Starting a business is a bit like birthing a child, you have to go through a massive push before things start to move. And yes there’s plenty of labour (and some pain) upfront and rewards come later once you have created momentum.
Too many entrepreneurs make this a long drawn out labour period because they are not pushing strongly enough at the start, so they don’t create the necessary momentum to attract clients and hit their income goal.
Are you doing enough to create momentum? Even though you might be feeling you are busy and couldn’t do any more, check my tips and see how your level of the RIGHT activity stacks up:
1. Weekly ezine
When in the momentum stage of your business, send a weekly ezine/newsletter, giving you the opportunity to add value, build a relationship and highlight your message on a weekly basis. This is a MUST DO in my eyes for everyone wanting to build momentum fast. There is just no better way to establish yourself as an expert, a leader in your field in the eyes of your potential clients. I know it seems like a lot of work to do this weekly, but I promise that after a few weeks you get into a rhythm with it and it becomes easier. Just be aware though: You are only ever as good as your last ezine, every one of them has to be great. If you want to know more about how to create an ezine that attracts clients and sells products by truly cutting through all the email and internet noise, be on our December Brilliance to Profit call where I will share my ezine success secrets.
2. Weekly networking functions attendances
There are networking breakfasts or evening functions on every week in major centres (a little less frequent in regional areas). Make sure you go and set the intent to make at least one quality contact at each of them, and then follow up.
3. Monthly speaking gigs
If you haven’t got speaking gigs lined up yet, now is the time to get on the phone and book yourself solid for 2011. Organisers are booking speakers for next year NOW. Get on the phone and ring every networking function organiser you know off (at least ten) and get yourself booked as a speaker.
4. Identify JV partners
Joint Ventures are the quickest way to create momentum. If you want to have say three to four quality long term joint ventures setup for 2011, make a list of ten potential joint venture partners you would like to work with next year and start ‘courting’ them. Build relationships now so you are ready to approach them in a couple of weeks, as they are all starting to do their marketing plans now for 2011, you don’t want to be too late.
5. Book your first group workshop
Set a date about six weeks out for a promotional workshop of a few hours, an evening or even a full day. Go and promote it EVERY DAY by doing all the above and through lots of one on one conversations. Something magical happens when you set a date. Things happen…
Most of all, you MUST have a sense of urgency about getting things done. There is no point being busy if you are not achieving ALL of the above. I know they work, I have done it myself my clients are you using them with great success.
If you feel you are too busy to do these things, then you may just stay stuck in a long painful ‘labour’ of building momentum, stay in the state of pushing hard for every client. Why not make one big almighty effort over a few months and create the momentum that sustains itself. Much better if you ask me.
