Member/Community News

By Deb Oliver: The Women’s Business Forum was treated to an energetic and insightful presentation by Francine Graglia, a small business advisor and advocate against “slimy” selling. She has trained intensively with New York Times bestselling author Michael Port and has mastered the proven Book Yourself Solid marketing system. She has earned the status of Elite level and presently helps train Michael’s mentees. Francine doesn’t believe that mere marketing will get your business; it just gets you awareness. She thinks the right kind of marketing in the right place at the right time is the answer. In a target market, “people take notice and want to check you out, see what you stand for, why you do what you do and if your foundation is good.” She says if your price and circumstances suit them you have an opportunity to earn their trust and book the business. Francine thinks there are two self-promotion strategies: Networking and Direct Outreach. In Networking she recommends creating a network of 90 and taking 15 minutes a morning to share everyday what and who we know and how we feel. She further suggests: introducing two people in your network every day; sharing knowledge to three people via articles that pertain to their interests; and sharing compassion to one by reaching out in a personal manner. These are the ways to build relationships that will give back to you in perpetuity and form a foundation for continued success. Through Direct Outreach Francine recommends making a list of 20 people you need to know in related professions that will help you in your business. Look for the synergy to your business i.e. caterers might need to know meeting planners. She says, “Go to the first person on the list and reach out whether through an exchange of ideas” or recommending to them opportunities you feel might work with their business. She gave an example of an author who read books relevant to his market and after making these acquaintanceships would personally send copies to them thus establishing a personal relationship that engendered loyalty. Once that relationship is established Francine suggests moving that person to your list of 90 and continuing through the list of 20 in the same manner. Through this process you have introduced yourself to 20 unknown people, have established relationships that are now part of your 90 and expanded your network of personal connections in a manner that is both professional and personal, genuine and has the potential to reap the financial rewards you wish for you business.