My background is as a Paralegal. I stumbled into that profession when I was 20 years old and I have to admit, I loved it. My dream growing up was that I wanted to be an attorney and heck, during my career as a Paralegal, I knew more 
than many attorneys. At one point, even though I loved being a Paralegal, I became bored. I wasn’t challenged anymore. Financially, I was capped in my field. My head smashed that glass ceiling so hard I got a concussion. I remember that I was faced with the literal fork in the road; mortgage everything and go to law school, or start my own business where I could make as much money as I wanted. So I thought it over, prayed over my choice, and talked to my family. The rest is history and I believe I made the right choice.
So what is the point? I remember when I thought I ran out of people to prospect and approach about my business, I panicked. Until my husband said something to me that changed my thinking…. “Donna, I’m sure you are not the only Paralegal that was frustrated with their career. You need to find them.”
And there is was. The answer.
The “Common Market”. The common market is found somewhere between the icy cold market, and the warm market of family and friends. These are the niche group of people that you already have a common bond with, something that ties you together. You may not know them yet, you haven’t met. But when you talk to them, doors will open slightly based on the common principles you both share.
So when you say you don’t have anyone to talk too… dig deep and step back to see what is right in front of you.
1. Decide what your common market target will be. Make a list of your interests, your hobbies, your past and current affiliations; your schools and employers. Start with the niche that made you the happiest, where you found the most satisfaction. Maybe you were a nurse? Maybe you belonged to a knitting club?
2. Do some easy research. Get creative and start brainstorming.
- Check for local directories or membership associations in that common market. Most careers have membership associations. Most clubs have membership directories. Order the directory which contains all the names, phone numbers and addresses of their members.
- Check for industry trade magazines.
- Conduct a google business search, or local yahoo search for that field of interest. Search GTE online as well, using the business directory.
- Grab your local yellow pages and see what is in your target section.
- Do a quick search on social communities like FaceBook, MySpace and even Twitter. Find others than share your common interest or belonged to your professional or club.
3. Once you get your list together, you have to do some kind of sorting. You can email, use direct mail or if appropriate give them a quick call. Remember your goal is to introduce yourself and CONNECT with them, NOT to vomit all over them with information they didn’t ask for.
Have fun exploring the common market. Be the inspiration to those that are interested. Share with them your story and watch your business grow.
Until later,
Donna
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