The Online Marketing Ps for Solopreneurs

I’m currently readig Seth Grodin’s book the Purple Cow.  Interesting premise, but my question is — would you really be more likely to buy milk from a purple cow?  Yes, you would notice the cow, but would you sell more milk?   Yes,  we do live in an age that is permeated by advertising. Products are pitched in movies, on eggshells, in bathroom stalls… you need to do something to stand out.   The good news is that, thanks to the Internet, it is easier than ever very small businesses (even solopreneurs) to stand out from the crowd. 

Traditionally, marketers have followed a marketing checklist of 5 Ps (there actually are thousands of Ps — some are publicity, promotion, product, packaging, product..).  Here iis my proposal for 5 Ps for Solopreneurs

Partnership — you can’t do it all yourself.  The best ideas come from the synergy of working together.  Also, small business owners tend to take the weight of the world on their shoulders by doing everything themselves. Nobody is good at everything — find people who can do the things you can’t.

People - The way to stand out on the Internet is to forge relationshps with people.  The more people like you, the more they will buy. Seth Grodin was right — people are relying more an more on word of mouth and personal networks to make buying decisions.  The good news is that there are millions of ways to develop relationships with people on the Internet.

Product — It is easier than ever to reach people and geographical boundaries are mattering less and less.  I live in New Mexico… all of my clients are on the East Coast.  The downside to this is that competition is fierce no matter where you live.  If your product isn’t great — you won’t last long.

Promotion — To stand out, you need to be constantly promoting your product.  Not only through sales letters and autoresponders, but through active networking online and off.

Permission — CAN-Spam aside,  you need to have permission to market to people.  I don’t know anyone who buys from spammers.  You get permission and grow your list by developing products and promotion strategies in partnership with other people.

Anyone have an Ps to add?