by Leni Chauvin
I've always found that one of the easiest, most cost-effective, and
productive ways to build a business is to magnetize yourself.
Think of the magnets you see in your everyday life. They're strong, aren't
they? They have pulling power, don't they? They have the ability to keep
things attached, don't they? That's the beauty of attraction marketing, too,
with you being the magnet that draws people to you.
So, how do you magnetize yourself? By letting people get a "taste" of you.
Why? Because when they're ready to contact you, they already know who you
are and what you can do for them.
It saves a lot of time and brings you clients who want to work with you
instead of prospects who want you to convince them to deal with you. That's
a subtle, but very important distinction.
Many potential clients will want to "experience" you anonymously before
they're prepared to enter into a conversation with you. Your job is to make
that as easy as possible for them, and one of the best ways to do that it to
put your thoughts in writing and make sure your writing is seen by as many
potential clients as possible.
What should you write and how do you get your words to "attract" qualified
clients to you? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Write an e-mail newsletter in your area of expertise that lets people see
who you are and what you can do for them. I have been sending this
newsletter out for six years and have received business from readers all
over the world. Writing an e-zine has helped me build my business and it
can easily help you build yours, too.
2. Leverage your efforts by sending your articles to mailing lists that
cater to publishers looking for content. (You'll need to become members of
the list in order to submit your articles, but the exposure you get is well
worth the added e-mails you'll receive.)
Here are a few to get you started:
aageneral@yahoogroups.com
Free-Content@yahoogroups.com
article_announce@yahoogroups.com
ArticlePublisher@yahoogroups.com
aabusiness@yahoogroups.com
I_Need_Content@yahoogroups.com
articlesubmission@yahoogroups.com
QC_Reprint_Articles@yahoogroups.com
Remember to include a resource box with your contact information at the end.
Your copyright notice at the end of the article is a must, too. Before you
know it, your articles will be appearing in newsletters and on Web sites
around the world.
3. Write a compelling signature file for all your e-mails. The signature
file is what you see after someone's name in an e-mail. It is not meant to
be a blatant advertisement, but rather a quick intro of who you are and the
benefits you offer. Make sure you include your web site and contact
information. Keep it to six to eight lines. Any more than that is
considered very poor netiquette.
4. Write letters to the editor. Let the members of your community see
where you stand on matters of local or business interest. Sign your name and
your business name if your comments are business related. This will go a
long way in creating visibility for yourself in your community.
5. Express yourself in a handwritten note. Anybody can use e-mail. Someone
who takes the time to sit down and write a note the old fashioned way really
stands out from the crowd. "Thank you, "congratulations," "nice meeting
you," "loved your presentation" are all great openers.
6. Post to discussion lists where your target market is active. Offer
helpful suggestions to your list mates. Build credibility for yourself by
offering help and expecting nothing in return. You'll quickly build a
reputation as someone in the know.
7. Become the newsletter editor of your Chamber of Commerce, Women's group
or professional association. This will keep your name in front of the
membership on a regular basis. Looking for newsworthy articles to write
about members' businesses will give you a perfect reason to stay in touch.
Doing so allows you to build both name recognition and relationships.
8. Write a regular column for a trade magazine that caters to your target
market. You HAVE identified your target market haven't you?
9. Send press releases any chance you get. Launching a new business? Send
a press release. Adding a new service? Send a press release! Sponsoring a
contest? Send a press release! Delivering a workshop? Send a press
release! How do you think newspapers get their information? From press
releases! Whom do you think they interview? People who send press
releases!
10. Give written testimonials. Yes, you read that right. GIVE
testimonials. You'll be amazed at what you'll get back.
Your written words are constantly being recycled and seen by fresh eyes
every day.
If someone likes an article they've seen in a newsletter, they'll hit their
e-mail "Forward" button. If they see something in the local newspaper that
strikes a chord with them, they'll cut out the article and mail it to a
friend.
Your testimonial on someone's Web page will be seen by thousands. Notes get
passed around by proud recipients. Magazines sit in doctor's offices
forever.
Get the picture?
Ready? Set? Write!
Copyright 2004 Leni Chauvin
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Leni Chauvin is the creator of the popular "Attract Clients Galore Programü"
for entrepreneurs and independent professionals who want to attract more
(and better) clients, make more money, and have more fun while they're doing
it. She is a certified Professional Coach and Business Building Specialist
who has helped thousands of ordinary people build extraordinary businesses.
Info and newsletter at at http://www.superstarnetworking.com
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