Monday, May 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Update, and Aftermath of "Fame"
What an amazing time. I can't believe it's been almost a year since my "summer of fame" when I appeared on the cover of the New York Times Real Estate section (Memorial Day weekend 2009) and on ABC News' "Nightline" (July '09).
As a result of all the media coverage, I enjoyed lots of new business from real estate agents, brokerage companies and developers nationwide writing their websites and other marketing materials; I was also sought out by clients in other business categories, from interior designers to pharmaceutical companies...even a mental health clinic and, my favorite, upscale pet supply store, who were interested in my writing services!
But what touched me most the result of my publicity besides the work itself was the outpouring of kindness from people who wanted to reach out. I got kudos from many existing clients who've used my services and felt my recognition was well deserved. I got emails from independent consultants who congratulated my achievement and felt inspired that something positive could come from one's hard work. I got phone calls from other vendors who wanted to join forces and refer each other business. And I continue to get inquiries from people who saw the article or TV segment, saved the information, and were waiting for the right time to contact me.
The question is, what now? How can I follow THAT up? There may not likely be another big media blitz in store, so perhaps I just need to focus on what works - it's what I help my clients do in my work all the time - marketing, consistently. Am I just like the painter who puts off painting his own house because he never has the time?
Well, since I have about 20 years before I can retire (ugh), I need to keep the adrenaline pumping and the ideas flowing. I recently spoke with a marketing expert who feels that marketing is tailored to each individual business. For me, being "salesy" and bombarding contacts with email blasts is not my style. I'd prefer to make personal one on one to those I've worked with, to check in, see if they need me, even ask for their referrals. That's my comfort zone.
Will that create more work for me? For sure, at least in terms of the time I'll have to invest; but hopefully it will also pay off in new business, and will well be worth the effort. To those of you who are continually striving to make time for marketing, join me in the struggle. After all, are we not our own most important client?
As a result of all the media coverage, I enjoyed lots of new business from real estate agents, brokerage companies and developers nationwide writing their websites and other marketing materials; I was also sought out by clients in other business categories, from interior designers to pharmaceutical companies...even a mental health clinic and, my favorite, upscale pet supply store, who were interested in my writing services!
But what touched me most the result of my publicity besides the work itself was the outpouring of kindness from people who wanted to reach out. I got kudos from many existing clients who've used my services and felt my recognition was well deserved. I got emails from independent consultants who congratulated my achievement and felt inspired that something positive could come from one's hard work. I got phone calls from other vendors who wanted to join forces and refer each other business. And I continue to get inquiries from people who saw the article or TV segment, saved the information, and were waiting for the right time to contact me.
The question is, what now? How can I follow THAT up? There may not likely be another big media blitz in store, so perhaps I just need to focus on what works - it's what I help my clients do in my work all the time - marketing, consistently. Am I just like the painter who puts off painting his own house because he never has the time?
Well, since I have about 20 years before I can retire (ugh), I need to keep the adrenaline pumping and the ideas flowing. I recently spoke with a marketing expert who feels that marketing is tailored to each individual business. For me, being "salesy" and bombarding contacts with email blasts is not my style. I'd prefer to make personal one on one to those I've worked with, to check in, see if they need me, even ask for their referrals. That's my comfort zone.
Will that create more work for me? For sure, at least in terms of the time I'll have to invest; but hopefully it will also pay off in new business, and will well be worth the effort. To those of you who are continually striving to make time for marketing, join me in the struggle. After all, are we not our own most important client?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
