Marketing Your Consulting Services.pdf - epiheirimatikotita.gr

• If maintaining a relationship is only about marketing, don’t do it; sincerity is
critical.
Join Organizations Joining civic, social, service, religious, or professional organizations
helps to put the name of your business out there. They will offer you an
opportunity to discuss your business with people who may not otherwise know
about you. Some organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary, or Optimists even provide
an opportunity for you to speak about a topic related to your business. Even
though you will be mixing with your competition, there may be an opportunity
to refer or be referred when time is limited or a match is absent between the client
and your competitor.
Considerations:
• Membership enables you to become knowledgeable about other professions
that may lead to joint ventures.
• It provides visibility and a source of referrals.
• It helps you stay well-rounded and informed, besides giving something back to
society and your community.
• Prepare yourself for how to handle volunteer activities unrelated to marketing.
• Take on a leadership role to have the most effect.
Teach a Class or Conduct a Seminar or Workshop These are opportunities to educate
potential clients. You may provide information, offer hands-on experience, or
build skills. Even though you may charge a fee, this is also an opportunity to market
your consulting practice. A typical situation would be an accountant who
teaches how to use a computer accounting program who may actually be marketing
her services at tax time.
Considerations:
• Use the face-to-face time to subtly promote your consulting services by having
brochures and business cards available.
• The fee should at least cover all your expenses, including design time, materials,
and travel expenses.
• This is an opportunity to enhance your professional reputation.
Tools of the Trade: What Works; What Doesn’t? 79