Marketing Myself

It feels strange to market yourself. I've marketed companies I don't believe in and companied I used to believe in (until they failed), but me - who I know to be trustworthy, dependable, and all that good stuff - it feels strange to market "me."

I have created a new website, created a facebook page for my company, passed out my business cards left and right, and created and ordered 500 copies of new fliers touting my awesomeness. But the next step is hard. Next I have to visit neighborhoods and literally go door to door passing out my fliers and talking myself up. I wish this thing could have grown bigger, quicker, by word of mouth alone, but considering I haven't pulled in a regular paycheck in months, I can't wait around for that to happen. Christmas is coming up, and although I'm already scouring my house for wonderfully inspired homemade gifts, we all know we need money at Christmas.

I'm hoping that the more clients I get, and the happier I keep them, the more people they'll eventually tell about me. But when I get a good hair cut, I don't automatically shout the stylist's praises from the rooftop. Why not? I feel bad now for not passing the word about good service I've received my whole life.

In the past two weeks, I have gotten 2 definite new clients, 1 that had to cancel her appointment and will (hopefully) reschedule for next week, and a few inquiries. Meanwhile, I've been very fortunate to keep my first client - I've been cleaning her house for 5 weeks now, and considering she's family, I don't see her firing me. But I've been known to jinx myself...

Anyway, the printer I hired to make 500 copies of my new flier (on bright green paper!) offers free deliver. I was expecting the lady about 2 hours ago, but she's not here yet. So, for now, I don't have to worry about pounding the pavement with fliers in hand. I must say, though, drumming up business for myself is SO MUCH BETTER than the months and months I've spent since college passing out my resume and trying to find a "real" job. Arrogant office workers are the worst.

To sum it up, it's hard to ask people to hire me. But I have to do it anyway. So, anyone know of someone in the River Region needing housecleaning? I happen to be great at it.

Spotless

Well, my business is up and running. OK, up and jogging. We're maybe at a steady trot.

I only have 2.5 clients right now, and a couple of possibilites. But - I just got my new business cell phone complete with phone number with the correct area code so as not to confuse people. I also just received my beautiful business cards (with the old number of course...) along with note cards to leave my clients. I'm in the process of designing a flier and will start harassing people in the tri-county area door-to-door once they're complete.

So, we're trotting, but soon we'll be running. Soon I won't feel so scared about paying bills. Soon I'll finally be able to start putting some money back into the savings account instead of the other way around. Soon my schedule will be full and I'll be making much more than I did in a traditional office job but I'll have the flexibility to vacation when I want and listen to my iPod all day. So, I hope soon gets here soon!