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 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

I did a survey a few months ago asking thousands of designers around the country what their biggest challenge in business was. There were a lot of responses regarding time management, work / life balance, and organization. But the most popular challenge was getting more clients.

The question: “What is the biggest challenge you are facing in your business right now?” generated responses like:

• Increasing number of clients
• Finding clients
• Getting new clients
• Increasing business
• Generating calls
• Economy

The New Economy has changed a lot of things for Designers. It’s changed the way people shop and purchase. Clients seem to be harder to attract.

I hear you. You need more business NOW.

About a year and a half ago, I hired a high-end Marketing Coach. We partnered together to bring my business to a new level. I was excited to begin working with Sydni – but also very nervous. This was the first time I was investing so much in my business (I’ve paid her over $20,000!). But I am so happy that I committed. Sydni and I have been able to dramatically increase my business – despite the change in the marketplace.

So what does this mean for you?

I told Sydni what I’ve been hearing from designers, and she agreed to do a F*R*E*E call with me to help you out.

If you are struggling to get more clients… if you are worried about your business… let us show you the 5 NEW steps to attracting more clients TODAY.

“The 5 NEW Steps to Attracting More Clients TODAY”
Date: Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Time: 1:00 PM Pacific / 4:00pm Eastern
Get more info and register here

End the struggle and worry. On this call you will learn:

• The one thing you MUST do before spending another dime on marketing (this will make all your advertising, marketing, and publicity efforts 100% more effective!)
• How to get referrals from past clients, friends, and family
• 3 easy ways to use the Internet to enhance your image and build a professional brand that attracts your ideal clients
• Exactly why you need to team up with local businesses to create power partnerships that bring in more clients for everyone
• How to get new homeowners to call you before they shop around

I’m thrilled to share these ideas with you. See you on the call.

Register Here: www.nikastewart.com/attract-more-clients-today.htm

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