Wednesday, March 15, 2017

TURN ON THE LIGHTS!

I recently read about a woman with a small business selling
accessories for Mattel's "Barbie" doll and "Hot Wheels"
model cars. She collects and re-sells clothes and tiny
little shoes, umbrellas and purses for Barbie, along with
components for the little Hot Wheels cars. She has revenue
of several million dollars and earns a very nice 6-figure
income from her home.
How does she do that? Simple! She's found a niche and she
lets people know she can help them complete their
collections and fulfill their hobby.
In general, I'm not a fan of "advertising" in the
traditional sense. Sure, for some businesses (think
restaurants and other brick-and-mortar enterprises) it
works, but for professionals and most online businesses, I
prefer to think in terms of "marketing." It's cheaper and
more effective.
The fact is that almost no one needs the goods or services
you provide. As a coach, I understand that less than 1% of
the population are ever going to hire a coach. Most people
don't know what a coach is, or they've never heard of me.
They can't afford coaching, or don't think they need a
coach. The reasons for not hiring me are endless!
The key to success is letting those people who DO need me
know that I exist and making it easy for them to contact
me. The same is true for your business.
How do you reach out to your community? How do you let your
customers know you exist, that you can serve their needs,
and that they can trust you? How do you help them contact
you?
In the Bible there is a story that warns us not to hide our
light under a basket, and it applies in business as much as
anywhere else. Turn the lights on! Let the world know who
you are, what you can do for them, and help them contact
you. In business, that is an every-single-day activity.

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