Whether you realize it or not, you promote yourself or your ideas every day. From something as simple as talking your spouse into going out to dinner, to convincing your co-workers and boss that you have a great idea for a new system, to selling your product or book, you will always need to promote yourself or your ideas and sound very convincing in the process. While your methods of self-promotion will vary depending on the person or audience you are targeting, one thing is certain: you need to do it. October is National Self-Promotion Month," so now is a perfect time to master the skills of self-promotion.
Hilton Head Island, SC (PRWEB) September 29, 2004 -- Whether you realize it or not, you promote yourself or your ideas every day. From something as simple as talking your spouse into going out to dinner, to convincing your co-workers and boss that you have a great idea for a new system, to selling your product or book, you will always need to promote yourself or your ideas and sound very convincing in the process. While your methods of self-promotion will vary depending on the person or audience you are targeting, one thing is certain: you need to do it. October is National Self-Promotion Month," so now is a perfect time to master the skills of self-promotion.
Most business professionals use promotional writing to make their ideas or products known to a larger audience. Unfortunately, a recent survey by the College Boards National Commission on Writing found that one-third of workers do not have appropriate writing skills. So what do you do if you have a great product you want to promote, but your writing skills arent exactly up to par? Promotional writing expert Dawn Josephson explains that you can learn the ground rules of promotional writing. She offers three quick tips for powerful promotional pieces:
• Make it readable. Only use white, off-white, or other soothing paper colors. Using outrageous colors may gain you attention, but not the kind you want.
• Keep it simple. Stick with a simple font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in a 10, 11, or 12-point type.
• Always make a compelling call to action. What do you want the person reading your promotional piece to do? Buy your book? Interview you? Visit your web site? Whatever action you want people to take, state it clearly.
Not only does Josephson provide would-be promotional writers with the information she gained by interviewing decision makers to learn what they want to see in promotional pieces, but she also includes several examples of powerful and effective promo items that have helped people propel their sales.
Although October is Self Promotion Month," you must remember that every day you will need to promote yourself, your ideas, or your product. One way to maximize your promotional efforts is by writing a powerful press kit and putting it to work for you. Josephson advises, As you venture out into the marketing world, keep your new press kit always within arms reach. Present your promotional pieces to anyone who could benefit from what you have to offer, and enter every interaction with the other persons goals in mind. Then watch your sales soar."
Dawn Josephson is the author of the book Putting It On Paper: The Ground Rules for Creating Promotional Pieces that Sell Books (Ground Rules Press, $19.95, ISBN 0-9744966-1-8), which is available for you to review. Dawn is also available for an interview. Please contact Amy Rigard at Cameo Publications at 1-866-372-2636 or send an email to Amy@cameopublications.com.
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