Are you a coach, counselor, lawyer or in another professional service where you are your business?
Here are my notes from the breakout session, “Powering Professional Services Growth” presented by by Joellyn ‘Joey’ Sargent (@joellynsargent) from the 2014 Wordcamp.
A polished online presence is critical for professional services businesses. Learn why WordPress is an ideal tool to build your brand, establish credibility and win more clients.
We’ll cover the must-have’s for your site as well as tips and tricks to make an impression on prospective clients, setting your business apart.
Whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a growing firm, you’ll discover valuable ideas to help build your business. This session is perfect for anyone providing professional services, including Consultants, CPAs, Attorneys, Financial Planners, and Freelance service providers.
Why are professional services different?
- They are often intangible
- They are about relationships
- You must differentiate yourself personally and professionally
3 goals for a good professional services site:
Goal 1: Trust – establish yourself as a “thought leader”
- Are you constantly creating new intellectual property?
- Do you deliver outstanding content?
- Are you visible in leadership roles?
- What about public speaking? writing publishing? media coverage?
Goal 2: Interest – ensure you are always accessible
- Are you friendly and polite?
- Do you invite conversation?
- Do you readily share your talent?
Goal 3: Credibility – evoke a connection
- I like you / I respect you / it’s mutual
- Create opportunities to connect
- Demonstrate how you treat clients
- Reinforce the connection by staying in touch
- Your tone needs to match your business. Be authentic. (for example, lawyers will be more corporate)
Share your knowledge using tools like:
- YouTube
- Vimeo
- Slide Share
- Haiku Deck
- Prezi
- Blubrry (podcast)
- Testimonials
- Newsletter (Mail Chimp, Contact Form 7)
Joey generously offered to share her slides: