I use the term ‘expert’ because I hate the word ‘consultant’. The city of Vancouver (and world for that matter) is saturated with consultants and I fear I may become one of those many minnows in the large ocean of self-employed ‘consultants’. So, expert it is. Better than using ‘guru’ as well – another overly-used term which really doesn’t mean anything. I mean, what is a guru anyway? Its like the modern day version of ‘consultant’. So there, just had to get that out of the way.

I haven’t posted a blog in quite some time. Mostly because I have been fresh out of ideas on what to write about but also because I have been traveling feverishly for my other company, The Smart Cookies. Radio campaigns, advertising, and commitments have kept me away from my blog. Ever try to keep two companies afloat during a recession? It isn’t easy but it is fun and challenging and I like challenges. Oh and just to clarify, I am not complaining.

I am now back to square one…sort of. I have made some amazing connections in this little metropolis I live in and things will probably pick up in the new year, once new budgets are freshly created and executed. In the meantime, its a bit of a dry spell. I don’t feel ashamed about admitting that because I know I’m not the only one feeling the hit, so why not write about it? I think the best way to vent your thoughts and ideas is on paper (or on a computer as well all do these days) and share what you are going through with others.

I think the one thing I struggle with is standing out in the crowd amongst all of these other marketing ‘experts’. What makes Bratface Marketing unique? Why would a company use my services? What can I do that no other company can do? I believe I have the answer to some of these questions. People tell me they enjoy working with me because I am up front, honest, educated, smart and fun to work with. I have been fortunate to have most business come through referrals and if I had it my way, I would get all of my business through referrals and not have to make cold calls. Who likes cold calling (or cold emailing) these days? It has never been fun but it is a tactic I believe every entrepreneur should try out to see just how hard it is. Through cold calling, you learn how to sell. Sell yourself, your business and your skills. Most people don’t really want to listen but for every 10 calls you make, I guarantee at least 20% of them will listen and take you up on your offer to work with you.

I recently had the opportunity to meet with a sr. marketer at a very influential and well respected property/real estate marketing company in Vancouver. Never in a million years did I expect a response but I got one…a personal one. I may not have come out with a job per se, but I had the opportunity to meet with them face-to-face and sell myself in a way that is, to me, much easier than doing over email or phone calls. I know my strongest selling point is meeting people in person – to see the personality and vibrancy behind the emails. I know everyone who has hired me in the past will agree with that.

I know one of the smartest moves I made as an entrepreneur was hiring an intern (pro bono of course). Finding someone who is just as passionate about learning all the in’s and out’s as I was when I was 23 and paving way towards my dream career. I have enlisted the help of someone who reminds me…..of, well, me. Driven, hard working, and understands that in order to make it to the top, you have to pay your dues.

So here I go. Into the (slow) Winter season, busting my little tooshie to drum up business and make some money. Wish me luck!

Oh, and if you know of anyone who is looking for a marketing ‘expert’, you know who to call:)

Filed under:
General, bratface marketing, motivation by Andrea