Make Me Famous

"Dear Busy Girls Guide. I have a new business, which seems to be going very well (I've had a lot of good feedback). But, I know that I need to get out and promote my services as not many people know about what I do. Can you give me some advice on how to make a name for myself? Thank you Busy Girls!" Catherine, Buxton

Dear Catherine,

Thank you for your letter - I'm delighted that you have brought this topic up, as it's fundamental to get your business 'out there' as much as possible in the early days - otherwise no one will know just how great you are! Here are my top tips for making your business famous (or at least well known!)...

Step 1 - Define your story

What is your story? Imagine your life is being turned into a movie and plot the script. This should help define the message you convey to the media - are you an action hero battling against all odds (think James Dyson) or brand sensual sensation (think Nigella Lawson).

Step 2 - Make friends with the media

Research the journalists who are interested in your industry & trade. Approach them, get to know them and send them 'exclusive' stories. If this seems impossible, then make friends or alliances with a business who already has good connections - ask if they can help you to meet the 'right' people.

Step 3 - Become an expert

The media will be beating a path to your home office door if you set yourself up as an expert in your chosen field. You can do this by developing a blog, writing a report, making predictions or writing a book.

Step 4 - Communicate regularly

This applies both online & offline (print, TV, radio). Develop & distribute a regular e-newsletter for online visitors & in the offline world agree to attend & speak at events to get yourself known.

Step 5 - Enter awards & competitions

This offers an opportunity to get your name & face in the press & a nice night out too!

Step 6 - Use good imagery

This applies on your website, business cards & any other printed material.

Step 7 - Create a virtual window to the world

Develop a website or blog, keep it updated & watch it rise up the search engine ranks.

Step 8 - Paint your car with the company name & logo

Well, why not?!

Step 9 - Do things that make you stand out & get you noticed

I will leave this one to your own imagination!

Step 10 - Tell us your story

So we or the team at busygirlsguide.co.uk can pass it on to journalists who write in asking for case studies of successful home business owners. email my story

Mostly, enjoy the process Busy Girl, getting famous is hard work, but fun & definitely worth the slog... just make sure you get famous for the right things!

Best wishes,

Emma x

Emma Jones is Managing Director of Redbrick Enterprises Ltd & Editor of Enterprise Nation, the home business website Enterprise Nation