I wanted to spend a little time today talking about a question that I see brought up a lot. How do you market your business in new ways? This is an awesome question. I hear a lot of people say that they are scared to approach other small businesses to market themselves. DON'T BE! The worst thing that can happen is that they will say no. The best thing that can happen is that they say yes! Either way you are not out anything. You made the effort, if they say no then you move on to the next.
One of the ways that I promoted and marketed my business when I was in Texas, was to go into local mom and pop stores and look around. Generally I would buy something small but you don't have to. As I was walking around I would look for the owner and casually introduce myself and ask them about their products. They will normally show you around and show you the products that they love. Almost every time, while I am talking with them, they will ask what I do for a living. By them asking that one simple question, they have opened up a huge opportunity for you! That opens up the door for you to tell them all about you and your business. DON"T GO OVERBOARD! I know it is easy to get caught up because we are so passionate about our work but remember that this is a potential client and you don't want to turn them off by talking to much. Always keep your business cards handy! I have never walked out of a business after telling them my profession without them asking for a business card.
Don't think that just because a business is not a store that it is not worth marketing at! Think about what the business does and who they cater to. Doula's , Birthing Centers, Midwives, Doctors offices, Dance studios are just a few examples of places that you can promote yourself through! Don't forget that this promoting should go both ways. They want to feel like they are getting as much out of it as you are. Go to local community events! Network with the vendors and other businesses. I can not express how important networking is. It really can make or break you.
BE CONFIDENT! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! If you love your work, people will see that in the way that you talk about it! When you love what you do and you are sharing that passion when you talk about your business it really inspires people! I am a nervous wreck when I approach others to help me market my business but I remind myself right before that this is an opportunity. I have the opportunity to make this business what I want it to be. I love my work and know what I am capable of. Every time , this helps me stay calm and I feel like a million bucks!
I hope that all of you will take away something that I said and use it to help you grow your business! Let me know what you thought in the comments section!
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