How to Market Your Business with Confidence
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Doing something you’re good at and enjoy doing is an great starting point for a business. Unfortunately, it’s not enough. Many people barely get their business off the ground because they don’t have the confidence to market it successfully.
Self-promotion is especially challenging for introverts. The thought of talking about ourselves, especially to total strangers, is enough to send some of us running for cover.
Many people I meet in business circles are surprised to learn that I’m an introvert. It’s not that I force myself to act like an extravert; instead, I’ve learned to recognize and make the most of my strengths.
I recently had the opportunity to share my experience on Erin Summ’s weekly interview series, The Successful Introvert: How to Confidently Grow Your Business and Your Bank Account.
Here are a few highlights:
- Choose small, structured networking events rather than large after-business cocktail party-type mixers.
- Plan in advance what you want to say, especially if you have to stand up and introduce yourself. You’ll feel more at ease, and you’ll be more interesting too.
- Take advantage of social media to stay in touch with people you meet, and connect with others, while remaining in your comfort zone.
- Seek out one-on-one opportunities. Make a point of scheduling a lunch or coffee meeting with some of the people you meet, so you can get to know each other and explore how you can help one another’s businesses.
- Since you’d probably rather read and write than talk, write articles and blog posts to establish your credibility and demonstrate your knowledge.
You’ll have to watch the video for the rest of my ideas – including one that may surprise you – so if you don’t have time right now, be sure to bookmark it for later!
How do you market your business with confidence?
Please share in the comments!
Janet Barclay
I eliminate stress for my clients by hosting, monitoring, and maintaining their WordPress sites so they don’t have to worry about security, downtime or performance issues. When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy reading, photography, cooking, watching movies, drinking tea, and spending time with my family.
I think social media has been a wonderful way for introverts to connect in a powerful way. Great to see you here, Janet. I love hearing your accent:) I think many entrepreneurs have vague business concepts, so I appreciated this discussion. I think confidence is extremely appealing, so it is important to drill down on a business plan where we feel we can proceed with confident comfort level.
I have an accent? 😉
It’s interesting what you say about entrepreneurs with vague business ideas. I suspect that, along with a lack of confidence, is probably a major factor in most new businesses failing within three years.
A great informative video, Janet. Thanks for sharing.
I love that you mentioned modifying your business to help one be more confident in what they do. It’s essential to make a change if you are not passionate about what you do in your business. You may not love all the services you provide to others. Determine if the rate of return is worth it. Having your own business should be fun and profitable.
Absolutely! If you’re not passionate about what you do, it’s going to show. If you’re not excited about it, why would clients get excited about it?