Marketing your business is challenging, I know. Let me explain why I think marketing is about relationships. You have lots of marketing tools or software to choose from, all promising different results. In this time of technology and social media, let’s not forget something very simple and very important. Do your clients like YOU?
Marketing is about relationships. Its based on building relationships and friendships–on helping other people. When you orient your business to serving your clients, you are more successful. Improve your relationships with your customers and you will increase your business. Your best marketing is a personal approach. It’s an honest approach that reflects your personality.
As long as you are good at what you do and maintain your relationships, you will be successful. Think about it, most of your clients probably aren’t knowledgeable enough in your expertise to really judge your competence. So they make decisions based on your relationship with them, how you treat them, and how comfortable they feel with you. If they trust you.
What if we did something the old fashion way?
Can you find five note cards, five stamps and the address of your five favorite clients? I know, I’m asking a lot. Now, can you find 25 minutes? Write each one a brief note of appreciation. Be thankful from the bottom of your heart. Send out the five notes, then smile. You just did an important marketing task that will come back to you.
“You can’t cross a sea by merely staring into the water.”
— Rabindranath Tagore
Are your clients located physically near you?
If you have clients locally, suggest getting together for coffee or tea. The objective is to simply reconnect with them and their business. No ulterior motive to “sell” them anything. Just like friends getting together. If coffee or tea isn’t your thing, get creative. Maybe you meet in the afternoon for ice cream or a slice of pie? I’d be up for that!
The point is to nurture your relationship with your clients. Find out what’s new. What they are struggling with. What their recent success are and celebrate with them! Marketing is about relationships and you want to keep yours strong.
Let’s connect on Facebook if we haven’t already, here’s my business page. Follow me on LinkedIn too and I will follow you, cheering you on along the way!
Email me if you want to get together locally or the next time I am in your state!
Michelle Aspelin
Mindshare Marketing & Implementation Services LLC
Photo credit: Emma Aspelin Photographer. Photo of me taken on a walking bridge over the Colorado River with the Grand Mesa in the background, it’s the largest flat top mountain in the world. Learn more about Grand Junction.