Insuring Your Ability to Market

Protection is your best defenseSecuring new accounts and working with former clients are part of the goals we hope to achieve.

Everyone expects the relationships to move forward positively, but what if they don’t?

What if the client believes that your services are negligent or products are harmful? That’s when insurance protects a small or solo business against such claims.

Deciding what type of insurance to purchase for your business seems to be a daunting task. There’s general liability, but there are many specifics within this category. It’s difficult to understand the best options. However, insurance carriers should be able to help you decide what’s needed according to your business or profession.

Insurance is horribly expensive no matter what option you choose, but so is the liability if you have no coverage. I think about Louisiana homeowners who, after paying tens of thousands each for insurance policies, were denied benefits due to the extraordinary circumstances.

Could you find your business in a similar situation after paying years of liability premiums? Absolutely. It’s still a wise decision to know your options and protect yourself as best as possible.

Here’s the Wall Street Journal article about insurance that prompted this post.

Have you had difficulties deciding what type of insurance is best for your business?

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October 26, 2006 | Filed Under Problems & Solutions, Recent Entries, Solo Housekeeping | Leave a Comment 

Do You Market on MySpace?

Is MySpace your place?There’s been lots of talk about MySpace in recent months. The talk centers around how creating a page on its site with information about your product or service has the potential to boost sales.

While this may be true, small and solo business owners must first evaluate if marketing on MySpace is in their best interest.

MySpace attracts a young market. If your target isn’t within their age range, setting up a page on MySpace may be a waste of time that’s better used elsewhere.

It’s smart to create a presence in as many places as possible, especially if free of charge, but is it smart to create a page that you may never update, leaving more litter in cyberspace? That might not be the reputation you want to convey.

As with all opportunities, it’s best to research this marketplace before diving in.

Stephan Spencer wrote the article Keep It Real in MySpace, which appears the October 16th edition of DM News. He explains how smaller firms have a big advantage over large corporations marketing on MySpace. Spencer also outlines what makes a MySpace page appear more genuine to its audience.

The PDF version of the October 16th edition currently appears on the DM News homepage if you wish to download and read the article, which appears on page 20.

None of my three firms will be added to MySpace until I read a few articles on how businesses within my industries have made inroads. I’ll let someone else take the lead. Meanwhile, I have much on my plate and only two hands to pursue current goals.

Have you found your niche on MySpace? Solo business owners want to know.

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October 20, 2006 | Filed Under Customer Connections, Marketing News, Recent Entries | Leave a Comment 

Making Connections with Business Cards

Yesterday, I attended an all-day wealth building conference.

Speakers shared their expertise on making and preserving money. Their back-of-the-room products cost thousands of dollars but had the potential to make anyone who purchased it thousands more.

What I appreciated, which probably escaped many attendees, was the varied presentation styles. I watched each presenter’s techniques to determine if their style and pitch is one I should incorporate within my events.

I networked with other attendees during breaks. This was a consumer event; however, I was surprised how many people were writing their names and telephone numbers on napkins and torn pieces of paper when business cards are incredibly inexpensive and easy to order.

Business cards simply make a better presentation during the networking process. I can’t tell you how many handwritten paper corners I received. Scrap papers decrease the potential for follow up after an event.

Here are two pages that provide insight into why business cards should accompany you everywhere. One of my most-memorable card connections was made in a hotel fitness room. I bet you have your own story. Share it here with others.

Related post: Marketing with Business Cards

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October 13, 2006 | Filed Under Customer Connections, Offline Ideas, Recent Entries | 2 Comments 

Clear Up Confusing Messages

Marketing your product or service may not be producing the desired results for a reason often overlooked:

…as many as 90 million Americans have inadequate literacy and numeracy skills,…

That’s according to an unnamed study mentioned in The Week’s October 13th edition.

The study focuses on the inability of many Americans to understand nutrition labels posted on foods and beverages, but the same can be true for the information you distribute to prospects.

I once read that sentences structured for the general population should be written on a sixth grade level to ensure that the message is clearly understood. Basic language gives prospects and clients more confidence during the buying process.

Look at your marketing message. Is it full of confusing words or jargon-filled text? Restructuring the message for clearer communication might bring faster results in less time.

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October 9, 2006 | Filed Under Customer Connections, Problems & Solutions, Recent Entries | Leave a Comment 

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