You’re at a fancy dinner and you strike up a conversation at the bar. You realize the person you’re talking to is a potential client and they’re asking how you can help them.
You fumble into your pocket and pull out a crumpled business card. “Sorry. It’s my last one.” You say.
They promise to get back to you. You later find out it was an empty promise.
Have you been there? Do you hate self-promotion? There’s got to be a way to make it easier, right?
Well, today we’re going to look at a few ways to make self-promotion a breeze. Check it out.
1. Unusual Business Cards
I once got a business card that was a Starbucks gift card. The guy’s name was embossed in gold and I can tell you I wasn’t going to throw that puppy away.
Most people don’t take a business cards 101 course in college. And it shows.
You either get the overly designed card with too many graphics or you get the sparse, almost blank card with a name and number on it.
Be different. If you’re going to use just blank card stock, you might as well be handing someone a cocktail napkin with your name on it.
Instead give people bottle openers, gift cards, tool cards, etc. Give them genuinely useful things with your name embossed on it.
No pens. Unless it’s a golden pen on a pedestal they could use to decorate their desk. As a writer, I can tell you that pens just find black holes to fall into.
2. A Resume That Shows Off Skill
I recently came across a resume the kids would probably call “extra.” It’s this graphic designer/coder’s resume. And it mimics a side-scrolling platformer video game like Super Mario Brothers.
It might be extra, but it’s certainly noteworthy. Anyone who opens this resume knows what this guy is capable of.
Does your resume or portfolio make you stand out among the crowd? Can your clients look at your resume or portfolio and know exactly what you’re capable of?
If not, you need to get on it. Design something commensurate with your skill. And make it look good.
3. Give Out Packages
This one might cost you a bit more money. But the fact you’re willing to go that extra few inches signals to your leads you might go those few extra feet for them.
And really, branded pens and mugs don’t cost as much as you might think. A writer might give out a notebook and pen. A graphic designer might give out a mug with a ruler in it.
Remember that you’re a solopreneur. You should consider any of these costs an investment for your business.
Believe in Yourself
What are you going to do when you find a potential client sitting next to you on an airplane? You don’t have to put your headphones on. Talk them up and then surprise them with something awesome.
Believe in yourself. Your future clients are worth it.