| Getting creative with creative services5 doorways to | | | | you have something important to share and you |
| building businessWhen all is said and done, building a | | | | have a unique approach just by being you.Doorway |
| business is not rocket science. But you must reach | | | | No. 3: Who |
| out and build meaningful relationships by being very | | | | This third doorway is my favorite: Who? |
| clear about who you are, what you offer and how | | | | The traditional model promotes choosing customers |
| you offer it.Please do not confuse this with | | | | by their demographics. My approach- I identify the |
| networking. To succeed at creating a business that | | | | qualities of people. I love working with independent, |
| reflects your passions, you must go to your clients | | | | creative, highly motivated people building businesses |
| and connect with them. The method you choose | | | | they're passionate about. When I go into a room I |
| must suit you. Otherwise you won't do it or you'll do | | | | immediately gravitate to them and vice versa. |
| it with limited success.Imagine five doorways, each | | | | It's fun, natural and enjoyable.Write down who you |
| with a distinct purpose for connecting with people. | | | | enjoy being with. Use adjectives. Think about the |
| Take out a paper and a pen and draw the doorways. | | | | people you enjoy. Describe them. What we often |
| As we go, write notes in each one. It will get the | | | | forget is that people hire people they can relate |
| ideas out of your head and help focus in ways that | | | | to.Doorway No. 4: What |
| reflect your unique approach.Doorway No. 1: Where | | | | Once you've decided the "who," this doorway |
| If you're like me, you would rather get a rabies shot | | | | addresses your customer's needs. At this point, it is |
| than go to networking events. Yet, building a | | | | all about them. WHAT do they want? What do they |
| community of business is central to success.In this | | | | really, really want? |
| doorway, instead of thinking about where you | | | | Choose three people from your "who" doorway. |
| "should" go, write ways you already connect with | | | | Think about them. Write down what. What |
| people, or ways you've connected in the past that | | | | programs, products, seminars or booklets do you |
| come easy to you. Write down places or situations | | | | offer to serve their needs?People like to test the |
| where you enjoy connecting.Mine-- A class. A | | | | waters before they dive in. If you give them a |
| creative project. Even shopping. I've made some of | | | | chance to sample what you do, they can safely test |
| my best connections while shopping. When I have a | | | | you out before investing their time and |
| context, my nervousness recedes. I relax. I get | | | | money.Doorway No. 5: Help! |
| curious about people and, in turn, make meaningful | | | | This last doorway asks you to identify the skills, |
| connectionsDoorway No. 2: How | | | | support and resources you need to connect most |
| Write down how you stay informed. What Internet | | | | effectively with your potential customers. It may be |
| sites? What magazines or papers? What is your | | | | technical skill, referral partnerships or ways to fine |
| favorite radio station? | | | | tune your presentation.Be honest. Write your "needs" |
| Online publications, newspapers, radio shows and | | | | list. Keep it simple. |
| magazines need people to write or speak. By using | | | | Now that you've created a brain storm of ideas, |
| the media you enjoy, you connect with prospective | | | | circle one or two you are willing to take action with |
| clients that have similar interests and values. You | | | | today. What's one call you can make? One email you |
| might notice that these first two doorways are | | | | can write. And do so. Now.And remember - typically, |
| about you. We so often forget that being successful | | | | it's not the skill-set that people lack, but the courage |
| in marketing means honoring how you interact in the | | | | to reach out and connect.Copyright © 2005, |
| world. | | | | Carolyn CampbellWith a master's in theater and a |
| Once you start writing or speaking, you'll gain | | | | certification in professional coaching Carolyn Campbell |
| confidence and credibility. And you'll meet people who | | | | helps social entrepreneurs meld passion, strategy and |
| want to know more about what you do.Write down | | | | community building to create rewarding, lucrative |
| your favorite "information highways," and in a word | | | | businesses. For more FREE tips on growing your |
| or two write why you like them and what articles or | | | | business, visit and click on resources. |
| programs you'd like to offer.What's key? Trust that | | | | |