businessreport

I can’t believe it when mulling it over, but I have run into small business owners who seem to be scared to advertise. This really doesn’t have anything to do with money.

The first time this happened was in the late 80s when I represented a marketing type guru who wanted to sell himself to the banking industry as the guy who would help them walk through the coming changes in the industry. I worked hard to get him a speaking engagement at the Town Hall Meeting in Los Angeles. This is a big thing. You get the speech broadcast on public radio and reprinted in their magazine.

I didn’t attend, but he told me later the hall was filled to capacity. They were interested enough to come and talk to him later. I asked him whether or not he passed out business cards. He thought it would have been inappropriate. A couple of head slaps for that one.

Just recently, I met a woman running one of those citizen journalism sites. The markets for this is a combination of writers who would like to see their work published and news fans who would be interested in underground reporting. I suggested she use the newsgroups, which hosts these niches, to get the word out. We wouldn’t be telling them about offers for sale or that there were any fees attached. She hesitated because she felt ‘it might backfire.’ Sorry to use a cliche, but ‘give me a break.’

I also met a very talented interior designer in 2001. I knew one of her friends, who confided that she had no work because she refused to market herself.

I guess I can add a new abomination for types who shouldn’t run their own business, those who are shy and afraid to market.

For more examples of my work: www.bellbusinessreport.com

Laura Bellwriter@well.com

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