It’s Just Common Sense!

When a group of outsiders behaves in a way that hurts your business, you usually do something about it. Yet, many business people are amazingly casual about their own external audiences. To me at least, they seem to ignore reality that those behaviors really do impact their organizations.

Even when they do realize it, they often fail to associate damage with one remedy likely to help – public relations, America’s behavior modification specialists.

Not surprisingly, fundamental premise of public relations spells out why businesses need public relations. Namely, to help alter perceptions, and thus behaviors of their key target audiences which almost always leads to achieving their business objectives.

Here’s what premise says: People act on their own perception of facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving- to-desired-action those people whose behaviors affect organization, public relations mission is accomplished.

And here’s how you can apply it to your business.

Have you ever thought seriously about who these groups are that can wield such power over your organization? In addition to obvious audiences such as customers, prospects and employees, would your list of key external audiences also include such “publics” as area residents, political officeholders, minorities, fraternal groups, trade and industry leaders, nearby military personnel and union leaders? The test is, do their behaviors affect my business in any way? If they do, they belong on list.

Now, put names on that list into priority order and, for starters, let’s see how we might approach group at top of your list – your key, target public.

People underestimate how easy it is to network, no matter what field they are in. Along those lines, they also underestimate importance of networking, even when business is YOU. I will give you 7 easy ways to make your networking more beneficial to person to whom it counts most…….YOU.

I.How can you help others? You might not realize this, but with every individual you speak to, you have an opportunity to network. But let’s face it; mostly everyone is concerned with themselves. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own needs that we forget that our product needs to benefit people that are really important to us: our customers. So, why not help them? Listen to what people are saying to you. Get to know them. Try to think of different ways that they might benefit from your expertise. People love to help those they know and trust. By helping others, you are ultimately helping yourself and your business.

I started my monthly newsletter a year and a half ago, just to keep everyone updated on my upcoming gigs. Since then, it has also branched out to focus on free self-promotion ideas and free self-actualizing hints (to see an example, go to http://www.Ja-Nae.com). But also during this time, I began freely promoting others. By doing so, it keeps me in forefront of people’s minds when they’re promoting things: looking for a singer, actor, writer, or speaker. So, everyone wins.

II.Tools of Trade Tools are imperative for any trade….. particularly when you are networking. Take business card for example. The business card is an easy way to concisely distribute your information. Make sure card says everything it can about you and what you do…in as few words as possible. State what you do, who you are, and how you can be contacted. Put your logo on card. This ensures people to associate your name with your brand.

I’ve gone through various types of business cards. The one I have now has generated a lot of buzz about me. Why? It has my picture on it. There is a face to go with name. Every time I hand a card to someone, they compliment me on what a great card it is. The person then shows their friend. They make brand association and they also help generate more exposure for me…..Just by handing out ONE business card!!!!

III.Walk Walk: The Importance of Image We are judged all time. We are judged by our appearance, what we say, and most importantly, what we do. Since that is case, it would be beneficial for you to think about how you want people to perceive you. Look at your clothes, how you converse with others, and what you do on a daily basis. YOUR business OPPORTUNITIES are everywhere, so everything you do affects your image.

I’ve done many experiments with this concept. I love to wear black yoga pants and a white tee-shirt. It’s my favorite outfit to wear because I find it incredibly comfortable. But I’ve also found that when you’re talking business with someone, they are less likely to take you seriously in that type of garb. So, what did I do? I started to wear things that were considered “business casual.” Now, a pair of jeans and a polo top has replaced my everyday wear. Not only do I receive more positive responses from people, I also feel better about myself. Try experiment yourself. See what type of responses you get.