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Are you a business owner stuck in the cycle of relying solely on word-of-mouth referrals? While there’s no denying the warm fuzzies a glowing recommendation can provide, it’s not exactly the foundation for a scalable business model.

So, what’s the secret to marketing success that doesn’t rely entirely on other people singing your praises? Join me as I explore insights from our latest podcast episode with the formidable Hazal Ozturk. (This is part 1 in a 2 part series we did together, catch part 2 over on Hazal’s Self-Makers Podcast.

Why Word-of-Mouth Isn’t Enough Anymore

It’s true, nothing says “you’re amazing” quite like a glowing referral. But let’s face it, leaning entirely on word-of-mouth is a bit like considering chocolate a sustainable food group—not quite practical in the long run. When your business growth walks a tightrope on the wire of referrals, you’re essentially handing over the reins to others. This unpredictability can leave us in a constant state of suspense, wondering when the next client will waltz through the door.

The good news is, marketing doesn’t have to resemble an unsolvable Rubik’s Cube. As Hazal passionately puts it, sustainable marketing is about creating repeatable systems that put you in the driver’s seat.

The Biggest Hustle Trap in Marketing (and How to Escape It)

One myth that clogs up the marketing works is the relentless push to be everywhere, all the time. Instagram, TikTok, emails—oh my! This scattergun approach is like trying to keep a balloon in the air by blowing in three directions at once.

Hazal wisely suggests simplifying your strategy. Choose two platforms where your ideal clients hang out and focus your efforts there. This isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what counts and doing it well. Not every marketing tactic suits every business, and it’s crucial to tailor your approach based on where you actually see results.

Fast, Messy Action: Your New Business Mantra

What’s holding you back from marketing success may not be what you’re doing, but what you’re not doing. Analysis paralysis often leaves us stuck, so embrace the philosophy of “fast, messy action.” Sure, you might fumble on your first few tries, but each stumble is a step toward refinement and, ultimately, success.

Our secret? Support and a clear plan. With the right guidance in place, taking risks becomes a calculated, not chaotic, affair. It’s okay to flub a launch or a post here and there; the key is to learn swiftly and keep moving forward.

Crafting a Sustainable Marketing Plan

If your to-do list is longer than the first Harry Potter book, it’s time to streamline. It all starts with nailing your messaging. Think of it as writing a letter to your future client. It’s essential to communicate who you are and how you can solve their most pressing problems. This clarity makes creating content much more straightforward and far less daunting.

Once your messaging is solid, develop a plan to reach and nurture those potential clients. Remember, attracting them is only half the battle. Building trust through nurturing content is equally important. It’s the warm-up before the sprint to the sale.

The Gentle Art of Selling

Ah, selling—often likened to pulling teeth for a reason. But when you shift focus away from yourself and consider it a service to your clients, selling feels a lot less like a necessary evil and a lot more like an exciting opportunity. Think of it as offering solutions to their problems rather than pushing products.

In our chat, Hazal versed us in the concept of authentic sales. It’s about aligning your sales tactics with your values so selling feels natural, not forced. Cultivating a comfortable space for exchanges—whether in DMs or on calls—can transform selling from cringe to rewarding.

In Conclusion: Consistency is Key

It’s easy to chase the next big marketing gimmick, but consistency is the unsung hero of successful marketing. Refine what works, rinse, repeat, and remember to keep it simple. By sticking to a durable strategy, you’ll find yourself less burnt out and more in control.

Make sure to listen or watch the full episode above – I have NO WHERE NEAR captured all that we discussed in this blog post.

And for more in-depth strategies, make sure to join Hazal’s masterclass—it’s a goldmine of actionable content. Let’s go beyond word-of-mouth and build marketing machines that keep our businesses thriving!

About Hazal:

Hazal is a corporate marketer of 10 years turned marketing and business coach for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to scale to multi 6-figures and beyond using her Self, Strategy, Systems framework.

She founded her coaching company, Hey Hazal which has helped her clients book out their business, have their highest cash months and years, leave their 9-5 and most importantly, create an thriving, easeful and authentic online business. She is also the creator and host of the top charting podcast, The Self-Makers Podcast.

FIND HAZAL:
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