The success of your service business depends on your ability to consistently and effectively market your solutions. So why are so few independent entrepreneurs devoting the necessary time and energy to marketing? In my job as a coach, these are the excuses I hear most often:

1. “I don’t have enough time to market”
2. “I don’t have enough money to market my business”
3. “I’m too overwhelmed to market”

If you find that you have similar thoughts on your mind, I have good news for you! There are simple strategies you can take advantage of to overcome these excuses and find the time, money, and organization you need to market consistently. Once you put these excuses behind you, you’ll be able to create the successful business you’ve always wanted.

• “I don’t have enough time to market” – When you own your own business, you often wear several different “hats” each day. From following up with clients to planning new programs to the actual work of your service business, your day is packed with various tasks, but marketing is an essential activity that you must dedicate time to monthly, weekly and daily. By diligently setting aside specific blocks of time to work on your marketing, you can easily build massive visibility for your work in just a few hours each week. With just a little planning, you’ll be able to tailor marketing no matter how busy your schedule seems.
• “I don’t have enough money to market my business.” – If you’re thinking about marketing in terms of sending out direct mail pieces, buying ad space, or printing flyers, you may think you don’t have enough money for marketing. While it’s true that there are many marketing activities that cost money, there are dozens of free or low-cost ways to market your services. For example, taking advantage of social networks and organizing teleseminars is not only very effective but completely free. Don’t try to reinvent the week and make the process more difficult than necessary! By implementing low-cost marketing methods, you can increase your reach even on a limited budget.
• “I’m too overwhelmed to market.” – If this is your mantra, it’s time to change your perspective on your business. No matter how busy you are with your current clients, you need to constantly market to keep your portfolio full and your income stable. The solution lies in creating a specific marketing plan to achieve your goals and then working on that plan. By doing so, you’ll avoid being distracted by irrelevant opportunities and feelings of overwhelm, because you’ll be doing the RIGHT activities week after week. This will help you feel more positive, in control, and less overwhelmed, all while consistently signing up ideal clients to your practice.

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” -Henry Ford. We are all endowed with the same amount of time each day. What you decide to do with that time is entirely up to you. But know this, you won’t grow your business or achieve your goals if you don’t market your solutions. Therefore, you cannot afford NOT to invest time and financial resources in connecting with the people who need what you have to offer. Don’t let excuses get in the way of your ability to create the profitable and successful business you deserve!