“Relationship marketing.” “Word-of-mouth advertising.” “The future of marketing is one-to-one.” “People like to do business with people they know, like, and trust.” You’ve heard these adages many times before. But what does it really mean to build relationships with people in order to sell something? Read more (members only)

Marty Marsh interviews C.J. Hayden on what’s stopping you from getting clients and what to do about it. What are the barriers that prevent talented entrepreneurs from building a thriving business? You can overcome these challenges and attract more clients with less effort Read more (members only)

It does seem that the vast majority of marketing advice is aimed at extroverts. “Go to networking mixers and meet new people,” the authorities say. “Make cold calls.” “Speak in front of groups.” “Call people up and chat with them about what’s new.” Read more (members only)

It’s the nightmare of every professional who offers group programs. You design a powerful workshop, schedule a date, broadcast your marketing message… and no one registers. Then what? Read more (members only)

The process of converting a prospect to a client can seem like it takes forever. You meet a prospective client, follow up with him or her over time, and hopefully have a chance to make a sales presentation or schedule an initial consultation at no charge. Then you follow up some more, Read more (members only)

At a recent networking event, we noticed someone working the room by passing out business cards faster than a poker dealer in Vegas. Later, someone told us, “I don’t know who that person was but they gave me their card and I’m going to throw it away.” Read more (members only)

How many times already today has someone tried to sell you something? Ads come in by email, snail mail, fax, radio, magazines, newspapers, TV, and your web browser. Salespeople write you, call you, and approach you in the store or showroom. Read more (members only)

Marketing is the first thing to go when you get busy or distracted. Though you may have spent a lot of time developing the processes behind the service you offer, you may have neglected to put the same level of effort into developing your marketing processes. Read more (members only)

Let’s call the client Sandy. She was first referred to me by an instructor in the professional training program she was taking. (Hint #1: Develop referral partnerships with other businesses and professionals who serve your clients.) Read more (members only)

In this highly-rated workshop for consultants and coaches from the One-Page Business Plan Company, C.J. addresses the topic, “where is your selling stuck?” If you don’t know the answer to that question, you may be putting all your effort in the wrong place. Read more (members only)