I like to cook, so I do a lot of the shopping (if you are shopping in the Fort mill SC area you have probably seen me wandering the aisles). As I around the store looking for the right ingredients for whatever marinade I have decided will save my often overcooked pork chops, I see toddlers grab their parent’s hand and drag them to what they want. What they want is usually chocolate based and heavily fortified with sugar. Occasionally this tacit will work, but most of the times it fails.
Why? Because the parent is not in the “buy my kid something to rot their teeth” mindset.
And I got to thinking that is the way you market your business? Are you walking up and pulling on your prospects hand and pointing to what you want them to buy?
Of course not, you say. Well, U don’t think I am…..Well maybe you aren’t literally grabbing them, but perhaps you are figuratively.
Answer these questions.
• Are you sending unsolicited emails?
• Are you calling them again and again?
• Is your mailing list from the phonebook?
Why are you harassing people that won’t or can’t use your product or service instead of focusing on providing your service to people who can and will use? It’s a waste of time, money and effort.
So what should you do?
Get a website: It is 2011, people. Some cats have websites. And not like famous cats either, regular cats. I understand if you don’t have the time or knowledge, there are lots of people around you that do (Need a website in Fort Mill SC, I know somebody who can help…)
The main advantage of having an optimized website is that people who need your service can see what you do and see if they want to give you a call or contact you. How great would if for your phone to ring instead of constantly dialing out.
Use Social media: People are out there talking, they need your help. Why won’t you go help them? And you don’t have to be on every site, pick one to start with like facebook, or LinkedIn and work on building your network.
Help people and direct them to your site and your idea/product. Post information that deals with your industry. Be careful not to just use a bullhorn to announce your business. You are here to help, after all, not just sell.
Get Involved: Join the chamber of Commerce, get involved in your community, and volunteer to lend your services to an organization.
People want to work with companies who care about the community and other things beside the bottom line.
Reward your Current Customers: Give people the tools to share your ideas and business and give them the motivation to share you with the world. Whether it is a loyalty card or just the fact that they “know a guy who can help”
Hope these suggestions help you get more inbound leads and help your marketing efforts.
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