About 18 months ago I posted an article, in the series on Launching a Business, titled: Shamelessly Promote. If you’ve not read that article (or need a refresher) you are encouraged to do so now by clicking here.
This article builds on the above…
As you may know, great ideas come from many sources.
One thing I like to do is scan our local / weekly paper. And, I’m never disappointed in the fact that 1 or more ideas result from doing so. Ideas that I can use in my own business or share with my clients (business and/or SCORE).
This week was no different.
After reviewing this week’s paper I found 2 articles that are examples of simple ways to promote our businesses.
- A business spotlight which introduces a new business to the community by sharing a brief story on the owner and how they arrived where they are as well as the products / services they offer.
- An informational article authored by a business owner sharing approaches to solving a problem or achieving a goal. This week’s example was from a Real Estate agent: How to maximize your selling potential during the winter.
Local newspapers are a highly recommended and worthwhile channel to get the word out about our business. Not only that, they provide the opportunity to exercise our “promotional” muscles which, as a business owner, we must be doing every single day!
The reality is that most local newspapers are anxious to publish “good news.” In fact, you may learn that you have an opportunity to publish a series of informational articles over the course of several weeks or months. Consider it an extension of your blog, only in print. That is, you only have to write the article once and you can make it available to the local newspaper as well as online on your website.
To explore this option, simply look for the editorial contacts that will be clearly provided on your local newspaper and send them an email, or call, to discuss potentials for doing any / all of the above.
Yes, I know…It can be uncomfortable to self-promote. In the words of my wife, Cindy: Get over it!
The fact is, if you are in business for yourself, you MUST get the word out and remain top- of-mind to your marketplace. This, assuming you truly believe in and have a passion for what you do. The alternative, if you don’t self-promote, is that you will likely not be able to serve (a.k.a., help) as many people as you’d really like to with the products / services you offer. And, you will have dramatically reduced the revenue you could have otherwise generated.
In closing, you are encouraged to shamelessly promote! And, constantly look for new ideas and approaches to doing so.
All the best!
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Be Brave Not Safe 
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