Showing posts with label Marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marketing. Show all posts

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Maximizing Your Business Down Time


Recently while I was visiting an accountant’s office, two women popped in bearing goodies. They were from an orthodontics office located on the other side of the same large office complex. Their business was slow and they were using the down time to go door-to-door, not only to introduce themselves to their neighbors in the complex but to all the other businesses within a two mile area. 

With a well-thought out promotion in hand, their message was clear. The "swag bag" was imprinted with the company logo, tag line, address and phone number. Inside were samples, most likely donated from their vendors: toothpaste, tooth brush, dental floss, a business card, and a flyer with a coupon offering a discount to new patients.

There was, however, a minor catch. In order to receive the goodies, you had to promise to “like” their facebook page. The page url address was included on the flyer. This was a clever way to increase the followers on their social media page as well as keeping their business in front of potential new patients in case the need arises to use their service.

When is your business in its down-time? Now is the time to be planning ahead with a strategy to maximize your growth potential and trump your competition. Other suggestions to use the time wisely:
  • Update your website and/or social media pages
  • Go to business networking events. Don't forget the business cards (and flyers).
  • Review your business plan and/or marketing strategy
  • Check out what your competition is up too
What is the most innovative thing you have done to move your company through the down-time? Let me know and I'll post it in a future e-newsletter.

Next post: Creating Effective Flyers 
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Monday, November 26, 2012

Brand to Expand Your Business


If you have been following my blog, you can see that I'm well into my 90-day Marketing Makeover. I have reworked my marketing plan as well as defined my target market and feel confident to move on in the process to review my company branding.

Again, your niche has to be fine-tuned and well-defined before you can brand your company. Marketing Expert, Beverly Cornell-McGlynn, in our 2010 M3 radio interview, asks the question, "If your business brand was a person, what would he/she look like?" http://bit.ly/UXhDKZ

According to www.entrepreneur.comthe definition of “branding” is “the marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products.” Sounds simple enough but what does this mean exactly?

A memorable brand starts with your company logo. Do you have a logo that is old and outdated? Does it convey the proper image you want to present to your target market? One of the best investments you can make in your company is to enlist the help of a professional graphics and design company to create your logo and company image.

In a 2010 M3 interview, Linda Kleist, Marketing Director at Identity Graphic Design, points out that your logo can help or hinder the business, as it is the first impression that you project into the world. It comes from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be. It is the "it" factor" that sets you apart from your competition.  http://bit.ly/TpExhX

After you have that symbol that reflects your business, the logo and brand will then carryover into your promotional materials such as business cards, brochures, website, blog, social media pages, etc. In our interview, Diane Krueger, the Brand Identity Artist at Contagious: Cure of the Common, goes into more detail. http://bit.ly/V2xXua

Coca Cola, Nike, McDonald's, Craftsman are just a few of the most famous and easily recognized brands. Because they have built powerful brand recognition, when stacked up against their competition, they can charge more for their products and consumers will happily pay that higher price. When your brand is consistent and strong, it brings added value to your company's products and services that raise you above your competition, especially a company that may not have invested in the strategic branding of their company.

Once we have the logo and brand in place, we can move on to getting the word out about our products and services. 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Marketing Tip #25 - Want to be Taken Seriously?

Do you have a Hotmail, AOL, Gmail or Yahoo address on your business card? Do you want to be taken seriously in your business? When people notice those addresses, they immediately think “cheap.”  If you’re just getting started in business, you can be excused if you don’t yet have a website. But it only takes a minute to buy a domain name for about $10 (GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com), connect it to a Blogspot or Wordpress blog, and pay about $9 a month for hosting. 

Saturday, February 11, 2012

What's Your Marketing Strategy?

Let’s face it. When the economy takes a dive, businesses are forced to compensate with downsizing, restructuring and taking drastic cost-cutting measures. During the recession of the last few years, as in other years of economic down-turns, dollars allocated to advertising and marketing are the first line-items to be eliminated. However, on the other hand, it makes perfect sense that when your competitors are cutting back on such spending, now should be the time to charge full speed ahead of your competition in getting the word out about your company, product and services.

With money tight, especially for the small to mid-size businesses, self-promotion is the most economic and viable option. Where do you begin? Do you have a business plan and marketing strategy in place? Have you identified your niche market? How will you reach your target client? Which social media option is the right venue for marketing your products and services? When it comes to marketing, these are just a few of the questions that business owners wrestle with on a daily basis.

Where do you start? The place to begin is with having a solid business plan in place. And, in addition to the business plan, having a strong marketing strategy is the key to your success. A marketing strategy is part of the overall business plan and is best described as a well thought out and step-by-step plan that shows how the business proposes to create revenue.

If your company doesn't have a business plan and/or marketing strategy in place, now is the time to create one. There are countless websites on the internet or books in any library that will guide you through the process. Or I will be happy to critique your business plan and work with you in creating a marketing strategy the best suits your business. Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Maurer Marketing Minutes #49-Corey Perlman-eBoot Camp--e-Newsletters

Maurer Marketing Mintues-#49-Corey Perlman-eBoot Camp-eNewsletters
Corey PerlmanIn the third interview of a three-part series, Corey Perlman, author of eBoot Camp, gives tips on how to use e-newsletters as an effective marketing tool as well as a means of keeping yourself in front of customers and business associates. He suggests that you keep the missive short, include links to other sites and make sure its full of valuable information. In addition, he recommends using a “sexy” subject line to grab attention and get the e-newsletter read. And above all, he said, it should be consistent. You can contact Corey through his website www.theebootcamp.com.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Maurer Marketing Minutes #48-Corey Perlman-eBoot Camp-Blogging

MMM-#48-Corey Perlman-eBoot Camp-Blogging

Corey PerlmanIn the second of a three-part series, Corey Perlman, author of eBootCamp, describes blogging in concise and easy to understand language. He explains what a blog is and why you want to have one. One reason is that it’s a living, breathing webpage that allows you to post fresh content consistently. By updating your blog on a weekly or daily basis, Google and other search engines will pick up your content much quicker than before. And, of course, the more people who read or listen to your blog, the more influence and power you exert in your industry. But it’s not a simple process. You can contact Corey through his website www.theebootcamp.com.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Maurer Marketing Minutes #47-Corey Perlman-eBoot Camp-Social Media

Maurer Marketing Minutes-#47-Corey Perlman-eBoot Camp-Social Media
Corey PerlmanIn the first of a three-part series, Corey Perlman, author of eBootCamp, a how-to guide for internet marketing, believes that social media could be described as “peer-to-peer” marketing. “Sites such as LinkedIn, FaceBook or Twitter should be used to engage and interact with your current and potential clients. Make your social media pages all about your customers and ask yourself, what can I give them today?” You can contact Corey through his website www.theebootcamp.com.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Maurer Marketing Minutes #45-Doug Willett-Luna Tech Designs

Maurer Marketing Minutes -#45-Doug Willett-Luna Tech Designs
Doug-HeadshotsmallHave you ever wondered how 3-D Geo Web Development could benefit your business? Have you ever wondered what the heck that is? Doug Willett, President of Luna Tech Designs, tells why and how real-world viral tours of your business – or city – is becoming the trend in visual web marketing. This technology uses Google products such as Google Earth and Google Mapping and has numerous applications. Recently, Luna Tech Designs was called on by WDIV-TV to illustrate a “before” picture of Frank’s Furniture in Wayne after the terrible explosion and fire. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNPJ530Hzv8 Find out more about 3-D web marketing at www.lunaglobes.com or call Doug at 734-260-1069 or email dwillett@lunaglobes.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #34-Aaron Beals-Ring Ring

Maurer Marketing Minutes #34-Aaron Beals-Ring Ring

 

DSC_2311Aaron Beals of Ring Ring LLC, promotes creative marketing through toll-free vanity telephone numbers. These numbers are effective as a branding tool to make your advertising memorable no matter what media you are using: internet, radio, television, newspapers or magazines. He can be reached at aaron.beals@ringringllc.com. 866-RingRing or visit his website at www.ringringllc.com.

Direct download: MMM-34-Aaron_Beals-RingRing.mp3

MMM-34-Aaron_Beals-RingRing.mp3">

Friday, October 8, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #30-Beverly Cornell-Mango Languages

Maurer Marketing Minutes #30-Beverly Cornell-Mango Languages
Beverly In Part 3 of our three-part interview, Beverly Cornell, Marketing and Social Media Director at Mango Languages, discusses what and what not to share on social media sites. She encourages users to share their “human” side, as well as reflecting their business personality as well. You need to know who your audience is and provide engaging content to interest them as followers. Contact Beverly directly at 248-254-7450 ext. 824 or email Beverly.Cornell@mangolanguages.com or visit Mango’s website at www.mangolanguages.com
Direct download: MMM-30-Beverly_Cornell-Mango_Languages.mp3

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #29-Beverly Cornell-Mango Languages #2

Maurer Marketing Minutes #29-Beverly Cornell-Mango Languages
Beverly What is the personality of your ideal target customer? In Part 2 of our three-part interview, Beverly Cornell-McGlynn, Marketing and Social Media Expert and author of "Lemonade Tales", (formerly Marketing Director at Mango Languages), helps us to get clear on how to profile our potential clients and work within our budget to get the best ROI for our money. Find out more about Beverly at www.linkedin.com/in/beverlycornell or email her at beverlyrcornell@gmail.com.
Direct download: MMM-29-Beverly_Cornell-Mango_Languages-2.mp3

Friday, October 1, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #28-Beverly Cornell-Mango Languages

Maurer Marketing Minutes #28-Beverly Cornell-Mango Languages
Beverly If your business brand was a person, what would he/she look like? Beverly Cornell-McGlynn, former Marketing and Social Media Director at Mango Languages, encourages business owners to put “fun” in their marketing effort. She says that by capturing your unique business personality in promoting your service or product, you will catch the attention of potential clients in a big way. The marketing strategy she instituted at Mango is a prime example. Contact Beverly at beverlyrcornell@gmail.com.
Direct download: MMM-28-Beverly_Cornell-Mango_Languages.mp3

Monday, September 20, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #26-Dan Walker-“The Customer’s Way”

Maurer Marketing Minutes #26-Dan Walker-The Customer's Way
Web_Dan-Walker When Dan Walker wrote and published his book, “The Customer’s Way”, he began to build credibility in his field and set himself up as an expert. The book, which presents a novel approach to building better customer relations, has become a marketing tool for informing his clients exactly what he does as well as being an informative and fun way to deliver his message to all his business constituents. Dan can be reached via email at dan@riversendconsulting.com, or by phone at 248-770-2554 or visit his website at www.RiversEndConsulting.com.
Direct download: MMM-26-Dan_Walker-Author_of_The_Customers_Way.mp3

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #24-Preston True-TechnoBiz Coach

Maurer Marketing Minutes #24-Preston True-TechnoBiz Coach
preston-true As a TechnoBiz Coach, Preston True, of Accomplishment Coaching, decodes the mystery of getting a clear and concise marketing message out to your potential customers. Hear about the three most common mistakes that people make in executing their marketing tactics. It’s easy to reach Preston by calling 248-219-9435, emailing him at preston@prestontrue.com or visit his website at www.technobizcoach.com.
Direct download: MMM-24-Preston_True-TechnoBizCoach-Accomplishment_Coaching.MP3

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #22-Tom Harris-Marketing Coach/Business Motivator

Maurer Marketing Minutes #22-Tom Harris-Marketing Coach-Business Motivator
Tom Harris Why should a business person have a blog? According to Tom Harris, Marketing Coach and Business Motivator, it establishes online credibility and sets you up as an expert in your field. He gives an in-depth explanation on how to position your blog and target your ideal customer. Email him at tom@tomharris.us, call 877-901-9977 or read his blog at www.tomharris.us.
Direct download: MMM-22-Tom_Harris-Speaker-Marketing_Coach-Business_Motivator.mp3

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #21-Kevin Krason-BizNet Internet Solutions-2

Maurer Marketing Minutes #21-Kevin Krason-2 BizNet Internet Solutions
kevinkrason_cropped-headshot In Part Two of our two-part interview, Kevin Krason, Digital Expert and President of Biznet Internet Solutions, makes some predictions on the future of digital marketing. He says the focus will be on the expansion of online video content and portable access to the web from your cell phone. Kevin can be reached by phone at 248-560-9000, email him at kkrason@biznetis.net or visit his website at www.biznetis.net.
Direct download: MMM-21-Kevin_Krason-Biznet_Internet_Solutions-2.mp3

Monday, August 23, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #20-Kevin Krason-BizNet

Maurer Marketing Minutes #20-Kevin Krason-BizNet

kevinkrason_cropped-headshot The methods of marketing to consumers are being shifted from “outbound” messaging (or interruptive advertising) to “inbound” messaging (or content marketing). In Part One of our two part interview, Kevin Krason, Digital Expert and President of Biznet Internet Solutions, takes us through the rapidly changing trends in digital technology and defines search optimization and content marketing. Kevin can be reached by phone at 248-560-9000, email him at kkrason@biznetis.net or visit his website at www.biznetis.net.
Direct download: MMM-20-Kevin_Krason-BizNetIs-1.MP3

Monday, August 16, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #18-Terry MacEwen-AdviCoach

Maurer Marketing Minutes #18-Terry MacEwen-AdviCoach
AdviCoach Tag What is the tactical Marketing Plan and how critical is it to the small business owner? Formerly with AdviCoach, Terry MacEwen, not only defines a tactical marketing plan but explains how to implement it. One of the tools he uses to educate his clients is the guerrilla marketing tactics that business guru Jay Conrad Levinson presents in his many books on the subject. Contact Terry at 248-726-7129, email: tmacewen@umich.edu, and see what he's doing now at www.linkedin.com/in/terrymacewen. 
Direct download: MMM-18-Terry_MacEwen-AdviCoach.MP3

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #17-Mike Whelan-Your PC Pitstop

Maurer Marketing Minutes #17-Mike Whelan-Your PC Pitstop

mikewhelan Mike Whelan, of Your PC Pitstop, recently added a new business line and a new website, www.PCbuyersagent.com. As part of a social media campaign to promote the site, he decided to use the Pay-Per-Click ads on Facebook. In our interview, he explains how the process works, how he has targeted the ads to reach specific demographics and the measurable results of this marketing decision. Call Mike at 248-557-1001 or email Mike@YourPCpitstop.com

Direct download: MMM-17-Mike_Whelan-Your_PC_Pit_Stop.MP3

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Maurer Marketing Minutes #14-Bob DiTomasso-Shot by Bob

Maurer Marketing Minutes #14-Bob DiTomasso-Get Shot by Bob
Bob DiTommaso Bob DiTomasso, owner of Robert DiTomasso Photography, has two taglines that are examples of pure branding genius: “Get Shot by Bob” and “for a price, I’ll shoot your relatives”. It’s humorous, memorable and gets a lot of attention at tradeshows and networking events. In our interview, Bob talks about how using the slogans have increased his business and some of the reaction to it. See samples of his work at www.GetShotByBob.com. He can be reached at 248-941-4859 or email info@GetShotByBob.com.
Direct download: MMM-14-Bob_DiTommaso-Shot_by_Bob.mp3