8 GR8 IDEAS About How To Make A Name For Yourself

One of the greatest challenges for anyone in business is treading the fine line between tastefully promoting yourself and appearing egotistical.

Unfortunately, too many small business people fall into the trap of thinking, "I’m good at what I do, so I really don’t need to be arrogant and tell everyone about it. They’ll find out about it on their own." Nothing could be further from the truth.

These days, potential customers are flooded with information. It’s difficult for them to wade through all that information. How do you catch their attention? This is your greatest challenge, especially if your product or service may not be any different from what a consumer can get down the street. How in the world do you get them to pick up the phone and dial your number, or drive across town to walk into your shop?

Recognize that consumers want to do business with someone they know . It’s called ‘handshake marketing’ and it makes it easier for the people you want to do business with to get to know you. It’s just another way for the consumer to say, "gosh, they’re just like me--same values, same interests--we have so much in common, I feel comfortable in doing business with them."

Handshake marketing is easy! Here are eight quick, inexpensive tricks to help you make a name for yourself:

1. Make the most of each introduction by creating a six-second brag. When someone asks who you are, instead of saying, "I’m Linda and I’m a caterer," try saying, "I’m Linda and I’ve just started a new catering business that delivers hot, low-fat lunches throughout the Northern Colorado area." Practice clearly stating your business and its benefit to a potential customer.

2. Plant the seeds. Always end each conversation by saying, "Whenever you hear someone talking about ------, please mention my name." It’s a very comfortable way to ask for business.

3. Put your picture on your business card , your stationary and every piece of paper that leaves your office. People are 80% more likely to recall your name if they have a picture to associate with it! A photo on your business card automatically sets it apart from 90% of the cards out there.

4. Make your business cards WORK for you . Dash off a "thank you for the excellent service" note on the back of your card and leave it with the tip at a restaurant. Tuck it into the envelope with your check when you pay a bill.

5. Show them you love ‘em. Reward your good customers with a discount or a small gift every time they use your service. Reward repeat-customers with a discount or a punch card.

6. Reward leads. Show your appreciation for a lead with a phone call or a thank you note. Really make an impression by thanking them with chocolate, flowers or movie tickets. REALLY reward them when the lead becomes a client--dinner, theater tickets, or gift certificates.

7. Network, network, network . Join several networking organizations and get to know everyone. Consider it your job to gather information and resources that you can pass on to others. Create a WIN-WIN atmosphere. Give them leads, promote their business. They will promote you in turn.

8. Volunteer for projects you love . It doesn’t matter if it’s Partners, Wishes Are Horses, Alternatives To Violence, The Boys and Girls Clubs or your church. Invest your most precious asset: your time. You will not only feel GREAT about volunteering but you’ll build relationships to last a lifetime, in both your business and your personal life.

The goal of this gentle self-promotion is to find a way to toot your own horn that feels comfortable for you, yet doesn’t cross that "egotistical" line. When you adopt any of these simple, inexpensive self-promotion tricks, you’ll discover your "brag" has not turned you into an egotistical bore. On the contrary, you will discover that people appreciate learning who you are and what you can do for them!

Ann Clarke of GR8 Ideas At Work shares her innovative marketing techniques with small business owners and entrepreneurs through workshops and seminars.