 Unique
Self Promoting - 5 Tips to Promoting Yourself
By Cassandra Russell
When it comes to promoting oneself in business, a dash of poised
sophistication is in order. At the risk of bragging, many women shy away
from speaking up about their know-how. Use these five innovative, yet
gracefully straightforward suggestions to increase your visibility in the
upcoming year.
1) Personalized Greeting Cards - Consider professionally printing labels
displaying your business contact information. Do not forget to add your
title, email and website information. Next, purchase some blank greeting
cards with an image that correspond with your business. Make sure the image
on the cards is also versatile enough to be used for a variety of occasions.
Stick the labels to the backs of the cards. This is an inexpensive twist on
custom greeting cards. Use them to thank your referrals, for contact’s
birthdays, business lunch invitations, etc. A quick hand written note inside
is all that is required. Tip: Keep cards in a handy folder with some stamped
envelopes in your desk.
2) Create a Tip Sheet - Free advice from the experts is hard to ignore. What
is your expertise? What questions do your clients ask most? Making a list of
the answers to these questions is the first step in creating a promotional
tip sheet. This one page handout can begin with an interesting title,
illuminate five key ideas and ends with your contact info. Use the following
example as a guide.
Tips on an Office Make-Over in Minutes:
1. Decorate with original art
2. Purchase organizers
3. Add colour in small doses
4. Display items that encourage creative energy
5. Add living plants and flowers
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(403) 000.0000, e-mail: xyz@hotmail.com or visit our web portfolio at
www.janesinteriors.xyz
Now have your tip sheet printed. Consider the colour and texture of your
paper. Choose creamy or pastel card stock for an understated professional
look. In contrast, bright coloured paper makes an eye catching statement.
Some of the pre-printed papers are fine, just stay away from the “cute”
ones. Make it a goal to distribute at least 100 copies to start. Tip:
Imagine your clients thinking, “How nice of you to share some of your advice
with the rest of us, tell me more...”
3) Illustrate Your Business with a Product - Visually explain your service
by creating a product to represent you. If you offer services, create a gift
basket with related items. For instance, an accountant could have a “Basket
of Numbers” including a gift certificate and some simple office supplies.
Those speaking publicly or teaching could create a starter package for
students who attend events and workshops to purchase. Include hard to find
products along with some simple printed instructions, your tip sheet, a set
of four of your blank custom cards along with a brochure for upcoming
events. Wrap it up like a gift basket. Imagine that your new clients do not
have the time to collect the items you are introducing to them on their own.
This starter kit is something tangible that illustrates what your business
is all about. Put one out at a related business or simply on a visible shelf
in your own office. Make a sign saying: “Ask about our BASKET OF NUMBERS”.
Tip: Believe that you are doing your contacts a favour by providing them
with the starter products they need.
4) Monthly E-Photo - Is there an image that you want stamped in your
business contacts’ minds when they think of you? Instead of sending a wordy
newsletter to your contacts via e-mail, send an e-photo of the month.
Digital cameras and scanners will make this endorsement tool quite simple.
Snap pictures of yourself doing something business related. Picture ideas
include: you holding your new product packages; you at a charity or gala
event; you presenting or accepting an award; you at work. Attach your
picture to your e-mail with a quick three line message as if you were
signing a postcard. For example: “Greetings Everyone! Just wanted to share
my latest and greatest with you! This is a picture from the Art Charity
Auction which is a literacy fundraiser for inner city children. Looking
forward to hearing from you, CR.”
Of course, you must both embellish and change the descriptions to correspond
with the pictures every month. These pictures will plant a friendly visual
reminder in the minds of contacts. Tip: Assemble all of your e-photos at the
end of the year in a scrapbook. You will have captured the essence of your
best work moments with this collection.
5) Offer to Be a Guest Speaker - Another wonderful way to promote yourself
is to volunteer to speak about your acquired career capabilities. Think
about what you have learned along the way and can share. Consider the groups
you would like to speak for. Make a list of the groups who you would like to
speak for. Consider special interest community groups as well as the local
Chamber of Commerce and any other business networking groups that correspond
with your line of expertise. Another idea is to inquire about local school’s
career day programs to share your knowledge with a younger yet rewarding
audience. You could also offer to demonstrate or display your work to these
groups if it applies to your business. Tip: Send your tip sheet along with
your custom greeting card proposing a speaking engagement.
Last Word - Yes, you can charmingly advance your career by using these
tools. Maximize their potential impact by using them interchangeably.
Remember, there is no point in keeping your business a secret. Be resolved
to begin implementing these wonderful marketing ideas today.
Cassandra Russell is a celebrated artist/graphic designer who develops
business & marketing materials. Contact her at 905.778.9926 or email
cassnadra@hotmail.com. View her portfolio:
www.art.com/memberartist/Cassandra__Russell |
