We all know that marketing is more than just getting the word out on your products and services -- visibility and credibility are also key aspects to landing new clients. Here are a couple ways to increase your professional credibility through clever marketing.
Be An Expert
One of the easiest ways to build your name is to offer your services as an expert. Offer to speak at the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, your local Growth Association or Rotary Club or give seminars through local colleges, universities or businesses. You can speak on a variety of topics such as how to save money, how to improve an aspect of your life or how to improve your interpersonal skills. Give interviews to local newspapers, or better yet, write a regular column. Don't forget to include your company name, email, web address and phone number in your byline. Most importantly, have someone take pictures of you speaking and use those in you advertising materials and on your website.Attend Trade Shows
I know you'd probably rather be closed off in your office than traipsing around a trade show but attending trade shows for an industry you specialize in can yield great results. Dress appropriately and wear a nametag or shirt to identify you and your company. Something eye-catching is the key. Carry a pocket full of business cards and get to it. Collect as many business cards and brochures as you can, pass out an equal number of your own and add them to your potential client list. You may be surprised at how many follow-up calls you get.Barter
Another way to get great exposure is to barter with non-profit agencies. They frequently need work of all types done, from art to writing to promotional pieces and printing but may not have a budget to support the work. Trade your work for tickets to one of their functions and use it as a networking opportunity. If you get more tickets than you need, give them to clients you are trying to woo or past clients as an incentive for more work.Partner With Other Professionals
One problem that small companies frequently face is that they only specialize in one aspect of a larger process. For instance, if you run a printing company, you may miss out on large corporate jobs that are usually handled by advertising agencies or public relations firms. To combat this, you may want to consider pairing up with freelancers in other disciplines such as graphic design, marketing and public relations so you can offer a full menu of services. The same idea applies to many other fields. A hidden benefit of this type of arrangement is that your partners may bring in additional clients; and by offering a full menu of services, your credibility increases.Go To Page: 1 2
