PS: You’re using too much hair gel When I left LinkedIn and clicked that button to permanently delete my account, I felt a sense of relief. And pure glee. I don’t know how long I was annoyed by LinkedIn before my displeasure even started registering. I’d log in, look at a newsfeed that included self…
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The best way to market a new small business is to get your ducks in a row before you start shooting. But don’t shoot at this one — he is waaaay too cute! Once you have defined and can clearly state what it is that you are offering, you need to identify exactly who your…
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Moving abroad is a big leap, physically and metaphorically. I have had “Live in Europe for at least one year” on my bucket list for decades. It was always a “someday” dream, along with learning how to ride a motorcycle and getting a sailboat. (I’ve already jumped out of an airplane, thank you. Twice.) This…
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I am in a lot of writers’ groups on Facebook and I often see people post a “follow for follow” exchange for their page or website. It always annoys me. (To be fair, I am easily annoyed.) I see no point in being “followed” on my page by someone who writes genre paranormal romances. I…
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Many people want to know how to become a professional writer—it’s one of those “dream” professions. But it’s scary, too because we’ve all heard stories of starving artists and some of us aren’t in a position to withstand unsteady income. Fortunately, you can start part time and grow your writing business. But full time or…
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When I tell people I run a boutique business, I’m pretty sure they’re thinking, “Really? She doesn’t even dress very well.” (For the record, they’re right. Most days I’m not even wearing shoes.) The boutique business model starts with providing a specialized product or service for a small niche clientele. Boutique businesses don’t compete on…
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Once you have identified your ideal client, where they hang out, and how they like to consume information, you need to craft a marketing message that will resonate with them. By resonate, I don’t mean that people will smack their foreheads and exclaim, “Eureka, I have found exactly what I have needed all my life!”…
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Um. That would be me. I’m doing some client work with the sliding door open because it is finally warm enough to leave it open for an extended length of time and let in some fresh air. My laptop is exactly where it was meant to be—on my lap. My feet are up on the…
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There are several sets of skills that a person needs to become a freelance writer because you are not only a writer, you are an entrepreneur. Congratulations. Being a freelance writer is one of those dream jobs—something you fantasize about while tapping away at an Excel spreadsheet in your cubicle. Making that dream a reality…
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In my book, Marketing in 4 Hours a Week, I discuss refining your marketing message in terms of The Three Cs. Your message must be: Clear Cohesive Consistent The person reading your marketing material has to understand what you’re offering. Yes, Calvin Klein has the marketing budget to run endless ads filled with beautiful, half-naked,…
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