Would You Like to See Your Name Up in Lights?

The Next Part of this story is only for those of you who intend to be in the business for the long haul. If you're just passing through, this will make no sense at all to you. In order to accomplish this next phase, you will need to invest 200-300 hours with no real hope of a return in the first 6 months. (200 - 300 hours is 2-3 hours per day for 100 days. I can write an entire book in that amount of time.) In other words, it seems like a lot of hours, but in terms of your career it is a pretty small investment.

Become a Minor Celebrity

I'm stealing the headline from Dan Kennedy, again, but I have lived the principle in four industries. Dan Kennedy says that he hopes he is never recognised in a restaurant, but he darned well better be recognised at a trade show in his industry.

For you, that means your local chamber, Kiwanis, Optimist, Rotary, 10K runs, etc. Do you have to be a city councilman or on the school board to accomplish minor celebrity in your area? Not at all. But depending on your skill set or personality, here are a few ways you can dramatically increase your visibility, and thus your network, which will convert into an entree'.

Service Clubs and Chamber - Every town has Rotary, Elks, and at least two political parties. That is only the beginning of the groups you can join to help out in your neighborhood and help grow your business. Also think scouts, kids baseball, basketball, soccer, PTA, or parks and recreation.

Event management - Maybe your town has concerts in the park, 10 K runs, bicycle safety week. The list is too long. Find out what these events are. If you can't sell them stuff now, help run the event. Establish your credentials as an event planner.

Swag expert - Hold seminars for marketing people in the proper use of promotional products.

Non profits - If I have to list these for you, you haven't done your basic homework yet. Churches, foundations, shelters, and so many more are in very great need of people to help out. You get some really nice feel goods for the work you do, and start to build your reputation at the same time.

Associations - It is certainly a good idea to belong and be active in your local ad specialty business groups. However, other business groups, networking associations, and the like can be a great place to generate business and increase your celebrity.