1. Change your voicemail. Don't use the same ole line, "Please leave your name and number after the tone." Duh! We all know that. Direct people to your blog or new information or product on your website. I download trendy music for people to listen to instead of the normal ring. It gets their attention and sometimes they are mad when I do answer because they were rocking out to Bon Jovi.
2. Change your email signature. When I am doing rebranding for a company, this is the first thing we change because it's instant and easy. And you use it everyday this is more important than a business card. I suggest you create your own email signature that is different than contact info. Use your logo, use your tagline, make it memorable!
3. Sign up for facebook, mySpace, twitter and all the other types of blog spots available. It's free. It takes a few minutes to set-up. It's kind of cool to get an email from an old friend. But the most important part, is that you are getting your name and company info out there in different ways than just your own self-promoting website. When people Google you, Google thinks you are important and will list you or what your company does on top of searches. It may take a while for you to see the results, but it's worth it.
4. Ok this is a huge secret. Hire someone to blog for you. Who has time for all that blogging? Large companies hire their own Social networking person. They like to know what people are saying about them as well as getting the word on the "street" first with a new product launch. It doesn't cost that much and it works right into that budget you had set for advertising.
5. Please carry business cards with you. I don't know how many times I've met someone on a girl's night out and they don't have a card. Aren't we all trying to get business in one way or another? I stash an envelope of them in my car, I keep 5 in my wallet. And hand them out to clients. They are your best source for leads. And ask for theirs too.
Bonus: And since we are talking about that, change your business card. I even put a catchy phrase on the back of mine, last year's was "Make '08 Great". This time I just used a cool graphic and incorporated it on the front, back and even on the side of my envelope. And take it to another level, and list organizations that you are a member of or non-profits you support. The business card is your first impression, make it memorable. Even if you think it doesn't matter that you are a Hot Rod Camaro club member, it gives people something to talk about.
1 comment:
Mariellen - I love this post--especially the part about hiring a professional blogger :)Yours should blog more!
Talk to you soon - Meg
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