Hopefully by now you’ve started to think about how to implement marketing into your business plan and are busy thinking about creative and cost-effective ideas that will achieve results. So here are a few more tips to help you out…
Networking
Start attending business networking events as often as you can. Don’t go with the attitude of trying to sell at the event – you might get lucky, but often people are there to get to know others and see what products and services are on offer and build up their own network. Talk to as many people as possible because although they may not be interested in what you have to offer, they may know people who are or can provide you with useful feedback from their experiences. Swap business cards and follow up by email a few days later saying that it was nice to meet them and keep in contact. Consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce as they hold lots of networking events and some are even free.
Print On Demand
The latest digital printing technology means that you no longer need to print 1,000’s of copies of brochures or datasheets requiring lots of storage space that then go out of date before you’ve even made a dent in the pile. It’s now cost-effective to print what you need, when you need it and still save money. If printing and posting a direct mail piece – make it personal by changing the content and images for each individual to make it relevant to them. Although slightly more expensive than a regular print run, it will increase your return on investment as it is more likely to get you noticed.
Improve Internal Communications
Come on, be honest, does everyone in your company always know what’s going on? Even in very small companies communication is often poor – but if every member of staff was kept informed of all the positive developments (an exciting new product, new customer win etc) not only does it increase their motivation and loyalty but they can also help to act as an extension of your sales team.
Love your customers
New business is great but you also need to ensure you keep and grow your existing customer base. Make sure they know they are valued and that loyalty is rewarded. Keep in regular contact, make sure they are the first to know about any new services, send them a regular newsletter to make them feel even more connected to your company. Provide them with special offers from time to time and consider offering an incentive for referring others.
Small WOW’s
Don’t blow your whole budget on one big bang! You’ll only get the one hit and if your prospects miss it then you won’t get another chance for a while. Instead go for a series of small wow’s – for example, rather than sending out a glossy brochure to the masses, send out a series of well designed postcards containing clear and consistent messaging to a focussed target market.
Be adaptable
Bear in mind that you may need to become more flexible in order to suit current market conditions. If you find that sales are slowing down, consider if your product or service should be adapted to make it more appealing in current market conditions? Or can you now offer your service to a different market? For example, we all know that Estate Agents are struggling at the moment – so although they still need to protect their ‘sales’ business where possible, the smart ones are now focussing on their ‘lettings’ business which is now more in demand.
To find out how BrightStar Marketing can help you develop your marketing plan to help you succeed in these challenging times please contact me on clare@brightstarmarketing.co.uk or call 07864 927007.
Visit our website www.brightstarmarketing.co.uk
