraid of marketing. It can | | | | "Profit Breakthrough" session where we can |
| actually become... (gasp) FUN! | | | | discuss your struggles and how to create better |
| The thing is... marketing is simply a matter of | | | | results in your business.) Don't be afraid to ask |
| sharing solutions in an appealing way with people | | | | for help! |
| who are already looking for them. I'm going to | | | | Remember, marketing is simply a matter of |
| say that one more time; marketing is simply a | | | | sharing solutions in an appealing way with people |
| matter of sharing solutions in an appealing way | | | | who are already looking for them. There are |
| with people who are already looking for them. So | | | | countless people right now looking for the very |
| there's nothing to be afraid of. | | | | solutions you have to offer. It's your duty to |
| Here are a few tips to help you overcome your | | | | share your expertise and service. Allow marketing |
| fears: | | | | to be your vehicle to doing so! |