Business by Design suggests you make a plan.

THIS MONTH:
+ Step-by-Step
+ Plan Your Priorities

Step-by-Step
When it comes to marketing, most design professionals are like a ship without a rudder.

They have a vague goal, but not a clue on how to reach it.

Too bad they don't have a "map" in mind. Too bad they don't follow a step-by-step approach to their promotion.

You're better off focusing on one key marketing strategy each month -- and getting it right -- than rushing through a lot of little things.

That's not to say you skip those time-sensitive tasks -- like contacting prospects about a home show in which you're involved.

But you'll make a bigger impact and get better results when you take your marketing one step at a time.

Plan Your Priorities
Identify eight marketing challenges, and spend a month on each of them.

You'll have to set your own priorities, of course. But here's a "schedule" that worked remarkably well for one of my coaching clients:

Month #1 Priority: Learn the Market. Identify your ideal clients,the publications they read, and the groups they belong to.

Month #2: Look the Part. Create a promotion portfolio, with a bio sheet, photos, a list of your design services and products, testimonial letters, etc.
Month #3: Go Prospecting. Smile and dial: Call 10 prospects a day, and attend one networking meeting a week.

Month #4: Seek Input. Ask key clients -- past and present -- for ideas on growing your business. Seek referrals and testimonials.

Month #5: Get Published. Write articles, and submit news releases and photos of your work to influential publications.

Month #6: Speak up. Present classes, seminars and workshops to those you seek to influence.

Month #7: Pick a Partner. Ask vendors and suppliers for marketing support. Team up with allied professionals and firms in non-competing industries.

Month #8: Work the Web. Update your website, or create a new one. Send out emails promoting your new product line.