Making Time for Marketing
"I don't have time to market." It's a common complaint from
self-employed professionals. When you are the only one who can
serve the clients, manage the business, and perform all the
sales and marketing functions, time becomes the most precious
commodity you have. How can you find time for marketing with so
many other important priorities?
There are many time management techniques at your disposal, of
course. You can defer tasks or delegate them, chunk down
projects to smaller steps, and set aside time on your calendar
for making calls, writing letters, or updating marketing
materials. Perhaps you have already tried all those methods and
discovered that time is still scarce.
Maybe the real answer is not to find more time for marketing,
but to MAKE time. Every day, you take part in many
time-consuming activities that don't include marketing. What if
you could integrate marketing with all those things you are
already doing? Here are some examples of how that can work:
1. Attending workshops, business mixers, and cultural events.
Whenever you plan to attend an event like this, consider
inviting a business contact to join you. Just extending the
invitation will contribute to building a stronger relationship
between you. If your contact decides to attend, you can often
get to know each other better in a more relaxed way than meeting
one-to-one.
2. Having lunch or coffee with a prospect or colleague. If you
are already planning to take time meeting with someone, add a
third or fourth person to the party. Those invited will usually
appreciate the opportunity to make new contacts themselves, and
you may find conversation flows more easily when there is a
group.
3. Traveling to another city. Whether you are traveling for
business or pleasure, arrange to meet for lunch or dinner with a
client or colleague. On a business trip, this is usually much
more enjoyable than dining alone. As a tourist, a meal you would
be eating anyway takes no time out of your vacation schedule,
plus you'll often get local tips about where to go and what to
do.
4. Taking a walk, visiting the gym, and other forms of exercise.
Meetings with business associates don't have to take place in
the office or a restaurant. Invite someone to join you for a
walk in the park, run around the track, or a game of tennis. You
don't have to learn to play golf in order to get exercise and do
business at the same time.
5. Reading an article. Any time you read an interesting article
in the newspaper, a magazine, or online, think of three people
you could send it to. Writing a short
"thought-you-would-be-interested" note and forwarding the item
will take only a moment, but can make a big impression on the
recipient.
6. Shopping, dining, or running errands. Every time you leave
your home or office, you meet new people. They are behind the
counter at the office supply store, in line at the coffee shop,
sitting at the next table, or shopping in the same aisle.
Whenever you find yourself chatting with strangers, remember to
introduce yourself by name and occupation. You'll be surprised
to discover how often this will lead to a connection that can
result in business.
7. Attending social events. The best business relationships
often begin casually in social environments. Keep your business
cards in your pocket when you attend a wedding, housewarming,
holiday party, or your child's soccer game. After you ask, "How
do you know our hosts?" or "Which child is yours?" make your
next question, "What do you do?"
8. Relaxing. You may have a long list of marketing projects that
will take time but not your full attention. Consider doubling up
these mundane tasks with a fun activity or some pleasant
company. Enter business cards into your contact database on your
laptop at the beach. Make phone calls from the hot tub or a park
bench. Review your prospect list while watching old movies or
listening to music. Ask your kids to help you stuff and address
envelopes. Take your project to a friend's house so the two of
you can work together on marketing.
As you can see, there are many ways to include marketing
activities in your busy life. So instead of wishing you had more
time for marketing, why not make marketing a part of the time
you are already spending?
About the author:
C.J. Hayden is the author of Get Clients NOW! Thousands of
business owners and salespeople have used her simple sales and
marketing system to double or triple their income. Get a free
copy of "Five Secrets to Finding All the Clients You'll Ever
Need" at http://www.getclientsnow.com<
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Written By: C.J.Hayden