Client Work vs. Self-Promotion

13thirtyone is still alive and well. Sorry I haven't written in a week or so. Things are so busy! Lots of new projects and clients are keeping me busy (keep checking my website for an updated client list and new portfolio work) and I'm loving every second of it.

Client work though certainly has been my priority, thus, my self-promotional activities are falling a bit to the wayside. That old saying, "the best time to promote yourself is when you're already busy" keeps rolling around in my head. How am I to juggle this?

I've decided that the best way for me to go about this is to schedule it. Once or twice a week I will have to set aside the time for blogging, or online networking, or creating my monthly email campaign. I'll give it as much priority as I would a client meeting. It's simply a part of running a business that can't be ignored. I haven't quite decided how much time to set aside yet, but I'll figure something out.

Another thing I've been thinking about is also setting aside time each week for "client appreciation." This doesn't mean going shopping and finding cute thank you gifts, but taking a little time out each week to go the extra mile. For example, being sure to write a thank you note to EVERY client after I finish a project. Being sure to write thank you notes (and not thank you emails) to the prospective clients I've recently talked to or met with. Perhaps I come across an article online or in a newspaper that pertains to one of my clients; this is the time to pass that along to show that I've been thinking about them and their project or business. What does this accomplish? I think it shows not only good manners, but it's something I can try to do to separate myself from my competition. I can show my clients a little extra attention, making it clear that I really do care if they work with me and that they are happy.

Are there any self-promotional routines that you are sure to make time for every week? I'm just curious to know if scheduling time into our busy work weeks is how others are handling their marketing and self-promotional efforts.