I purchased a book last October that got me on the right path to do this

Get Clients Now!
A 28 Day Marketing Program for Professionals, Consultants and Coaches!

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Important Mastery Items for Business Owners

• Where to find leads
• Managing leads
• How to qualify potential customers
• Attending events and participating to network and be visble in your field
• How to land deals
• Using the right technology to grow your business
• What it takes to maintain a satisfied client base
• Collaborating with other business people
• Create authentic value in business relationships

This list can seem daunting if you’ve not done it before.  For me being an IT consultant, I didn’t like “networking”.  I had this idea that all networking events were shallow, superficial and forced interactions where I would be expected to vouch for other business owners and recommend them.  I wanted to make sure I always remained authentic and honest.

What Marketing Strategy Fits You?

C.J. Hayden’s book opened up a whole new set of possibilities to connect with potential new clients.  She identifies 6 key marketing strategies you can use to grow your business:

• Direct contact & followup
• Networking and referral building
• Public speaking
• Writing & publicity
• Promotional events
• Advertising

It didn’t have to be about cold calling people and having meetings all day!  Instead, I selected public speaking and writing as my vehicles to gain visibility in my market of technology consulting.  The benefit is that these methods would also build my credibility which is especially important if people hire you to speak.  They want to make sure you know your stuff!

Armed with my new knowledge, I began to identify opportunites where I could use these marketing strategies.

Hey!  I Have a Lifestream Show!

Through a series of events, I ended up starting a live technology show due to reading this book.  I had purchased a Logitech webcam so I could do video conference calls with my clients using Skype.  I saw this as a great way to stay in contact and build on existing work relationships without having to drive all over town.  Then, I found the website of Owen JJ Stone aka Ohdoctah who was doing all sorts of videos about work, life and answering questions people submitted.  I also bumped into Chris Pirillo’s live show because he embedded it into his Lockergnome technology website so when he was live, I would hear his show whether I wanted to or not!  Finally, even Santa Claus was in on this whole live video streaming thing!  I saw a tweet saying you could catch Santa online granting wishes so away I went to check it out!

Networking and Developing A Memorable Format

Shortly after, I contacted Owen and Chris to find out what it would take for me to do my own technology stream.  I offered to answer technology questions for Owen and asked Chris what specific advice would he give me in making a successful show.  He said to have a topic and record the shows.  Armed with a webcam, a desire to be successful and empower people through technology, I began streaming my very own show on Ustream.  Now I have an archive of recorded shows which I can use to land public speaking opportunities.  The format I use is hour long shows on a single technology, business or personal communication subject.  People join in and participate via a chat window and I record them.  I’ve continued to receive good feedback both from people who watch live and people who watch later on.

A Series of Favorable Events

One thing I directly credit to Get Clients Now! is how well I did when I appeared on national television on MSNBC’s, “The Rachel Maddow Show“.  I was asked on the show in connection with the Norm Coleman Database Leak.  I calmly and effectively explained how I’d found the database file and how the DNS problem had exposed the insecure data storage habits of our former Minnesota Senator.  This was due taking charge of my success.  By the time I went on the show Friday March 13th, 2009, I’d already been doing my lifestream show for more than two months.  During that time, I had built up my skills on:

• Speaking to an audience
• Timing and segways
• Making effective hand gestures
• Eye contact with the camera
• Being comfortable with “Camera time” (time seems to go slower in front of the camera)

I was also better prepared for the storm of inquries, phone calls, Twitter shout outs,  Facebook friending, LinkedIN connections and website traffic due to C.J.’s book.

Success is Based On Setting Goals

One of the things I like about her book is that it offers a variety of ways to achieve the same result.  You can figure out what you feel comfortable with and take it from there.  The important thing is to set your sights on a goal and go after it.  If you get stuck in the planning stage…afraid to move forward, you’re not going anywhere fast.  C.J.’s books is great because it says, “OK.  What’s holding you back?” and seeks to help move you past your obstacle.

Don’t Fall Behind The Times

Books and tools are great; as long as they’re current.  This book is so powerful because it addresses your business workflow.  That’s timeless!  David Allen became famous because he developed a system processing information know as GTD (Getting Things Done).  I think Get Clients Now! is just as powerful because it’s a blueprint that can work for anyone.  I like that C.J. is on Twitter and is actively using technology and social networking.

Keep It Going

I recommend this book to my clients now once we start working together because I understand that work I do for their computer networks and websites does not always translate into more business.  My technology services create a strong foundation for their business to run on.  My speaking and consulting services offer solutions and ideas.  Businesses and organizations still need to take action to draw attention to their products and services.

I started meeting on Wednesday’s with a client/friend about C.J.’s book.  We go over the action worksheet, talk about how things went in our business, discuss obstacles and offer ideas and suggestions.  I get great value over these business meetings because we can always refer back to action items in the book.  Recently, I started posting about the meeting on Facebook and folks are starting to join.  Meeting on a regular basis adds accountability.  Who knows, I may contact C.J. Hayden about becoming a facilliator one day but for now, I’m happy to share my experience and success with the book!