Self-Promotion Dos and Don’ts

Part of the beauty of running a franchise is having a substantial portion of marketing and promotion done for you. By taking on a franchise, you’re becoming part of a company with an established reputation; so growing your business isn’t half as difficult as for those who go into business alone.

The best franchise operators see marketing support as a running start rather than a chance to relax. Because even if your company has a marketing strategy in place, there is always more you can do to promote your services or products. To help you on your way, here are some practical Dos and Don’ts:

Do tell your friends, family, and neighbours. Enthusiastically sharing news of your enterprise is always good for business, so be prepared to hand out coupons, leaflets, and business cards wherever you go.

Do network. Seek out other entrepreneurs at parties, in public, and at conventions to get tips, strategise, and spread information about your company. Be assertive in introducing yourself and always make sure to hold onto each contact you make—you never know when you’ll need a good caterer, copier, or even a new employee.

Don’t neglect to take a break. In your personal life, if you find yourself talking about your business more than any subject, you may be alienating friends and family who want to put work aside for a while.

Don’t deviate from company standards. If you are a franchisee, your company likely has standards for promotions and advertisements. Use company-provided materials when possible and contact Head Office if you’re not sure about marketing policies.

Do use sites like LinkedIn, Digg, Reddit, and Facebook to promote your company through publicity and online networking. Mastering even one of these sites will generate a tremendous amount of exposure.

Do get creative with contact information. Key information, like your web address, phone number, and even company slogan is often enough to pique public interest, so post it wherever possible. Include this information in your e-mail signature, all written correspondences, and even post it as a decal on your car window. Seal your letters with company stickers, hand out company pens, or wear a pin or carry a keychain with the company logo. See every outing as a chance to promote your business.