Creative Marketing for the Competitive World

Take a moment to evaluate the success of your business.  Are you satisfied?  Are your marketing strategies producing the results you desire?   If you desire a better success rate, remember that the most important part in growing your business starts with how well your marketing efforts succeed.

First thing’s first.  Think creatively about how to organize a marketing plan that best suits your type of business.  Invest wisely.  You’ll want to create a way to generate the most contacts for the best return of your investment.   Establish a short list of goals that will help keep you on track.

If you want a marketing strategy that won’t deplete your funds, and at the same time will satisfy your desire to do things a little bit more risky, try the ‘Expert Model’…

Know your field.  Know your competitors.  What are they doing to reach customers?  How can you do things differently?

Take some time to look at the media sources in your market.  Look in your local newspaper, turn on the TV, or check out the local radio stations.  Is your competition advertising their expertise in your profession?

Start by making contacts with your local media sources.  Talk about the potential to partner with them.  There’s often a need for advice articles in the newspapers and other publications.  Maybe TV or radio stations will present opportunities to host you on talk shows that air regularly. 

Focus on the connections that come from your local community.  A good place to start is with your Chamber of Commerce.  Get them to interview you so that your business can be advertised in their monthly publications.  Various community businesses are also in need of speakers for their monthly luncheons.  Contact them to find out what you can do.  Meet their needs while also helping grow your business.

Take time to evaluate your customer base.  What are they listening to and reading?  Are they members of organizations that you don’t know about?  When the time is right, strike up conversations with them about their opinions on areas that you can market in.  Remember that they’re the reason you are in business.

What marketing strategy will best suit you?  Think about your personality type.  There needs to be a connection between the two.  For example, if you are the extroverted type that likes to be in the spotlight, consider radio or TV.  On the other hand, if you would describe yourself as more of an introverted type, maybe newspapers or magazines are best suited for you.  

One good aspect of becoming an expert in your business field is that it won’t take years to see results.  Pay close attention to current news about your business.  It’s also recommended that you subscribe to trade publications to learn about any current developments in your field.  The Internet is a great resource for staying up-to-date with what’s happening with current trends. 

While considering the expertise you already have, sort though the new information that you gather.  Collaborate the two so that you can make decisions on reaching your customers.  Not everything that you find will be able to be implemented.

Try to create a trusting relationship with your clientele so that they want to give you business.  Prove your character to be one of integrity, and they will want to talk about your business to their family and friends as well.   

Don’t think of yourself as timid.  You are equipped to be successful in your profession.  Be prepared to promote yourself as the expert that you are.