TUESDAY CHALLENGE: GOOD THOUGHTS WITHOUT ACTION

On the 3^rd of February the posted blog was “I know who you are but…” The point of the message was that a lot of people may know who you are but don’t know what you do, why you do it and why you are different from your competitors.

I suggested that you print those answers on a 3 x 5 card and carry it with you as a reminder to share your story with people you meet. While the thought is a good one, the number of people that a small, busy business owner meets is someone limited.

This concept now becomes your Tuesday challenge. Yes, still carry the card or mini brochure in your pocket, but now you will be targeting people who know who you are but don’t exactly know the answers to the three questions. This will allow you to become proactive in spreading your story.

Your challenge this week is to take the time to write a letter to be mailed (snail mail) to a minimum of 5 people a week. The cost of this marketing effort is less than $3 per week, and it will take less than 15 minutes a day to implement once you have the letter written.

The letter may have an opening sentence, for example:  “Name” you know who I am, but I want to share what I do, why I do it and how I differentiate myself from others. The Why may include an explanation of your passion how it relates to your business.

The letter should be no more than three short paragraphs. It should also include 2 business cards and an “ask” to help spread the word.

The last sentence should have reference to a contact that will be made in the coming week. It could be something as simple as, “I will call next week to touch base.” ( I usually ask how they’re doing, if I can do anything and if  they would like to receive my personal e-mail newsletter.)

You are in the people business. Even if you don’t believe that the recipients can use your product or service, they certainly can share your story with others.

This system is designed to make contact with five people a week by mail and five people via phone (you call the following week). This is not a burdensome marketing system but one that will prove very effective. In 50 weeks you will have touched 250 people. Be honest, have you done that in the last 50 weeks?

Think of business friends, suppliers, neighbors, family, church friends, etc. Iif you put your mind to it, these 250 contacts are within your grasp.

My headline: “Good thoughts without action” can be finished with “is a missed opportunity for business growth.”