Thanks to guest blogger, Kimberly Pitts.

Now, Kimberly Pitts shares the top 3 strategies she used when she first launched her business 12 years ago.

As you will notice my top 3 strategies all deal with meeting potential clients in group settings. Building a marketing strategy that is focused only on one-to-one strategies takes a lot of time in reaching your business goals. I needed to find ways that would maximize my time, so that I could balance building a business while still cultivating my family life.

Strategy #1 – Launch Events:
When I started my business, I would host “launch events” at local restaurants where there was no cost to use their meeting rooms. I had formed a great team of friends and family that were committed to sharing the events with those that fit my ideal client. When people attended, I made sure it was very interactive, no heavy selling whatsoever, and I made a point to get to know them. I would share with them what my business was, and I learned what they were striving to do. This helped them get to know me and I got to know them. They ended up referring their friends to the next event I held.

To this day, I still host these events as they are a very effective tool for my business. My biggest cost was time, but it was well worth it. I would advise that you ask for support from 5-7 people you know who will truly be there to assist you in getting the word out.

Strategy #2 – Marketing Workshops:
Once a month I would hold affordable marketing workshops for entrepreneurial women. I would charge $25 (remember this was 12 years ago!). I would strive to have 10 women at each workshop. Now to some, that was setting my limits ways too low. However, I knew that I had to build my name and credibility so I was willing to start small. Hosting these training workshops allowed people to see my training style, my depth of knowledge and my level of support in helping them build their business.

As time went on, the workshops grew and I attracted more clients. Fast forward 12 years and we now have an annual conference held in October each year and we hold bi-monthly marketing focused workshops.

My biggest cost when I started these was $100 for the room rental. I was very active in a number of networking groups so I would advertise in those circles. The key to remember is that people do business with those they feel understand what they need. Plus, they people want to feel like they can trust you. So holding these events accomplished that for me.

Strategy #3 Meet Up Groups:
I created a couple of Meet Up groups that focused on the interest of my ideal clients. I held Meet Up groups for about 6 years, until I could no longer host them. This was a great way to build the Know-Like-Trust factor with potential clients. We held fun events in creative locations teaching marketing principles. I structured each event to be more than just meeting up and socializing. I infused learning marketing and being aware of how to really brand yourself in each meeting. These events were very crucial in developing my business, because I helped them to see that marketing your business is fun, creative and it should designed around who you are. Often people design their business around what they think they should be.

I focused a lot on connecting with my ideal clients. I did not wait for them to find me, I committed to finding them and getting to know them. Many people feel that networking is a waste of time and I had started to feel that way. So I made a decision to create my own networking groups through the launch events and Meet Up groups. By doing so, I was able to connect face-to-face with my ideal clients. I teach this to my clients every single day. I would encourage you to be creative, have fun with creating your marketing programs and really build a cost-effective marketing strategy that will draw in your clients.

Do you use any of Kimberly’s 3 favorite marketing strategies? Have another one you’d like to share? Feel free to post it in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks!

About guest blogger, Kimberly Pitts: Founder of U Impact, LLC, Kimberly is a Marketing/Client Attraction Coach who provides marketing implementation and strategy programs for women entrepreneurs. She shows them how to maximize their marketing efforts, create systems for their business, attract their ideal client, and strategically build their business for maximum results.

Do you feel like you’re sitting on a goldmine of talent, but can’t get others to recognize or pay you for it? Or perhaps you find yourself saying, “I feel like I missed something in school – I need a stronger network, but I don’t know how to build it!”

I can relate. Having started my own business as a freelance copywriter 24 1/2 years ago, I know what it’s like to get a business off the ground … get the word out to prospects … increase one’s visibility in the marketplace …

After receiving many phone calls and e-mails from frustrated freelancers and creative solopreneurs, I realized that a lot of business owners would like to figure out what I’ve been doing naturally for the last quarter of a century.

Therefore, I’d like to personally invite you to my upcoming complimentary teleseminar. Please join me on June 12th for “From Freelance to Freedom” as we explore:

• My 6 secrets of how to stay in business 24+ years.
• 3 ways to get out there & get noticed so clients can find YOU.
• How to enjoy a consistent income so you’re not sweating from gig to gig – worrying about where the next project will come from.
• One simple step you can take that leads to referrals and new business.
• 5 pointers for identifying your ideal client – remember, they just don’t get to choose you, you get to choose them.
• How to find clients from the comfort of your own home (you can do it with your PJs on). TIP: It’s something other than social media.
• The best way to market and expose yourself to prospects – without a hard-core sales pitch.

How do you take your business as a freelancer or creative solopreneur to the next level? Sign up for the free telesminar today.

I look forward to “seeing” you on the call.

Have a question? Please share it below and I’ll do my best to answer it on the call. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks and here’s to your sweet success!

Thanks to guest blogger, Peggy Lee Hanson.

In updating one of my marketing programs (that I’ll be presenting on Kaua`i in June), I recently reached out to some of my savvy colleagues and asked for their insight on the top 3 most cost-effective strategies in their marketing toolboxes. First, business coach Andrea Feinberg shared 4 marketing lessons she learned from her mom.

Now, personal transition strategist, Peggy Lee Hanson shares her top three marketing strategies:

1. Blog. Spreading the word has never been easier and will never be cheaper using this first and foremost strategy. You already have a website; it may be one you pay a monthly charge for, or it may be one that can be hosted with no fee. There is nothing more powerful than the written word.

2. Hold a teleclass. Find a subject you need to learn more about in delivering your service. There are many topics to choose from no matter what your field is: marketing; creating your website; how to sell from the stage; speak your platform. These are offered for free from many entrepreneurs who are breaking into or are very established in the business. Nothing will build your list faster than hosting your own webinar, seminar, teleseminar. BONUS: You get to learn it first and then teach it, making YOU the expert! In addition, conference lines can be accessed at no charge as well.

3. Connect with a successful mentor. Who do you admire in your chosen field or who inspires you? Connect with them on social media. Get to know them. Send them a personal email explaining what you do or send them a sample of your work (poem, video, book). Ask them what you can do to help spread their message. Nothing gets you into the inner circle faster than offering assistance and admiration.

Quickly about my story: I researched life coaching. I found Marcia Wieder of Dream University® and was certified by her; in the midst of studying with her, she bestowed upon me manager of her online community of 10,000+ members worldwide.

Second quick story: I was interested in writing poetry. Finding the book, poemcrazy, I researched the author, Susan Wooldridge, online; finding her email address, I told her about my desire to write poetry and sent her a few samples. She responded within hours and we’ve been friends ever since.

Throw caution to the wind and take risks. That is the formula for succeeding with a limited or no budget. It will be your merit that carries you to the financial success and freedom you seek.

Do you use any of Peggy Lee’s 3 favorite marketing tools? Have another one you’d like to share? Feel free to post it in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks!

About guest blogger, Peggy Lee Hanson: Peggy Lee is a sought-after Speaker, two-time Best-selling Author on Amazon.com, and a successful Coach, Mentor & Strategist, plus CEO and Founder of My Dream Architect, a subsidiary of Personal Transition Guidance, LLC. As a personal transition strategist, she inspires, encourages, supports, and compassionately helps individuals, especially women, suffering through change to quickly and easily attain the life of their dreams that they are meant – and deserve – to live.

Thanks to guest blogger, Andrea Feinberg.

In updating one of my marketing programs (that I’ll be presenting on Kaua`i in June), I recently reached out to some of my savvy colleagues and asked for their insight on the top 3 most cost-effective strategies in their marketing toolboxes.

Here are the 3 most powerful forms of marketing recommended by business coach Andrea Feinberg:

1. Exquisite customer care: Business from established customers has the lowest cost of acquisition, in terms of energy and money.

Those who are already doing business with me have made that conscious choice and each time they receive my service or use my product successfully, that choice has been reinforced. That person or business is the ideal prospect for expanded purchase choices, referring others, providing feedback, market research, testimonials, product development ideas and more.

2. Good manners: Nothing is more powerful than treating a client, customer or prospect the way you hope your friends will treat you: lovingly, respectfully and with pleasure when you call or write! That means:

• Saying ‘I’m sorry’ if they report a bad experience.
• Saying ‘thank you’ when they bring that poor experience to your attention.
• Following up as promised.
• Providing a consistent experience of quality and offering unexpected gifts (like something with high perceived value yet low real cost) with delivery of service or products.
• Being generous with those who ask for your help (as long as it does not compromise your own values and priorities).

3. Public speaking and tele-classes: I’m in a business that provides tangible results through service delivery. Part of that service implies having a relationship with me; whether someone works with me as their executive coach, they buy my book or an e-program, it’s all delivered through my point of view and expertise.

So, using marketing tools that reveal what that might be like is important. The more I can do that through live or recorded presentations, the more someone is likely to want to know more (and they opt in for a free offer) or it will validate their impression and they’ll make a purchase.

Bonus #4! – Referrals: Sometimes, a choice to buy depends on the positive experience and recommendation of someone else. Typically that ‘someone else’ either is highly respected by your prospect or had a problem similar to your prospect’s and it got solved. And then that would take you back to #1, exquisite customer care, as a strong marketing tool!

Regarding the cost of these tools: time, thought and consistent application; not once have I reached into my wallet to buy & use these because my mom raised me right!!

Do you use any of Andrea’s 4 favorite marketing tools? Have another one you’d like to share? Feel free to post it in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks!

About guest blogger, Andrea Feinberg: President of Coaching Insight, LLC, Andrea Feinberg gently nudges former-corporate-women-turned-business-owners from the daily grind toward big picture opportunities—more money, a happier life and the time to enjoy it all.

Ever notice, when you’re on your Fan Page, there’s a box that says “Invite Friends?” (NOTE: To respect privacy, I erased the names of the peeps in my Invite Box image to the left.)

On different days, different names pop up and you might think “cool, I’ll invite those folks to “like” my page.” I know, I thought that way.

However, I noticed that even after hitting the “invite” button, the same peeps would appear in that box repeatedly. I started to worry that I’d be inviting them more than once without realizing it and I didn’t want to come across to them as being a “nudge.”

Today, thanks to Andrea Vahl (aka Grandma Mary – the slightly cranky Social Media Edutainer), I discovered that this “Invite Friends” box is better off ignored. I was glad to hear it as I have definitely found it to be kind of “wonky.” Therefore, I wasn’t all that shocked when Andrea suggested we steer clear and avoid using it as a means of inviting friends to “like” our pages.

I was pleasantly surprised when she showed me a new way to invite friends. It’s so easy that I couldn’t believe I didn’t know it was there. So, I’m happy to share this with you to make bringing your friends to the party easier as well.

Here are 5 simple steps to follow:

1. Log onto Facebook as your Personal Profile.

2. Go to your Fan Page (still logged in as your personal profile).

3. Once on your Fan Page, click on the “Build Audience” button.

4. Highlight “Invite Friends” on the drop down menu.

5. Voila, another box will open up showing you your Facebook friends. Those friends who have already “liked” your Fan Page will be faded (i.e. greyed) out. Go ahead and check the others you want to invite and hit “submit.” Facebook will confirm that, “We’ve let your friends know about your page.”

Did you know about this nifty, easy-to-use Facebook tip? Post your thoughts in the comment section. And, if you have a simple Facebook tip to share, please do so as well. Thanks!