Tired of Boring Marketing? Let's Bring the Fun Back In!

Today, I want to talk to you about making all of your marketing more fun!?(Or, at least, only 'doing' the fun things.)

I want to give you some thoughts on how I can help you...

I've been returning to in-person networking, follow-up, and events since I started my business.

Why? And haven't I been doing that all along anyway?

Well, not as much as I used to, frankly. For many years,?I got carried away with all the online marketing, virtual events, lead magnets, funnels, and more!?

When I started, all I knew was to go to networking events, meet as many people as I could, follow up with them via phone, direct mail, and email, see them again, and continue deepening our relationship until I could invite them to work with me in some way or ask for referrals.

Sometimes that took one meeting, sometimes it took over a year!

Along the way, most of my coaches suggested I leverage my time with high-end programs and online courses so that I could spend less time and make more money. It sounded good at the time!

I did that, but it wasn't fulfilling for me.?I like being with and inspiring people in person.?(I realize now that most of my coaches were introverts, and I was an extrovert, which was their preferred mode of doing business, but it isn't mine.)

Before COVID hit, I was always making online calls to clients. But since we've all been together for SO long online, plus I turned 50 during the pandemic?(and a lot of things changed for me personally),?I realized that I missed the deep relationships and connections that only happen when you're in person.?

So about a year ago, I rejoined the local NAWBO (National Assoc. of Women Business Owners) and even got on the programs committee to help plan MORE events (selfishly so I could attend them!).78

I rejoined my local chamber back in December?to invite more local people to my NEW?Business Reimagined Conference, ?which I decided to host pretty last minute last fall.?(It's in person at the end of January this coming year, too,?and I still have a couple of speaker and panelist spots open. OMG, go look !)

I started my own Polka Dot Powerhouse chapter here locally. Last fall, I'd been a part of the Worldwide virtual chapter and the Diamond level (which is more business-focused) for just over five years and always loved the women I'd met in the group. Plus, at our annual conference, which I'd been to four times by then, I found myself saying to everyone last October, "I wish you lived closer to me!" or "Can I take you home with me?"

I needed more local connections with other women like those I'd met in Polka Dot . Everyone there is just so amazing, and the founder herself is the most generous woman I've ever known to run a group like this. I will be a DOT for life because of her and how I feel when I'm with any of my Dot Sisters now. Being with really supportive women fills my cup, and I love filling theirs!

So, I reconnected with hundreds of local people, mostly women, whom I had known over the years to see what they were doing locally and if they wanted to start getting together more often for fun and business. Many of them shared that they also needed more personal connections.

In the last eight months, I've been busy throwing many parties and potlucks,?rekindling many relationships, and making countless new ones.?(Yes, my hubby loves it, too!)

I think so many of us need more connection, and we don't often put ourselves first enough to make time for what we truly need.

I've enjoyed the last seven months so much that online networking isn't much fun anymore for me, and it's not as meaningful either.

I've really paired down the groups I attend online, unsubscribed from many people and lists, and left FB groups all just to stay focused more on having fun with friends locally.

And what do you know... I'm getting a lot more clients from everywhere! I know it's because I'm doing what I love, I'm doing what brings me joy and happiness, and I'm no longer settling for lame-ass people who don't really want to get to know me!?

You can do the same or similar. You don't have to be an extrovert like me to benefit from in-person events and networking.?If that's you, don't be scared. Look at it as a new opportunity to connect on a deeper level with people who really want to get to know you. And if this is definitely NOT you or what might bring you more joy, then that's okay, too.?The good news is that WE CAN CHOOSE WHICH MARKETING STRATEGIES WE DO!

Let me know if you want any suggestions for groups. Please don't settle for groups with people who just want to throw their business cards in your face or "take" from you. There are plenty of groups where you can find true "Besties" and enjoy your marketing again!

AND... if you're local to me and you want more fun locally, too, reach out!

If any of this resonates with you, then that means you need to be in it.?

It's not expensive, you can afford it.?And honestly, you can only afford to do it if whatever you're doing right now in your marketing is working or fun!

When you learn how to do everything correctly and in all the ways that will work for your unique business (and your personality), you'll see what else is possible to create the life and business of your dreams.