I‘m thrilled to bring another podcast out of the vault for you this week! In this episode, recorded in 2012, but even more relevant today, I go one-on-one with Mari Smith, the author of New Relationship Marketing. Mari has been called the “Pied Piper Of The Online World,” and you'll see why when you hear how enthusiastically and sincerely she shares her tips for marketing your business.
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To listen to my 30-minute interview with Mari, and to put her tips to work in your life right away, scroll to the bottom of this page and click the play arrow. If you don't feel like listening right now, go ahead and download the show on iTunes and listen whenever you want! You can also enjoy the show notes below for quick inspiration right now.Approach the business networking and marketing process by first doing your homework on the customers you want to connect with!
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Mari Smith, Author, entrepreneur, speaker
Episode 11 Show Notes
- You're already a relationship marketer! Since the notion of relationship marketing is based on the underlying intent that governs all of your actions, if you have a business, you currently engage in some forms of relationship marketing every day! Unlike the traditional sales and marketing process, which focuses on closing the sale in front of you, relationship marketing focuses on earning and nurturing relationships, and on acquiring customers for life. This is not a “one off” process. It's continuous and flowing, and allows you to use new media tools for great efficiencies.
My Takeaway: Rather than focusing solely on your sales cycle, focus also on how relationship cycles complement your sales cycle. Observe how they mature over time. See how they lead to sales and other positive outcomes in your business and in your life.
- The line between business, personal and private. Stressing that you must take control of your privacy, Mari divides sharing into three categories: business, personal, and private. She suggests a 3-prong test to determine whether or not to share something publicly. Don't miss this section, where Mari discusses how she applied these tests to determine whether and how to share her change in marital status at her blog. You'll get some great tips if you are trying to figure out what to share and what not to share.
My Takeaway: If you have a business, there is no such thing as complete privacy. You cannot be an recluse online and then expect the Internet to deliver sales for you. Strike an intentional balance between disclosure and non-disclosure that works for you. Like relationship marketing itself, this is a dynamic process, and may vary greatly depending on the season of your life, the stage of your business, and your own personal comfort level.
- Three things that will always draw people. Whenever you're at a loss for how to connect with and nurture a relationship with someone, consider approaching them around one of these three things: family, hobbies, or travel. Everyone likes all three, so you can't go wrong with any of them. This is a super tip for when you need ideas for new blog posts, and want to use your blog to reach out to specific people with whom you want to do business.
My Takeaway: Use your blog, Twitter, FaceBook, etc., to find out about the people you want to connect with. Just like you approach the job interview process only after doing homework on the employer, approach the business networking and marketing process by first doing your homework on the business and/or business owner you want to connect with.
About Mari Smith
Mari is a passionate social media leader, specializing in relationship marketing and FaceBook mastery. Fast Company describes her as a veritable engine of personal branding, a relationship marketing whiz and the “Pied Piper of the Online World.” In addition to her new book, New Relationship Marketing, Mari is the co-author of FaceBook Marketing: An Hour a Day, and is considered one of the top resources and thought leaders in the world of new media marketing. Follow Mari on Twitter here, and check out her website here.
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Best and success,
Question
Have you ever felt alone and afraid to take your next step, as Paula describes? Who helped you when you lost our confidence and had to step out on faith? How did you overcome self-doubt to create your business? Share your experiences and feedback below!
