First, I divided my marketing "backyard" into geographically distinct territories based on proximity to me as well as likelihood of interest. Then I developed a marketing approach for each region, noting that "selling" points for my book were likely to be subtly different in each market. I then researched media and other means of outreach within each territory, including local newspaper, radio stations, and even retail outlets. Lastly, I put my plan into operation a little over three weeks ago, starting with region containing my former hometown.

* RIPPLE EFFECT

The immediate result was a 750-word article and full-color picture on back page of local weekly newspaper--an article that included my Web site URL and publicity for a book-signing at a local retailer. I also garnered additional publicity for book-signing in two regional daily newspapers.

The book signing activity was brisk, sales through my Web site picked up, and I received a special order from Borders. All-in-all, not too shabby a result from just one well-targeted press release to a local market.

So, while Web opens up whole world, don't lose sight of your backyard and don't lose sight of more traditional marketing methods to bring your product or service directly to a specific audience.

As youngsters we first learned to walk by taking tiny steps--tiny steps that soon became confident strides. The same can be said of our marketing: by starting out as a big fish in a small pond, your "pond" is sure grow as each tiny "splash" you make sends out yet another concentric ripple.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Copyright (c) 2004 by Matt McGovern--All rights reserved.

3. You must have relentless desire and determination:

This is number one reason why most people don't succeeed. They don't have relentless desire and determination. I want you to commit following words to memory:

"Any success you achieve will be in direct proportion to your desire and determination. The more desire and determination you have, greater will be your success!"

Here's another example to illustrate my point:

Most people think it's Kobe Bryant's amazing talent that sets him apart from other players in NBA. And make no mistake, his talent does play a significant role in his success. But what really makes Kobe Bryant special is his "relentless desire and determination." He just wants to win more than everybody else.

That's mindset you have to have. You have to want to succeed with your home business more than anything else in world--anything!

And remember these words:

"Any success you achieve will be in direct proportion to your desire and determination. The more desire and determination you have, greater will be your success!"

Dean Phillips is an Internet marketing expert, writer, publisher and entrepreneur. Questions? Comments? Dean can be reached at mailto: dean@lets-make-money.net