Designers are always asking me… Who can I team up with to create joint ventures or cross promotions?

Although the first instinct is to look for other people in the design industry, there are MANY other professionals who may have the same or similar target audience as you.  Because they aren’t in direct competition with you, you can create a win-win situation by creating promotions that benefit everyone.

Here are some ideas of local businesses you can contact:

• Pet trainers
• Florists
• Luxury Car Dealers
• Salons
• Personal Chefs
• Personal Trainers
• Lawyers

Cross Promotions and Joint Ventures are cost-effective ways to market your business to your ideal target market.

 

 

When you see the question, “Who is your ideal client?“, what do you think?

Do you come up with a big group, like women, or people who own big houses?

Or are you clear and specific?  Can you answer something like:

My ideal client is a professional, married woman, age 35-45. She works in the city at a large company.  She’s been there for at least 10 years, and has had several promotions.  Her husband is also a professional with a high-paying job.  They do not have children.  They shop at high-end stores because they like to get the best quality.  But they also appreciate a good bargain.  They don’t like spending too much, but they do spend more for better quality.  They want me to go out of my way to make their lives easier, and because I do, they are very happy to pay me my high fees.

The more specific and clear you are on your target client, they more likely you are to attract them.

So go create your ideal client profile, and look at it (and feel it) every day.

To your success!

When asked to describe their niche, most entrepreneurs are hesitant.  They feel that if they are too narrow in their self-proclaimed specialty, they will decrease their opportunities.  But the truth is… the more specific and narrow your niche, the more likely it is that you will succeed in today’s marketplace.

Consumers are looking for specialists – not generalists.  They are not seeking out the services of a “designer.”  But they are compelled to purchase from a “bedroom retreat expert” – if that is the room they are working on.

A narrow niche makes it more likely that you will be perceived as an expert.  You will meet less price resistance.  The press is more apt to write about you.  You are more likely to get referrals.

Proclaim your unique niche.  And shout it to the world!

While I cannot claim to be an expert on blogging, I do study what is working.  And although I’m not posting as often as I should for maximum effectiveness, I do see that the more often I post, the more traffic I get.

And the best part… the posts don’t even have to be long, or perfectly written.  I just have to post.

So today’s inspirational action tip: Go make a post on your blog.

I just wrote this post in less than a minute.  It’s not long.  It’s not perfect.  But it is done!

To your success,

Nika

Your call to action this week is to implement at least 1 new marketing idea (or improve upon one that isn’t being done in the most effective way).

1. Join Twitter
   Designers have been slow to join in on this incredibly effective marketing tool. But you don’t want to miss out on this great way to get more hits on the web. Search engines pick up on all your short posts, and you can drive a lot more traffic to your website. Plus it’s a great way to build relationships with your ideal clients.

 

2. Set up or update your email signature
   This very quick update may catch the attention of an ideal client. Many designers tell me that they got a new design job within one week of adding an email signature with a link to their website.

 

3. Start your email newsletter (or send another issue)
   E-mail marketing Is still the king of relationship building
. E-mail is personal. It’s professional. It’s not going anywhere. Get on board now. Send out an email newsletter.

 

4. Create a free tip sheet, or special report, to put on your website
   You need to give your prospects an irresistible sample taste of your incredible talent. And a free report is a great way to build your newsletter subscriber list.

 

5. Have a professional photograph taken
   While you are building your Internet presence, you must make sure that the photo of YOU reflects your branding. Don’t take an old snapshot and crop out the other people (yes, I see this all the time!). As a business owner, you need to have a professional photograph to use in all your marketing material: social network profiles, website, brochures, etc.

 

If you are a professional in the Home Fashion Industry and you are struggling to get new clients, join me for a free EMERGENCY INTERVENTION CALL on March 24: www.nikastewart.com/attract-more-clients-today.htm