Marketing Tips For a SLOW Economy
First remind yourself that you are great at what you do and you are better than the economy. You will be surprised to see how far a positive and optimistic attitude will take you in a shaky economy. You will find that people will prefer to be around and do business with someone more upbeat and positive then someone spouting stories of doom and gloom.
Second, get down to business. Start with your closest circle of friends, family, acquaintances and associates. Send each one of them a short letter or postcard saying hello, and remind them where you work, what you do, and what you offer. For example: “Hi Aunt Judy, I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say I hope everything has been going well for you. I wasn’t sure if you were aware that I work for 123 Mortgage and I am always looking for new business and referrals. Please keep me in mind if you happen to hear someone mention that they are looking for a good mortgage person or they are thinking about refinancing. I would love the opportunity to help out your friends. I have included a few of my business cards, please pass them out freely. It is more important, now more then ever, for people to do business with someone they can trust. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Thank you for your gracious support in advance.”
If you are sending a letter, remember to send some of your business cards with it. If you are sending a postcard, remember to design it with the idea that they will need your business information at their fingertips if you want them to refer you.
Third, email, fax, send a letter or call all your old contacts from the last year. Remember to thank them for their business and remind them that you love referrals and would be thrilled to work with anyone they may know. Many times it is the old adage “out of sight, out of mind”. Keep track of those that respond back to your contact. Begin a database for those people that respond, as well as the people that do not. Keep your list updated and fresh. Categorize these contacts to make it easier on yourself. If you don’t have any contacts from the previous year, you will need to focus on new business and making every relationship work for you.
Forth, get involved with everything!!
Business networking groups are great areas to pick up new clients and contacts. For example Chambers, business referral networks and other business core groups just to name a few. Think of these as your Linked in colleagues. You must see this away to grow your business and possibly help grow someone else’s business as well. You need to focus on what you can do and how you are different from your competitors. Show these new contacts that you can be trusted.
Personal networking, think of this as your Facebook side of business. Social clubs and groups are a more personal touch to your business portfolio. For example: Kiwanis, Rotary, Scouting, kids clubs, sports, church groups. Always express your gratitude with a quick note about how much you appreciate meeting them.. Let them know you would like to have the opportunity to sit down and tell them about what you do for a living. Cultivate these relationships wisely.
Finally, follow up. If someone refers a client to you make sure you call and thank them for the referral as well as contact that referral in a timely manner. Remember nothing happens overnight and you get out what you put in. If you want people to remember you stay in front of them. Above all don’t forget ASK FOR THEIR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT.
Written by: April M Hack -Sales and Marketing --Oldstone Title Agency, LLC 2010
Phone (330)670-0150 Fax (330)670-0151
This is great advice. I really need to take time and do business cards. My question is if you are in a position like mine and you don't technically own a business/business name,what would you put on your business card? In the past it has always been Name, Job Title i.e Signing Agent/Notary, phone number(s) and email address. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteHello, you are definately on the right track. you would be surprised by the number of business cards that I gather throughout the days that do not have that fundamental information on them. This is my suggestion:
ReplyDelete1. contact information- name, phone with VM, email and website if you have one.
2.What do you do? what service do you offer?
3.Coverage area? are you local or national?
4.Key phrase or line, some people even add their picture which makes it easier for those receiving your card to remember you.
5. Finally font. Make sure it is legible, and easy to read not to wordy, but,informative.
Anyway, I hope I have helped out a little.
Also, you don't need to have business to have a business card. In fact when I was out job hunting I made up business cards with my contact information, picture and my most valuable asset on them. I handed them to the people I met for the interviews. It worked GREAT!!