One of the biggest concerns for people in jobs working from home can be their fear of marketing themselves and their business. In my experience, this can be for a whole host of reasons, but a key reason is because of all the fearful self talk that can go on, including:
- a fear of making a fool of oneself
- worrying too much about getting a negative response
- confusing marketing with selling, which none of us is very keen on at the best of times
The following are six ways to help you start a different conversation with yourself to lessen the fear of marketing.
1 Reconfirm the value you bring to your clients/customers
Take some time out to reconfirm the value and benefits you bring to your clients or customers – and be as specific as possible in your description. This will not only help to reinforce your thinking around the quality and value of what you offer, but also boost your self worth and confidence in what you deliver.
2 Undertake up-to-date research
Carry out some up-to-date research with clients/customers to get their thoughts about you, and any new services or products they might need. This would also give you a chance to ask for testimonials if you have not already got these. And if you view this as an essential part of your customer care strategy, rather than marketing or selling, you should feel a lot easier about it.
3 Stop procrastinating
The next time you find yourself procrastinating about how your marketing or promotional efforts will be received, stop and ask yourself what is the worst that can happen if? No one can please everyone all of the time, so if you accept that some people will be less interested in what you have to offer than others as a part of life – rather than a personal attack on you – marketing will become a lot less daunting.
4 Consider your off and on line marketing strategies
Consider both your off and on line marketing strategies. These days, although on line marketing – and espeically social media marketing – has become huge with people now using the internet far more (and thus providing a great way for potential customers to find you, rather than you having to search them out), it’s important to still maintain some of the more traditional methods, including advertising, PR and direct mail where appropriate, and ensure these are all pulled together in an integrated marketing strategy, geared to your specific business and communications objectives.
5 Play to your strengths
Play to your strengths, and outsource the marketing aspects you find less easy or enjoyable. For instance, if you love networking and events, and dislike spending too much time on the computer, just accept that and make arrangements for someone else to work on your internet marketing.
6 Set aside a regular time for marketing
Set aside a regular time in your day-to-day working week to undertake marketing activities and stick to it. Treat it like you would an important meeting that you cannot get out of. If there’s some aspect you’ve been particularly avoiding, make a resolve to do that first as it’s more often the thought of something that’s much worse than the actual doing.
Even the most successful marketers have their off days, but remembering these tips can go a long way towards overcoming any fears.