I think we can all agree that getting through life’s daily routines can have its challenges. Add starting a new business and you may feel like Pac-Man moving through the maze trying to eat up all your obstacles.
Speaking from experience, I can attest to the fact that there are certain challenges that can be avoided, or at least minimized, with proper planning. Then there are those that come up even with the best laid plans. If jumping hurdles and putting out fires isn’t your thing, do not pass go and do not collect $200.
Over the years I have found that it doesn’t really matter what business you have chosen, you can get started on the right track with these Five Obstacle Busters from Book Yourself Solid:
1. Choose a specific target market to begin marketing to. Marketing to everyone, even if you insist that everyone could use your services, will have you riding the hamster wheel to nowhere land. Getting specific will help you determine where they hang out so you know where to concentrate your marketing efforts, when you show up they will know you are dedicated to them, and they will tell all their colleagues about you. (Referrals!)
2. Offer a service or product that you know people want. Just because you think people should buy what you have isn’t enough reason for them to do so. You have to know their urgent needs and compelling desires in order for them to see the value in what you provide. Knowing the core benefits people are actually looking for is crucial to booking the biz.
3. Develop your personal brand and decide how you want to be known in the world based on what you stand for. You prospects want to be sure you are the right person to solve their problem. It is imperative you are clear on what you do for them – the big result you give them, and why you do it. People will want to resonate with these statements before starting a conversation.
4. Learn how to talk about what you do by creating a dialogue with someone. A surefire way to get a person’s eyes to glaze over is by answering the question, “So, what do you do for a living?” with your professional category and using an elevator speech. Instead, have a conversation by chatting about the people you help, their challenges, how you help, and the benefits they get. Make it interesting for the person to want to know more.
5. Build trust and credibility in your marketplace by becoming a category authority. You want your prospects to know you are the go-to person in your field. No one expects you to be an expert at everything, just choose a particular aspect of your industry that you want to become known for. Then get out there, be likeable, and start establishing yourself as an expert.
Bonus Buster: Just because you are a solo business owner doesn’t mean you should be going it alone. Collaborating, reaching out to other experts, and building relationships are all necessary components of starting and running your own busines
- 5 obstacle busters when starting your own business - August 9, 2012
- 5 Ways to Excel in Social Media - May 25, 2012
- How I Learned to Brand Myself as Me - April 14, 2012
