Debbie Mayo-Smith: Be a better marketer than doer

One of the most important things you have to do is learn how to market yourself. Photo / Thinkstock

Three things I heard at the beginning of my speaking career were business-changing because I took them to heart and acted upon them.

It was eleven years ago when my husband introduced me to the internet. It was business changing - because here was the golden opportunity for anyone to compete with the largest of corporations with very little investment required.

Second, while working with a financial services broking firm, I always heard the Managing Director tell the team "Activity equals success. Activity equals success". I took that to heart. Don't just wait for people to metaphorically knock on your door.

The third was a statement by marketing speaker Winston Marsh when he came to speak with that group.

Winston said "Be a better marketer of what you do than a doer of what you do."

So simple. So clever. So poorly done by most. There are thousands of people just like you out there. Running similar companies. Filling your occupation. Accountants. Writers. Marketers. Caterers. IT Consultants. Graphic Designers. Small business owners. What makes any one of us very successful? What makes you special? You can be the very best in your industry at what you do. But if people don't know about you or your company - how can they use your services, buy your products?

Don't let this economic downturn make you stop your marketing. In fact you can be clever and take this as an incredible opportunity to do the opposite, gain recognition and market share from your competition. As you know it doesn't have to be only through advertising in the press. You can devise other ways to help you stay in touch, keep your name in front of your clients and prospects, spur referrals, sell your goods and services and improve your customer service. You know what I'm talking about developing a great customer and prospect database and then the activity of working with it to add value and keep in touch with those on your list.

Success comes more swiftly to those adept at marketing and promoting their businesses. Be a better marketer of what you do than a doer of what you do. Look for and take each and every opportunity to promote your business. Use the internet to gain more eyes and communicate around the world.

Written by international speaker and bestselling author Debbie Mayo-Smith. For more tips, over 500 how-to articles visit Debbie's article webpage.