oPublish your own newsletter If you can not easily get others to print your articles, print them yourself. A newsletter can be no more than a single side of an 8' 1/2 by 11' sheet of paper. In addition to information on a topic related to your business you can also print a list of services, an announcement about a special event or any other self promoting information you see fit.

oWrite a book Being author of any book adds credibility to your message. If you can not get a publisher to take your book consider self-publishing. There are a lot of resources out there to assist people with self-publishing. Also there is a lot of software on market that makes formatting of your book easy.

oPrint a booklet If a book is overwhelming then consider this simple and easy alternative. A booklet can be nothing more than four pages folded over with information and tips to consumers to consider when working with your industry. You can use this as a leave behind marketing piece that will continue to state your expertise.

oGet some media coverage Produce a press kit discussing topics you would like to speak to. Send out news releases to your local papers radio stations and TV shows when you are doing something news worthy. When you are a guest on a show always ask for a video or a tape so you can use it for other opportunities later.

oCreate photo recognition Have a professional quality photograph on hand so you can seize any opportunity to use it. People that will not remember your name will remember your face. Then you will hear when they recognize you as an expert " I see your picture everywhere".

oTeach If you are teaching others what you know you must surely know a lot. Community colleges, universities and community organizations are always looking for adjunct instructors and special guest speakers to share their expertise with students.

Whatever you decide to do to establish yourself as an expert recognize that you must regularly continue your professional development. Go to seminars, read industry publications, consult with colleges keep current on use of new technologies in your industry. To establish yourself as an expert remember most important part is to first be expert you are capable of being. If anyone is going to be expert- have it be you.

Collaborate with Other Complimentary Service Providers Team up with someone who is in a different business who is also interested in doing a workshop to boost their business. Successful collaborations I have seen include a financial planner and a psychologist who discuss practical and psychological issues to consider, a nutritionist and a personal trainer who discuss diet and exercise, a workplace safety consultant with an ergonomic consultant who discuss safety and ease of movement on job. Collaboration on a program is less costly and allows each of you to draw on potential client base of other. Additionally it will be more fun and probably less work. If event is successful, repeat it on a regular basis.

Maximize The Effects of Your Event

Get some publicity for your event. This can create buzz about you and your business. Even if people do not attend, getting word out is beneficial. Invite more people than you can accommodate since there will always be no shows, ten to one is not out of line.

Use your events to make contact with people. Follow up invitations you send with a phone call to reconnect, build rapport, and find out if they are ready to do some business.

Ask your clients to bring others. Whenever possible provide clients and their guests with complimentary attendance. This will cultivate both relationships for everyone's benefit.

At event, ask attendees questions about you and your business and listen to their feedback. You will learn about their perception of you and how you can better serve them.

Include events in your marketing efforts. Assess results of each event and incorporate what you learn to improve event next time.