Stephanie: A big problem for many small business owners is that they are mainly interested in delivering what their business offers, not marketing. Many people are apprehensive about marketing or underestimate the amount of time and attention that needs to be devoted to it. It has been said that you are actually not in the business of providing what your business offers, but rather you are in the business of marketing your business.

Once you accept the importance of your role as the marketer of your business, you need to get very clear about what you offer and exactly who you want to market to. Trying to market to everyone is a mistake that many business owners make. It is a waste of time and money and even worse, it's not effective. Marketing to a specific niche makes your business extremely attractive and positions you as the expert.The main obstacle business owners face when deciding on choosing a niche is that they are afraid they will miss out on business. But as long as the niche you select has enough prospective clients, there is nothing to worry about.

Another big mistake small business owners make is not marketing consistently. Mediocre marketing that is done consistently is far more effective than sporadic actions.

And finally, do not make the mistake of not measuring your marketing. It does not sound exciting but it is essential to analyze your marketing efforts so you know what works and what does not.

The great news is that it is possible to market your business in a way that feels great for you. Once you have decided on your marketing strategies, created a marketing plan, and set up systems to support your plan, it is actually not that hard. In fact if can even be fun, no kidding.

Expat Women: What is your marketing advice to start-up entrepreneurs on a low budget?

Stephanie:

Expat Women: You have self-published No Sweat Networking: Simple Solutions to Overcome Networking Obstacles and more recently, 100 Things to Be Before You Die. How difficult is it to self-publish and what advice would you give other women who have toyed with the idea?

Stephanie: My advice for women who want to write a book is to stop toying and start writing. If you think you have got a book in you, and most people do, then make the decision to do it and begin. If you are a business owner, writing a book is a fabulous way to build credibility in the market and position yourself as an expert.

Self-publishing is a great option, I used Lulu to publish my book. If you would like some support getting your book started and published I can highly recommend the services of Jo Parfitt. She is an expat who has written 26 books and is an absolute expert.

Expat Women: Finally, we have to ask... what took you from the United States to The Netherlands in 1999 and what has kept you there these last ten years?

Stephanie: I moved here to be with my Dutch love and we are still together and extremely happy. He has always been immensely supportive of my business, which makes it that much more fun.   

Expat Women: Stephanie, thank you very much for your valuable time and insights. We wish your coaching business all the very best.

Firefly Coaching specializes in business strategy and marketing for business owners who want to create a profitable business for the long term. Stephanie will show you how to make sure you have a business model that works for your unique business and create a marketing plan that fits you like a glove - allowing you to attract all the clients you can handle!

Click Here to grab your free copy of Stephanie's informative and practical special report, "7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time".

September 2009