I have had some clients ask me this question. I answer with an absolute,”YES! if you want to be known for your writing and your book”. Now, there are always exceptions to the rule, however, that is not what I am talking about here.

And I am not sure if these days, this even holds true. I believe for 99% of business owners (and yes, as a writer or author you have a business), having a website is essential.

The follow up question from a writer may be, “Well, but I don’t have anything to sell (yet) so what would I have on the website?”

Here is my answer. “You can place information about your writing background. Your credentials. Examples of your writing. Of course, a picture of you is always nice. A page about you and your history. You can do an interview of questions for the media to pick up to discuss your book.

I would then follow up by saying, “Also, as a writer, you can add a blog to the site, where people can keep up on a consistent basis with your writing and about your upcoming book.”

Here is a statement that has been said many times and it is a very logical.

Most people don’t buy from people they don’t know. The only other time they may purchase from someone they don’t know, is when someone they DO know, recommends the other person’s product or service.

By setting up a website and a blog, you begin to establish an online presence which allows other people to get to know you during the time your are writing your book.

The beginning of a new year creates a realm of emotions from excitement to anxiety to fear. As business owners and entrepreneurs (especially in this crazy ever changing worldly environment) now is the time to take note and focus on your target market and be sure to address their needs.

Give a Survey- Remind them of your service offers and ask them for honest and constructive feedback about your business. Your job will be to take in the feedback and update your services to match the changing needs of your target market.

Research your statistics and reports – Go back through your Google Analytics or in your cPanel and see where you are receiving the most exposure. You may not realize you have a potential target market really wanting more information on your services and offerings. Or perhaps, you could find you are focusing on a target market not responding well and you need to find new ways to gain back their attention.

Pump up the Creative – Find the positive (and not pushy or aggressive) ways to entice your target market to use your services again, such as a redeemable voucher. Or you could do a first time customer discount to encourage some new clients.

Go and Network- If you are new to your area or have not done any local networking, do some internet research on Free Networking International, orMeetups to connect with some great networking groups in your area. **And if you don’t find a networking group you like, you can always, create or start a local networking group yourself to cater to your ideal client aka your target market.

Check Internal Processes – You can take a few previous clients and some networking or mastermind buddies and ask them each to go through your processes (on your website, newsletter and documents) and give feedback. Sometimes just a little tweaking of wording or tightening of steps will take a potential client to customer.

Being part of the rejuvenation of a new year can stir up a bucket full of different emotions. Remember to focus on your target market by researching your statistics, checking your internal processes and being creative and you will be heading in the right direction for the new year and beyond.

Looking for another place to share your work, get more connections and gain more support. I would like to recommend an organization called eWomen Network.

I would like to tell you a bit of my experience with them. My friend Zizah told me about this organization and said the ladies in the group were so supportive and really care about each other.

Now, I have to tell you I did have my reservations about joining a local network.

Other networks I had taken the time to check out were disappointed. Most of the people were too pushy and I didn’t wish to be placed in the situation where people were only there to sell me something. (Now, as we all know we are in business to receive business, HOWEVER, networking is all about BUILDING relationships not selling).

When I went to the first meeting for eWomen, it was held at a bank in Tampa with only 12 other women. This meeting was called a “Round Table”. At first, I saw the normal snacks laid out on a table and the infamous circle.

Beforehand, Zizah informed me (more like insisted) to bring business cards—-well, I am not one to start flashing my business cards as soon as I meet someone either. I really like to get to know the person first and then if they inquire, I give them a card. However, because she insisted, I placed about 10 in my purse…just in case.

I have to tell you….it was NOTHING like I expected. First of all, the way the introductions are done very collaboratively and people come to you asking for your business card, if they have someone they can introduce/refer you to OR they are interested in your services/products.

I ran out of business cards. Now, like I said before, I didn’t bring many to begin with, however, I was giving my cards out because the other ladies were genuinely interested in my services OR they knew someone else who could possibly use my services.

And here is the bonus….the next day I had five ladies calling me to find out about me, my services, my business and how they could help me!

For me, I was convinced and became a member because to me eWomen Network recognized the right way to do networking. Give first and you will receive back in time.

Sometimes sooner than you think. For me, I received my return on investment within 2 months of signing up as a member and continue to make lasting relationships, create joint ventures and gain new clients each month.

For more information about eWomen Network

If you are a member of eWomen Network, please come and comment to let us know what you like about the organization.
Also, it gives us a way to connect.

If you are on Twitter, you can find me at Teresa on Twitter

It has continued like this every month I have been a member