In this month’s Entrepreneur Magazine, Robert Kiyosaki wrote about how marketing can help those of use feeling the pinch of the recession. As he put it: “I’ll bet money that this business [referring to a full-page ad for a local appliance store] will be here next year. Why? Because this business is advertising more aggressively than its competition.”

Many businesses will cut down on marketing and advertising when the pinch begins – and I think this is especially true for entrepreneurs, including life and business coaches, who shoe-string their marketing efforts. I’m not putting down shoe-string marketing, in fact I’m right there with you! Like many of the clients I help with Internet Marketing, I don’t have a huge budget for my Marketing efforts – and that’s why I utilize my ‘feet’ vs. my wallet. Examples of marketing efforts that cost little* or nothing: blogging, podcasting, online video (if done on your own), social networking,  and utilizing forums. In fact, I only advertise in one magazine, and most of my marketing budget is used in networking (the physical kind with rubber chickens, business cards, and costs a lot more than Facebook or Twitter – but still important to attend).

You can build your business during the recession (or whatever you want to call it) without spending that much.  The good news is: not everyone will work hard to get ahead of the recession. This gives hard workers the advantage. How about you? Are you with us?

*Most of these examples of ‘time vs. money’ marketing ideas are less than $300, and most are even free.

With the Presidential election drawing closer, our feelings and emotions are rising. You may feel the need to stand up and be heard. That’s what I love about America – you can voice your opinion on politics without being prosecuted! However, as business owners we also need to be a little wary.

Before you go ranting on a blog or forum, remember that as an entrepreneur you are a reflection of your business. And while my opinion is that we shouldn’t be silent – we should remember that the Internet is a permanent – even when you think it’s not.

You may be able to delete that twitter post or blog comment, but it will still be on their databases. So, stand-up for your beliefs, but just be a little objective. Think of how your customers or prospects would feel if they read what you wrote. Think of the possible consequences. Would you be willing to loose clients or turn-off possible clients to voice your point of view? Could there be a way to voice your opinion without being offensive? As a coach, do you think your target market would appreciate your voiced opinion? Or, should you remain a ‘blank canvous’ for your clients to reflect on?

Most of all, remember: no matter what you say on the Internet or around the water cooler – your opinion only really counts on Election Day! Rock the Vote on November 4th!

Seth Godin, in his blog post “Your brand is not your logo“, stated that the logo is not as important as the story, product and experience that the customer/client has of that product. While I believe it’s true, I believe it’s important to have an identity that your customers can easily identify as yours – one that helps tell the story of the product.

Seth mentions Starbucks as a good example of a logo that hasn’t changed much – yet it’s logo has changed from the brown twin-tailed siren used from when it opened until 1992, to the now recognizable cropped image of the siren in green. Then there’s Apple‘s logo, which has changed 4 times since it started in the early 1970s.

The logo is important, and helps tell the story of the product or service – but I do agree that it’s not what we should ultimately focus on. Nirzhar and I are going through this process ourselves as we change our website and logo to match the changes we’ve made within our company – so, what came first: the logo or the changes? The changes, of course – the logo is merely a reflection of our evolution.  (Stay tuned to see these changes come to life at IndraMarketing.com in November 2008.)

The ‘Pied Piper’ of Facebook joined us this Friday and gave our coaching communitee some great pointers on how to use Facebook, as well as FriendFeed, Ping.fm, Twitter, and even your website! If you were not able to join us for the call, you can listen to the podcast below, and download the PowerPoint Presentation to follow long.

If you feel a little left-out when we talked about RSS feeds, or using Twitter, don’t worry – we’ll be going over that very soon!

Enjoy!

Also available, the Facebook series by Mari Smith.

Mari Smith, the “Pied Piper of Facebook” (so-called by Fast Company Magazine), will be speaking at Helping Hands for Coaches next Friday!

Perhaps you’re:
=>Wondering how Facebook differs from other social networking platforms such as MySpace or LinkedIN?
=>Not sure how to market your business on Facebook?
=>Not sure what’s the right and a wrong way to use social networking sites for business purposes?
=>Not sure how to get started?

I’ve been on Facebook for a while, but I don’t get the results I’m looking for – especially considering the amount of time I’m on it! Do you feel the same way? Or are you just getting started, and are excited about all the games and applications – but don’t see how it all fits with your business? Then don’t miss the class: “Facebook Fortunes for Coaches: How To Attract Your Perfect Top Paying Clients Using the #1 Social Network” Click HERE to register!

From what I gather, all coaches go through this “What is my niche?” phase – and sometimes don’t come out! Wendi Liechty, our speaker on today’s class, helped our coaches come out of the niche fog and get clear on their target market!

“WOW Rachel! I don’t know how you ended up knowing Wendi, but you fell into a gem there!!!! Thank you for scheduling her today. She is awesome, knows her stuff, relaxed and we all liked her.” Deborah White, The Step Mom Coach

If you’re ready to take action and get clear on your niche, then listen to this interactive podcast on how life, business and executive coaches can define their niche!

To review the worksheet for Creating Your Coaching Niche, please click HERE.

I’m really looking forward to our class on Niching for Life and Business Coaches, with Wendi Liechty is a Business & Marketing Coach and founder of www.TheCasualEntrepreneur.com. She has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs including coaches, wellness professionals, designers and other service providers develop clear and compelling business and marketing concepts that are truly outside the box!

Participants always walk away with a renewed focus and enthusiasm for business and tangible steps that can be easily implemented right away. Wendi’s approach breaks through the limitations of traditional, outdated marketing strategies. She offers unconventional, highly personalized wisdom for modern day business goals and challenges so entrepreneurs can experience the success and freedom they crave. So be sure to sign-up for this interactive class! Remember – our teleclasses are always free and interactive – so get your questions on niching ready and I’ll see you on Friday! Register here: http://helpinghandsforcoaches.com/live-teleclasses/