If you're self-employed like me, I'm sure you've often said to yourself, "I just don't have time to market my business!" Serving clients and managing your business takes up enough time - so how can you possibly add sales and marketing task to the heap of things to do?
You may have tried all those time management techniques alrerady, like delegating tasks to others, making daily priority lists, scheduling an appointment to focus on "yourself"; but still time is still scarce. One thing I've tried to do is fit marketing in in new ways, in addition to the writing letters, making phone calls and sending emails that still play into the mix. Here are some ideas to try:
If you're going to a workshop, networking or cultural event, maybe invite a business contact to join you so you can get to know each other better.
Have a casual coffee or lunch with a prospect or colleague...and ask a third or fourth party to go along to create new opportunities for all of you.
Hold a "meeting" while taking a walk in the park, going for a run, playing a game of tennis, working out at the gym, or any other untraditional place other than an office or restaurant. Chances are, your associate will love the idea!
Read an interesting article or blog, and shoot a short note to a few people who also may find it relevant.
"Market" while shopping, dining, or running errands - all great options for meeting new people. Introduce yourself by name and occupation, which often time can lead to a connection for new business.
Attending social events with business cards in your pocket.
Make the most of your relaxed time. Maybe when you're at the beach you can enter contact into your database on your laptop. Or you can make some phone calls from a park bench. Ask your kids to help you stuff envelopes. Team up with a friend for a drink and some idea brainstorming. Get creative...and do whatever you can do to include marketing in your daily diet!
You may have tried all those time management techniques alrerady, like delegating tasks to others, making daily priority lists, scheduling an appointment to focus on "yourself"; but still time is still scarce. One thing I've tried to do is fit marketing in in new ways, in addition to the writing letters, making phone calls and sending emails that still play into the mix. Here are some ideas to try:
If you're going to a workshop, networking or cultural event, maybe invite a business contact to join you so you can get to know each other better.
Have a casual coffee or lunch with a prospect or colleague...and ask a third or fourth party to go along to create new opportunities for all of you.
Hold a "meeting" while taking a walk in the park, going for a run, playing a game of tennis, working out at the gym, or any other untraditional place other than an office or restaurant. Chances are, your associate will love the idea!
Read an interesting article or blog, and shoot a short note to a few people who also may find it relevant.
"Market" while shopping, dining, or running errands - all great options for meeting new people. Introduce yourself by name and occupation, which often time can lead to a connection for new business.
Attending social events with business cards in your pocket.
Make the most of your relaxed time. Maybe when you're at the beach you can enter contact into your database on your laptop. Or you can make some phone calls from a park bench. Ask your kids to help you stuff envelopes. Team up with a friend for a drink and some idea brainstorming. Get creative...and do whatever you can do to include marketing in your daily diet!
