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Seven Ways to Effectively Self-Promote Your Business

Seven Ways to Effectively Self-Promote Your Business

By: CHARISSA ARSAOUI
Friday, July 9, 2010


* Business Advice

CharToday’s business owners need an affordable way to set themselves apart from their competition. For start-ups, every penny spent on advertising has to count. Without hiring a pricy PR firm, is it possible to get the word out about the new products and services you have to offer without breaking the bank? Of course it is!

With the help of the Internet, you can employ strategies that will improve your bottom line by allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket. Here are a few no-cost ways to promote your business effectively:

1. Get a blog and direct your customers to it. WordPress and Blogger offer user-friendly options for first time visitors to the blogosphere. Free account options are available for you to engage and inform your readers about all the things that set you apart from other companies professionally.




2. Post articles relating to your trade or industry in newsletters and Web sites that accept Guest Posts. Lend your expertise to publications in your industry for free. Just make sure that each post includes a byline with links to your blog or Web site. Driving business to your Web site is a quick way to increase your customer base.



3. Design a business card that grabs people’s attention. A well-designed business card is classy, straightforward, and useful. It provides important information about the type of establishment that you run, your business’s name, physical and Web address and a logo or motto to help with branding.

4. Familiarize yourself with social media networking. Create Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts for your business. Update them frequently with announcements about upcoming events, new product launches and special promotions being offered.

5. Host a monthly giveaway. What better way is there to get the word out about all things involving you than through a contest sponsored through your blog or Web site? From homemade beauty products to hour-long fitness training sessions, offering an online incentive from time to time is a good way to build trust and let prospective customers try out what you have to offer.




6. Trade services with other entrepreneurs. Use your ability to barter as often as you possibly can. Swapping skills with other businesses is a cost-effective way for you to get things done on a budget.




7. Set up a mailing list and offer your customers incentives for signing up for it. Keeping in constant communication with your customers gives you a distinct advantage. Offering sales and promotions from time to time to the people who are considerate enough to provide you with their contact information promotes goodwill and loyalty among your customers.


You don’t need to tap into your profits to establish a rock solid marketing plan. With some creativity and our list of suggestions, you, too, can travel down the road to success with ease.

Karen Taylor Bass, public relations consultant and author, recently told The Network Journal that she, herself, employed some of these strategies - along with a few others such as sending out podcasts to potential clients - for the launch of her own business.  

“If I had to select one, I would say that the blog is the most effective strategy on the list,” she says. “It’s a great way to establish your expert status and provide fodder for the marketplace. Also, it optimizes well on the Internet and is the equivalent of instant syndication.”

Taylor Bass advises budding business owners to consider networking as a close second to blogging. “Networking should be approached as a strategic partner rather than a chore,” she says. “Observe how the top players ‘work’ a room and make everyone feel engaged and special. Being the best listener in the room goes a long way.”

Additional reporting contributed by Sergie Willoughby

All Dreams Are Possible Are You Ready?

Happy Thursday!

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Hi, thank you for reading my blog. As we face this turbulent and challenging financial times, I want to encourage you to never give up. Spoke with a colleague this week and he was so close to giving up and I had to remind him now is the best time to reinvent. There are no rules in a recession, whatever worked before ... is not working now. Please realize the best way to find a job is to volunteer your time and energy. Let people see you in a positive light by giving back and organically things will start to happen. I can only stress that impressions is everything. Stay involved and active. The perfect opportunity won't find you, you must create it

We are all in this together.

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It’s Time To Become A Brand New You! –
Re-Invention Tips To Weather Any Storm

April 21, 2009, New York, NY…It’s no secret that given the economy, it is imperative to market your true authentic self when seeking clients, employment opportunities and growing a business. In an unsettled economy– everyone must develop a BRAND NEW ATTITUDE to “standout” from the competition.

I have put together a PR Re-Invention Plan to help individuals get the opportunity they desire using PR as an empowerment tool. Keep in mind these tips have worked for her past clients from Citibank, Sony Music, D’Angelo, Jill Scott, Mariah Carey, NBA’s Ray Allen and Chris Webber to name a few. Taylor Bass says, “Now is the time to make the economy work for you and be fearless. Sell and position yourself/brand like nobody’s business. Be Your Own Publicist. For every job posting you have thousands of applicants. It is imperative for each person to stand-out and secure the opportunity.”

Here are some sure-fire ways to get your brand noticed, secure the perfect job, market one’s business and STANDOUT, mentioned in my condensed learn as you go soft cover (108 pages), “You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins” A Smart Do-It-Yourself PR Guide For Those On A Budget.

Tips to implement as you create awareness and grow your brand, right now:

1) Think Linearly.
Act with a plan. Identify where you want to work, what salary you want to make, and how you can be an asset to the corporation

2) Be prepared. Is your portfolio screaming, “hire me, I’m desperate?” Keywords are important for coding and garnering an opportunity. Ex: PR Expert instead of Publicist in the experience column will send a stronger message to employers. Play yourself up.

3) Be Viral. The Internet is a force and you must participate. For companies/clients to find you must participate in social networking- for example: (Blogtalkradio, LINKEDIN, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter). Blog 2x a week; e-blast newsletters; Sign up today and start blogging to get your name out there. Prospective Employers are using Google© to learn more about the candidates. Also, it is imperative to have a web presence with a functional, smart, attractive website. A website will give your brand a global presence.

Make certain your incorporate your tagline into all your emails to build brand awareness.

4) Be prepared for the opportunity. Let people know who and what you have to offer. Be your own publicist and bring the hype. Create an electronic media kit listing your skills, accomplishments, and awards. Make certain your presentation is creative, “out of the box” approach and appropriate for your industry. Compose a press release lauding your best work/project.

5) Promote yourself.
Brand you. Remember, you are an authority in your field, so begin to visualize, and execute your plan as if you were a rock star.
Write an Op-Ed piece in your favorite newspaper, journal, magazine and get a byline (this means that you get credit for writing the story) Service the byline to the companies you want to work for and be on their radar. It’s all about impressions and follow-up.

6) Authenticity. You must appear sincere and approachable. Employers/clients want to know that you can deliver. If you say you are the best -- then bring it. Show letters of recommendations, praises from your former boss/project managers, and colleagues. Volunteer your time at a non-profit to keep your skills razor, network and secure job leads.

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