Getting On Line When we started this marketing journey at the beginning of the month, we were discussing action steps — the need to take steps every day, even ‘baby steps’ to reach our business goals. For many of us, the need for the “perfect something” meant that “Nothing” went out the door. It is […]
Opt-In eMarketing
Overview of Opt-In eMarketing eMail marketing is one of the most effective ways to keep in touch with customers. It is generally cost-effective, and if done properly, can help build brand awareness and loyalty. At a typical cost of only a few cents per message, it’s a bargain compared to traditional direct mail at $1 […]
Marketing — Special Events and Outreach
Marketing Basics Special Events and Outreach Get a booth at a fair/trade show attended by your target market. Sponsor or host a special event or open house at your business location in cooperation with a local non-profit organization, such as a women’s business center. Describe how the organization helped you. Give a speech or volunteer […]
Customer Service and Customer Relations
Marketing — Review of the Basics Customer Service and Customer Relations Ask your clients to come back again. Return phone calls promptly. Set up an auto responder email system to easily respond to customer inquiries. Use voice mail system to catch after-hours phone calls. Include basic information in your outgoing messages such a business hours, […]
Market Mix: Pricing, Communications and Media Relations
Market Mix Pricing and Payment Analyze your fee structure; look for areas requiring modifications or adjustments. Establish a credit card payment option for clients. Give regular clients a discount. Learn to barter; offer discounts to members of certain clubs/professional groups/organizations in exchange for promotions in their publications. Give quick pay or cash discounts. […]
Marketing 101 —Review of the Basics
Marketing is all about satisfying customer needs The following represents a comprehensive list of marketing ideas; use it to help better understand customer needs and ways to satisfy those needs. General Thoughts Concerning Small Business Marketing Plans Never let a day pass without engaging in at least one marketing activity. Determine a percentage […]
Small Business Marketing — Best Practices
Marketing 101 —Review of The Basics To succeed, entrepreneurs must attract and retain a growing base of satisfied customers. Marketing programs, though widely varied, are all aimed at convincing people to try out or keep using particular products or services. Business owners should carefully plan their marketing strategies and performance to keep their market presence […]
How Does Marketing Fit into Your Company Structure?
Is your marketing in alignment with your mission statement? Another way to describe marketing activities is to consider the big picture of how they fit in with the other business functions. Through marketing efforts, decisions are made and strategies are implemented concerning: What products, goods, services or ideas, are to be offered To whom —the […]
What Is Marketing?
Marketing… In plain and simple terms, marketing activities and strategies result in making products available that satisfy customers while making profits for the companies that offer those products. Good marketing produces a win-win situation because: Customers have a product that meets their needs and healthy profits are achieved for the company. These profits allow the […]
Taking Definitive Action
Confessions of a Perfectionist Procrastinator In search of the perfect words… If one is called to teach what one needs to know more fully — taking quick, definitive action is the topic of my soul. Analysis-Paralysis has been the abiding sin of my adult life, right along the need for perfection. My official, Pleiades Publishing […]