Patti,

How do you go about finding customers for your hand-painted woodcrafts? Do you do a lot of direct-mail advertising? What do you do to attract and expand your audience?

Small businesses that are just getting started often work with the local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber comes over to the business with its large scissors and pre-cut ribbon and does a grand opening ceremony. Hopefully, the business is off and running - thanks in part to the Chamber's promotional efforts. But, then what? Many companies are simply on their own...and without a plan or strategy for success in the marketplace. Some folks seem to have a "Field of Dreams" mentality when it comes to marketing. That is to say, "if you build it they will come." But, all too often that is not the case. All too often, people are too busy to care what you have to offer - despite the amount of advertising you do. The trick is getting people to CARE. If people CARE, not only will they buy what you are selling, they will spread your business message to others so they too will buy what you are selling. Does the idea sound familiar? It is called business networking. Business networking works...especially when you go about it in a clever way. And yes, it can spill over into the advertising process.

For example, you can use a service like Send Out Cards to impress your target market. But, that is usually reaching out to just one person one time. The Direct Marketing Association says a person needs to see your message SIX times before you can expect a response from him. Do you really want to send out SIX Send Out Cards to the same person just to get one response? It's not just the money in sending out the cards, it is the time you use up just to go through the process. Time is actually more valuable than money. Why? Because time is a non-renewable resource. Money you lose you can make back. The time you lose is gone forever.

What you may find very beneficial for your business is to learn some power networking principles and incorporate them into a marketing plan. In fact, do a little research online. Google power networking. You may find it more prudent to outsource your marketing needs than to do it yourself. After all, what would you prefer to do - spend your time searching for customers or servicing them?

If you would like more information about outsourcing options, please do not hesitate to send me a private email.

Lamar Morgan
CDMM
http://www.squidoo.com/CDMM
Attract more customers!

Private Reply to Lamar Morgan 954-603-7901 (new win)