5 Tips for Writing a Cutting-edge Marketing Plan in 2012
I would dare to say that most of you reading this message were taught to never lavish praise upon yourself. I certainly was. “Don’t be bragging on yourself.” I was told to let other people boast about my accomplishments and accolades. While I don’t believe we were taught wrongly, I do feel that, as business owners, there are things we have to unlearn— or dare I say— separate, from the personal and the professional. When it comes to marketing your business, you must set aside the meekness and put your best face forward.
Some people don’t see the need to add lettered credentials behind their names as I do in promoting my business. Perhaps that’s true for them, but I find it to be a very practical designation for the market I target. If you’re content with being just another event planner, bunched in with the other thousand in your vicinity, I’d be the first to suggest there’s something wrong with that picture. Read the rest of this entry »
Is Your Web site “sticky” Enough?
In my last email I talked about the value of adding video to the home page of your web site. If you subscribed within the past two weeks or somehow missed that email, read Part 1 of this message below.
As I mentioned in my last message, placing video on your website and social media pages increases your sales conversion rate by 70%. Having a “sticky” web site means that the content on your site makes your visitors want to stick around and check out what you have to offer. That “stickiness” begins with having video on your home page. Most people prefer a visual as opposed to reading large chunks of written material. Wouldn’t you agree? Read the rest of this entry »
Add the Personal Touch with Video Marketing
Did you know that placing video on your website and social media pages increases your sales conversion rate by 70%? How’s that? Because people get to see the real you, up close and personal. Your prospects and clients will respond more favorably when they have a visual to identify with the person behind the photos, print and advertising. Simply stated, it’s a more personal connection.
However, if done without proper insight and planning, your video can weaken your brand appeal. Your brand is your identity to the outside world. It is what customers think of every time they see or hear about you and your company. Your marketing videos should be consistent with your overall brand strategy. Read the rest of this entry »
Your Business Plan Checklist
The idea of writing a business plan can be very intimidating for most business owners and would-be entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, it is an essential undertaking for those who desire to create and maintain a long-term, successful business.
If you have a business idea or lack clear direction for the future of your existing business, a business plan is the blueprint containing key strategies for your success. Not all businesses need a 30 to 100-page business plan. Unless you’re submitting a proposal for a business loan, contract or other third-party agreement, I do not recommend writing a long, drawn-out business plan. One to five pages will suffice in most instances, depending upon the type of business. It’s primarily for your internal use. Read the rest of this entry »
Invest in Others and They Will Invest in You
If you spend most of your time perfecting your products and services and mastering your craft, then expecting a huge return on your investment, what I’m about to say might sound unfair. And that is–it’s not what you know that will determine your long-term success, but it’s who you know and who knows you! The reason I can state this with such conviction is because it wasn’t until I wholly embraced this truth did I see my business make an upward spike.
You can have the greatest product in the world and a dozen letters behind your name, but if you’re not in the loop with the right people, you’re going to be in for a long, slow haul. People are critical to the success of your business. But not just any people. There must be people in your network who are more advanced than you, and have enough influence to give you a leg up. Just keeping it real! I heard Dennis Kimbro say, “If you’re the smartest person in your circle, then you’re in the wrong circle.” Read the rest of this entry »
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