Marketing the Easy Way in 10 Minutes a Day

Marketing a small business is one of the most difficult activities any entrepreneur will face. It's full of challenges and obstacles that demand preparation, dedication and determination to win the game. It's just like playing football - success will ultimately be determined by your commitment to win and your desire to compete. Are you eager to find a simple way to add new clients but already busy and struggle to find blocks of free time to "do marketing." The key is to keep your intention of wanting to do marketing in the top of your mind. Look for opportunities during the day to follow a few of these marketing tips.

1. Talk to new clients. Ask the clients how they found you. Perhaps a friend referred them. Then underscore that you build your business on referrals. Send the referrer a note thanking him or her for the referral.
   
2. Have a standard note that you write for this therefore it can be done in less than 5 minutes. The note is another way to stay top of mind with the referrer.
3. Make it a game to see how many times a day you can seamlessly add a request for a referral to your conversation! Whether it is another professional or a current client, look for an appropriate time in the conversation to make this request. You want the request to be natural not pushy.
4. Slip in a success story or respond to a compliment with, "If you ever come across someone with a similar issue, I would value a referral from you.
5. Use email or LinkedIn to connect to a former client, a school classmate or professor or a business acquaintance. A short email lets them know you were thinking of them and is a great way to get them to think about you!

Over the years that you have been in business I am sure you have done some or all of these. The point is to do them consistently week after week. By staying connected to your network and asking for referrals your practice will grow effortlessly!

Michelle Clark, PMP
Amici Communications