Talk the Walk

In response to my last post about marketing, Laurie wrote:

I try to talk about what I do to everyone I know. Even people who are my friends often don't realize the work that I do. It is a challenge to do this. I am also trying to say what I do when introducing myself rather than I'm just a wife or mom.

Notice her words: Even people who are my friends often don't realize the work that I do. Is this true for you, too? Some of the best referrals I've gotten have come from friends, which illustrates the importance of letting those you love know what you do.

Like many people, I find it difficult to talk about my work. I don't want to sound like I'm bragging, or pushy, or in need of work. But the truth is, if I don't Talk the Walk, how are others supposed to know that they can call on me for presentations or writing projects?

If talking to others doesn't come easily for you, consider these tips:

• Keep it short. You don't have to have a lengthy speech ready. Simply answer this question, "I help people_______." It's the perfect answer when people ask what you do.


• Add it on. If you usually say, "I'm a stay-at-home mom," when asked what you do, add the above to your statement so that it sounds like this: I'm a stay-at-home mom and I provide products for people who want to make their homes more lovely and inviting.


• Move on. Most conversations will end at this point. So move on. But IF, and only if, the individual you are talking to seems interested and asks a follow up question, then it's permissible to share additional information about your work. This is especially important if you are a network marketer or are talking to someone who is a potential customer--or who connect you to possible clients.

As we've discussed before, word of mouth is the best form of advertising. It can be others talking about you, or it can be you talking about yourself. Either way, as a self-employed entrepreneur, it's important for you to Talk Your Walk.

P.S. I was pleased to see some great reviews of Making Work at Home Work online. If you'd like to read them, please head to: http://tinyurl.com/n4zmm4.