In early-August, I got a call from Barbara at the Association of Management Consultants wanting to know whether I was interested in running a marketing workshop for their members. I asked how she had gotten my name; Barbara told me Jeff had referred me. When I mentioned that I had met Jeff over two years ago, Barbara said that I sure was lucky he still remembered me.


Luck had nothing to do with it. Jeff asked to be put on my mailing list after we met. He gets my weekly ezine, full of marketing ideas he can use. Over time, I've demonstrated my expertise to Jeff and he trusts me enough to refer me as a speaker.


Are you relying on luck to get people to remember you?


When Jeff had a need or when someone he knew wanted an expert in marketing, my name came to mind. Why? Because I have a SYSTEM for promoting my marketing products and services that helps people remember me when they have a need.


Do you have a system that generates a steady stream of clients?


Over the years I've perfected a marketing strategy that generates a steady stream of prospects, clients and income. It is based on five core marketing principles and associated marketing tactics.


Why use a marketing system?


When you have a system, each one of your marketing efforts works to support your other marketing efforts. Each action you take builds on the previous action. Your marketing is cumulative. In my case this means that each month, I have an additional thousand or more qualified prospects interested in my services and products.


What are some of the elements of a successful marketing system?


1. Attract Attention


Learn how to explain what you do so that people quickly see how you can help them. All you need is a one-sentence description of who you help and the solution you provide; a marketing message or elevator speech. Use it on your business card, in your brochures, on your web site and in your ads.


2. Establish Your Credibility


Provide proof of how well your services and products work. Testimonials describing results work well. Articles, case studies and helpful tips show people how you think and how you can solve their problems.


3. Prompt Qualified Prospects to Contact You


Use your frëë report, test drive, workshop, etc. to prompt prospects to give you their contact information. If they read your ezine, or visit your web site, give them a reason to tell you what they need and want so you can contact them.


4. Stay in Touch


Whether a prospect came to you as a result of an ad, referral, web search, or a mailing, regularly send them mail or email and demonstrate your expertise with ideas they can use.


5. Educate Your Target Market to Create Demand


One of the biggest barriers to salës is that your prospects don't know you, the range of your services you provide, or why they need your products and services.


Prospects won't hire you if they don't understand the need or the benefit. Use your regular communication to educate prospects about the problems you solve and to create a perception of need on their part and then they will want to use your services.


Still waiting to get lucky with your marketing? Use a systematic approach to marketing your business and generate a steady and reliable stream of clients and customers.


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2004 © In Mind Communications, LLC. All rights reserved.
The author, Charlie Cook, helps service professionals and small business owners attract more clients and be more successful. Sign up for the Frëe Marketing Plan eBook, '7 Steps to get more clients and grow your business' at http://www.marketingforsuccess.com
ccook@marketingforsuccess.com