Be the News Expert, photo by captsolo

It is important for a business person to be an expert in his own field, and most people will accept you as an expert simply because you are in the business. But being accepted as an expert and being the recognized expert are two different things.

Why do certain business people always get mentioned in the media, when other more knowledgeable experts go without notice?  It is not because of their vast knowledge, but because they are recognized or known by the media.

Promote Your Business

A mention in the newspaper or on the local news is valuable to the promotion of your business. People will want to ask your opinion or hang around you because of your success in the media. They will want to give you their business because they perceive you as an expert and as a successful person.

So how can you get that valuable free publicity? How can you get your foot in that door? Begin a media campaign designed to get that recognition and become the go-to expert in your field.

Make Yourself Known

If you know any writers for the TV or the newspapers, you are probably already aware of their constant need for sources. You are doing them a favor by making yourself available when a quote is needed.

Introduce yourself to writers whenever you have the opportunity. Exchange business cards.  Let them know that you are available, but don’t blow your own horn. Instead, just be helpful.

Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Tell them about your business and let them know that you are available as an expert, if they might need you. Never waste their time, and don’t harass them. Just be quietly available.

Stay on top of business developments in your field. Whenever anything newsworthy crops up, give the reporter or editor a quick call. Leave a message letting them know about current developments and why it would make a good story. If it turns into a news report, you will be recognized as a source.

Be quick to return calls from reporters. The first person to answer the phone will likely be quoted.

If you have not already done so, sign up with HARO (Help a Reporter Out). See my recent post for more information on this free service.

Give back to the community:

Share your expertise with your church or community group. Become known for taking action and being a problem solver in your field.

Teach a class on your business or industry and give it your best effort. Teachers are recognized as experts, and the process of teaching requires you to explain your industry in a way that anyone can understand.  Make sure that your class is advertised and issue a press release about it from your business as well.

Be in the Business of Helping Others

Marketing your business is as simple as getting your name out there. Usually the best results are obtained when others recommend you or recognize you as an expert. Be in the business of helping others and let them toot your horn for you.

Need a Writer?

Do you need a writer to help promote your business online, put together that course or write a press release. I am available at very reasonable rates. Check out my resume and Hire Me page.

By Diane Watkins

It seems obvious that you should strive to always satisfy your customers; however, many businesses ignore this very simple principle. Your existing customers are your most valuable asset, you must take care of them.

Satisfied customers will refer others to your site. This is more valuable than any advertising that you can buy. Research shows that referrals from existing customers are far more valuable than search engine referrals to your business.

Further, a dissatisfied customer can spread poison over your sales. The internet spreads your reputation as fast as the click of a mouse.

The lifetime value of your customer is far more than the value of the first sale. Satisfying your customers is a continual process. Check up with them to be sure that they received what they needed. Over deliver on all of your promises. In this way, your customers will ready and willing to buy from you again and again.

The viral value of this customer comes through his willingness to refer others to you. Make it easy for him to refer you. You can give him coupons to use himself and pass on to friends. Offer discounts or even free merchandise when people he refers become your customers. Offer an affiliate program that your satisfied customers can use to refer others to you.

Most people enjoy telling others about good service and products. Make sure that they consider yours to be top quality and they will reward you by telling everyone. A satisfied customer is one of the most valuable forms of viral marketing.