Blowing Your Own Horn ? A Key Marketing Strategy for Small Business

-- Building Credibility Through Success Stories --

Successful solo entrepreneurs spend quite a bit of time building and expanding their networks. These networks can cover a broad spectrum ? professional associations, community service, school or alumni networks, virtual communities, athletic groups, neighborhood associations. There are a variety of choices when creating our support system.

What they all have in common is this: we engage in the same activity ? relationship building. We may meet face to face, over the telephone or online. We exchange pleasantries, information, referrals or resources and in doing so, strengthen the bonds with individuals and the whole organization. What is not quite as common in our exchanges is the use of a personal or business success story. A success story has a double message: it highlights a specific activity that we accomplished or service that we do AND it communicates a distinguishing level of achievement. Both messages serve to build credibility with the listener, which in turn builds trust.

Success stories need not be complicated or lengthy. Here are a few considerations when preparing your own.

Be Proud About It ? A good success story translates as truly genuine when you feel proud to share it. "I am so thrilled that I was able to save my client $5,000." ?a Financial Services Representative

Be Prepared ? Think through your list of recent business achievements, honors, awards or professional certifications that represents something you are proud of and demonstrates an achievement. Then select one or two to share with your contacts at an appropriate time.

Be Specific ? Describe exactly what product or service that you delivered or the type of honor or certification that you received. "I recently completed the requirements for the Master Certified Coach designation." ? a Business and Personal Coach

Make It Current ? Be careful to use situations or events that occurred within the past six months. This keeps it in the category of "news" that your listener may be interested to know.

Keep It Brief ? A few good sentences about the award or business achievement is all it takes. No need to dominate an exchange.

The next time that you interact with a client, colleague, friend or family member, try blowing your own horn. Humorist Will Rogers said, "It ain't bragging if you done it."

Copyright 2003, Charlotte Farrior

____________________________________________

Charlotte Farrior of Coaching Connection (http://www.corporatecoaching101.com) and Founder/Team Member of Solo-E (http://www.Solo-E.com) is a corporate and professional coach. She works with professionals, entrepreneurs, directors, and executives to define and achieve the personal and business goals they set for themselves. She coaches in the areas of goal setting, skill development, priority management and career transitions.

____________________________________________

*********** Find more articles like this at http://www.Solo-E.com ? Keeping Solo Entrepreneurs Juiced in Business and in Life. Our team of Solo Entrepreneurs are comprised of small business experts who support others in finding business success with the flexibility and freedom to have a life, too. Network with other freelancers, self-employed and Solo Entrepreneurs in our forums, enjoy our articles and newsletter, and find other online training opportunities. ***********

---

Pressure Washing; How to Bid Concrete Cleaning Jobs

Remember the cleaning business is all about time ratio to... Read More

Small Business Checks ? Money Saving Options

When you go into business for yourself, there are many... Read More

50 Ways to Save Money

There are countless ways to save your business money. Unfortunately,... Read More

Do Home Businesses Complicate Small Business Debt Collection Laws?

The home-based business market, sometimes called the SOHO (small-office/home-office) market,... Read More

11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From The Miracle On Ice

1. Know Where You're Going ? Coach Herb Brooks had... Read More

Going Public: Now that You Have Successfully Made the Transition, What Do You Do?

Ok, you have successfully accomplished your dream of being the... Read More

The Perilous Franchise Agreement: What Did You Sign?

Purchasing a franchise has become one of the most popular... Read More

How To Build Business Credit

Having their own business is something many millions of people... Read More

Small Business Franchise Opportunities

Many businesses offer small business franchise opportunities. There are many... Read More

FFP vs. CPFF Contracts

SBIR Corner: FFP vs. CPFF contracts:In the SBIR/STTR world, the... Read More

Analyzing Customers in Your Business Plan

The Customer Analysis section of the business plan assesses the... Read More

Mobile Car Washes and Shoe Policies

Mobile carwashing is hard work, it is tough on the... Read More

Drivng Home the Point - An Outsourcing Story in China

A few years ago, I visited Beijing for the first... Read More

The Most Important Decision of Your Massage Business Career

Don't you find that there are so many decisions you... Read More

To Buy A Fat Pig

What does buying a fat pig have to do with... Read More

Facts About Starting Elderly Group Home Businesses

There's been a recent rise in the number of elderly... Read More

Incorporating a Small Business: S corporations versus C corporations

If you've been considering incorporating your small business, you've probably... Read More

Setting Up a Pressure Washer Rig to Clean Concrete

Maximum efficiency in the cleaning industry is a key to... Read More

How to Profile a Client

At first glance, this topic may seem a little repetitive,... Read More

Are You Running Your Business or Is Your Business Running You?

Being a small or home-based business owner can be loads... Read More

How to Create an Employee Manual

Large corporations use employee manuals to both educate employees about... Read More

6 Steps to a Successful Medical Spa Expansion

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, since... Read More

Book Yourself Solid Key #5: Go Forward With Gusto & Articulate What You Do

Want your small business to flip instead of flop?! Statistically... Read More

Setting Up as an Electronic Repair Authorized Service Center

If you plan to upgrade your workshop into an Authorized... Read More

Cabinet Refacing Business Opportunities

With all the cabinet refacing business opportunities out there, you... Read More

Get In Touch With Your Competition!

We all know that competition is an ugly word but... Read More

Franchising in The Middle East There Will Bring Significant Opportunity for US Based Franchisors

As stability emerges in the Middle East there will be... Read More

A Lesson From ?The Apprentice? That Can Make You A Master

I have to admit, I was curious. When I saw... Read More

Increase the Wealth in Your Community

Many of us have noticed how some nearby communities seem... Read More

Tips For Successful Home Show Businesses

Opportunities for home show businesses have never been more abundant.... Read More

Marketing Your Small Business with Success Stories

-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --An effective and compelling... Read More

Get Free Payroll Forms Download from the Internet

Having a successful business means also having a good working... Read More

Alliances: What works, what does not

Why Alliances FailWhen do you know an alliance is falling... Read More