For Something To Change, You Need to Change!

by: Pat Mussieux

     Have you heard the expression: “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting!”? To expect different results without changes is the definition of insanity. For our business to grow, there are times when we must stop, review, assess and make some changes.

”If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would truly astound ourselves.” – Thomas Edison, 1847-1931

It takes some days of creative genius, to keep our businesses going and growing. Other times, we just need to be open to new ideas and new ways of getting our message out there.

Today, I want to share some things that have worked very well for me!

Radio Shows: This is such a great way to get some publicity. Today, Blog Talk Radio is a popular forum for many entrepreneurs. If you just Google the words Blog Talk Radio and then insert your industry – I am confident that you will get contact information for many different radio shows and hosts. As well, there is always LIVE radio! I host my own show, monthly, and have had the opportunity to interview some very amazing guests. So, start today – make contact – get prepared – ensure you are approaching radio hosts with something to offer THEM…….it’s not all just about you.

Video: A few years ago, video marketing didn’t even exist – at least, it wasn’t the phenomenon that it is now. So easy to do – and it’s free – so why wouldn’t you? Get yourself a YouTube video account, buy a flipcamera (or some sort of recorder) and start talking. Find ways to be creative and unique – but, bottom line, get your message and your face out there.

Information Products: This is another very easy and economical way to promote your business – your message to the world. Again, check out your industry and see what people are offering. This can be anything from a one-page special report (PDF download for your subscribers) through to a full-blown, extensive Home Study System.

Ezine: This is simply an electronic newsletter. Most entrepreneurs have one now. My tips to you include: keep it professional, keep it simple, ensure it provides great (and relevant) content, and add a bit of your own personality to it. Many of my colleagues have a section at the end of their ezine for ‘classified ads’ – that can be one way of generating some revenue. I recommend that your ezine be sent out weekly – every other week, at the very least. Otherwise, it’s just not worth it. People won’t remember you!

Teleseminars: I love doing tele-seminars. They are easy and they are fun. Once again, it is a way to get your name out there – either as a guest or as a host. Some people offer complimentary tele-seminars once a month – once people register, they benefit from receiving the audio of the recording so they can listen to the content over and over again, at their leisure. A tele-seminar is very simply a ‘class’ offered by way of telephone. It’s as easy as dialing the phone…….typically, it would be a long distance number for you to call. Consider the money you are saving by not having to travel somewhere to attend a class! If you are the host, the world is full of experts ready to share their message with your listeners. Again, be sure that your ‘life purpose’ (business mission) is aligned and it makes sense for you to provide your information and/or to host the information.

Write an e-book: People love the convenience of this tool. It’s easy for you to create content based on your own experience and expertise. Or, as some of my colleagues have done, interview experts in your field and use that content to create your own e-book. It’s another great way to generate publicity, revenue and build your list.

Networking: This is one of the best ways to get your name out there. It’s all about developing relationships, whether on line or off line. The key is to ensure you are networking in the right place with the right people when it comes down to the work you do – and where you can find your ideal clients. Set a goal to get out to 2-3 networking events a week and help people to get to know you. People do business with people they know, like and trust. It’s the ‘face to face’ factor that works in this respect.

Warm letters: Direct mail marketing still works very well in this day and age. Not everyone is glued to their computer. And, when was the last time you received anything special, or of unique interest, in your mailbox? Create something that matches your personality and your purpose, and get it out there. It can be a simple postcard! Reach out and touch people in this old-fashioned way – you will be remembered.

CONCLUSION

When it comes to growing our business, it’s all about the marketing. We should be marketing 3-4 hours a day when we are in start-up mode and at different times of the week once we have gained a foot-hold in the market.

“All great achievements require time.” – David Joseph Schwartz

Posted in: Sales and Marketing, Change