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Market Your Business from A - Z

Small business owners often ask which form of marketing will bring in the best results for the least amount of money in the shortest time. As you might have expected, there is no one answer. The size of your company, the makeup of your customer base, and your marketing budget will help determine where to start.

How effective are your employees in marketing the firm? Marketing is everyone's responsibility and each employee can and should play a part. Here are 26-plus grass roots marketing ideas that won't cost you a bundle and that you can implement tomorrow for various levels of staff. This list is just a start for encouraging employees to think "marketing." Involve your staff in expanding this list and you may see the results you desire.

A. Ad. Develop a thirty-second ad for what you do: "I'm John Jonas from REL Labeling and I specialize in pressure-sensitive labels for the manufacturing industry."

B. Business cards. Always have business cards with you. When you meet someone, ask for a business card. Most likely the person will ask for yours.

C. Communicate. Let people know what you do. Don't just assume that they know.

D. Detail. Pay attention to detail. What impression are you giving? Is your car dirty? Is your shirt rumpled? Will you handle my business affairs in the same manner?

E. Energy. Always be "up" around clients, potential clients, and your staff. Energy and enthusiasm attract business.

F. Frequency. Frequent marketing is a must. It cannot be occasional.

G. Goals. Set specific marketing goals for three months, six months, and a year. You need a measuring tool to determine how you are doing.

H. Hold onto it. Save all business cards and leads. Touch base periodically. Send updates on your accomplishments. If they don't use your services now, they might tomorrow.

I. Intelligence. Know your business. Read.
Image matters. How you act in all situations is important.

J.   Join. Join trade associations, such as the Chamber of Commerce. Accept invitations for social outings - you never know whom you will meet or who will notice you.

K. Kindle. Kindle your current business relationships. Keep in touch. It's less costly to expand the services of a current client than to spend money trying to find a new one.

L.   Leads. Ask for leads: "This is a shot in the dark, but do you know someone thinking about selling a business?"

M.  Meet many. At meetings and gatherings, meet as many people as possible. Team up with a buddy. Make it fun.

N.  Name. Use your name and company name on nametags and when introduced. Help people connect you with your work. Wear clothing with your company logo.

O. Orientate. Make sure clients know all your abilities. If they use your services personally, maybe their company can too.

P.  Publicity. Take advantage of free publicity. Write articles for newspapers, trade associations, and service clubs.

Q. Quarterly updates. Review your clients' needs at least quarterly. Don't wait until they call you.

R.  Recognition. Everyone likes to be recognized. Recognize accomplishments verbally or in writing. Clip an article pertaining to a client's business and send it.

S.  Speaking engagements. Speak to groups about a topic you know. Give your company name, what you specialize in, and how people can reach you for more information.

T.  Testimonials. Ask three of your best clients for statements of satisfaction with your services. Use them in proposals.
Target market. Who else (in another profession) has the same target market as you? Market together.

U. Use. Use your clients' services and products. Make use of the people you buy from - they may have great leads.

V.   Visibility. Pick the most visible volunteer roles. Take tickets or registrations. Make sure your company name is visible.

W.  Write. Write articles for local newspapers, trade journals, service clubs, newsletters, and other publications.

X.  X-ray. Look deeply into your community involvement and time commitments. Prioritize the most successful strategies.

Y.  Your photo. Use your photograph wherever possible. Remember you are selling yourself and the relationship.

Z.   Zee end. Good luck, and call us if you need assistance.