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To Act or Not To Act?

Today I was in my car, again listening to a SUCCESS Magazine DVD and Seth Godin was one of the contributors. He was talking about the importance of marketing NOW, not tomorrow...not next week...but NOW before any more time elapses. Is procrastination killing you? Do you feel if you send out some mass emails, print out some flyers, and mail out some postcards that you are done?
How about if you buy some print ads in magazines? You've spent all your "marketing budget" so you must be done, right?

Well...the world is changing so rapidly now that if you do not change your marketing strategy, you may not make it much longer. Ever heard that before? Want to change but don't know what to do?
Well...the problem is not one that you can just throw money at UNLESS you hire a true professional to do it for you ( if you are interested...email me and I can recommend some very good ones ). But, if you want and need to do this yourself...just DO it...do not wait for the next new thing...or it may be too late!

When I first started my catering business 8 years ago, I wasted sooo much money on advertising that did not work for me, and it may not work for you today! People want personal recommendations for goods and services now...not pushy salespeople and generally only look at those ads for coupons! They want to know someone trusts you and has had a good experience with you...then THEY feel they can trust you and have a good experience with you. Obviously...the basis for relationship marketing...the most trusted marketing that exists!  The best news about this form of marketing? It does not cost you any money, other than if you buy a cup of coffee here, a lunch there for your friends and family to get you started.

But...unlike traditional advertising...you MUST ACT on this...this is not passive like mailing, printing, etc. You must make the first move. Make sure you are truly interested in sharing with the friend/family member you take to coffee, lunch...and find out their story...what is new in their life FIRST! Then, and ONLY then do you mention your product, service, or business opportunity to them. If they feel you are genuinely interested in them, then they are much more likely to become interested in what you have to say. This is undoubtedly the most potent form of marketing period!

Then, always follow up with them. An email or a personal note (best) telling them how wonderful it was to catch up with them and hear what is new with them, etc. is the best way to set yourself apart from others as someone who truly cares. If they have mentioned some need that you can refer, then immediately do so. They will remember this and YOU! (Givers Gain Philosophy)

Lesson of the day: "An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory." by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Carpe Diem! I raise my glass of bold red wine to your success!

Sheila Williamson
www.sheilasenergy.igniteinc.biz

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