It’s as if we’re all defined by our jobs, so that’s the first thing anyone wants to know about us.

(No wonder the millions out of work now that the stimulus package has “worked so well” are having a tough time emotionally. They feel like they’ve become nobody!)

But I digress… back to this week-end.

Whatever you do, I’m sure you’re not Bernie Madoff, so you are helping people in some way. Put that firmly in your mind, so that you won’t feel hesitant to promote yourself to every new person you meet.

You don’t have to be pushy. Just write and rehearse an “elevator speech” that you’ll use for an answer every time someone says “What do you do?”

Be concise, so they’ll understand instantly. When I first turned to copywriting full time I used to say “I’m a copywriter.” Well, that was dumb – nobody knows what that is. If they guess, they think I do legal work to secure rights to books or music.

So  now I say “I write letters, emails, web pages, and other marketing materials to help other people build their businesses.”

Even though it feels silly, after you write your speech, tell it to the mirror, your kids, your spouse, your dog – until it feels natural and you know you’ll say it automatically when someone asks.

Next – put a handful of business card in your pocket. When you’ve conversed with someone about your work and their work (be sure to ask about them – show some interest!) then hand them your business card. Depending upon what they’ve said you can ask them to pass it along to anyone you could help, or tell them you’ll be glad to help them. Be sure to ask for their cards in return, and let them know that you’ll pass it along to anyone they can help.

This week-end’s good time could result in new business for you – so don’t be afraid to get out there and let new people know how you can help them.

Wishing you success,

Marte

P.S. As you plan for this holiday, be sure to plan for keeping your pets safe. When I worked in animal rescue the week after the 4th was a heartbreaker. So many people took their dogs along on a camping trip or left them at home in the yard – and never saw them again.

Pets are frightened by the noise and the lights, and they run, and run, and run… until they’re so lost that they never find their way home.

Keep your dogs and cats in the house, and give them a place to hide. If you’re going away for the week-end and won’t have a place to keep them safe, spend the money to put them in a kennel. They won’t like it, but at least they’ll still be alive and at home on Monday.