The Truth About Marketing Your Services

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“But what if I hate selling myself?”

You’re not alone. So many of us, from all professions and all walks of life, sabotage our success this way.

(In the copywriting field, where I built my first business, it’s kind of a joke. Getting over the “marketing yourself thing” is like a rite of passage for new copywriters. The irony, of course, is that we’re the marketing experts!)

Hating sales is human nature. People don’t like to be told what to do, and they HATE to be sold. “Selling yourself” feels weird at best and downright uncomfortable at worst. So you shy away from it, and it’s no surprise when you don’t exactly have clients beating down your door.

But what if I told you there’s more to marketing, a hidden key that can unlock a treasure chest of jewels – plenty for you, plenty for the entire world, too – and that it lies just slightly beyond that un-comfort zone?

What I’m about to tell you is the truth about marketing. I know that’s a big statement. But keep reading and see if you don’t agree with me.

First, let’s talk about value. Your time is valuable. Your training is valuable. The tools you have, the conferences you attend, the paper and ink and cloth and crystal and all the energy you pour into this passion… your passion for your craft and your passion to serve others… is valuable.

What you bring to the table is very valuable. What you DO for your clients is very valuable.

And that leads me to a question…

When you have something valuable to offer and share, isn’t it right and reasonable that you make your best effort to get it out there to those who will benefit?

(My personal view goes a step farther, actually. I say you have a responsibility to connect with the people who need you. It may not be your view, and that’s ok. But I just wanted to share that with you.)

Marketing is about not letting your light hide under a bushel, where it’s not doing a lick of good. Marketing is about getting what you have into the hands of those who really need it most.

Note I did NOT say “anyone.” No matter what, your services aren’t right for everyone. Figuring out exactly WHO you serve is the second step to booking more sessions, helping more people, and ultimately increasing your income.

What’s the first step, you ask? Embrace marketing.

One of my fellow copywriters, Chris Haddad, sums up the essence of marketing with the following:

“Marketing Is The Art Of Making A Promise And Keeping It”

I love this! There’s so much integrity in that statement.

When you market yourself, here’s what you’re really saying: “I have something valuable to share with you. Here’s how you can get it.”