Do You Stink at Marketing?

Jane writes:

This year I have opened a Website/blog/podcast on prayer (my passion), and I realize that I now need to open another site for my freelance writing. I have one corporate client and want to develop more but feel stuck in how to go about this...I realize I am not good at marketing myself.

If you're like Jane and aren't good at marketing yourself, the following may help.

• Be clear about what you have to offer. When you try to be all things to all people, you end up being nothing to anyone. Outline your ideal client, make a list of where your ideal clients hang out (professional groups, conferences, etc.) and then make a plan to meet the individuals who can help steer work your way.
• Ask for refferals. Your current, satisfied clients are often your best marketing resource. Tell them you are actively seeking additional work and ask them if they can think of anyone who might benefit from your services. See if they would be willing to send an introductory e-mail on your behalf. Then, be sure to make a follow up call on your own.
• Join networking groups. Look for the associations who serve your market. Becauase I speak to a lot of association groups, I'm a member of the Illinois Society of Association Executives. This gives me the opportunity to connect with meeting planners who I might not otherwise meet.
• Always have a business card with you. I met an association executive at a Christmas party two years ago, shared by business card with her, and just facilitated a meeting for her last week. You never know how Christmas Charades may end up helping you get a job!
• Hire help. Though essential, marketing is time consuming and can be expensive. And I find that I'm so busy providing my services that marketing often drops to the bottom of my list, even though it should be one of the most important. When deciding what services to outsource recently, I noted this discrepancy and budgeted enough to hire a marketing assistant. Though I can't afford as much of her time as I'd like, I at least know I have someone working on this on a regular basis for me. As my business continues to grow, I hope to be able to increase my assistant's hours.

How have you handled the need to market yourself while trying to juggle all the other responsibilities of being an entrepreneur? Hit the comment button and let us know!