The 5 Ways of Marketing

Did you know there are really only 5 ways of marketing your business? Though most of us probably use each of these methods in one way or another, we don’t use any of them to their full capacity.

Let’s start by identifying the 5 methods:

• Direct Contact
• Networking
• Teaching/Training
• PR
• Advertising

The first is Direct Contact. This involves getting out there and meeting people one on one. Pick up the phone and call potential customers. Have meetings with people to discuss business. Whatever method you choose, try and make direct contact with at least 3 people per day.

Networking involves getting out and meeting with large groups of people. Your goal in networking is to find a referral source. Your goal with networking is to get other people talking about your business, and having them bring you business.

Teaching and training allows you to become the expert on your subject and within your industry. And when you are the expert, people will come to you expecting expert service! This is an amazing tool that allows you to quickly pull away from your competition because people will look at you with new authority. Tip: Teaching can also be done in the form or articles and newsletters on the web.

PR, or publicity is getting your name into the media. Newspapers, publications, radio and TV are all looking for people to interview and provide information to their viewers. It’s fairly easy to get into the media, but you have to make a commitment to do so.

And finally, advertising. Advertising is the least effective way of getting in front of potential customers. Advertising has been overused in so many ways, that people now block out a significant amount of advertising. People are even paying for things like satellite radio to avoid commercials. Advertising can work great if you are targeting a very well defined niche, and if you are combining advertising with other methods.

The goal of your marketing plan should be to have 3 to 5 goals using each of these five techniques, and put them into action on a regular basis. Write down each of your goals on a sheet of paper, and check them off week after week as you complete them. Consistency and dedication will win you business every time.