Two Marketing Tips for Entrepreneurs

I remember when our direct marketing consulting business was solely a dream. A dream that was fueled by conversations between myself and my business partner during long flights traveling across this country to and from our clients. We'd complain about our jobs in corporate America, bitch about all the traveling and dream about working for a company that really performed for our clients. One that delivered on its promises, every time. One that had a positive energy and embraced new ideas and new technology.

Hence our direct marketing consulting firm was born. We took the leap, took absolutely no clients, quit our jobs and lived on savings for a few months. That was four years ago. Exciting and scary times, for sure.

I thought it might help other entrepreneurs to share two important tips that helped turn our dream of owning our own business into a reality.

1. How to finally get to the point where you can (mentally) take the leap into the small business world 2. How to market your product The first area might be the most important. It's so important to really think through and research your business idea. Do some soul-searching to understand what type of business will be most fulfilling for you. Understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Take the time to write a complete business plan (exhausting, yet so worth it). Research what your competitors are doing. Decide how you're going to legally form your business (Corporation, LLC, Partnership) and how you're going to finance it (we highly recommend NOT relying on credit cards).

If you've done your research right, it's at this point that the dream becomes a reality. You see it on paper. You have a budget. You start to understand that being self-employed is something that you CAN make happen.

Once you've figured out how to make your dream a reality, the next key thing is to plan how you will market your new business. As you are well aware, a business goes nowhere if there are no customers. Develop a solid marketing plan that details exactly how you're going to build exposure for your firm.

Of course, you'll be sharing your new business venture with business colleagues--we know that you'll spend a significant time on the phone just reaching out to your network telling them what you're up to and trying to drum up new business.

In addition to reaching out to your contacts, think about using tried and true PR techniques to get the word out about what you're up to. Develop press releases about your new products and services and make sure that they get to the right trade journals.

Use your social networks (such as Linked In and pertinent Facebook business groups) to tell the world what you're up to. Consider creating a blog to build credibility, boost awareness and create an Internet presence.

In addition to building an online business network, remember to take the time to also network the old-fashioned way. Research the appropriate trade associations that you'd like to participate in. Then, truly participate--go to their monthly meetings. Even consider volunteering as a board member.

With a good solid business idea, backed by a strong marketing plan, the dream of being an entrepreneur can become a reality.

Two Marketing Tips for Entrepreneurs - To learn more about this author, visit Nancy Arter's Website.

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