10 Useful Ways to Describe Your Business
As a journalist and copywriter, I talk with people who often find words challenging. That’s not to say they can’t string a sentence together. No, it means they find it hard to generate written copy to promote their products or services. I’d be happy if business owners just came to me to write their copy … Continue reading
Two Simple Rules for Prospecting New Clients
Did you know that prospecting is a process and, as a business development person, you will need to do it over and over again – approximately 500-1000 times in a year at least! Prospecting new clients is one of the most daunting tasks a small business owner has to face. There is a backlash against … Continue reading
What NOT to do when business is tough
Do you know what NOT to do when business is tough? Being in business is both liberating AND challenging especially when cash-flow, and customers, ebb and flow. It’s like standing on the beach seeing the waves come towards you and thinking you’re going to get to drenched. And then the tide goes out and you … Continue reading
Simple Ways To Segment Your Market : Part Two
In Part One of simple ways to segment your market, I outlined the first five steps. Here are the remaining three steps to help you maximise your marketing dollar and reach the exact audience you seek. Bite Six: Why Would They Choose You? Formulate the FEATURES and BENEFITS that will attract your audience. Here are … Continue reading
Simple Ways to Segment Your Market : Part One
Do you know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Which means you need simple ways to segment your market. The biggest marketing mistake small business owners can make is trying to cover too much ground at once. Business owners may say ”Oh, I can sell to anyone” and that may be … Continue reading
Public Relations in the Marketing Mix
Many people think of public relations as only being media relations – relationships with the media. However, you must have public relations in the marketing mix. Public relations is about the relationship your business has with your ‘publics’. That includes staff, customers, suppliers, contractors, government departments… in fact, anyone who interacts with your business. You … Continue reading
Improving Marketing Communications : Six Simple Steps
Are you missing out on sales? Do customers ignore your advertising? Have you thought about improving marketing communications to hit your targets? It’s very common for small business owners to think that simply providing good products and services is enough; that the business will ‘speak for itself’. Sadly that’s often not the case. Improving marketing … Continue reading
Business Cross-Promotion Ideas
As business owners it can seem like we are rowing the boat ourselves, and everyone else is on the shore enjoying a picnic lunch… with great Adelaide Hills wines. Sigh. Rather than seeing other companies as competition, working together can produce some excellent business cross-promotion ideas. In the quick tip on adding value, and the … Continue reading
Ideas for Adding Value Not Giving Discounts
It’s a strange phenomena that people seem to value a small gift over a discount. It’s true. If you offer customers a 10% discount they will, of course, take it. But they don’t really value it. And that 10% discount hits YOUR pocket and profitability considerably harder than theirs. So you might need some ideas … Continue reading
How To Add Value, Not Give Discounts
It is too easy for a small business owner to give a discount in order to win over a customer. But discounts hit YOU harder in terms of your profitability than adding an extra service or providing a small ‘gift’ will to keep the relationship sweet. Practice how to add value to a client instead … Continue reading
Hitting Your Customers Hot Button
Everyone has a hot button that induces them to make a purchasing decision, so are you hitting your customers hot button? People buy products and services for a variety of reasons including; Prestige and ego Wanting to have the best Improving their education For the good of the family To make life easier To fulfil … Continue reading
Are Your Marketing Fears Holding You Back?
Riveted to the spot in fear may be OK when you are watching a horror movie but not when you are trying to run a business. But fear of what? Or Who? It’s a recurring issue that a magic wand might fix; but my magic wand is currently at the drycleaners being starched. So, are … Continue reading
You’ll Waste Money on Advertising Unless You Read This First!
I recently saw an advertisement for a new marketing resource being trialed in Britain. The headline provocatively shouted ‘BIG BRAND ADVERTISING ON A SMALL BUSINESS BUDGET’ – good headline, bound to get a lot of attention. It certainly got my attention. Upon reading further, part of the text said this; “Advertising, whilst necessary for any … Continue reading
Six Simple Ways to Make Marketing Work For You
When you are busy working IN your business it seems you never have time to work ON your business. This is so true of many business owners, particularly those who operate a small business. However, you CAN work ON your business and add six simple ways to make marketing work for you at the same … Continue reading
Want A More Profitable 2016? Here Are Five Simple Steps.
Most people start a business because they are good at something. And they want to make more money for themselves, not their employer. However, working for yourself is very different when you have to work IN and ON your own business. Perhaps you have a business plan. Is it in the bottom of the drawer … Continue reading
Three Top Ways to Persuade A Potential Customer
How do you persuade someone to buy or use your product or service? Different people are persuaded by different actions and motivations. Some are persuaded by logic, others by observation, others by evidence. Here you’ll find the top three ways to persuade a potential customer that you can tailor to suit your personality and selling … Continue reading
Is This an Ugly Marketing Tactic?
When you are looking for marketing on a shoestring, it doesn’t mean cutting corners or being ‘cheap’. It means being clever, insanely clever. So, in seeking to be clever can you also use an ugly marketing tactic? I think you can, and here’s why. Imagine you own a menswear store. You might be positioned … Continue reading
A Warning on Blogging
Have keyboard, will blog. The rise and rise of bloggers has been swift and powerful. Keyboard warriors, citizen journalism, mummy bloggers; it seems everyone with an opinion and a laptop can get on-line. And they do. Some bloggers are entirely independent who create content only for their own purposes. However, many bloggers now see their … Continue reading
Top Ten Recession Busting Marketing Tips
These Top Ten Recession Busting Marketing Tips have proved very popular with clients so I’m sharing them with you as I know they are a valued resource. If you are in any business you will find them imperative for promoting your business and gaining more sales. 1.Cross-Promote: Link with a complimentary company and cross-promote each … Continue reading
Professional Tips for Mistake-Free Surveys
How do you REALLY know what is of value and importance to your target market? Asking them directly may not be enough because too many businesses fail to ask the right questions. Researching your marketplace is not a new concept but the Customer Value Survey is. Many businesses, particularly small businesses, may not have the … Continue reading
Insanely Clever Marketing 