Marketing. The very word is affiliated with both good and bad. I'm more than positive you've received generic cold calls from some sales rep reading the world's best sales script, attempting to sell you something you have no need for. And they most likely were selling you on why they are better than everyone else.

That's the issue! You are being sold on the product or service. Anyone new to marketing, especially people who lean towards the DIY approach, use this formula above.

What Do You Need to Know About Marketing?

People Just Don't Care

I'm going to use a painting business as an example for the following. Sorry painters for harping on you, nothing personal.

Unfortunately, people don't care about you and how you're the best painter in the world. You're not creating "The Sistine Chapel," are you? You're standing on the ground with a long stick and a roller, covering the wall with a color that looks like an egg. Now, I'm not trying to undersell your skills; I just need you to approach your sales pitch differently when marketing yourself or your business.

When searching for new clients, first start off with a very simple formula, and a successful one at that.

Problem:

Are you ready for this? What is the problem your ideal client has? Do they have trust issues? Because they are a multi-billionaire who has Tony Stark status, and they don't trust anyone painting the inside of their house because everyone is a thieving prick!

If you missed that, I'll state it again so it doesn't go over your head. What is the problem your ideal client has? Address the issue right off the bat.

Agitate:

In this stage, you are going to agitate the prospect even more. Now, don't be annoying like that little brother saying "I'm not touching you" as they have a finger right in your face. What I mean is address the issues they have with the problem and remember to maintain control.

• Client: "I can just paint my walls myself; this way, I know no one will steal from me."

• You: "It's the worst when you trust someone to do work for you, and they just screw you over; everyone seems to be a thieving prick today."

You just agitated and also addressed the problem again while also directing them where you want to go.

Solve:

This is where you offer a solution to the problem. Don't make it generic and say something like, "We at John Smith Painting are amazing painters." Remember, you're addressing the solution to the problem that your specific client has. In the case of this article, the ideal client has trust issues because they maintain billionaire status and think everyone steals from them.

Your solution for the client is what?... SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

Inform them about how, before you do any work for any clients, you let them know that you record and document everything you do and provide all documentation upon completion to the client to ensure their possessions are safe at all times. For an extra level of security, you can also complete an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) for their peace of mind.

Now you have built trust while displaying that you truly are an expert in how you run your business, on every level.

In Conclusion

Follow these simple steps:

1. Problem: Address the problem your ideal customer has.

2. Agitate: Subtly re-address the problem in a different format. Remember, you're leading them in the direction you want them to go.

3. Solve: Provide them with the solution to the problems they face. Don't be cheesy about it; be professional. Create trust, show confidence and superiority in your industry.

Let's now talk about not being lazy when it comes to your marketing efforts and how the smallest bit of effort can bring drastic results.

We will discuss this in part two.

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