When it comes to small businesses where you may be a sole trader, you and the business are one and the same, at least as far as marketing to the public is concerned.
There is no way of avoiding it – you are going to have to do some selling.
Now I know a lot of people shy away from the very idea of marketing but with a small business there is simply no getting away from it. Here are a few ideas to help you along the way.
Have confidence – this is an absolute key. Even if you don’t feel confident, you must act as if you are. That way people will have confidence in you.
Be persistent – unless you are lucky enough to be in a field of one, you will have competitors and they will be talking to the same prospective clients that you need to engage with. You have to match them phone call for phone call, email for email, text for text. Your customers will expect it.
Find a way to stand out – not only does your product need to be unique, you do too. You design websites? So do a lot of people. What makes you different to them?
Don’t be a talking CV – do you have great attention to detail? Are you a problem solver? What about a go-getter? That’s just CV speak. Nobody wants to hear it. Who have you worked with, what problems did they have and how did you solve them. That’s what the customer wants to know so you can solve their problems.
Walk the walk – your non-verbal communication is crucial as well. Remember the simple things and let them become habits. Sit up straight, make eye contact and have a firm handshake.
Try these simple things and you’ll find business grows and the chances are it will develop its own identity.
Don’t forget that by advertising in the Link Directories you can promote your seasonal event in 16,000 homes throughout Gloucester. Abbey-Link reaches 6,200 homes in Abbeymead, Abbeydale and Upton St Leonards. Hucclecote-Link is delivered to 4,500 homes in Hucclecote and Coopers Edge. Finally, Tuffley-Link goes to 5,200 homes in Tuffley.
For further information contact Sarah on 01452 617040 or email her at sarah@thelink-directories.co.uk
