Every independent professional should have a website, an ezine or blog, and an email marketing strategy, right? If you’re not taking maximum advantage of web technology to market your professional services, you are behind the times, and missing out on huge opportunities. At least that’s what most marketing experts would have you believe. Read more (members only)

Has your professional services business defined its market niche? You may think so, but a closer look might reveal that your chosen niche isn’t as effective as it could be. You may have selected a target market, but have no defined specialty in the services you offer. Read more (members only)

In recent years the purpose of automation has shifted from increasing productivity and reducing costs, to broader issues, such as increasing quality and flexibility. ~ Wikipedia Read more (members only)

“Call us today and change your life,” proclaimed the hot pink flyer on the bulletin board. It was signed “Sunrise Hypnotherapy” with a phone number and a blind email address. No practitioner’s name appeared anywhere on the flyer. Read more (members only)

I love to look at company websites. There’s a great deal of value to be found from web surfing that you just can’t get from many other places. You can become educated, entertained, smart, motivated, or even happy. Heck, you might even get all of that from one website! Read more (members only)

“Joan, I’m working so hard and I’m not getting anything done!” I have heard some version of this frustrated cry from many an entrepreneur. It’s a common complaint voiced by those of us who sought the freedom to have complete authority over our schedules, only to find Read more (members only)

This sample proposal for a corporate training program could easily be modified to use for a consulting or coaching proposal. It includes a summary of the client’s needs, description of the trainer’s qualifications, outline of the proposed program, and two pricing options. Read more (members only)

In a previous article, The Pop Quiz You Need to Pass, I talked about three simple questions you must be prepared to answer any time you speak with a prospect. One of these three is: “How will I benefit by using your services?” Read more (members only)

New entrepreneurs frequently hear the advice to “be unique” in their marketing. The basic idea is a valuable one — to get attention in a crowded marketplace, you must stand out in some way. Distinguishing your product or service from the competition Read more (members only)

A good friend of mine is an information technology consultant. He’s been an independent contractor for the twenty-plus years I have known him, and gets all his consulting contracts through agencies. Even when he works a year or two for the same client, the agency takes 20-25% of what the client is paying for his services. I once asked him why Read more (members only)