Who Are You Talking To?

In the most recent issue of the Publishing Answers Newsletter, I related another lesson learned with regard to the forum "hecklers" I talked about in my last post. The lesson involves the concept of target audiences.

For any of you who might be unfamiliar, target audience marketing involves figuring out and then marketing to the groups of people most interested in what you have to say. This is in contrast to those who believe "everyone" should buy their book and who market in a shotgun approach trying to make that happen.

In the heckler situation, I was reminded that even though there are definitely people in that forum who need my information, it's also important that they want it. That being the case, I can eliminate a group who's not truly interested, thus not my target audience and put my efforts elsewhere.

Who are you talking to?
My assignment/challenge for you today is to comment here with a brief statement as to the identity of your target audience. Why? It's good practice and who knows, one of my current or future readers might be a good match!


Good Writing & God Bless,

Cheryl Pickett
www.publishinganswers.com

P.S. If you aren't getting my bi-monthly newsletter, pop over to my site and sign up today. I'll be happy to send you this week's issue as well.

Would You Take the Time to Do This?

Someone I consider a mentor, Jeff Herring the Article Guy, recently posted a blog entry that I wanted to share. There are several lessons to be learned and there's some amusement to brighten your day as well.

As you read it consider this: If you had been in his situation, would you have taken the time/made the effort to participate?

If your answer is 'of course, why wouldn't I?', you're in good company with both your slightly off sense of humor and creative marketing skills. If you like BBQ, you get even more points :-)

If your answer is 'Why should I?' or 'I don't know' here's where the lessons come in:

1. If you send out a newsletter or blog and struggle for something interesting to write that connects personally as well as in business, participating ins stuff like this gives you a new topic if nothing else.

2. Good marketing is about getting your name out as much as possible and as creatively as possible, every little bit helps.

3. If you're pitching a journalist, sending an article, listing accomplishments, do you think you might pique someone's interest to find out more if you listed "Member of the Pig Hill of Fame?"

4. And this one's probably most important-do it just because it's fun. Business doesn't mean boring. When the opportunity presents itself, take a moment, relax, laugh out loud, enjoy yourself/your family and experience the true riches of life.

Okay, here's the link:http://fromthedeskofjeffherring.com/something-no-other-internet-marketer-can-claim/#comments

Good Writing & God Bless,
Cheryl Pickett
http://www.publishinganswers.com/