What's the Best Way to Market/sell Yourself?

Hire someone to do ads/website/social media for you. Don't be afraid to outsource. Many new business owners try to do a lot of things on their own and end up being overwhelmed and tired. If you can acknowledge that you are not good at something (self-promoting, for example), you should outsource that function. You can learn it... but you'll get your focus away from your major goal - event design or any other goal of yours. If your budget is a problem, you might be surprised when you'll start the research of companies that might help you, how affordable they might be. So, again, if you already know that you are not good at self-promoting, start thinking about someone else doing it for you. All the best to you with your business!

Hi Robert -- I'm a SCORE mentor and I work with many small business owners and sales is always an issue. I would ask you to think about the fact that you are providing a solution that you are passionate about and stop thinking of it as 'selling yourself'. You are literally offering a solution to your ideal customer and finding a way to talk about your solution is easier than trying to sell yourself. By being able to talk about your solution as a well-thought out approach to event design, you can show how you are different than other event companies. You talk about only wanting a few 'good' customers. Make a list of attributes that define your idea customer and be very specific about who you would like to work with and why. Be ready to talk to people about your benefits -- what's in it for them when they work with your company - it's not about you, it's about what problems they have that you can solve. Then when you reach out to those companies, simply become curious about how they currently handle their event design contracts, are they happy with them, and would they like the opportunity to find out how you work. Think about the 'end customer' to that event company. How will you make your customer's customer happy? I know sales are challenging. You've been doing this a long time. What has worked in the past? Sometimes we just get tired! It's hard work running any business. Think back on the times when you worked with customers you enjoyed. You are still the best 'sales' person for your company. Just consider what you do as a solution, not a sale. I hope this helps at some level. I wish you the best of luck! And remember, you are already running a successful business so congrats!

An ethical and sustainable sales program requires sincerity. Please tell me what you are selling and what type of clients you like dealing with. I'd be happy to offer some ideas. In forty years of sales training I have never discovered a standard sales method that works for everyone. Joseph xxx xxx xxxx

Robert do you have a website? If not get a Wordpress site. Get a paid one, they have affordable prices. Once you can show what you offer and why you are the best, there are events that a lot of Alignable people want to set up. Do a Facebook page for yourself, it dosen't have to be business but, try to link all you do together. I hope this helps a little.

Hello Robert,

Of course, taking a more tactical approach (e.g. building a website, lead generation, saturating social media) are good pieces of advice...I would first however identify your "VALUE PROPOSITION". Unless you can pinpoint why your business is unique, value added, and disruptive all those tactical steps aren't going to matter if you don't have that core message.

The best way to market yourself is determining the "WHY ME", once gathered then you're in the position to drive your message from whatever platform (e.g. website, social media etc) you like to yell that proposition from.

Good Luck!

Robert (and I like your name BTW!), I've learned over time that the best way to "sell" is first to understand the needs of your prospect. Once you do that, it becomes relatively easy to present your product or service in a way that fills that need and the decision to buy is driven by the prospect because they are much more concerned with what they want than helping you to meet your sales goals. As you can imagine, this is MUCH easier and more fun than worrying if your sales pitch is hitting "the mark". Also, from a relationship standpoint, prospects like to feel like they are the drivers in a transaction which tends to drive more customer satisfaction which leads to repeat sales. Give it a try!

Yes, you will definitely want to create a website. I get on average 400 unique visitors every week and 1,000 total visitors every week to my business http://flashbulbphotobooth.com

Another key source of traffic for me has been personal relationships that I've built with venues and planners and those in my same industry around town. If you're not already, I would recommend you get involved with the local Chambers, there are several in Tucson. As well look for every networking opportunity you can get and set up some phone calls with those you would consider a key partner in your business.

If you end up needing help with the website portion of things feel free to reach out and let me know.

Here's a list of some of the suggested groups I'd recommend joining or attending: Hispanic chamber of commerce, Marana Chamber of Commerce, Metro Chamber of Commerce, Sabre, and go on Meetup or eventful online to find related clubs and meetups near you.

It took me 2 years to get my business to the place it is now with all the traffic we have today. And that was with constant networking socialization of what we did best through media, web, and Facebook, and building intentional relationships in the community.

What are your primary services /specialities Robert?

Hi Robert -- yes, I'm in Tucson. Been a SCORE mentor for over 2 years now.

Personal relationships with your customers, an environment that makes them feel at home & honesty!