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Ask HN: For those who run their own business, how did you learn marketing?

15 points by ahmedbaracat 6y ago

I am really struggling to learn to market and to find product/market fit. Would love to hear about how you learnt that invaluable skill...

bgroat 6y ago
On Monday I'm launching a giveaway campaign of my 20 favourite marketing books on FB. If you want I can just DM you the list.
- 1cvmask 6y ago
  Are they free books to begin with?
- ahmedbaracat 6y ago
  Yes, that would be great. How would you DM me? Twitter?
alexhuyen 6y ago
One of the best resources I found was the Small Business Administration (SBA). I learned a lot from just reading through all their online resources (https://www.sba.gov/business-guide https://www.sba.gov/business-guide). I'm pretty sure a similar organization exists wherever you are, just search for 'small business administration' + your location. I think if you want more hands-on learning, you should schedule an appointment with an experienced business advisor. The small business org will do their best to find a relevant expert to advise you. I did one of these and I got matched with an Entrepreneurship lecturer from USC where I was able to pick up a ton of insight on marketing and running/starting up a business in general. I feel that this was valuable information that would've taken a lot longer to find or learn if it was on my own. I highly recommend this and the best thing is it was completely free. Make sure to take lots of notes and ask questions specific to your situation. You can schedule follow-up appointments as you reach milestones in your marketing plan as well. There are also some marketing workshops but some of those have fees so watch out for that. I was surprised but there is no "catch", it's just a taxpayer supported organization for supporting small businesses. tldr; https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/market-research-competitive-analysis https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/market...
- ahmedbaracat 6y ago
  That's very insightful. I currently live in London, so I will try to find the closest alternative. Thank you so much :)
alexmingoia 6y ago
Reading Seth Godin not only changed my life but taught me what great marketing is. Once you know what great marketing is choosing your tactics is easy. His blog is invaluable (https://seths.blog https://seths.blog). Read his “Top 100” and then go buy his latest book “This is Marketing.” Marketing in a nutshell: Grow an audience by earning their trust through consistently providing value and fulfilling your promises. Choose the medium that best resonates with your audience. And start with the minimum viable audience.
- ahmedbaracat 6y ago
  Thank you so much for the suggestions. Going through them right now!

15 points by ahmedbaracat 6y ago

I am really struggling to learn to market and to find product/market fit. Would love to hear about how you learnt that invaluable skill...

bgroat 6y ago

On Monday I'm launching a giveaway campaign of my 20 favourite marketing books on FB. If you want I can just DM you the list.

1cvmask 6y ago
Are they free books to begin with?
ahmedbaracat 6y ago
Yes, that would be great. How would you DM me? Twitter?

alexhuyen 6y ago

One of the best resources I found was the Small Business Administration (SBA). I learned a lot from just reading through all their online resources (https://www.sba.gov/business-guide https://www.sba.gov/business-guide). I'm pretty sure a similar organization exists wherever you are, just search for 'small business administration' + your location. I think if you want more hands-on learning, you should schedule an appointment with an experienced business advisor. The small business org will do their best to find a relevant expert to advise you. I did one of these and I got matched with an Entrepreneurship lecturer from USC where I was able to pick up a ton of insight on marketing and running/starting up a business in general. I feel that this was valuable information that would've taken a lot longer to find or learn if it was on my own. I highly recommend this and the best thing is it was completely free. Make sure to take lots of notes and ask questions specific to your situation. You can schedule follow-up appointments as you reach milestones in your marketing plan as well. There are also some marketing workshops but some of those have fees so watch out for that. I was surprised but there is no "catch", it's just a taxpayer supported organization for supporting small businesses. tldr; https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/market-research-competitive-analysis https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/market...

ahmedbaracat 6y ago
That's very insightful. I currently live in London, so I will try to find the closest alternative. Thank you so much :)

alexmingoia 6y ago

Reading Seth Godin not only changed my life but taught me what great marketing is. Once you know what great marketing is choosing your tactics is easy. His blog is invaluable (https://seths.blog https://seths.blog). Read his “Top 100” and then go buy his latest book “This is Marketing.” Marketing in a nutshell: Grow an audience by earning their trust through consistently providing value and fulfilling your promises. Choose the medium that best resonates with your audience. And start with the minimum viable audience.

ahmedbaracat 6y ago
Thank you so much for the suggestions. Going through them right now!