How to Avoid Becoming a “Me Too” Professional Services Firm

By Beth J. Bates, New Media Special Correspondent

I want to share a great blog post written recently by Mark Sweeney called "Professional Services Firms: Me Too is not a Marketing Strategy." Mark does a great job of breaking down the challenges of marketing professional services without falling into the rut of becoming like everyone else in your industry. It's difficult to find a differentiator when you offer the same services, pricing and personalities as your competitors.

Mark suggests a variety of strategies, such as:

• Finding new industry experts to follow and appreciate.
• Recruit “evangelists” who will sing the praises of your firm and what it has to offer.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with new marketing tactics.

Most important, understand and promote the aspects of your firm that are different from your competitors, whether it’s your core values, corporate culture or how you support your community. Finding that one thing that makes you unique can help give you an edge as well as help you to stand out among a sea of professional service firms.

If you have that extra something, flaunt it. It will not only help you grow your customer base, but will attract the kind of customers you want to engage.

Beth J. Bates consults with Hinge on social media tool selection and strategy and helps its clients find effective ways to leverage these new mediums to meet business goals.