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| Jul 09, 2007 4:32 pm |
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re: Marketing- Getting Name Out- Rounding up new business |
Colleen Connery
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As some folks have stated, this is a multi-faceted answer...
First, I know what you mean by saying "getting your name out there". But as a strategic marketing person, please let me tell you one thing...it's not about your name, but about the benefits in using your services. Most small and medium sized business owners don't have the money or resources to just get their name out there...unless of course, you're the next Nike or Coca-Cola.
Second, networking is going to be key for your business, from what I read about you and your business on your website. There's very little that large scale advertising will do for you. Your business is about who you know and who can benefit from your services. First of all, find a networking group in your neck of the woods. There's several organizations, two of which I know are all over the states: LeTip and BNI. See if there are chapters close to you and check them out. See if anyone's a fit. Next, look at the chambers in your area. Small chambers, specifically, are very good by way of helping you networking, get into a position of helping (on committees and the board) and then that way, your name is truly getting out there.
For your business, it might be beneficial to see if there are any small executive suite businesses locally that need administrative help to hire out to. A lot of the bigger companies offer this as a part of their package, but the smaller ones usually run a tighter ship to keep the expenses minimal.
And lastly, I'd recommend a targeted letter to strategic alliances that will help them market YOU. Give them a rack card of your services so they can put it out in their shop. I'm thinking about the smaller postal shops who compete with the bigger UPS stores, or the smaller independent copy shops, etc. (A rack card, by the way, is about the size of a trifold, but it's simply a double-sided piece of card stock that talks about the benefits and features of your business...think about when you walk into a hotel lobby and see the rack full of ad cards for the local attractions...same thing for your business).
BTW - take your prices down...ASAP! Never never never have your prices online...this helps your competition know what you're doing, and for all those folks price-shopping out there, you're dead in the water because you haven't had the ability to bring value to using your services yet...this is a HUGE gigantic marketing no-no!
One final thing is look at your website and think about revamping it a bit. It's very basic, and doesn't start off with the kind of language that is benefit and feature rich. Remember your services are helping someone else...think about how (look at your bullet list mid-way on the home page...that should be up top more, and get rid of the introduction...
I have more information that might be helpful if you're interested. Please feel free to PM me if you'd like to talk. Or email me directly. I'd be happy to help with some advice.
And good luck! I know a lot of us small and medium sized businesses out there can definitely benefit from your services!!!!
Cheers, Colleen
President/Creative Director
CoCo & Associates, Inc.Private Reply to Colleen Connery (new win) |
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