TIP 1: SELECT YOUR AUDIENCES CAREFULLY
As a business, you have the ability (and privilege) to select the audiences to whom you sell your goods and services. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your audiences:

• Do they have money?
• Are they someone you want to work with? Do they match your aesthetic/philosophy/company mission?
• Will they withstand fluctuations in the economy? Consider having 3-5 industry focuses.

TIP 2: MARKET TO YOUR CURRENT CUSTOMERS
The best way to get started: survey your customers to find out how you’re doing, what they’d like to see, how you can improve, and more. It’s tough love that will pay off if you make the effort!

TIP 3: BUILD YOUR PERMISSION-BASED MARKET
Make it easy for potential customers to hear from you: include your e-newsletter signup link on every page of your website, offer something of value (a free report, a book, etc) for people who sign up for your list, hand out comment cards when you give a talk, ask at the time of purchase, or even customize your email footer with a link to sign up for your newsletter.

TIP 4: CREATE A MARKET FOR YOUR PRODUCT
Educate audiences about your product. Network, host events, give demonstrations, and even offer classes related to your products and services. See more ideas in our blog post, Tips for Surviving the Economy.

TIP 5: MARKET TO A NICHE AUDIENCE
Gone are the days when everyone watched the same programs (and commercials) on television. Today’s audiences are incredibly segmented, getting their information and influences from incredibly diverse sources. Trying to reach, well, everyone, therefore, is a nearly impossible task that requires a herculean budget. It’s smarter, more efficient, and lucrative to go after a small chunk of the market. The trick is to go at it full-on, don’t be timid! Communicate your niche to everyone you know!