Somewhere along the “growing up” line, most of us learned to be frightened of marketing. It’s so big and burly and scary that companies dedicate entire departments to this big blob of FEAR. They take lots of classes. They write down lots of goals. They spend a lot of time going TO events.
I’ve discovered that the best way to get the word out about you and your biz is to do good in the world.
Yes!
Find something the world needs that you believe in and figure out a way to offer it. You will volunteer your time and you may even spend a little bit of your own cash.
But in the end, you will feel good and you will be known.
I found someone who wanted to co-sponsor a creative venture with me. Then I JUMPED RIGHT IN. I organized my first ever local photography show. I came up with the theme, the rules, the submission process.
Have I ever done this before? No. Was I afraid of failing? A little bit. Someone mentioned to me it would be hard to get more than a handful of photographers. I can report that the exhibit attracted a lot of photographers. Almost all of the folks who asked for information ended up submitting. And that was with a late.in.the.game PR campaign.
Imagine if I do it again and actually give myself a reasonable amount of time?
I figured that this experience would teach me what I needed to know to make the next one better and it did. You have to do something to know what does and doesn’t work for an event.
It reminds of that great Ray Bradbury quote. “Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.”
The show happened last saturday. Turned out terrific. Lovely room in a historic building set in a gigantic field. I also reaped the unexpected rewards of meeting lots of appreciative, talented photographers. And when I, you, we grow our natural, organic network, we simultaneously market our business, our brand, ours elves.
It doesn’t feel slimy. It feels good and kind and enriching.
In fact, I loved this so much I’m already planning the next do.good.community event with another friend.
And you can do.good in the world, too. Look into your heart and soul and ask, “What does the world need that I can offer?” Google around, see what others are doing and then attempt it yourself. You’ll probably surprise yourself.
What do.good activities/things have you done for the community at large? Love to hear below in the comments.
Thanks, Giulietta