Holiday Wish List for Marketers, Part 2
Working solo has its benefits, and it also has drawbacks.
The item I’ve added to the marketers’ wish list is access to some old-fashioned, down-home group therapy. That’s right. I want a meaningful get together with a bunch of people who are just like me, people who work alone, run into brick walls, find ways to tear down or jump over those walls, and share that step-by-step knowledge with the group.
One of the business magazines I receive each month contained a recent article listing a variety of mentoring groups, their missions, and fees. It may have been Inc. Magazine, but their December issue isn’t online (it’s scheduled for uploading today), so I can’t determine the article’s origin.
I reviewed each group’s information to determine if one is right for me, but I could neither find a match nor get a good “vibe” from the article.
In the past I’ve talked about being part of a group and how it doesn’t support my goals. Last year I belonged to a women’s organization. The results were unfortunate; a lot of “buy from me” and “use my services” talk with no camaraderie in sight.
I’m looking for or interested in bringing together independent professionals focused on:
Face-to-face contact is the norm for most groups. However, technology makes meeting online or by phone an option. If group members are committed to the mission, everyone’s accomplishments will be outstanding within a 12-month timeframe.
What would you add or subtract to this wish list, or has your wish for group therapy come true?
Technorati Tags: small business marketing, solo business marketing, holiday wish list, group therapy, support group, independent professionals, Inc. Magazine
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Holiday Wish List for Marketers, Part 1
What do you hope to find under your tree next week? Fun new toys and gadgets are always great to receive. It’s not too late to share your wishes with loved ones, although they may not be keen on braving the stores at this time.
One item for small and solo marketers to consider is a new camera, one with more megapixels to capture higher-quality images to share in print and on your Web site.
Today’s cameras are so compact that you can carry one with you wherever you go. Never again should you miss the opportunity to capture a picture with a well-known person (other than you) or of marketing ideas you want to remember.
Here are photos of two cameras I own. One is 6 meg and the other is 8 meg. I’m not recommending this particular brand; it just so happens that I own three (the other is 4 meg) in the same family because I like working with a good product that uses the same memory stick.
What happens to the old camera when your holiday wish comes true? Loan it to another person (someone in the audience, etc.) to take photos of you while you speak, perform on stage, work a trade show booth, or do whatever you do to sell.
Give the person something of value in exchange for their help after they return your camera. If you don’t have a book or other product, give them $10 or $20 depending on the number of pictures they capture. That’s much less expensive than hiring a professional photographer to follow you for the day. Such a service has its place, but it’s not always the right option.
What’s next? Organize and share the images to market your product or service on your Web site. Flora Brown uses Flickr, and so do I at the top of another blog.
Monica Ricci uses Slide Show. There’s also FilmLoop which I just discovered through another site.
Check out Microsoft’s Photo Story 3, a product I recommend in my upcoming solo marketing book and have used in the past on my self-named site. Like Slide Show, it allows you to show numerous photographs one after the other, but Photo Story 3 lets you add your voice for narration.
All of these photo image-sharing options are free, the favorite cost of marketers worldwide.
A good or just decent compact camera brings your marketing options to life. Is it on your wish list, or is there a camera accessory you’re hoping for?
Technorati Tags: Flickr, Slide Show, FilmLoop, Photo Story 3, camera, small business marketing, solo business marketing, wish list
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My Marketing Book Found on Amazon.com
Leave it to Amazon.com to let me know that my forthcoming marketing book is in the pipeline.
I was researching my books and found this link to the book I wrote that complements this site.
The book was supposed to be published in early 2007, but right now I believe it’s due later in the year. I wasn’t pleased to hear this from my publisher, but when you are under someone else’s contract and your name isn’t John Grisham or Maya Angelou, you have zero control over scheduling. I also don’t like the proposed book title, but again, I have no control.
I ended my hissy fit about this book a while ago and moved forward writing a series of books that I’ll self publish. A good friend told me to stick with writing books through publishers because I’ll have more time to market, what I do best, rather than deal with printers, graphic designers, book storage, etc.
I took her words to heart, but as a solo business owner, I’m compelled to dip my foot in the self-publishing waters. I waited six whole months before deciding to give it a try.
What new projects and marketing opportunities are on your agenda for 2007? I have 10 campaigns in mind and will share them with you as each unfolds in the coming months.
Technorati Tags: Amazon.com, solo business marketing, solo business owner, marketing book, Shirley George Frazier
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Best Photos Follow Up
Earlier this year, I mentioned Time Magazine’s special issue featuring what they considered as their best photos for 2005. At that time I challenged you to create your own collage of best photos. Was it an idea that fit into your marketing plans?
The types of photographs that you had a chance to capture were:
1. You and satisfied customers meeting in your office, at lunch, or during a breakfast meeting.
2. You, standing in your trade show booth, demonstrating a product or service to prospects.
3. A chance meeting with a person known locally or nationally.
The list goes on with ideas about the pictures worth capturing throughout the year.
Photography is one of my hobbies, but even if it weren’t, I’d still carry a camera for photo opps that come by chance. It’s a habit that’s beneficial for small and solo business owners to adopt if not already in place.
Here’s one of my year’s best photos taken of me with Joan Rakosky, my new travel agent. I met Joan during a recent trip to Los Angeles. My calendar is quickly filling for 2007, and with all the marketing plans on my agenda, I’ll no longer waste precious time booking my own travel arrangements.
Did you create a best photo log for 2006 as a tool to sell more to prospects and clients?
Technorati Tags: small business marketing, solo business marketing, Time Magazine
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Shirley George Frazier - Solo Business Expert, Author, College Mentor
When you hire me to speak at your conference, college or special event, attendees will thank you for a great program. Media interviews also welcomed. Call or Email me. 973-279-2799 or shirley@shirleyspeaks.com.
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