Guest Post: Get Out There!

This article is primarily aimed at women starting their own businesses, but I think there are a lot of great points here that would be very useful to authors.  Networking is crucial to the success of any business venture.  As I always say, "your book is your business." - Terry




Get Out There!

By Pat Mussieux


Are you hiding behind your computer and thinking you can grow your business that way? Is that part of your comfort zone because you don't really know where to go and what to do when you get there - when it comes to marketing your products and services?

I am always telling my clients that they need to get 'out there'. Easily said, I know. What I have learned, though, is that they just don't know where and how. Here are some key tips for you - so you can develop the KLT fact (know, like and trust). People do business with people they know, like and trust.

Get a business card and carry them with you at all times. It is unbelievable to me how many women entrepreneurs I meet, out and about, who don't have a business card with them. Come on! Get a professional business card - and be sure to use the 'real estate' on the back of it, too - and have them with you at all times - in the car, in your purse - in all places. It is 'client attractive' to make it easy for people to connect with you.

Create, and send, a weekly ezine (newsletter) and be consistent about it - You know, by now, that my ezine comes out every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. EST - and when it doesn't, I get e-mails from people asking if they have been dropped from my list because they didn't get it on any one occasion. People come to expect it - especially because there is always good, solid content which is helpful to them in growing their business and become a wealthy woman leader. They come to know me and what I have to offer. What about you?

Create a 'free gift' and have it available on your website. One way to 'get out there' and get known, is to be driving traffic to your website on a regular basis - through your business card, your ezine, a public speaking event, a radio interview, etc. Get people to your website so you can grow your list - and be sure to offer a free gift (a report, a CD, etc.) that has great content for your prospects.

Get booked for interviews on radio and TV. Many, many people listen to blog talk radio these days - there is a lot to learn from the various experts who are being interviewed. You need to be one of them. Just google 'blog talk radio' - find the category that fits with the work you do - listen to a few of the shows to ensure you have synergy with the host and determine that you can bring value to that person's show - and make contact. Get talking!

Public Speaking. We've talked about this before - as an entrepreneur who wants to grow their business and make more money, you've got to get out on various stages - to create awareness about who you are and what you have to offer. Create a signature speech, create a list of the stages you want to be on - and get going.
Volunteer. I totally believe in the universal principle of giving back - volunteer your time or services to an organization that aligns with your values. As a new entrepreneur, don't 'sign up for life' - but, rather, manage your time and energy so that you can have a 'presence', give something of value, and still have plenty of time to be working 'on' your business.

Pick up the phone! Yup - that's what I said: pick up the phone! I often surprise clients, on a Friday afternoon, when I randomly choose a name and call them just to chat and see how they are doing. Or I call someone with whom I have developed an e-mail or social media relationship, and make arrangements for a coffee date - taking it to the next level. Get out there.

CONCLUSION

There are many ways to grow your business, whether you are a 'start up' or a seasoned entrepreneur, but it does mean stepping out and away from your computer. I totally believe in the personal touch and 'getting to know' people. You've got to get out there - and in a big way.

Pat Mussieux is fast becoming regarded as a highly valued Canadian mentor for women entrepreneurs taking her own business from zero to a multiple 6-figure home-based business in less than 4 years. Much of her success can be attributed to her expertise in marketing, mindset and money! Pat Mussieux is a business coach, author, speaker and radio host. You can reach her at http://www.wealthywomenleaders.com

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An Important Marketing Tool: The Business Card

An Important Marketing Tool: The Business Card

By CJ Heck


When it comes to marketing your book or your written work, don't overlook one very important tool - the business card. It's one of an author's most important tools, and they're not expensive, considering the many ways a business card can help you.

If you have a website, have your website URL printed on the back so they can visit your site. Have a picture of your book(s) on it, like a logo. I've sold a lot of books using my business card. There are so many uses for it and I'd like to share some of them with you. You can probably come up with even more ways.

** Remember, we're in the business of selling books:

* Bulletin Boards in stores and businesses you go to. Thumb-tack your card there with all of the others.

* While sitting in waiting rooms, on a plane, train, or bus talking to people. Hand them one of your cards.

* At gatherings, parties, class reunions (yuck), or while networking with your 'real' job - hand out both of your business cards.

* Tuck a few inside books you've sold for buyers to pass out to their friends.

* Ask it it's okay to leave a small stack of them on the counter at your local public libraries. Libraries love local authors! So do people who come to the library - they will take the cards, trust me.

* If your book is a children's book... anytime you see a mother with children, strike up a conversation, introduce yourself and hand her a card, or several to give to their friends.

* Again, for children's authors, any time you meet a teacher, a principal, school librarian, give them cards, too. You can also tell them you do school visits (if, in fact, you do them).

* Ask to leave a stack of business cards on the counter at the mechanic's where you take your car, at your hairdresser, barber, and even at the gym.

* Buy a small business card holder, have it full of cards and right beside you on the table at book signings, school visits, or other speaking engagements. Maybe someone won't buy the book that day, but when they take a business card, it's an excellent reminder of your book for later, when they're considering gifts.

Here's one of my personal favorites. I've sold a lot of books this way:

Restaurants - when the check comes after dinner, write "Thank You" on one of your cards, and add the waitress' or waiter's name if it's on the check. Then be sure and sign it and leave it, along with the tip. Many times, they've followed me out to the door asking more about the book, or wanting to shake my hand, or even ask for more cards for the rest of the staff.

* The above also applies to anyone giving you a good service - your barber, the clerk in a department store, but always write "Thank You" and sign your card. Remember, it's an autograph AND a reminder about your book and website. People love meeting authors - use this to your advantage, fellow writers. Have those business cards in your pocket and ready to pass out.

You'll sell more books, I promise.

CJ Heck is a published poet, writer, blogger and author of four books. For excerpts and more information, please visit: http://www.barkingspiderspoetry.com. CJ is also a Vietnam War widow.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CJ_Heck


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