This a re-post of an article I wrote that ran on Smallbiztrends.com
Last year when I was finishing my book and was planning my book launch, I spoke to Author, Entrepreneur.com writer and Social Media Expert Starr Hall. We discussed who were the best people to target for praise and how to use all of my platforms and relationships to get the best coverage and promotion.
She said “make sure they are master marketers”.
That really got me thinking about people in my networks who have a great brand, the credentials and credibility, degrees and accomplishments but they aren’t engaged in their own self marketing and promotion. They are not taking the lead on the branding of themselves through the online communities, email marketing or at least a Facebook page?
In today’s business paradigm, combining the two worlds, in person and online and all of the platforms that afford us FREE access to people all over the world is a must. With so many solopreneurs, businesses of one, consultants, authors, trainers, being a master marketer is about the most important skill you can develop and have in your tool box as a business person today.
Here are 13 ways and tools I have used to become a better ”master marketer”. These are proven ways to your build brand awareness and credibility and grow your relationships with your personal and professional communities. Being “out” there with your brand and branding is so much easier with the technologies we now have that make it easier, faster and more integrated with computers, phones, the web and apps.
- LinkedIn is the professional platform with unparalleled potential to be introduced and interact with top people in your field or related fields.
- Facebook is the most diverse platform for engagement and interactivity.
- Twitter can be a ‘real time’ communication tool.
- Blogging is the best way to build Klout and authority ion your expertise.
- Email Marketing can help you grow relationships with your permission based community.
- Article Writing either on your own blog or for other key blogs and website build your credibility.
- Texting used properly can also be a ‘real time’ tool.
- Video is the best way to show people your vibe, personality and how you present yourself.
- Workshops brand you as an expert in your field and also give you a platform to present yourself.
- Volunteering is the side door into many opportunities and align you with things you are passionate about.
- Networking online and in person can open up amazing opportunities with people all over the world or right in your community.
- Google+ is fast becoming another diverse tribe and community building platform.
- Blogtalkradio pod-casting has opened more doors for me then just about any platform.
These all can greatly impact your brand awareness, sales, customer service, customer retention and your overall professional success and advancement.
Many of these can be used in a very integrated way. You can start with a few key platforms and make them work for you and stay with them or add more as you get comfortable.
Hire a consultant, take a class, pay your kid to help you but get going on making the commitment to become more of a master marketer for 2012!
Here are some “master marketers” that are great examples of this in action, who have built strong brands, consistent branding and big buzz.
Who are some of the master marketers that you emulate?
