The hidden SECOND step to attracting more clients in 60 days
What’s the first step to attracting more of my ideal clients, Stella?
Here at Stella’s laboratory, we talk to a bunch of business owners across the country on a regular basis. And one thing that keeps coming up is branding.
In fact, this is the hidden SECOND step in creating powerful marketing. If you don’t have a strong brand, your marketing is going to be all over the place. A little of this, a little of that.
When that’s your approach, of course you aren’t going to see much return on your efforts. You’re scattering your focus. (As we used to say to teenagers at the alternative school where I taught in Seattle: “where your attention goes, energy flows.”)
It’s so key, let me say it again: if your attention isn’t focused, you won’t get much traction. I’ve seen this happen. And it breaks my heart.
Because the truth is, there is no silver bullet when it comes to marketing and attracting your ideal clients. It’s really as simple as picking a few strategies and doing them on a regular basis. But you’ve got to make a decision and pick what those strategies are, for it to work.
Next week, I’ll write more on what’s in a brand and how to nail it.
Now, what about that hidden FIRST step to attracting more clients? I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs erect imaginary obstacles to taking action. Branding is one of them. “I need to nail my brand before I do anything else.”
Horsefeathers.
That’s fear talking.
So let me be clear: if you know your brand needs work, don’t let that get in the way of taking action. Remember, here in Stella’s tribe, we’re Recovering Perfectionists. We take imperfect action. We celebrate all progress. And we learn from what we do so we can do it even better the next time. (To quote Tony Horton, exercise guru of P90X fame & the reason why Stella's so sore as she writes this: "Do your best and forget the rest.")
So this week, before we even begin to get into branding, let’s talk the hidden FIRST step to attracting more clients: basic marketing strategies.
Which strategies? In the name of transparency, here are some of my favorites:
- Every Monday, I write an article
- Every Monday, I write a personal note to my friends, clients & colleagues, telling them what I’m up to, sharing resources, and including a link to my blog*
- I’m participating in the Done For You Giveaway, raffling off my services in order to be seen and be recognized by more of my ideal audience
- Every Monday, I load hootsuite with social media messages for the week
- Once or twice a month, I attend a networking meeting in Miami*
- Every week, I invite 20 people to meet with me to help them build their business*
- Every week, I write 5 business owners who I admire (and who share my ideal audience) to explore the possibility of working together, referring business, and helping one another promote our stuff (aka strategic networking)*
- Every week, I answer marketing, branding and copywriting questions on the IAWBC online forum
- I connect colleagues with people I think they’d enjoy meeting, refer business to my network across the country, and send resources to people I’ve talked to or have been thinking about*
This week’s homework: What’s the one thing you do on a regular basis to reach out to clients and strategic partners who can refer you clients, that’s yielded the best results? How can you do MORE of that? Or, if you’re just starting to build out your marketing, pick 1-2 actions with an asterisk*, and do it this week. If you really want to make this work, don't wait. Do it NOW. One thing successful business owners train themselves to do is to prioritize revenue-generating activities. Do you?
