People change. Processes change. Principles NEVER change! Whether you’ve been in ministry for one week or one decade, the principles of expanding your reach when understood and applied ALWAYS work. As you set to accomplish your ministry goals and realize your vision of touching more lives, earning as you serve, or leading a life of legacy and impact be sure that remember to keep your ministry marketing efforts simple, yet strategic.
The key to doing this is to focus on building relationships. People are more likely to do business, attend church, and whole-heartedly support those that they know, like and trust. No matter what type of ministry you have: church, civic, business, or entrepreneurial endeavor–establishing strong relationship is the key to success and sustaining growth.
Here are three of my absolute favorite, most impactful and HANDS-DOWN most profitable expansion activities:
1. Connect with others through strategic networking.
One of the quickest ways for people to come to know you (and like you) is to meet you! By attending conferences, events, and networking meetings in your local area you can quickly establish a loyal group of supporters (or even customers) in your local community. The key to networking is focus and intent—meeting just to meet is fruitless. Be sure to look for events and organizations where those you are called to serve are likely to be present or those who influence those you serve hang out. A great place to find such groups an online hub such as Meetup.com and other locally focused websites which make it easy to find and connect with potential partners in your area.
2. Speak to those you are called to serve.
Whether online or offline—there is power in the spoken word. Speaking locally in your community, at networking events, local conferences and workshops or by hosting your own event is a great way to gain credibility and exposure to those you are called to serve. Not only does speaking earn you instant “expert” status it also allows those you are called to serve the opportunity to “experience” your ministry first-hand.
3. Ask for referrals.
“Ask and you shall receive.” Do you know that this Biblical principle is true and it works? Really! People LOVE to help—even more they love to feel as if they’ve helped. Think about it, when you ask for directions how many people at the gas station willing spew out information? Or when you’re looking for a “good” school for your kids or the best barber in the neighborhood aren’t you bombarded with recommendations? Likewise, when you offer those you serve an unforgettable experience they are more than happy to share it with others—but you have to ask them to! It doesn’t have to be hard simply ask those you’ve served if they know of anyone who can benefit from an experience similar to the one they’ve enjoyed with you or your ministry.
While technology’s advancing by the second and “virtual” communities are on the rise–these principles of expansion will never go out of style and if you ask me work a lot faster than some of the cool new techno-tools available in the marketplace today!
Your “Expansion in Action” Next Steps For The Week:
1. Take advantage of at least one networking opportunities in your local community or region. Create a list of three others you will visit within the next thirty days. Be sure to follow-up with those you meet with a personal note. (I use a simple online service that allows me to send greeting cards from my computer directly to the recipient’s physical mailbox! How’s that for a lasting impression? Feel free to check it out.)
2. Check out your community’s events calendar. Identify three events or groups in your area that can benefit from your unique gift or service. Offer to speak to their group. Yes, even speaking locally on a complimentary basis can add value to those who experience you and establish a long lasting relationship with key influencers in your area.
3. Identify five current (or previous) people you have served with your ministry/business. Ask them for referrals.
Expanding your reach is not optional; it is your God-given responsibility. The ONLY way to expand consistently, effectively, and without compromise is to work with someone who knows, understands and can strategically guide you toward fulfilling your God-inspired vision. Download your F.R.E.E. Ministry Marketing Makeover Kit by clicking here.