Visibility

Lisa, great topic!

My husband and I are in the automotive graphics industry. We design and produce vehicle graphics for street rods, fleets, and small business owners. We also provide signs, banners, and event materials. If we were to put all that information on our own vehicle nobody would read it or they would have a collision while trying to. That being said, less is more.

Obviously, the visual image you present is only one part of the visibility you are talking about. What is your niche in the field your involved with? What sets you apart from other companies? Run with that.

Previously, we ran a sign shop for 11 years providing hand painted pinstriping and lettering services. By adding that old school skill to the vinyl and digital print technologies of today, we found our niche. We now have the best of both worlds with our new business.

Word of mouth has been our greatest resource! That's why networking groups such as Motor City Connect have tremendous potential to get your name out there. If you have one satisfied customer who has the right connections your on the move. We have been fortunate enough to build our business on this foundation.

We are currently in the process of making our website more functional. One thing I have noticed far too often is that when you enter a website, you have to go far beyond the home page to figure out what some people do, especially if it's technical. When you identify your target market you don't have to feed them but make them hungry.

Michelle

Starting and participating in MCC discussions is a great way to become and stay visible in this community, as is working directly with Terry as an "area connector."

Asking and answering questions in the LinkedIn groups has made a difference for me, expanding my connections and clients to areas of the country in which I had no prior presence. This week alone I have been contacted by businesses in Florida and Boston, as a result of questions I have answered in the marketing forums.

But visibility is not just about attracting prospects and new clients. Staying connected and showing your gratitude for the people in your life - whether they do business with you or not - makes a huge difference in how and when people remember you and pass your name on. Learn the Art of Appreciation - it will serve you well.

Michelle, I love your closing statement:  "When you identify your target market you don't have to feed them but make them hungry." Bravo!

Linda

Hi Lisa!

Good coversation and I am really interested to see what others have to say.  My two cents regarding visibility would be that people know you and what you do and how you can help them or their contacts. Maybe it is fine tuning your introduction or things like increasing your presense online and in person. For me and the chamber I hope to have increased our visibility by increasing our online presense as well as being at key events and functions that are relative for our organization and its members.  If they know we are out there working with and for them they see that something tangible and benficial - hopefully.

Looking forward to hearing other's input...

As we know in business, people work with others they know and trust.  Our job, as business owners, is to find prospects - people who know and trust us!  I truly believe that the ONLY way to find people is to get out there and meet them.  It's not just about having a visible name  or an online presence - but becoming visible in your community.  Help out a school by sponsoring a student or team, provide advice to a non-profit board, help out in a community event, join your professional association and work on a committee - connect personally.  These economic times have been the perfect venue to work on marketing yourself.  MCC provides constant opportunities to become visible.  Get out your calendar and set weekly visibility goals.  It will pay off in the long run!

Lisa, this is a great topic and one that I have shared thoughts on from a visible to your network perspective here:

From your question's perspective it's knowing who your ideal client is (no, it's not anyone who needs phone or internet service) and going where they are. Become an expert in a niche industry and OWN IT. Be the person that everyone in the Building, or Insurance, or Real Estate or Law or whatever thinks of when they move, add people or clients or are just ready for an upgrade. When you do that, you can focus your marketing dollars AND your networking time.

I would echo what has been said about niches and add the importance of consistency in your message, especially from the beginning.  As people get to know you and your business there will be plenty of time to expand on who you are and what you do.  Initially though, I always ask myself "If this audience, (be they online or in person) only remembered one thing about me, what would I want that to be?"  That is always my guide for answering questions asked of me.  I say answering questions because I believe asking how you can be of service to others is nearly always preferable to talking about oneself.  Truthfully, visibilty can be acheived by just showing up, but being memorable takes a lot more thought and thoughtfulness. 

Terry,

Staying in contact is key. We have hired a marketing company to do targeted mailings, e mails through Constant Contact and seminars. As a Ambassdor to the Sterling Hts Chamber I am constantly meeting new people. We attend every event to put our name out there. All of this is key to our Success. Networking and Communication is key to being sucessful that is why what you are doing is a big asset to all of us. Thanks for all your efforts at Motor City Connects.

Mike Weatherly

Complete Communications

586-649-6950 DID

PS. Our next Seminar  is on June 4th between 8:30 and 10:30 at the Troy Marriott and will be focused on how with technology we can improve communications and reduce operating costs. People can regiaster at www.cci4solutions.com or call 1-800-713-2242

Lisa, you hit the proverbial nail on the head with your statement about being memorable - not "just" visible - - great job!

Lisa,

One of the biggest "visibility" challenges I see in the business world is that many people don't look like the picture on their business card. When using our faces as our "logo" on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin...it is important that when you walk into a social or business function, people recognize you right away.

Before ordering the next batch of business cards, I always check the mirror before I check the reorder box!

Lisa j

This has been a great thread!  I see small startups and large established businesses struggle with the question of visibility every day. We seem to have so much access to information, and see so many things on a daily basis, that even when we think we are being visible are we really? So I ask, who do you want to see you?  And what do you want them to see?  I love the comment on being not just visible but memorable. I think one way of doing this is by only trying to make yourself visible to the people you want to target; It's all about Strategy, Follow Through, and Learning as you go, it's okay to make mistakes. Make your focus as narrow as you can, then expand from there.  I think it is way to overwhelming, and most times not very successful, if you start out with too large a focus and try to cover every bases you can think of.  Start small, make an impression, make yourself memorable, and manage that image on the small scale before you start trying to expand.

Malissa Nelson 

http://websearchmarketing.com

Great topic! 

My philosophy is to stay active on and off the "Grid."  Being visible online is important, sites like Motor City Connect, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are all great, but you also need "face time."  Attending chamber networking events, Tweet-ups, Toastmasters, and joining committees are fantastic ways to stay visible.   

Jason T. Ryan
www.VisionFuelMedia.com

Great topic! 

These days, finding the right visability and/or exposure can be complicated with cable, DVR's, Sattelite Radio, dying newspapers, the ever growing social media platforms, internet, email, networking events and so much more.

My objective is to give that person who is looking for the visiability a place to be seen in a variety of areas - no matter what their budget!  Yes, there ARE affordable ways to promote your business!

The events that I do at the Fisher Theatre, surrounding venues, for charities and more offer great opportunities to those who are looking to get out there with budgets of any size.  You would be surprised how affordable event tie ins are.  I think you should work together to make something special that lets you stand out!

I know these are trying times, but there ARE ways to make your business work!  You diversify your investments, right?  Shouldn't you also diversify your media  and marketing plans to fit todays market? Even the Fisher Theatre looks for new and unique ways to promote our shows on a regular basis. You have to get creative in this market, work together and you can make things happen!

I would love to talk to those intersested in how they can get the visability that they are looking for. Big companies or the indivdiual craft vendor. I think I can help you!

Thanks!

- Alyssa Cohen

One way to become more "visible" is to be a connector.  Go to networking events trying to help others, put them together and soon people will come to you for connections.  zthe universe will be sure you are repaid.