Marketing Strategy You MUST Do – Regardless of How Much Time and Effort It Takes

In my previous post, I was trying to process an easy way to get your marketing strategy in focus.  I know there are so many options and only so much time and money that you just want to be told what to do.

Unfortunately, to a degree, you have to be an active participant in your own marketing strategy. That means that to get those profitable sales you desire – you must put in some brain equity in the marketing strategy department.

Nevertheless, there are a few things that EVERY business owner needs to do in this department regardless of time or effort required.  It's the reality of today's business climate.  Get over it and get it done.

1. Know what sets you apart.  This doesn't have to be as difficult as it sounds.  Focus on what you love to do for your customers and write a sentence about it that takes less than a minute to say.  If you're struggling with that – check out SloganStudio for help. (tell Patti Renner I sent you)
   • You generally have 4 choices:
     • You are good at Production/Value – getting things done fast and right, done for less – think Wal Mart.  Good value for money.
     • You are high quality or luxury – think L.L. Bean
     • You are great at technology – cutting edge stuff
     • Customer Service and experience is your thing – think Ritz Hotels
2. Stop complaining and start a blog already.  This could be a post in itself.  I opened my first Blogger account in 1998.  I had no clue what to do with it.  I waiting until 2007 to start blogging – don't make that mistake.  A blog is living marketing collateral.  Instead of printing brochures which no one keeps and are generally written in corporate gobbledegook – put your own thoughts, in your own voice out on a blog. 
   • What about the time investment? What about it?  You invested time in e-mail and word processing, you invested money in expensive designers and printing.  What's 15 minutes a day doing a post?  Stake your claim in cyber-realestate, stop complaining and start blogging.
3. Business Cards.  If you've done step 1, then this should be easy.  Get creative and visit www.moo.com.  Try HP's wonderful creative templates and photo-cubes and photo books.  So many options – any of them is effective if you know and understand your audience, what's important to them and why they should choose YOU.
4. Social Media.  If you are in the following industries and businesses – you need to start networking and building word of mouth through social media.  It will increase your sphere of influence, and build credibility across a wider audience.  Consider it gardening or farming.  You want to plant the seeds so you can harvest later.
   • Professional Networks
   • LinkedIn
   • Plaxo
   • Academic/Social
     • Facebook
     • Twitter

There are many more you could do.  But I think these are absolutely necessary.