I’ll assume you’ve been a reader and keeping track of randomly published but related posts… By now, you know where your financials stand as of the first half of 2008, and you have an idea of where you’ll be at the end of the year. What next?

First, narrow the focus-what describes you best?

1. I need more business
2. I have enough business - but I’m not making enough money for the time I’m putting in
3. I have all the business that I can handle, and I’m missing opportunities for more

Today’s topic: I Need more business!   

First, put the time on your calendar. Create marketing time blocks by making appointments with yourself. The time blocks are your commitment; you must use that time for marketing. Even if you sit and stare until you pick up the phone or start an article, block and use the time for marketing only.

Marketing is one of those topics where the rule that “if it isn’t on your calendar, you don’t know you aren’t doing it” is especially true. So- seriously, if you need business and you don’t spend a significant percentage of time on marketing- you need to get someone else to do your marketing for you, or you need to work for someone else. If you want to remain in business, book the time.

Second- use the time blocks to create and execute your marketing plan. If you don’t know what activities to schedule in the blocks, choose a professional services marketing resource. (coach, book, seminar, audio program, your uncle Owen, etc.) Marketing isn’t rocket science, there are a LOT of proven resources.

I’ll recommend the 28-day Get Clients Now!  program, which I do coach- but you can do it yourself with the book by CJ Hayden. Many people have been successful using the book. The program is specifically aimed at getting and staying in action. Start by choosing from the book’s strategies & tactics to create a marketing plan. Then, every day, follow your plan and take action to get more clients. The book offers day by day support. 

If Get Clients Now! doesn’t appeal, choose a different resource and get into action. Once more- the chorus, make sure your focus is on DOING. Create marketing habits. Choose a resource, follow it, if you don’t like it, try a different one until you have a plan that works for you.

That’s it for this topic today. If adding business is your focus for improving 2008 results, do check out the book or my program- and when you turn away from this screen, turn directly to your calendar and book yourself a marketing appointment.