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The best free publicity tool you've never heard of

“Roommate wanted.” I see a version of that request at least once a week on forums across the web. (And no, it’s not some Tinder-esque come on.) The “roommate” request is just a cheeky euphemism for sharing a media database. It’s something solo public relations professionals and small PR companies do, to offset the cost…

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How to get speaking engagements at associations, companies and conferences

Edward writes, “I have given speeches at Rotary Clubs & Kiwanis groups. I want to know how to approach associations, companies, conferences, conventions, etc. – for speaking engagements. Also, should I offer free speeches at these groups in the beginning?” Edward, thank you for asking the question! And the answer is…. Yes. Okay, let me…

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The 5 minutes a day activity that's like free advertising for your business

Want a way to increase your visibility online and even get on the radar of some of the influencers (including journalists) in your industry? (OF COURSE you do!) Comment on their articles and blog posts. By adding smart, helpful, thoughtful comments, you will stand out. Here’s why: If you frequently visit and leave comments on…

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The Case for Content Marketing for Professional Service Firms

There’s a new-ish movement in the marketing world. For the last decade or so, savvy businesses – especially those selling expertise, advice and non-commodity type products have turned away from old school advertising and promotion to creating content that sells without being “sales-y.” So what is content? Here’s a definition, from the people who ought…

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Build Your Visibility, Even When Someone Else is on Stage

I’ve preached a fair bit about the business-building value that speaking has for your business. It positions you as an expert and gives crowds of people a tantalizing preview of what it would be like to work with you. As as speaker, you’re treated like a celebrity by the event attendees, who’ll seek you out.…

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16 ways to get more of what you want

My friend Gina is not a “car chick.” Her head doesn’t turn for an Audi, Porsche or Mercedes S-class. She’s been driving the same mom-van for more than a decade. For her, cars are just a way to get from one place to another. Then last week, she floored me with this comment, “I really want a…

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Power Up Your Marketing, Part 3 (The Speaking Series)

Hello and welcome back for Part 3 of The Speaking Series. In part 1, I laid out the reasons why speaking is such a powerful way to market yourself as a consultant, and the business building benefits of speaking programs for professional service firms. Part 2 was the proof – I shared results from three…

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The 3 Minute Trick to Getting More Traffic to Your LinkedIn Profile

Try a little experiment with me, will you? Search for your own name on Google.  What results pop up? Chances are, your LinkedIn profile is near or the top of the results page. (Unless you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, which means you need to get busy creating yours!) When Google’s algorithm determines what search…

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Power Up Your Marketing, Part 2 (The Speaking Series)

Welcome back! In a previous post, I laid out the case for using speaking as a core element of your fame campaign. Nothing works like speaking for increasing your reach, influence, reputation and building an expert position. (You can read a quick overview of why speaking is so effective in Part 1.) In this post,…

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Five places to find your target market

Whether you’re a consultant, public speaker, trainer, photographer or other business professional, you want to find your tribe. Your people. The ones who need the magic that you deliver. If you’ve been in business for years, you’ve got it down. You already know where those folks hang out. But when you’re starting out? Or shifting…

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