Subscribe in a ReaderQ&A: How do I promote myself in an increasingly crowded market?
July 20, 2008 by Bogdan
Filed under Freelance Advice, Marketing Resources
Q: How do I promote myself in an increasingly crowded market? – Michael Peer
A: Good question Michael! It can be tough to stand out in a crowd in any market or profession. While there is no one fail proof path to recognition, there are some steps you can take to assure you are doing everything you can!
#1. Network! The first step (after establishing your service) is to network. I’m not talking about finding anyone you can and shove your web address down their throat- but find those in your field and befriend them. They can certainly help get the word out.
#2. Don’t make customers, make clients! Treat every potential buyer as a long term client. Provide them with the best customer service money can buy (and do that part for free!). Clients will provide more clients and word-of-mouth will get around!
#3. Obsess over what you do! Keeping up with the latest trends or tools of your trade can be tough but take time out of every week (or every day!) to read up on whats going on in your field. Knowledge is power, and the more up-to-date newsbreaking type of work that you do- the more the world will start to notice.
#4. Be unique! Don’t just do what everyone else does- you have your own mind and your own style… perfect it! Brand yourself! The more unique you are, the more you will stand out!
#5. If all else fails… advertise! Yes i know, a “duh” answer… but if you choose the right place to advertise and are willing to pry open your wallet, you can soon start making a name for yourself. The truth is, the more people see your brand or name, the more popular they assume you are… and remember, advertising doesn’t only bring in clients from that one advert but it brings clients from the one who’s seen your ad 20 times and brought it up in conversation when someone needed your service.
Networking has always something I’ve been excited about. I love getting emails and talking to new people, so why not do that to generate a “network”, like you say. It’s just… going about it that’s the problem. Should I just email random people in my market area?
Shamess
There are possibly endless ways to network. From the most obvious, places like LinkedIN, to researching those in your market area and connecting with them. Chances are they have a LinkedIN, Twitter, Facebook, or some other form of account which you can use to meet up and contact them without being too abrupt.
Once you know who you want to network with, google can easily be your friend on finding out exactly how to network with them (like social networks). I’ve simply contacted peers through their website before as well.
join your local chamber of commerce. It will not lead to tons of work right off the bat, but the more you show your face, talk, and joke with them. They will refer you more likely then some other business to there clients.