I’ve been blogging for a fair few months now, and been marketing businesses big and small for a few years, in various capacities. So I’ve never had any problems dishing out …
I’ve been blogging for a fair few months now, and been marketing businesses big and small for a few years, in various capacities. So I’ve never had any problems dishing out marketing advice. But until last month I hadn’t really walked the talk, as far as marketing my own small business.
Having left the comfort of my corporate ‘career’ early last year, I spend most of 2007 in a mildly celebratory fog, picking up bits of freelance work from old (and new) contacts as I went. Unfortunately Mr. Tax Man isn’t so fond of freelancers as to make it a smooth ride, so in November I bit the bullet and registered my company.
‘Brandthing’, my baby business was born on the 12th of the 12th. He doesn’t have much to show for himself just yet. A url that goes nowhere at present, a couple of pieces of paperwork from Companies House and a nice bit of embossing on a company banking card – which is frankly useless, until I secure some funds to make it mildly interesting.
So now, heading into 2008, I find myself facing the daunting challenge of practicing what I preach. Marketing my tiny business to see if it will grow. I’ve got the skills. I’ve got the contacts. And I’ve got plenty of ideas.
What I don’t have – the age old issue – is loads of time.
So this month I’ll mainly be focusing on giving my business an Identity of sorts (oh hell, you can’t create an identity until you’ve established some values, something to stand for. . . .ok. . .I’ll be doing that too). And I’m going to give some thought to a web presence – so that people can find me (sheesh!. . . a whole can of worms on style, build, SEO issues etc), then there’s the blog (kind of easier to get started, but heck where do you start when you could be talking to potential customers rather than just the world at large. . .)
Suddenly it hits me. . . Dishing out the advice is so much easier than taking it, applying it and working it to get a result. Watch this space, if you’re interested to know how I get on. If nothing else, in the weeks and months to come you’ll have confidence that you’re tuning into someone who is talking from experience.
Bitter? Or sweet? Only time will tell.
Sara
I can guarantee making the switch from talking to doing is a massive challenge. I lived within universities for years and conually offered all sorts of advice and education, and to be honest it worked – at least people told me it did. I now have my own business, but I still like to offer bits of advice.
I have just created a little story that may interest you.
I am always interested in what it takes to be successful. I am sure many people reading this blog are in the middle of getting something going or running their own business. I find that other people difficulties can sometimes act to help us think through our issues. As such I have initiated a little story of a young man in the UK, who is beginning his journey. Please go to the story and offer your advice. Nick will respond to the most popular and sensible advice!
http://www.talkenterprise.co.uk
Just keep reminding yourself to walk the walk rather than talk the talk. Good luck and keep us all posted.