Dani,

I think small businesses need to make sure the message the customer is getting and passing on to others is consistent.

Having a long elevator pitch or sweeping mission statement isn't as important as emphasizing in simple everyday words what you do for your customer. That way if they refer you to someone else, they don't say, "She's just great with computers...whatever you need." That isn't going to get you the people you want.

Even when a prospect becomes your customer, remind them what you do without talking down to them. You may have other things to offer besides what one customer hires you for or buys as a product.

You could also start an e-mail list and ask your customers to join so you can keep them up to date on sales and your progress. People love being acquaintances with a business owner...even a small one...it makes them feel like they "know someone."

If you ever want to brainstorm, email me (jennifer at nontoxicnetworking.com), I haven't done online marketing professionally since I moved on to writing about three months ago - so I won't try to make you a client. Just brainstorming!

People work with people they like, but if they never get a chance to know you, they'll never know if they like you.

There are so many of us out there on the web that the only thing that makes you stand out as a different choice than that other guy down the road (online or offline) is your personality.

So even if you are blogging about "relevant business topics" you still have to have some kind of an opinion on them...unless your personality is to always be of both minds at once and not stray to one solid opinion...then you should work that into your writing.

The things about your personal life you want to share because they are VERY important to you, share. Because then others who feel that same thing is VERY important to them will connect with you. Those who like it a little will judge the overall post and those who HATE what is VERY important to you...well...you don't want to do business with them, do you? I wouldn't think so.

The best way to find an ideal client is to be unlikable (jut by being yourself) to some segment of the population. You have to have some kind of individual polarity in order to attract like-minded people.

It's not easy to convey personality through text, and a blog allows you to start a conversation with your potential clients and readers as often as you would like in order to come to a place where they have an understanding of who you are, and then make a decision on if you are someone they want to do business with.

I love what CJ said about knowing your goal going in. If you're looking for more local clients, local-interest stuff is great to have an opinion about on your blog!

Thanks for reading, Jen

I'm thinking about starting a local networking group, and am seriously entertaining doing it through Biznik...I don't think I'm the only one.

Will you ever have one of these meetings via teleconference or in some other form so those of us in Chicago or elsewhere can learn about successfully hosting Biznik events?

Thanks!

Jennifer Gniadecki www.marketingcurve.com