Having been in the business to business (B2B) world all my career and now starting to slowly enter the consumer market in my current responsibilities, I’m finding that marketing of any size or in any market has similarities. I believe everyone (Yes, you!) has something they are good at and should always take it as far as they can. Whether or not you want to get paid (at least initially) for being good at something there are some small steps you can take to help you get there, and they may not happen in this order, but make them happen!
1. Start a blog right now, right here at Blogger!
It’s free and a perfect forum for you to talk about what you love to do and get the word out. Despite working full time as I currently do, one of my goals was to make time to start a blog, and I did it! Of course, I would love to have daily posts, but know that’s not realistic so I try for once or twice a month. I get to talk about things that may help people with their businesses, other marketers, or people who are on the edge of the pool but are not quite ready to dive in and start something new, whether business or personal. One thing I’ve learned is dive in that pool now! A blog is a nice jump to get you started.
2. Connect with like minds
Whatever you like to do, there are others who share your interests. Look for those people (Google search based on your interests). That’s how I bumped into WorkIt! Mom. I was looking for career mom sites and found this site to be the best one I had come across. I’ve loved interacting with some great women on this site and have never looked back! Now I KNOW I’m not the only one doing a balancing act every day!
3. If you’re ready, buy a domain name and create a web site
You know your stuff and are ready to let the world know it. Buy a domain name and make sure it’s relevant to your business or interest. Domain names are very inexpensive and some sites offer packages that enable you to create and host web pages. Some good ones that I’ve come across and use are http://www.godaddy.com/ and http://www.1and1.com/.
4. Collect email addresses and start your own newsletter
This one can be challenging and requires a commitment similar to your blog (Notice how I said “your blog” like you’ve started one already? 
). Newsletters are tricky sometimes because people tend to start off strong by sending one out regularly and then it tapers off to sometimes and then not at all. I have been guilty of that myself. There are email vendors you can sign up with for as little as $9.95 a month (http://www.icontact.com/) where you can create and send out your newsletter. Most of these vendors have free trials before you sign up. Another cost-effective one is http://www.constantcontact.com/ who caters specifically to small business owners.
5. Just do it already!
I have always loved Nike’s slogan, Just Do It! Often times you hear people talk about things they want to do but when it comes down to “walking that talk” there are always excuses like “Oh, I just had a baby!” “I don’t have time!” Yadda, yadda. I’m willing to believe that everyone has something they have always wanted to do in their lives but have been scared or used time as an excuse. Well, I say do it and do it now because the last thing you want is to be in a rocking chair one day thinking “Woulda, coulda, shoulda.” Don’t do yourself that injustice! Start off small today with these steps and see where they take you. You have NOTHING to lose.
Drop me a note anytime with your stories, inspiration or questions.
Hi Anna! I just love your blog – it’s so informative! I’m brand new to blogging, just started my own, and feel clueless! But it’s fun, and I’m hoping it will help me get some more traffic to my website.
Thanks for all of your great tips, I’ll keep reading!
Bonnie