Marketing Yourself Is What It’s All About

During these times of economic downturn in many areas, it’s often difficult to get the public to take home business owners seriously.  Frequently we’re regarded as stay-at-home moms or grandmothers who want to make a little pin money.  They don’t realize we’re professionals (whether writers, quiltmakers, crafters, bookkeepers, office assistants, medical technicians) and, as such, should ask for fair payment, not pocket change.

For instance…writers have this problem in particular and find theirs often is the first service that businesses discontinue. Instead, promote yourself as a marketing specialist, someone who will perform a service to market a company/individual’s products and services.  You’re not just writing about them in press releases, newsletters, etc.  You’re a marketing specialist/consultant who is helping them promote themselves.

No matter what product or service you offer, emphasize how you can help the business you wish to have hire you.  Work on a program beforehand to show how your services will benefit them.  They’ll not be spending money on something extra; they’ll be investing in marketing themselves.

So you should know how to develop an idea using your services or products that will be an investment, not an expense.  Also, be ready to show them how your services and program will benefit them in tough business times.

What successful techniques have you used to market yourself?

(Image: sxc.hu)