One way to look at marketing is that it shows your clients (and potential clients) that you care about their needs, challenges, dreams and desires.
Consider that by not marketing consistently, it quietly demonstrates to your clients that you don't really care - about their well being, your business and being a professional. While that may not be the truth, it's what people think.
So consider how you might show up differently in your business by seeing your marketing efforts as a way to express your loving care toward those you serve.
Here is a simple way to show your clients (and potential clients) you care: Send Out Cards
Cards are perfect for those in transformational work. There are lots of ups and downs, self-doubts, celebrations and most of us work with people over a period of time so there is lots of life stuff that happens. Sending out cards helps you AND YOUR WORK stay present in your clients' (and potential client's) lives and essentially creates connection.
It's so simple. So thoughtful. Yet few professionals do this. Why? No systems in place to make this an easy, consistent part of your business. To show you care and do so regularly, you'll need to make this systematic (read: organized process that doesn't require too much energy).
Example 1: Low tech version: Next time you go to Target or your local card shop, stock up. Buy $50 worth of cards - select a variety of birthday, sympathy, congratulations, and whatever inspiring cards are appropriate for your business model.
Now you've got your own little card shop at the ready for all the events of a client's, friends and associates life. Keep it handy in your office with a roll of stamps, favorite pen, and return address stickers all in one area.
Repeat this process when your supply dwindles. If you wait until you need to get a card, it's a waste of time (I live in the country so running to the store is a big deal) and usually doesn't get sent (or shows up weeks late).
Example 2: Get Cards that BRAND YOU: Again, next time at Target or Papyrus, purchase several pacs of blank cards that match the color of your business and marketing materials. Alternatively, pick up a neutral, high quality card stock with the first initial of your name or business name. The idea is that it's speaks to tone, feel and look of your business brand.
I have very simple, elegant, blank orange cards that I can personalize to any business situation - a referral thank you, a note to a client, follow-up, etc… My little packet of orange blank cards and thank you cards are at the ready next to my desk, with pen, stamps and return address labels, all in a beautiful little basket.
They are near my desk because connecting with people I work with and those I could potentially work with is very important to me. (I'm an old fashioned girl in that way. I love receiving cards in the mail so I love to give them too.)
Alternatively, you can have branded cards designed for you by a graphic designer and then print them locally or via a website like VistaPrint.com.
Example 3: High tech version: Sign up for Send Out Cards.com. I have heard great reviews. It's an online membership site that automates all of the above for you.
One of these examples, implemented consistently, is a super simple way to show you care while promoting your services.
To your continued success,
Karin
About the Author and WellProNet.org: Karin Witzig Rozell has been teaching health and wellness professionals how to grow their business since 2003. She started as a nutrition counselor who knew a lot about nutrition, but not a whole lot about business and marketing. After learning some tough lessons she cracked the code and now her passion is transforming practitioners into profitable business owners using the power of authentic marketing strategies. In 2009, she expanded her private practice and launched The Wellness Professional Network as the go-to place for practitioners to learn about making more money doing what they love. Karin lives in Upstate New York and works from home with her husband and baby boy.