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Do you ever feel...nn
That marketing isn't something that's comfortable? nThat self promotion sounds pushy and fake? nThat marketing is something you can only do when you have extra cash or you have a big company? nThat marketing isn't really important, your products and services sell themselves?
If this sounds like you, you're not alone.
Marketing is much more than advertising. Marketing is targeting and integrating opportunities to present your products and services to potential customers. Marketing is a vital component of every successful company- no matter how big or small. Marketing is not a luxury, it's a necessity for every business, every entrepreneur, every company interested in growth and opportunity.
Before you begin to market your company, there are some basics that need to be in place.nnChoose a name for your company nGet a dedicated phone line nEstablish a professional email address nCreate simple stationary incorporating your business contact information nCreate a business card
Now that you have the basics in place you're ready to create your marketing plan.
What is a marketing plan? A marketing plan is like a site map for your company. It's a plan of action with strategies to help your business attract clients while expanding and growing the bottom line.
A marketing plan consists of the following:
1. Purpose of your plan- this is your goal, what you plan to achieve, your objective
2. Benefits for the customer- this is the "what's in it for me" part. Your customer wants to know what benefits they'll receive from your products or service
3. Your target market- this is the group or groups of individuals you serve
4. Marketing strategy- targeting your market strategically, keeping your potential clients characteristics and needs in mind while moving them to the action you desire. (This step is so important one of the upcoming articles in this series is about it.)
5. Your niche or specialty- this is the services or products you offer
6. Marketing budget- how much money you plan to invest in marketing
7. Marketing implementation action plan- where you intend to advertise and market
8. Evaluation strategies- ways you plan to track the outcomes of your marketing strategy
When determining the purpose of your marketing plan, you'll need to know who you are, what you do, why you do it, and who your ideal customer is. While each of these steps seems simple enough, spending time evaluating each step and laying it out in relationship to each of the other steps ensures that you'll have a marketing plan that reflects your desires for your company while supporting growth and opportunity.nnFeng Shui Tips for Business Successnn1. Create your ideal environment
What does the ideal environment have to do with a successful marketing plan? When your environment supports you, it's clear of clutter, organized, well lit, painted an inspiring color and a compelling, inspiring place to be. If this doesn't sound like your office, consider having a feng shui practitioner evaluate your space to help you create your ideal environment.nn2. Update your computer programs at the beginning of each New Year
To grow your business you need the best tools available. Not necessarily all the tools available, but the tools you use should be up-to-date and as effective as possible. If you're working on an old computer (over 4 years), and software that's at least that old, it's time to upgrade to a more professional support system. When our systems support us, we are able to accomplish our goals with ease, and in the world of Feng Shui, support and ease are near the top of the list!nn3. Outsource those aspects of your business that do not require you
This is a good one. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. If you spend all your time working in your business you will not have the time you need to work on your business. And if you can't work on your business you won't be able to grow and develop your business the way you desire. Review everything you do, make a list of those things that don't actually require you to do (yes, there are things that someone else can do if you can release the need to have it all be exactly your way), and hire someone else to do them.