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    Dissenion Down On The Cubicle Farm
    How content and satisfied are American employees? Not very!According to Corinne Maier, a psychotherapist and author of “Bonjour Laziness,” corporate cubicle inhabitants are anything but tranquil and joyous. These natives are truly restless.This French writer quotes a Gallup study of employed American professionals showing that:1. Some 17% claim to be "actively disengaged" in their jobs, close possibly to acts of sabatoge, some rather subtle.2. And 54% claim to be "not engaged" in their jobs.3. The remaining 29% are "crazy about" their jobs.These are the attitude findings of "professional" employees. How much worse would these findings be if employees of ALL kinds had been interviewed by Gallup?And what leads to such overwhelmingly negative attitudes with only 29% job satisfaction, anyway?Maier explains:1. "Reverse Verbal Signals" and "The Idiocy Of Lies." Example: a company remarks that it "values jobs" but then has massive layoffs.2. Add managerial jargon, gibberish, power struggles, excess emphasis on diplomas and degrees, and employers demanding a lot from employees--but promising and delivering next to nothing in return.3. Also add blathering about the "corporate culture," an "oxymoron which is the crystalization of the stupidity of a grou
    n also download my E-Book - “The Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Their Email Marketing” - .

    There are online email programs you can use to really make your emails POP but remember to send people info that they want to read, not just what you want them to read. When you consult with me, we evaluate the best format and program to use for your email marketing campaigns as well as figure out how often you should send them, what to say in them and how to make more money with them.

    6. Professional Marketing Materials - Business Cards, Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochure, Sales Packet, Flyer, and Postcard - whatever is necessary to reach your target market - they need to be professionally designed, printed and presented! Don't try to design your own marketing materials unless you are a qualified graphic artist, trust me, they will not reflect the image you want to project. It's not just important for them to look good but they also need to have an attention getting headline, message and clear call to action.

    Hiring a good graphic designer is tough; many designers are not what they say they are. Ask me for a referral or have me help you - with my sales and marketing expertise and one of my talented graphic designers we can create outstanding marketing materials that will make you stand OUT from your competition.

    7. Branding - Includes Signage like Nametags, Shirts with Logo, Vehicle Signs, Banner, Promotional Products and Giveaways - the more your name is in front of people's faces the better. You want people to recognize your brand on everything you do and everywhere you go. Find a good

    The Seven C's: Partnership Danger Signs - The 5th C: Control Issues
    A series of articles exploring the seven critical areas that can indicate a partnership is in trouble.The 5th C: Control IssuesWhen control is in the picture it is a lose/lose proposition.First, it is an illusion that anyone can control a person or a situation. The need to control is born of fear, lack of trust and insecurity. A person who feels it is necessary to control is robbed of a sense of well being. In business, control or the attempt to control can occur in many venues.The attempt to control can go on at the top between partners or anywhere else in the organization where two or more people work together. It may be between a group of managers, or between a CEO and direct report. It can be a manager and the team for whom he or she is responsible. It might be an owner CEO and stock holders, or a member of the board of directors. Family members such as siblings often attempt to control each other, or a father hands the business to his son, but won't let go of the reins.When someone attempts to control, they expend enormous mental and emotional energy to hold things within boundaries. Controlling behavior is constrictive and confining. It takes its toll on one's ability to function in a healthy, stress free and creative manner.In business where the desirable goals are growth, expansion and creativ
    For Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

    One thing I've found in my many years of entrepreneurship is that smart marketing is the key to success. I've worked with so many different types of small business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches and consultants from all kinds of industries and no matter what the business is; I've found that if the person doesn't know how to market it and they don't get help to do so, the business just doesn't survive.

    The following 8 items are what I consider a good small business start up checklist; if you are in business or thinking about getting into business you will want to make sure you have or are working on all of these things constantly. The mix of all of these necessary items works well to maximize your exposure, credibility, expert status as well as build your database and help you make informed marketing decisions.

    1. Realistically Defined Target Market - Most small business owners actually have way too large of a target market to be realistic in order to market to them all with the limited time and budget available. More than likely you might want to narrow down your market or define your niche even more with specific demographics and psychographics; then you'll really begin to see unique opportunities that might become available to reach that market. And don't forget about all your referral sources - they are your target market too! If you go to the Small Biz Products page of my website, you can sign up to receive my Free Report - “How to Define Your Target Market in 5 Easy Steps” - .

    2. Marketing Plan - This plan should outline everything you could possibly do in your marketing based on who your target market (ideal client) is and the best ways to reach them including various guerilla marketing techniques, promotions, ideas and co-promotions. Then you need to stick to your well-researched plan and not get sold or steered away by random advertising opportunities. This should also include a

    Publicity Plan - Including pertinent media contacts, press releases, article submissions and event listings for ongoing exposure - If you're not submitting press releases regularly to the local media, local organizations you belong to, etc. you are missing FREE opportunities to get additional exposure for your business.

    Your Marketing Plan should also include an Advertising Plan - Including Timeline & Budget - More than likely you're not spending enough money on advertising, period end of story. If it's done in the right places, places that reach your target market, with a good message or headline and for a reasonable length of time you should see good results. If you only try it once or go too small or have no idea to effectively design your ad - you will not get results. Learn about all the advertising mediums in your target area, who they reach, their demographics, what kind of circulation they have based on their cost, etc.

    Your Marketing Plan should also include an active Networking Plan - Including any pertinent organizations, associations, chambers or other professional group that brings in referrals or is a good venue for prospecting or business development - Pick 2-5 organizations you believe are the best to either promote your business or build your business in, join them and then become as active as you possibly can so you become the well known expert in your field. Volunteer your time generously and most of all put their events on your calendar before ANY other client meeting or job BECAUSE …these are your advertising dollars NOT being spent!

    To put a quick Marketing Action Plan into effect for your business right away, sign up for one of my JumpStart Your Marketing 1-on-1 Planning Meetings at . I have a unique talent for developing just the right blend of marketing strategies for every budget and business.

    3. Database - Inputted/Formatted in the computer with all Clients, Prospective Clients, Referral Sources & Contacts - you need one place where everyone you have ever known or done business with is housed in the computer so it's easily mail merged for one - sort them if you can by hot, warm or cold prospect or referral source. Then you should regularly stay in touch with your database through effective Database Marketing and Follow Up in order for you to be On the Top of Their Minds when the topic of your service/product comes up.

    This can include letter and email templates, a system for following up to Hot, Warm and Cold prospects and ongoing database marketing - If you are not doing quick follow up after you meet someone/anyone then you are missing opportunities and they will forget about you. You want to follow up with everyone you meet within 48 hours and then continuously, you need to make this automatic, systematic and practical so it will get done - delegate it if you have to.

    4. Website - Including Domain Name (s), Hosting, Reciprocal Links, and Internet Submission - you are missing out on sales if you do NOT have a website - but a professional website is a must, not a home-made, amateur site; that will hurt you and your credibility. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but the goal should be to inform, entice and capture - capturing the contact info from everyone who visits your site should be your most important goal - because then you can continue marketing to them either by mail or email and the more likely they will use you or refer you. The content on your site needs to also be compelling, attention getting and filled with keywords to attract the search engines. Hiring a good web designer or developer is very important and very hard to do because many have talent but some do not and say they do. You really want a web designer that also has some sales and marketing experience although in my experience, that is the hardest thing to find.

    If you want a complete website evaluation on what you should do, have and how much it should cost contact me at katrina@ksawamarketing.com; I have a JumpStart Your Website service. I work on my client's websites all the time making them more effective and functional in order to make more sales. I bring in my web designer that fits with each client's style and budget.

    5. Email Marketing - Distribution Lists, Program for Email Marketing, Newsletters, Promotions - Email marketing is the cheapest form of marketing anyone can do these days but there are spam laws to follow and email etiquette you should strive to follow so you look as professional as you can. See www.spamlaws.com for more tips on what to look out for in your email marketing and you can also download my E-Book - “The Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Their Email Marketing” - .

    There are online email programs you can use to really make your emails POP but remember to send people info that they want to read, not just what you want them to read. When you consult with me, we evaluate the best format and program to use for your email marketing campaigns as well as figure out how often you should send them, what to say in them and how to make more money with them.

    6. Professional Marketing Materials - Business Cards, Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochure, Sales Packet, Flyer, and Postcard - whatever is necessary to reach your target market - they need to be professionally designed, printed and presented! Don't try to design your own marketing materials unless you are a qualified graphic artist, trust me, they will not reflect the image you want to project. It's not just important for them to look good but they also need to have an attention getting headline, message and clear call to action.

    Hiring a good graphic designer is tough; many designers are not what they say they are. Ask me for a referral or have me help you - with my sales and marketing expertise and one of my talented graphic designers we can create outstanding marketing materials that will make you stand OUT from your competition.

    7. Branding - Includes Signage like Nametags, Shirts with Logo, Vehicle Signs, Banner, Promotional Products and Giveaways - the more your name is in front of people's faces the better. You want people to recognize your brand on everything you do and everywhere you go. Find a good

    Do's And Don't Of Career Change
    A career change can be riddled with mistakes and ambiguity for many people, even those in mid-career. This, as a consequence, relegates them to where they are despite additions to their job and personal skill sets and the larger market scenario. This small but indicative list of career changes Dos and Don nots will help to make things clearer.Career Change Do nots- Never come out any job before you have another one. Do not quit a job on impulse, only when you have a solid plan.- A career change cannot be spontaneous but must be the result of a well-planned and well thought out decision. Do not plan to change your career in just minutes.- Do not change your career just for the sake of big/instant money or glamour; rather, give some real thought as to whether you are really interested in switching to another career.- Do not have unrealistic expectations from the career that you are going to choose.- Do not pay attention to rumors or gossip or even react to them during your job change process.- Do not spread the word about your leaving the job until it is confirmed in writing.- Do not leave your safe job until you know where and how you will be compensated.- Do not leave the job for until you have ensured that you will not have to pay your monthly bills from your savings- D
    ything you could possibly do in your marketing based on who your target market (ideal client) is and the best ways to reach them including various guerilla marketing techniques, promotions, ideas and co-promotions. Then you need to stick to your well-researched plan and not get sold or steered away by random advertising opportunities. This should also include a

    Publicity Plan - Including pertinent media contacts, press releases, article submissions and event listings for ongoing exposure - If you're not submitting press releases regularly to the local media, local organizations you belong to, etc. you are missing FREE opportunities to get additional exposure for your business.

    Your Marketing Plan should also include an Advertising Plan - Including Timeline & Budget - More than likely you're not spending enough money on advertising, period end of story. If it's done in the right places, places that reach your target market, with a good message or headline and for a reasonable length of time you should see good results. If you only try it once or go too small or have no idea to effectively design your ad - you will not get results. Learn about all the advertising mediums in your target area, who they reach, their demographics, what kind of circulation they have based on their cost, etc.

    Your Marketing Plan should also include an active Networking Plan - Including any pertinent organizations, associations, chambers or other professional group that brings in referrals or is a good venue for prospecting or business development - Pick 2-5 organizations you believe are the best to either promote your business or build your business in, join them and then become as active as you possibly can so you become the well known expert in your field. Volunteer your time generously and most of all put their events on your calendar before ANY other client meeting or job BECAUSE …these are your advertising dollars NOT being spent!

    To put a quick Marketing Action Plan into effect for your business right away, sign up for one of my JumpStart Your Marketing 1-on-1 Planning Meetings at . I have a unique talent for developing just the right blend of marketing strategies for every budget and business.

    3. Database - Inputted/Formatted in the computer with all Clients, Prospective Clients, Referral Sources & Contacts - you need one place where everyone you have ever known or done business with is housed in the computer so it's easily mail merged for one - sort them if you can by hot, warm or cold prospect or referral source. Then you should regularly stay in touch with your database through effective Database Marketing and Follow Up in order for you to be On the Top of Their Minds when the topic of your service/product comes up.

    This can include letter and email templates, a system for following up to Hot, Warm and Cold prospects and ongoing database marketing - If you are not doing quick follow up after you meet someone/anyone then you are missing opportunities and they will forget about you. You want to follow up with everyone you meet within 48 hours and then continuously, you need to make this automatic, systematic and practical so it will get done - delegate it if you have to.

    4. Website - Including Domain Name (s), Hosting, Reciprocal Links, and Internet Submission - you are missing out on sales if you do NOT have a website - but a professional website is a must, not a home-made, amateur site; that will hurt you and your credibility. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but the goal should be to inform, entice and capture - capturing the contact info from everyone who visits your site should be your most important goal - because then you can continue marketing to them either by mail or email and the more likely they will use you or refer you. The content on your site needs to also be compelling, attention getting and filled with keywords to attract the search engines. Hiring a good web designer or developer is very important and very hard to do because many have talent but some do not and say they do. You really want a web designer that also has some sales and marketing experience although in my experience, that is the hardest thing to find.

    If you want a complete website evaluation on what you should do, have and how much it should cost contact me at katrina@ksawamarketing.com; I have a JumpStart Your Website service. I work on my client's websites all the time making them more effective and functional in order to make more sales. I bring in my web designer that fits with each client's style and budget.

    5. Email Marketing - Distribution Lists, Program for Email Marketing, Newsletters, Promotions - Email marketing is the cheapest form of marketing anyone can do these days but there are spam laws to follow and email etiquette you should strive to follow so you look as professional as you can. See www.spamlaws.com for more tips on what to look out for in your email marketing and you can also download my E-Book - “The Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Their Email Marketing” - .

    There are online email programs you can use to really make your emails POP but remember to send people info that they want to read, not just what you want them to read. When you consult with me, we evaluate the best format and program to use for your email marketing campaigns as well as figure out how often you should send them, what to say in them and how to make more money with them.

    6. Professional Marketing Materials - Business Cards, Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochure, Sales Packet, Flyer, and Postcard - whatever is necessary to reach your target market - they need to be professionally designed, printed and presented! Don't try to design your own marketing materials unless you are a qualified graphic artist, trust me, they will not reflect the image you want to project. It's not just important for them to look good but they also need to have an attention getting headline, message and clear call to action.

    Hiring a good graphic designer is tough; many designers are not what they say they are. Ask me for a referral or have me help you - with my sales and marketing expertise and one of my talented graphic designers we can create outstanding marketing materials that will make you stand OUT from your competition.

    7. Branding - Includes Signage like Nametags, Shirts with Logo, Vehicle Signs, Banner, Promotional Products and Giveaways - the more your name is in front of people's faces the better. You want people to recognize your brand on everything you do and everywhere you go. Find a good

    Five Keys to UNFORGETTABLE Phone Service
    In 2006, a study of 2,300 British consumers conducted by Harris Interactive revealed the general public's frustration with poor phone service. According to their research, 65% of consumers withdrew their business due to poor service experiences.Wow.Well, it’s 2007. How many customers are you going to lose from poor phone service this year?Hopefully, zip. But let’s explore five keys to UNFORGETTABLE phone service just to make sure.UNFORGETTABLE Openers Customers will form an impression of you – and your company - within the first few seconds of their phone call. That’s why the first words out of your mouth are absolutely crucial.What’s your present opening line? “Hello?” “Good morning?” Or is it some other boring, corporate handbook greeting that fades into the unmemorable multitude of every other phone call your customer will make that day?FACT: phone greetings are opportunities to make the mundane memorable. To make the customer on the other line smile before she even asks you a question. You must project positivity, uniqueness and approachability within seconds. You can do better can “Hello?”PERFECT EXAMPLE: for years, I’ve been answering my phone the same way: “HELLO, my name is Scott!” It’s nothing fancy, but nobody else uses it. And that’s the key. It’s fun
    then become as active as you possibly can so you become the well known expert in your field. Volunteer your time generously and most of all put their events on your calendar before ANY other client meeting or job BECAUSE …these are your advertising dollars NOT being spent!

    To put a quick Marketing Action Plan into effect for your business right away, sign up for one of my JumpStart Your Marketing 1-on-1 Planning Meetings at . I have a unique talent for developing just the right blend of marketing strategies for every budget and business.

    3. Database - Inputted/Formatted in the computer with all Clients, Prospective Clients, Referral Sources & Contacts - you need one place where everyone you have ever known or done business with is housed in the computer so it's easily mail merged for one - sort them if you can by hot, warm or cold prospect or referral source. Then you should regularly stay in touch with your database through effective Database Marketing and Follow Up in order for you to be On the Top of Their Minds when the topic of your service/product comes up.

    This can include letter and email templates, a system for following up to Hot, Warm and Cold prospects and ongoing database marketing - If you are not doing quick follow up after you meet someone/anyone then you are missing opportunities and they will forget about you. You want to follow up with everyone you meet within 48 hours and then continuously, you need to make this automatic, systematic and practical so it will get done - delegate it if you have to.

    4. Website - Including Domain Name (s), Hosting, Reciprocal Links, and Internet Submission - you are missing out on sales if you do NOT have a website - but a professional website is a must, not a home-made, amateur site; that will hurt you and your credibility. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but the goal should be to inform, entice and capture - capturing the contact info from everyone who visits your site should be your most important goal - because then you can continue marketing to them either by mail or email and the more likely they will use you or refer you. The content on your site needs to also be compelling, attention getting and filled with keywords to attract the search engines. Hiring a good web designer or developer is very important and very hard to do because many have talent but some do not and say they do. You really want a web designer that also has some sales and marketing experience although in my experience, that is the hardest thing to find.

    If you want a complete website evaluation on what you should do, have and how much it should cost contact me at katrina@ksawamarketing.com; I have a JumpStart Your Website service. I work on my client's websites all the time making them more effective and functional in order to make more sales. I bring in my web designer that fits with each client's style and budget.

    5. Email Marketing - Distribution Lists, Program for Email Marketing, Newsletters, Promotions - Email marketing is the cheapest form of marketing anyone can do these days but there are spam laws to follow and email etiquette you should strive to follow so you look as professional as you can. See www.spamlaws.com for more tips on what to look out for in your email marketing and you can also download my E-Book - “The Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Their Email Marketing” - .

    There are online email programs you can use to really make your emails POP but remember to send people info that they want to read, not just what you want them to read. When you consult with me, we evaluate the best format and program to use for your email marketing campaigns as well as figure out how often you should send them, what to say in them and how to make more money with them.

    6. Professional Marketing Materials - Business Cards, Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochure, Sales Packet, Flyer, and Postcard - whatever is necessary to reach your target market - they need to be professionally designed, printed and presented! Don't try to design your own marketing materials unless you are a qualified graphic artist, trust me, they will not reflect the image you want to project. It's not just important for them to look good but they also need to have an attention getting headline, message and clear call to action.

    Hiring a good graphic designer is tough; many designers are not what they say they are. Ask me for a referral or have me help you - with my sales and marketing expertise and one of my talented graphic designers we can create outstanding marketing materials that will make you stand OUT from your competition.

    7. Branding - Includes Signage like Nametags, Shirts with Logo, Vehicle Signs, Banner, Promotional Products and Giveaways - the more your name is in front of people's faces the better. You want people to recognize your brand on everything you do and everywhere you go. Find a good

    How to Dominate Other Yellow Page Ads
    What I’m about to reveal to you is “classified” information. Top secret stuff.Okay… maybe not top secret… but you should know some entrepreneurs pay big bucks for the information I’m about to reveal to you. And that’s no fib either.If your business is listed in the yellow pages this strategy will send lots of customers your way… resulting in more sales.It’s a simple tactic, but works in a big way. Yet hardly anyone uses it. I’m not sure why. I’m guessing it has something to do with a tendency us to go along with a crowd without even consciously thinking about it.When it comes to marketing, we want our customers to buy from us or hire us. Then again, we’re often afraid of appearing too different from other businesses.So what’s this got to do with advertising in the Yellow Pages? Plenty.In fact … I can prove it. Just go right and grab your local Yellow Pages Directory. Alright now… open it up… and tell me what you see.Lots of ads, right? Problem is… they look alike.Right at the top of 99% of these Yellow Page Ads is the business name. For example, under the “Haircutters and Stylists” listings we might see something like the following at the top of each ad block:“Sally Jones Hair Salon”“Theresa’s Hair Care”“Quickie Cuts”“The Family Hair Gallery”<
    ternet Submission - you are missing out on sales if you do NOT have a website - but a professional website is a must, not a home-made, amateur site; that will hurt you and your credibility. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but the goal should be to inform, entice and capture - capturing the contact info from everyone who visits your site should be your most important goal - because then you can continue marketing to them either by mail or email and the more likely they will use you or refer you. The content on your site needs to also be compelling, attention getting and filled with keywords to attract the search engines. Hiring a good web designer or developer is very important and very hard to do because many have talent but some do not and say they do. You really want a web designer that also has some sales and marketing experience although in my experience, that is the hardest thing to find.

    If you want a complete website evaluation on what you should do, have and how much it should cost contact me at katrina@ksawamarketing.com; I have a JumpStart Your Website service. I work on my client's websites all the time making them more effective and functional in order to make more sales. I bring in my web designer that fits with each client's style and budget.

    5. Email Marketing - Distribution Lists, Program for Email Marketing, Newsletters, Promotions - Email marketing is the cheapest form of marketing anyone can do these days but there are spam laws to follow and email etiquette you should strive to follow so you look as professional as you can. See www.spamlaws.com for more tips on what to look out for in your email marketing and you can also download my E-Book - “The Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Their Email Marketing” - .

    There are online email programs you can use to really make your emails POP but remember to send people info that they want to read, not just what you want them to read. When you consult with me, we evaluate the best format and program to use for your email marketing campaigns as well as figure out how often you should send them, what to say in them and how to make more money with them.

    6. Professional Marketing Materials - Business Cards, Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochure, Sales Packet, Flyer, and Postcard - whatever is necessary to reach your target market - they need to be professionally designed, printed and presented! Don't try to design your own marketing materials unless you are a qualified graphic artist, trust me, they will not reflect the image you want to project. It's not just important for them to look good but they also need to have an attention getting headline, message and clear call to action.

    Hiring a good graphic designer is tough; many designers are not what they say they are. Ask me for a referral or have me help you - with my sales and marketing expertise and one of my talented graphic designers we can create outstanding marketing materials that will make you stand OUT from your competition.

    7. Branding - Includes Signage like Nametags, Shirts with Logo, Vehicle Signs, Banner, Promotional Products and Giveaways - the more your name is in front of people's faces the better. You want people to recognize your brand on everything you do and everywhere you go. Find a good

    Six Ways to Get the Best Results from Your Grant Writer
    1. Budget and Annual ReportBe prepared to provide your grant writer with your organization’s annual report, and audited financial statement. The financial statement should be available to the grant writer in a common electronic spreadsheet format such as Microsoft Excel or Corel Quattro. If you give your grant writer a paper or word processor copy of your budget, he she may have to spend time converting it to spreadsheet format; and since grant writers are generally paid by the hour, that will be time lost from the essential grant writing activity or increased cost to your organization.2. Mission Statement and Organizational HistoryProvide your grant writer with an electronic copy of your organization’s mission statement and a brief history of your organization. When was your organization started? Who started it? Why?If your organization is a nonprofit organization, how has it historically accomplished its mission? For example, if it is a chorale society, how many concerts has it performed each year? What was the attendance? Has it performed at retirement homes, hospitals, or orphanages?3. Board of DirectorsThe grant writer will need to know who is on your board of directors, and how they can be contacted. Again, provide this information electronically to your grant wri
    n also download my E-Book - “The Top 5 Mistakes People Make in Their Email Marketing” - .

    There are online email programs you can use to really make your emails POP but remember to send people info that they want to read, not just what you want them to read. When you consult with me, we evaluate the best format and program to use for your email marketing campaigns as well as figure out how often you should send them, what to say in them and how to make more money with them.

    6. Professional Marketing Materials - Business Cards, Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochure, Sales Packet, Flyer, and Postcard - whatever is necessary to reach your target market - they need to be professionally designed, printed and presented! Don't try to design your own marketing materials unless you are a qualified graphic artist, trust me, they will not reflect the image you want to project. It's not just important for them to look good but they also need to have an attention getting headline, message and clear call to action.

    Hiring a good graphic designer is tough; many designers are not what they say they are. Ask me for a referral or have me help you - with my sales and marketing expertise and one of my talented graphic designers we can create outstanding marketing materials that will make you stand OUT from your competition.

    7. Branding - Includes Signage like Nametags, Shirts with Logo, Vehicle Signs, Banner, Promotional Products and Giveaways - the more your name is in front of people's faces the better. You want people to recognize your brand on everything you do and everywhere you go. Find a good promotional products company from your local chamber of commerce or ask me for a referral.

    8. Good, Reliable Vendors - Includes industry vendors as well as those for your business development like printers, mailing houses, delivery services, rental companies, assistants - you'd be surprised to know you're probably spending too much money in one or more of these areas right now. Find reliable, inexpensive sources, if you need referrals to companies I recommend, just ask me!

    If you are thinking there is absolutely no way you can get all this done yourself or you just don't know how to do something on this list then I would suggest you find an expert in that field to help you. Delegate that task to someone who knows best how to accomplish it and can do it much more efficiently than you.

    The cost of outsourcing such tasks far outweighs your valuable time spent trying to figure it out yourself and who knows if you'll figure it out to the best for your business? Your marketing is the most important thing you will ever do in running your business. If you don't believe that, then save this article somewhere safe and when you go out of business in 2-5 years, find it and read it again.

    About the Author Katrina Sawa, Solopreneur Marketing Expert, helps entrepreneurs and independent consultants build their database of clients and prospects, determine the best ways to market their business to their target market, teach them how to network, develop follow up systems, marketing and advertising plans and find ways to get free or low cost publicity which all lead to more customers and increased sales!

    Katrina has been named "The Networking Queen" by her peers and clients ever since she founded her business in 2002. She was always found out mingling at chamber of commerce mixers, business networking events and expos and any event she could attend where her target market would be in attendance. Consistent networking and follow up is the primary reason Katrina has been so successful in her business.

    An avid gardener, party planner and softball buff, Katrina enjoys the sunshine of Northern California. She grew up not too far from the Sacramento area and then received her B.S. in Business, Marketing Concentration, from California State University, Sacramento.

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