With a new year in full swing, it may be time for a change in how you market your business. Whether you are looking for new growth or would like to maximize your current efforts, it’s time to shake things up a bit. Are you stuck in the status quo? You may need to let go of one of these three old marketing habits that are holding you back: Habit #1: Same Message Have you been communicating … [Read more...]
Your Biggest Business Challenge: Marketing
Over and over again, small business owners – from startups to seasoned pros – when asked about their biggest business challenge – admit that they struggle when marketing their businesses. Why do companies have so much trouble in this area of their business? I have some ideas on why this occurs, and what business owners can do now to change their fate. Are you making one of these marketing … [Read more...]
Doing without a Marketing Plan
Why are small businesses today going without marketing plans (and why is it a bad idea?) When I talk to Indiana small business owners about their marketing strategies, I often get a blank stare. Many of them don't have a formal marketing plan, but rather some marketing ideas they've written down or advertising tactics they've tried. They are looking to me for answers or a "quick … [Read more...]
Help! I can’t Afford to Advertise!
As an Indianapolis marketing consultant, I encounter people while networking each week who would love to hire me. In fact, I often get comments such as "I'd love to hire you but I'm afraid I can't afford your services." I even heard this week, "You're worth every penny that you charge but I'm not at the level I need to be at in my business to pay for an outsourced marketing specialist." As a solo … [Read more...]
The Secret to Business Success
By Janet Falkenberg Editor's Note: This is a guest post from my friend and colleague Janet Falkenberg. Let me share a secret with you that many successful entrepreneurs already know - you have to manage your business effectively to reach the levels of success you desire. So, if you can answer YES to ANY of these questions then you know you are not effectively managing your business: … [Read more...]
Stop Waiting for the Magic Bullet: Get a Marketing Plan
As a marketing consultant for Indianapolis area small businesses, I work with a lot of start-up companies as well as other consultants. When they begin working with me, they are often overwhelmed with the many options for marketing their businesses and want me to provide some clarity. My response is to ask if they have a current (or previously created) marketing plan. If they don't, I tell them … [Read more...]
Your Business Marketing Plan: Why Have one?
We all know the old saying. If you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. Most people think, "I've run my business successfully for X years now. Why do I need to take the time to evaluate my marketing strategy every year?" Whether you've never sat down and created a marketing plan, or have one which is collecting dust on a shelf or in a file folder, it's time to revisit the concept. But … [Read more...]