I hear from many entrepreneurs that marketing is a struggle. They just can’t get enough clients to pay the bills, or they are spending more money to get each client than the sale is worth. So many of their efforts seem to fail. There must be an easier way, they tell me. Read more (members only)

It’s a strong temptation when starting out with a new business to market to everyone. You don’t want to miss out on any possible opportunity. If you take the approach that anyone can be a client, how can you lose? Read more (members only)

If you’re an active networker, it’s likely that the organizations you belong to will offer you an exhibit booth at an upcoming conference or meeting. But is this kind of exposure a good investment for a consulting or professional services business? Read more (members only)

You can make many excellent contacts for your business by meeting people at non-business events and locations. If you have been limiting the scope of networking to something that only takes place at an official “networking event,” consider a much wider definition. Read more (members only)

What does nearly every independent professional wish for when marketing for new clients? They wish they could see results faster. Time is the worst enemy of a small business owner. I’m convinced that the day I chose to open my business, the clock started Read more (members only)

A question I often get from clients and students goes something like this: “I’ve been collecting marketing ideas… and I have a drawer full! I also have a stack of promising leads I’ve accumulated. And I know it’s important to stay visible, so I do a lot of Read more (members only)

While the exact number of prospects each independent professional needs in his or her pipeline will vary, there are several useful guidelines that can help you compute this number for yourself. First of all, you need to determine how many new clients Read more (members only)

We hear over and over that the holidays are a slow time of year for doing business. Don’t you believe it! With all the holiday parties, events, and family visits, the holiday season provides some of the best networking opportunities of the entire year. Read more (members only)

A common mistake service professionals make is to focus on nice-to-have benefits in their marketing messages. But in order to get your prospects to respond, it’s not enough that they might want what you offer. It has to be something they are willing to spend money on, and they must be able to justify that purchase to themselves and others. Read more (members only)

Recently, I spoke with a friend who says he has the greatest job in the world, because essentially, his service sells itself. He works for an organization that helps students of any age get a graduate degree through well-known and highly respected Read more (members only)

In this extended audio interview hosted by Ellen Britt of Marketing Qi, C.J. shares dozens of essential sales and marketing secrets. The live audience for this program said it was one of the most helpful talks they had ever heard on marketing Read more (members only)

If you’ve been in business for more than five minutes, you already know that the best way for any self-employed professional to get clients is by referral. But the process of building sufficient word of mouth to produce the number of clients you need can seem daunting. Read more (members only)