A wise friend of mine has often said, "There is no such thing as competition." I happen to agree with that philosophy. In fact, I have many solid business and social relationships with people you might consider my "competition". Some of my best friends are "competitors"!
Whenever I mention this, most business people disagree. "How can you say that," they protest, "when every month I lose business to competitors?"
I explain why my viewpoint is different. Certainly, there will always be other people in the same kind of business as ours, but that's not a bad thing. It keeps us motivated, and stimulated. And it also allows more people to learn about our type of business, which makes them more knowledgeable when we talk to them. I truly believe that there is enough business out there for everyone if -- and this is the key factor -- we are providing something valuable and unique enough to our target market.
Here's what I mean. The public relations business certainly has no shortage of agencies and independent practitioners. When I started my company three and a half years ago, my focus was traditional marketing and public relations, with standard retainer and project fees.
But along the way, my direction changed. My clients and prospective clients gave me other insights and ideas that led to the creation of new concepts and services (the Do-It-Yourself Public Relations Kit ? and P.R. Buddy Program ? for do-it-yourselfers, and the Pay for Results Publicity Program ? for people who wanted a more concrete way to gauge public relations efforts). These new products and services have led to more clients and profits.
So how do you become busy, profitable and not afraid of competition?
1. Create something truly unique and valuable. If you build it right, clients will come. Examples: JetBlue Airlines, cell phones, broadband Internet access.
2. Remind your existing clients and tell your prospective clients about your Unique Value Proposition. Whether it's through a newsletter, advertising or a P.R. story, make sure your target market knows what you have to offer. For example, whenever I send out this e-mail newsletter, I get all kinds of responses from people -- some just saying "hi," some telling me they enjoyed the newsletter, some who are interested in my services, and others who are even referring clients to me!
3. Do the best possible job. If you do, you won't even have to ask for more business or for referrals. People will be happy to help themselves and others by working with you again.
Copyright 2005 Margie Fisher All Rights Reserved
Margie Fisher is President of Margie Fisher Public Relations. She is also the author of the Do-It-Yourself Public Relations Kit?. To sign up for her free biweekly PRactical P.R. newsletter, and to see more free articles, visit http://www.margiefisher.com
limousine Chicago Auburn .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareMany of my clients have had the misguided perception that... Read More
You've heard "them" say it, haven't you?By "them" I mean... Read More
If you do, it means:you don't value tracking the perceptions... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, any tool that... Read More
Business, non-profit and association managers committing their public relations resources... Read More
Publicity will take your financial planning practice, your business, and... Read More
Aren't you tired of hearing how extremely easy it is... Read More
Early in my career as a public relations consultant, I... Read More
How cool is this? You're a business, non-profit or association... Read More
Just promoted to manager?Here's something you need to know.Whether you... Read More
Well, for starters, because good public relations can alter individual... Read More
There's good news for public relations execs, marketing professionals and... Read More
You worked hard to get a story on your business... Read More
Does it really make sense to bet your PR budget... Read More
You thought of it, you researched it, you wrote it.... Read More
Yes indeed! If you are a young person who has... Read More
I believe this about public relations.People act on their own... Read More
You can have dozens of marvelous ideas to get free... Read More
You do not have to hire a publicist or advertise... Read More
Maybe it played for Kevin Costner in "Field of Dreams,"... Read More
How do press releases or interest stories have an effect... Read More
Talkback radio offers a fantastic opportunity to access thousands of... Read More
The toughest thing about writing a news release is getting... Read More
There'll never be a better time for a manager working... Read More
Just think about it.If I come to believe that you... Read More
prom limousines Peoria ..Since the major part of a small business typically comes... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager trying to get... Read More
I believe this about public relations.People act on their own... Read More
Parties, videos, booklets and column plugs?Or public relations that does... Read More
Most small businesses have logo'ed shirts, usually polo shirts with... Read More
Have you ever noticed how the same people's names always... Read More
Recently, I told a friend (who's a business owner) that... Read More
Business, non-profit and association managers get a ton of satisfaction... Read More
Most small businesses do little to no public relations (PR)... Read More
What makes a good media release and how do you... Read More
Are you working as hard as you can in your... Read More
What's the real reason some managers shy away from public... Read More
I say to business, non-profit and association managers, a key... Read More
With all due respect to all those stereotypical males out... Read More
True, because department, division or subsidiary managers for a business,... Read More
Talkback radio offers a fantastic opportunity to access thousands of... Read More
How much more fundamental can you get than this? As... Read More
The Internet may have opened worlds for businesses and consumers,... Read More
Simply that the behaviors of their most important outside audiences... Read More
Publicity will take your financial planning practice, your business, and... Read More
The easiest way to meet city council members is to... Read More
1. Appearing in other types of media is the best... Read More
Sure, as tactics usually presented to business, non-profit and association... Read More
Publicity seekers know that Christmas can provide a bonanza of... Read More
I mean public relations that presumes from the get-go that... Read More
Public Relations |