Monday, March 24, 2008

Better business be

Double or Triple Your Income as a Consultant or Coach

Description:

One way to begin is to speak at the Learning Annex or other Adult Learning Centers. They can be a lucrative place to start a consulting practice--if you know how to work the system.

Content:

When I asked you to send in your questions about what you most wanted to know about consulting many of you asked, *How do I begin.* And *How do I get clients.* One way to begin is to speak at the Learning Annex or other Adult Learning Centers. These centers offer classes in everything from buying real estate to becoming a screenwriter and everything in-between. They can be a lucrative place to start a consulting practice--if you know how to work the system.

1. Know the marketplace.

In any industry you need to know what your competitors offer and where you fill the gaps between your products and services and theirs. Pick up a Learning Annex catalog in your area and see what's *hot*. In San Francisco for example the flavor of the moment is real-estate and live p.or.n. I doubt that po.rn plays in Minnesota.

2. Pitch your class.

Once you know the marketplace and your place in it you pitch an idea for a class that your catalog doesn't have. Do a search on the Internet. See how people language what they do. Search also for articles that pertain to your industry. Find a twist on an idea that's proven successful and send it on to the program director. One of my client's class was rejected at The Learning Annex, but once we changed the title and created bullet points in the format of the catalog it got accepted at all the Learning Annex's nationwide--the very next day. It was the same information, just packaged differently to suit the marketplace.

3. Teach your class.

Once you've secured your class make sure it's information that's fascinating and fresh. Create interactive activities and encourage participation as people learn best when they're actually doing or speaking. Use examples from your own experience, readings, insights, professional and family life. The specifics are what make your subject pop. For example, in the first Learning Annex Class I taught called, *Get on the Fast-Track to Fame* about how to ramp up your publicity campaign quickly, I discussed the 4 Ps--Plan, Prepare, Practice, and Promote which are the foundation of a good publicity plan. For each P I gave an example of how I helped clients develop and implement a marketing plan, then get media placements (get interviewed in print and broadcast) that resulted in a dramatic increase in their business--including doubling and tripling book and product sales.

4. Promote your products and services seamlessly.

Just like when I media coach people I recommend that you have success stories that pertain to your topic and help you make a point interwoven with your facts and information. Lots of times people don't really understand what it is you do--or that you're available for consulting or coaching. By giving examples of how you've helped your clients and customers people automatically *get it*. At the end of the class if no one asks about your services say, *One of the questions people frequently ask is, how can they work with me one on one or with their team?* Then answer it so people know exactly how they can hire you and what their next steps are.

5. Secure testimonials.

Have participants fill out evaluations so you'll know what worked and what didn't. You'll quickly be able to improve your class and understand what matters most to your prospective clients. You'll also be able to see where you can assist them better through your consulting and coaching. You can also use those testimonials on your website and on the phone to get new clients. Happy customers and referrals are the best way to get business.

Copyright (c) 2006 by Susan Harrow. All rights reserved.

Author: Susan Harrow

About Author:

Harrow's clients, rock star wives, reality TV stars, CEOs, and soccer moms, have doubled their income at Adult Learning Centers. Learn how you can skyrocket your career and sell your books, products and services--without selling your soul at: www.PrSecrets.com

Random related phrase:

better business be

Misspelled random related phrase:

bbetter business be, etter business be, ebtter business be, beetter business be, btter business be, bteter business be, bettter business be, beter business be, better business be, bettter business be, beter business be, betetr business be, betteer business be, bettr business be, bettre business be, betterr business be, bette business be, bette rbusiness be, better business be, betterbusiness be, betterb usiness be, better bbusiness be, better usiness be, better ubsiness be, better buusiness be, better bsiness be, better bsuiness be, better bussiness be, better buiness be, better buisness be, better busiiness be, better busness be, better busniess be, better businness be, better busiess be, better busienss be, better busineess be, better businss be, better businses be, better businesss be, better busines be, better business be, better businesss be, better busines be, better busines sbe, better business be, better businessbe, better businessb e, better business bbe, better business e, better business eb, better business bee, better business b

No comments: