f you serve the manufactured housing industry as an individual consultant or
freelance services provider, you probably wear so many hats you have a
headache!
A finely-tuned marketing strategy is even more critical for you, since you
don’t have the ad budget or big name recognition of a corporation.
As the New Year opens, take a close look at your business identity -- from
your business name to the clients or customers you target. When was the last
time you were complimented on your business card? Who cares? A compliment
means someone
MORE THAN NOTICED your business card. Chances are if you had it typeset and
printed at a quick copy shop, your card hasn’t opened too many doors for you
lately. For an individual consultant, a business card should absolutely,
positively sparkle -- from a carefully thought out design to copy to
professionally designed logo, on the highest-quality paper stock you can
afford. Collect memorable business cards and note the elements that inspired
you. Proofread your card before it is printed(at least 3x) and make sure you
include your fax, cell phone number, 800 number, and e-mail address. Order in
quantity for maximum savings per card. Then write a plan of action for ways to
distribute your business card, getting it into the right hands. Does your
briefcase contain enough
business cards?
Consider designing a business card and rolodex card at the same time,
coordinating colors. Remember, a color rolodex card in a white rolo stack
really
stands out. If your card is black and white, use outstanding design and gray
screens
for an effective, classic look.
Create a coordinated stationery suite: business cards, letterhead, business
envelopes, even a designed fax cover sheet, matching mailing labels and thank-
you cards. Consider what kind of printer your stationery is run through-- and
the weight of the paper your office printer can handle. Create designed second
sheets that can perk up Proposals
and other long sales documents. Consider a nice layout and heavier weight
Proposal Cover Sheet that says something unique about your business.
Prepare a professionally written introductory marketing letter that describes
your problem-solving capabilities. Work your mailing list, and add to it with
targeted rented
lists -- perhaps in a new but related market niche.
Think about quarterly direct mail pieces -- as simple as a postcard or as
elegant as a trifold color brochure. Communicate with current and potential
clients.
You are an industry expert with professional knowledge and information to
share. Plan to begin a business newsletter that educates, informs and provokes
phone calls to you for further business!
Finally, when your marketing budget allows, invest in a services brochure
you can be proud of. An individual consultant needs this workhorse more than a
larger
corporation, with dozens of slick marketing pieces and a household name to
boast.
Get yourself noticed in the manufactured housing industry on the Internet,
via the Manufactured Housing Global Network. Here you can have pages of
marketing
material for a reasonable monthly investment.
Become more innovative in your communication ideas -- for ex., Greco Writing
has learned of a unique Golf Journal that fits in a jacket pocket to track
your own golf
scores and become a better golfer. This gem can be customized with your
business name
and logo. Imagine giving this out as a business gift. Imagine your consulting
service
growing in stature and cash flow. Success starts with imagination.
Patricia Greco is a professional writer and marketing
communications consultant to the manufactured housing industry.
Patti is published in the Journal and in the Allen Letter, and is
collaborating with George Allen on the nation wide "resource Packet"
direct mail promotion. Greco Writing creates custom-designed literature
and logos that reflect the upgrade image of the industry.
Greco Writing, 8 Wintergreen Court, Lunenburg, MA 01462 Phone 978-582-0961
