Part I-Getting Started

Creating A Marketing Plan

1) Establish short and long term goals for your business which should be listed in your business plan.

2) Ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by marketing and promoting your business- more clients, name recognition.

3) Create a Marketing Plan and include the following; -A list of your products and/or services -A profile of your customers -Your plan to market your business(yellow page directories, TV, radio)

4) Create a budget that will allow you to be consistent.

Part II-Getting the word out

Networking-

5) Set networking goals- build relationships, professional development, clients.

6) Find out as much about an organization before you attend( meetings, membership profile).

7) Network and join groups that fit your own professional & personal needs. I belong to a women's organization that fulfills my needs professionally and spiritually.

8) Don't overlook groups based on your hobbies and leisure activities.

9) Create a 30 second introduction to sell yourself.

10) Don't wait until the well is dry to do networking. Networking is something you must do on a regular basis.

11) Motivate yourself to work the room. I have connected with several people who have been great sources for referrals.

12) Organize your information- I have 16 different data bases. That's right 16 different data bases. I keep track of everyone that has attended a workshop, speaking engagement, or is interested in my products or services.

13) Remember the little things-send anything that would be of interest to people you meet and want to stay in touch with.

14) Keep contacts informed of new developments in your company ( new products, new services, web page).

Seminars/Speaking Engagements

15) Pick a topic in your area of expertise.

16) Submit proposals to organizations or groups that sponsor workshops.

17) Ask family and friends for names of groups or organizations interested in speakers

18) Provide tips and helpful hints the audience can use. Never try to sell yourself or your services.

19) Bring an assistant to help you work the room, hand out company literature, distribute evaluations, or to just collect business cards.

Newsletters

20) Create a 1-Page newsletter to keep in touch with clients and potential clients

21) Writing a newsletters will give you credibility- People will see you as an expert in the field.

22) Use a desktop publishing software to produce your own or hire a consultant.

The Media

23) Create a Media Contact List

24) Send letters to the editors of publications or executive producers of programs

25) Create a Press Kit using a 2-pocket folder with business card slot and include - Biographical profile, presentation list, or resume - Company background/brochure - Photo of yourself & products black and white. - Copies of articles written about you, the company or letters of endorsements from clients or customers. - A feature idea or an article you have written.

26) Write a press release announcing a new product, service, workshop, anniversary and send to everyone on your media list

27) A press release should be 1 page double spaced(maximum 2 pages).

28) Remember to list the contact name and number on the press release and end the press release with 2 Hash marks centered( ##)

29) Mail or fax your release in advance. If the publication suggests give 2 weeks notice I would mail or fax 3-4 weeks in advance.

30)Follow-up to make sure the information was received.

Handling the media

31) Prepare a list of 3-4 key message you want to convey.

32) Have evidence or detail facts to support the key messages

33) Explain how your key messages relates to the audiences of the media

34) Work to establish rapport with the interviewer including before the interview

35) Practice, Practice, Practice.

Other ways of promoting your business

36) Send unsolicited proposals to people & companies you want to do business with

37) Write a how-to booklets-on a subject you are knowledgeable.

38) Carry your products or literature with you. You never know where you might meet your next customer.

39) Join others in promotions-great way to market and promote your business without spending a lot of money. For example an interior decorator could do a promotion with someone who has a fabric store.

40) Become computer literate. Create a web page, participate in discussion groups, send tips to everyone on your email list

Words Of Wisdom

41) Believe in yourself-if you don't think you can do it who will

42) Develop & maintain a positive attitude your sales( and life) success depend on it.

43) Believe in your company & your product-if you do it will show.

44) Help others get business-you never know when they will return the favor.

45) Don't keep score-use your resources at your disposal. If you don't measure it will come back tenfold.

46) Do it passionately-give the best effort.

47) Be memorable in a creative, positive, professional way.

48) Find mentors and coaches and use them-if you have the desire to succeed others will help you.

49) Hang around successful people-it is the best way to be successful. Avoid negative people.

50) Stay Motivated- listen to tapes read books

51) Have fun enjoying what you are doing.

Totally Organized is a professional organizing company devoted to help you make the most of your day and get more quality free time. For more information contact: Totally Organized, P.O. Box 54091, PA 19105-4091, (215)229-7232. E-mail:TOrganized@Aol.com. Web Address: http://members.aol.com/TOrganized.