Thoughts on a Simple Business Plan and FREE Publicity!
December 31, 2009
Business Bites from Margo 12-31-09
One of my students emailed me this morning about a business plan. One of the assignments from our 12-week online decorating program is to create a simple business plan (we guide you through it). So many people skip this exercise when going into business. I think a creating even a simple business plan really helps you to think straight and helps you get very clear about what you want and where you want to go.
My student was concerned than her business plan was not perfect-that she may have “messed it up”. This is what I told her:
Just the very act of doing the plan, even if it is not perfect, will put you light years ahead.
Having your own business is so much different from working for someone else. The effort of getting your own leads is the difference. It is easier to sell (for many people) than to get leads.
You are doing fine. The main thing is to always do marketing–even when times are slow and you have few customers (especially then) because that is when most people quit. When the economy turns a bit, you will be ready, and when more customers start spending again, they will turn to you because you kept in touch and kept your name out there.
You should also be looking for free publicity, which is a big blessing when you are short on funds for advertising. Free publicity is like a third party endorsing you–more believable to customers–since it is someone else heralding your services and not you.
You can get free publicity by creating reports, white papers, and FYI articles in your field that educate and inform people, and then letting media outlets know about them. You should also do a simple press release every time you go to a show or training session. The public is always interested in such things.
Another idea is to do a few free informational seminars. One example , if you are a decorator, would be to do one on color in the home, and ask a local paint company to sponsor it (i.e. provide the place to have it). The media would be interested in that. Create a catchy headline.
Focus on marketing always, and look for ways to get free publicity when times are slow. The main thing is to stay in the heart and mind of potential customers and their friends.
Have a Blessed New Year,
Margo
Filed under: Business Bites, Color, Ideas and Innovation, Marketing, Sales
-- Robert Heinlein
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Judy Wilfong
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Margo DeGange, M.Ed.
