Hey, October is Self Promotion Month!

Do you own your own business?  Then you must self-promote because no one else is going to do it for you.  So what?  Well, if no one knows about your service, you’re not going to have a business for very long! Self-promotion should not be smarmy and obnoxious.  It should be honest, forthright, and feel like you are forming mutually beneficial connections with others. How can you self-promote the right way? Try these six tips: Be the “Go-To” Gal or Guy.  When networking, really listen to the services others provide.  Educate yourself on what and who is out there and be ready to link people with what they need.  If you become the “go-to” person then you’ll be remembered as helpful and willing and will be first in the minds of people when it’s your service they need. Don’t let people live with rats.  You provide a useful service, right?  If you own a pest control company, wouldn’t you agree that people with pests really do need your service?  Regardless of your service, if you truly believe that you have something valuable to offer, then frankly it’s selfish not to tell people about it.  Why are you letting people continue to live with rats if you can do something about it?! Be nice.  I love Les Schwab.  I wish that I could by my groceries and get dental work done at Les Schwab.  Because they are SO DARN NICE and always helpful.  The moral?  If people LIKE you they want to do business with you, and they will find ways to do business with you one way or another.   Specialize.  I know, it’s scary, but if you say that ‘everyone’s your client’ then you’re really not for me.  I want to know that you are great at what you do, and to do that you have to specialize.  You’ll fear losing clients, but long term you want to be seen and sought-after as an expert, and you can’t do that as a jack-of-all-trades!  To read a great article on specializing try <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/29/take-the-risk-and-specialize-in-order-to-stand-out/">http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/29/take-the-risk-and-specialize-in-order-to-stand-out/</a> Show up.  Facebook, Twitter, Biznik, E-women, Le Tip, BNI... they can all work but you’ll only get out what you put it.  So be consistent, show up regularly, get to know the members and take an active interest in what they do.  And do this for months and years, not weeks.  Show up when your business is slow, and especially when your business is busy.  Only then will you reap the rewards of networking and self-promotion.   Tell a good story.  Don’t ever, EVER, tell someone your job title when they ask what you do.  That’s just a quick way to end the conversation.  Seriously... “I’m a psychologist” “I’m a plumber” “I’m a designer.”  Boring!  How about “I help people overcome their fear of the dark.” “I unclog the sink after the kids try to see how many legos will fit in the garbage disposal.” “I makeover living rooms so that people aren’t embarrassed to have their friends come over.”  You see, it may not tell *everything* you do, but it *will* get the conversation going! Self-promotion is all about showing up and not being selfish with the knowledge you have that can help others.  Be educated, helpful and nice, and you will find success! 2009-10-01T02:42:11Z

2009-10-01T15:56:36Z

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hey-october-is-self-promotion-month

2009-10-01T08:55:58Z

2009-10-01T15:56:36Z

October is Self-Promotion Month! Use these six tips to get a new jumpstart on getting out there and getting known.

Hey, October is Self Promotion Month!

2009-10-01T15:56:55Z