subject: Are you clear on what service(s) you offer? [print this page] How many times have you asked yourself this question: "How do I market my self/services?" The other question you might have asked yourself is: "How do I market myself more effectively?" If you are like most of us, you ask yourself one of these questions on a regular basis, right? Are they two sides of the same coin in your mind, and is this really the coin (question) you should be asking yourself?I hope you answered yes to the first part of the question, because they are two sides of the same coin. And the answer to the second part of the question is no. Are you surprised? The real question you should be asking yourself is: "What service(s) do I really provide to my clients?" AND "Who are my clients?" Once you are clear on these two questions, you will be able to market yourself and your services much more effectively because you will know the *what* and *who* of your marketing.Here are some questions you need to answer about 'what' you do:1. What are you known for?
2. What do you offer better than someone else and why?
3. What do you give your clients?
4. What are your unique gifts?
5. What do you like to do?
6. What do you NOT like to do?Here are some questions you need to answer about 'who' you do your 'what' to:1. What are the ideal qualities of your client?
2. What type of qualitites do you NOT want in a client?
3. Who is your favorite type of client and why?Remember, it's OK to be narrow and specific! Actually, it's best as this will make your marketing much easier than if you have a wide audience. You can't be all things to all people. I know, I know, you think you have to be/do everything to get clients, but the more focused you are the easier the clients will be to find and obtain. The reason for this is because you know who you want and what you offer. It is easier for the client to feel comfortable with you, and with what you offer, when they know specifically what that is!Do yourself and your business a favor...go through the above questions and really think about your answers and write them down. The act of writing your answers down will make them that much more powerful *and* one step closer to reality! Don't cheat yourself out of this process. Give it all you've got! Know I'm standing next to you, and rooting for you, as you begin this process.
