Most of the time, professionals are in demand because of society’s need for their expertise. All of us need doctors, lawyers, teachers, one way or another, and at various points in our lives. Their availability is vital to us, and thus, they need to be reachable to ensure that they can serve the need of the populace or whoever may be in need of their services.
With the advent of the internet and various social media platforms, professionals are reachable more than ever. The problem is that they have to compete with others who equally have access to what modern technology offers. If you are one of those professionals, you need to have a head start so that you can serve others and, at the same time, practice your craft using technology.
So how do you maximize technology to practice your craft and be of service to the greater public? Well, let us count the ways.
Improving your professional online network
All of us have social media accounts, but in itself, it is not enough. You have to do more than that to establish a presence to make you at par, if not head and shoulders above, with others regarding exposure.
Here are some of the things you can do:
Have an interesting profile
It would be best if you could catch the attention of most people. Best then to have an engaging profile that will highlight what you can offer to most people and what to expect from you. These are things most people are looking for in any professional, whether a physician, lawyer, or academic.
It could be details about your education, achievement, or whatever merit you have as a professional and person. Those little things that make you stand out, or at least will pique the interest of possible clients. Please include them in your profile as much as possible. Make sure that what you put in there makes an impression on them, making them consider you.
Increase your connectivity
You can join groups, for instance, which promote your craft and your issues and advocacies. They could help you connect with people who might be needing your advice or expertise. They could also give you further advice concerning anything about your career or any field relating to it.
Joining sites could also boost career opportunities and increase your interaction with the general public. Websites, unlike any other, are accessible 24/7, and one who may be interested in what you offer could easily take a look at your credentials and assess whether they would like to avail of your services.
Improve on your craft
Credentials and connection are vital, but on their own, it will not amount to that much if you do not have some intangibles, for it is expected that others do have everything that you’ve got. You must have that extra gear in terms of what you offer as far as your craft and expertise is concerned.
You need to be better than others, and once people inquire about your services, you must show that you are up to the task and can deliver on what you promise. Part of it is to show you have more than what the others offer in knowledge, skill, and expertise.
So try to improve yourself as much as possible and acquire the necessary skill and knowledge to put you head and shoulders above the rest. People will always look for the best, and they will only consider you if they see that you can offer more than the others; adding more and improving your craft will undoubtedly do the trick.
Be considerate, accommodating, and always be available
You want to broaden your online network and increase your online presence to help others by using your craft and expertise. So you must devote time and effort to answering queries from most people. There is no reason to have an internet presence or broaden your online network if you are not available, to begin with.
Be professional and polite as you answer their inquiries, for it could go a long way in people having a long-lasting impression on you. Ensure that you are knowledgeable and your skill in full display as you answer them, accommodate them and make yourself available. Remember that as you entertain their queries, they also assess you to hire your services.
Always be considerate, especially when dealing with problems and other sensitive matters. More than anything else, your prospective clients want to feel your empathy, that you are there not only as a professional expert but as a caring individual as well who is willing to help them get through their problems.
Have a community presence
Maintaining an online presence does not mean being active only on the internet and other social media platforms. You must be active in your community, and as much as possible, maintain an actual presence in your industry or the field you are in. It would not be very smart to be active virtually without the physical presence. After all, you will meet personally with clients later.
An actual presence in the community allows your potential clients and others to track your activities, progress, and advocacies. It gives them a better gauge of who you are personally and professionally. It allows them to assess you better by measuring your actual performance and activities with the ones you put in your online profile and on social media.
But whatever your activities in the community and your actual performances, ensure that you connect it to your online profile and presence. It is a way of reaching out to the larger public, who may not know what you are up to, your advocacies, or issues you are fighting for. Ensure that you inform the public of whatever activities you do in society and community.
Use appropriate technology
Apps that increase your visibility are available in the present age. It allows you to connect with others who may not even have the idea of the possibility of connecting with a professional. As much as possible, please make use of it to increase your presence online and your ability to eventually reach out and help those who may need your services.
A prime example is doctors who may need to be contacted but are unavailable because of the current pandemic. By having apps, those doctors are now available anytime, anywhere, and could give critical advice and help tips to clients and patients who may be in trouble and may need assistance but cannot go to the hospital because of the situation.
These apps and technologies already abound on the internet. As a professional, you must not deny yourself the chance to reach out to the larger public using the newest technology available. You must not also deny yourself of technology and apps that may further increase your knowledge or allow you to acquire skills.
Tips for marketing your consulting business
