I’ve often heard it said that if you want to be successful in any endeavor, first look at what the masses are doing and then do the opposite. More specifically, I like to look for ways to market myself and my business which set me apart from others, make me stand out, create an impact on my potential customers or current customers.
One of my favorite things to do is to send an unexpected card that lets someone know I was thinking of them and that I care, something that makes them feel special, and definitely, something that brings a smile to their face. I have found a great website www.holidayinsights.com. This website lists important dates and holidays by month. I’ve listed an example of August holidays below.
Here’s how I use this unique holiday info to reach out to people in my circle of influence. As you see, August is National Golf month. Well, I have several clients and friends who are avid golfers. So I am going to send them a fun and creative, golf-themed card. You also see that the second week of August is National Smile Week. I have a couple of really great “smile” cards that I will send out to thank a few people in my life who are always bringing a smile to my face. I will also send some cards out with the intent to bring a smile to the face of some folks I know are going through hard times. And then there is Friendship Week and Friendship Day in August. Wow! Have I been blessed with some incredible friends. You better believe they are each going to receive a card letting them know how much I value and appreciate their true friendship. On Book Lovers Day, I am going to send a card and a book to a few people that I know are avid readers. You get the point. And all of my dog loving customers and friends are sure to receive a cute and cuddly puppy dog card on Dog Day.
I hope you have fun finding creative ways to reach out to your circle of influence, customers and prospective customers. When you send out positives to people, it comes back to you ten fold. You’ll definitely make an impact and create some loyal, raving fan customers along the way.
Of course, I like to utilize greeting cards as one of my major touch points. If you’d like a fast, easy, affordable way to send cards and gifts, visit www.sendoutcards.com/mbs. You can even send a few cards for free.
Unique Holidays in August
Month:
• Admit You're Happy Month
• Family Fun Month
• National Catfish Month
• National Eye Exam Month
• National Golf Month
• Peach Month
• Romance Awareness Month
• Water Quality Month
• National Picnic Month
Weekly Events:
• Week 1 National Simplify your Life Week
• Week 2 National Smile Week
• Week 3 Friendship Week
• Week 4 Be Kind to Humankind Week
Daily:
1 National Mustard Day first Saturday
1 National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
2 National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
2 Friendship Day - First Sunday in August
2 International Forgiveness Day - First Sunday in August
2 Sisters Day - First Sunday in August
3 National Watermelon Day
4 U.S. Coast Guard Day
5 Work Like a Dog Day
6 Wiggle Your Toes Day
7 National Lighthouse Day
8 Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day - now that's nasty!
9 Book Lover's Day
10 Lazy Day
10 National S'mores Day
11 Presidential Joke Day
11 Son and Daughter Day
12 Middle Child's Day
13 Left Hander's Day
14 National Creamsicle Day
14/15 V-J Day - which dare do you mark the end of WWII?
15 Relaxation Day - now this one's for me!
16 National Tell a Joke Day
17 National Thriftshop Day
18 Bad Poetry Day
19 Aviation Day
20 Chinese Valentine's Day/Daughter's Day - 7th day of 7th Lunar Month
20 National Radio Day
21 Senior Citizen's Day
22 Be an Angel Day
22 National Tooth Fairy Day - and/or February 28
23 Ride the Wind Day
24 Vesuvius Day
25 Kiss and Make Up Day
26 National Dog Day
26 Women's Equality Day
27 Global Forgiveness Day
27 Just Because Day
28 Race Your Mouse Day -but we are not sure what kind of "mouse"
29 More Herbs, Less Salt Day
30 Frankenstein Day
30 Toasted Marshmallow Day
31 National Trail Mix Day
To Your Success,
Melissa Guthrie
MBS Development Group
Relationship Marketing Specialist
Tel: 1.800.775.0712 ext 7013
Developing Business Relationships To Last a Lifetime!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What is so Great about Word of Mouth Marketing?
I would venture to say that anyone who is in business or sales has heard that the most powerful form of marketing is “Word-of-Mouth” Marketing and I would also venture to say that nearly everyone would agree that it is true. What is so great about “Word-of-Mouth” marketing?
First of all, it is working for you without you know it. You may be at the office bogged down with paperwork, while one of your happy customers is out to lunch with three friends telling them how wonderful you and your products are. The three friends are now motivated to contact you. Your customer was working for you without you even knowing about it. That is called leveraging yourself.
Secondly, your customer is viewed as having credibility with his or her peers for two reasons. Your customer has experienced your product or service and the results that correspond and your customer is most likely trusted and respected by his or her peers. As a result you, your products and/or service have credibility in the eyes of the “friends”
Thirdly, “Word-of-Mouth” Marketing its FREE! You didn’t have to pay your customer in advance to go out and tell people about you and your products and you don’t have to pay them after the fact either. Your happy customers are a free sales force. With the hundreds and even thousands of dollars spent each month on advertising that doesn’t pan out. It is hard to beat free advertising that comes with credibility.
How can you increase your “Word-of-Mouth” Marketing? The key is to provide exceptional customer service by under promising and over delivering. Give the VIP treatment. Find creative ways to add value to your customer’s lives. Remember your customers on special occasions like holidays and most importantly, their birthdays. Stay in front of your customers often by a variety of touch points including telephone calls, email, greeting cards, and as appropriate in person. Express appreciation to your customers often – send thank you cards after they’ve made a purchase and any time they send you a referral. Finally, remember to ask for referrals. “Ask and ye shall receive…”
To Your Success,
Melissa Guthrie
MBS Development Group
Relationship Marketing Specialist
Tel: 1.800.775.0712 ext 7013
Developing Business Relationships To Last a Lifetime!
First of all, it is working for you without you know it. You may be at the office bogged down with paperwork, while one of your happy customers is out to lunch with three friends telling them how wonderful you and your products are. The three friends are now motivated to contact you. Your customer was working for you without you even knowing about it. That is called leveraging yourself.
Secondly, your customer is viewed as having credibility with his or her peers for two reasons. Your customer has experienced your product or service and the results that correspond and your customer is most likely trusted and respected by his or her peers. As a result you, your products and/or service have credibility in the eyes of the “friends”
Thirdly, “Word-of-Mouth” Marketing its FREE! You didn’t have to pay your customer in advance to go out and tell people about you and your products and you don’t have to pay them after the fact either. Your happy customers are a free sales force. With the hundreds and even thousands of dollars spent each month on advertising that doesn’t pan out. It is hard to beat free advertising that comes with credibility.
How can you increase your “Word-of-Mouth” Marketing? The key is to provide exceptional customer service by under promising and over delivering. Give the VIP treatment. Find creative ways to add value to your customer’s lives. Remember your customers on special occasions like holidays and most importantly, their birthdays. Stay in front of your customers often by a variety of touch points including telephone calls, email, greeting cards, and as appropriate in person. Express appreciation to your customers often – send thank you cards after they’ve made a purchase and any time they send you a referral. Finally, remember to ask for referrals. “Ask and ye shall receive…”
To Your Success,
Melissa Guthrie
MBS Development Group
Relationship Marketing Specialist
Tel: 1.800.775.0712 ext 7013
Developing Business Relationships To Last a Lifetime!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
March Forth and Take Action
Today is such a wonderful day, it is March 4th! Or March Forth!
I encourage everyone to join me as I celebrate the day as “March Forth and Take Action Day!” I recently found a great quote, “Action makes more fortune than caution” by Luc DeClapiers. How true is that!
Just getting into action is a million times better than standing still, sitting like a bump on a log, or lying face down in the mud. Now that I’ve said that, there can be a dramatic difference between taking action and taking the RIGHT action. I was reminded of this as I read a brief email message from Victoria Trafton of Referral Institute. In her email she was discussing this very concept and how she sees all of these business professionals scurrying around in busy-ness attempting to drum up sales and generate income in the midst of an economic recession, yet they are using ineffective methods. Many of these methods and tactics can end up hurting business in the long run, rather than helping. She used the example of cold calling which produces an astounding 1-2% return compared to generating referral business through relationship marketing which produces a 70-80% closing ratio. So as you move forward and take action today, ask yourself if the action you are taking is a high income producing activity or a low income producing activity; is it going to create long-lasting results or a short term fix at best.
I invite those who are serious about setting themselves up for success in any type of economy to attend the following webinar (seats are limited, so RSVP right away).
* How to increase customer/client retention through the power of appreciation and recognition.
* How to increase the amount of referrals you receive from customers and others in your circle of influence.
* How to be more efficient & effective with your follow up method.
* How to creatively add value and create the "WOW" experience for prospects & customers.
* and MORE!
I encourage everyone to join me as I celebrate the day as “March Forth and Take Action Day!” I recently found a great quote, “Action makes more fortune than caution” by Luc DeClapiers. How true is that!
Just getting into action is a million times better than standing still, sitting like a bump on a log, or lying face down in the mud. Now that I’ve said that, there can be a dramatic difference between taking action and taking the RIGHT action. I was reminded of this as I read a brief email message from Victoria Trafton of Referral Institute. In her email she was discussing this very concept and how she sees all of these business professionals scurrying around in busy-ness attempting to drum up sales and generate income in the midst of an economic recession, yet they are using ineffective methods. Many of these methods and tactics can end up hurting business in the long run, rather than helping. She used the example of cold calling which produces an astounding 1-2% return compared to generating referral business through relationship marketing which produces a 70-80% closing ratio. So as you move forward and take action today, ask yourself if the action you are taking is a high income producing activity or a low income producing activity; is it going to create long-lasting results or a short term fix at best.
I invite those who are serious about setting themselves up for success in any type of economy to attend the following webinar (seats are limited, so RSVP right away).
"How to Become a Master of Relationship Marketing: Lifetime Clients & Endless Referrals"
Tele-seminar Friday March 6 @ 1pm EST/10am PST
(access details will be sent once you RSVP)
We are in the midst of a new economy which requires us to take some new approaches to marketing & promoting our product/business. It has been stated that 80% of all marketing & advertising is not effective, that means only 20% of your marketing & advertising works. That sounds like the old 80/20 rule to me.
If you would like to learn how you can utilize one of the most effective marketing methods "Personal Contact Marketing" (PCM) aka "Relationship Marketing" and realize 99.9% of your marketing/advertising efforts reaching your intended audience in a powerful way, then you will want to clear your schedule and be on the following tele-seminar.
What else will you get from this call?
(access details will be sent once you RSVP)
We are in the midst of a new economy which requires us to take some new approaches to marketing & promoting our product/business. It has been stated that 80% of all marketing & advertising is not effective, that means only 20% of your marketing & advertising works. That sounds like the old 80/20 rule to me.
If you would like to learn how you can utilize one of the most effective marketing methods "Personal Contact Marketing" (PCM) aka "Relationship Marketing" and realize 99.9% of your marketing/advertising efforts reaching your intended audience in a powerful way, then you will want to clear your schedule and be on the following tele-seminar.
What else will you get from this call?
* How to increase customer/client retention through the power of appreciation and recognition.
* How to increase the amount of referrals you receive from customers and others in your circle of influence.
* How to be more efficient & effective with your follow up method.
* How to creatively add value and create the "WOW" experience for prospects & customers.
* and MORE!
Success to you,
Melissa Guthrie
MBS Development Group
Developing Highly Effective Entrepreneurs and Sales Pros
Developing Business Relationships to Last a Lifetime
Developing Six-Figure Income Earners
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Are Your Customers Feeling the LOVE?
Valentine’s Day is a week away and most people are thinking about sending Valentine’s cards and/or gifts to their loved ones, as it should be. However, I’d like to talk about Valentine’s Day as it relates to business.
As a Relationship Marketing Specialist coaching business professionals on how to create lifetime clients and endless referrals, I suggest Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to send some LOVE to clients, customers, vendors, referral partners, etc... Simply and sincerely let them know how much you love serving them, doing business with them, and/or just associating with them. It is all about appreciation and appreciation wins over self promotion every time. As Dale Carnegie taught us in “How To Win Friends and Influence People”, as human beings our greatest desire is to feel loved, valued, and appreciated.
One of my clients, Barbara Feder, recently created a fabulous Valentine postcard, which not only left an impression on her customers, it also caught the attention of her competitors. The message she put on the Valentine postcard was….
Front image: a picture of a cartoon owl holding a heart
Front message: Whoo’ll always love you?
Back message:
Your friends at Framin' Works, that's whoo! And to show you how much we love our customers, we're giving you 30% off all custom picture framing materials on your next order with this Valentine! Don't Delay, Come in Today! Offer is good until April 15, 2009.
Framin' Works
7520 S. Rural Road, Suite A-3 (NW Corner of Rural & Elliot)
Tempe, Arizona 85283
480 839-5847
Your art & heirloom conservation, preservation & restoration specialists
Now isn't that clever and creative…absolutely! As you see, Barb, used the card not only to let her customers know how much she values them, she also gave them an incentive to come in and use her for their Valentine gift giving needs. That is SMART marketing! Way to go Barb!
Now the icing on the cake is that the owner of another local frame shop (the competition) called Barb and commented on her clever marketing. Does your marketing stand out such that your competitors are even taking notice? If not, it could and it should.
Note: Barbara was able to create and send a real, hold-in-your-hand postcard start to finish in only a few minutes using template cards in her SendOutCards program. She was then able to mail a completely personalized postcard to all 500 people in her database at the click of her computer mouse. SendOutCards then printed the postcards, put stamps on them, took them to the post office for her and all for a fraction of the price she would have paid a commercial printer to do the same job. Create on demand, print on demand!
This is essential for busy business professionals! Our time is VALUABLE!
In our NEW economy it is more important than ever to set yourself apart from your competition in business. One way to do this is to remember your clients and potential clients at an unexpected time, in an unexpected way. You will leave a lasting impression in your customers’ minds and your competitors will be wishing they were as savvy and creative as you.
If you would like to know more about SendOutCards visit www.soclink.com/mbs or contact Melissa Guthrie for a Free Demo of the system. 800.775.0712 xt 7013.
If you would like to learn more about designing a Relationship Marketing plan for your business contact Melissa Guthrie @ 800.775.0712 xt 7013
To Your Success,
Melissa Guthrie
Melissa Guthrie is the founder and President of MBS Development Group. She has been a success coach and business development advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, sales professionals and network marketers since 2002, and has a specialization in Personal Contact Marketing/Relationship Marketing.
MBS Development Group
Developing Highly Effective Entrepreneurs and Sales Pros
Developing Business Relationships to Last a Lifetime
Developing Six-Figure Income Earners
As a Relationship Marketing Specialist coaching business professionals on how to create lifetime clients and endless referrals, I suggest Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to send some LOVE to clients, customers, vendors, referral partners, etc... Simply and sincerely let them know how much you love serving them, doing business with them, and/or just associating with them. It is all about appreciation and appreciation wins over self promotion every time. As Dale Carnegie taught us in “How To Win Friends and Influence People”, as human beings our greatest desire is to feel loved, valued, and appreciated.
One of my clients, Barbara Feder, recently created a fabulous Valentine postcard, which not only left an impression on her customers, it also caught the attention of her competitors. The message she put on the Valentine postcard was….
Front image: a picture of a cartoon owl holding a heart
Front message: Whoo’ll always love you?
Back message:
Your friends at Framin' Works, that's whoo! And to show you how much we love our customers, we're giving you 30% off all custom picture framing materials on your next order with this Valentine! Don't Delay, Come in Today! Offer is good until April 15, 2009.
Framin' Works
7520 S. Rural Road, Suite A-3 (NW Corner of Rural & Elliot)
Tempe, Arizona 85283
480 839-5847
Your art & heirloom conservation, preservation & restoration specialists
Now isn't that clever and creative…absolutely! As you see, Barb, used the card not only to let her customers know how much she values them, she also gave them an incentive to come in and use her for their Valentine gift giving needs. That is SMART marketing! Way to go Barb!
Now the icing on the cake is that the owner of another local frame shop (the competition) called Barb and commented on her clever marketing. Does your marketing stand out such that your competitors are even taking notice? If not, it could and it should.
Note: Barbara was able to create and send a real, hold-in-your-hand postcard start to finish in only a few minutes using template cards in her SendOutCards program. She was then able to mail a completely personalized postcard to all 500 people in her database at the click of her computer mouse. SendOutCards then printed the postcards, put stamps on them, took them to the post office for her and all for a fraction of the price she would have paid a commercial printer to do the same job. Create on demand, print on demand!
This is essential for busy business professionals! Our time is VALUABLE!
In our NEW economy it is more important than ever to set yourself apart from your competition in business. One way to do this is to remember your clients and potential clients at an unexpected time, in an unexpected way. You will leave a lasting impression in your customers’ minds and your competitors will be wishing they were as savvy and creative as you.
If you would like to know more about SendOutCards visit www.soclink.com/mbs or contact Melissa Guthrie for a Free Demo of the system. 800.775.0712 xt 7013.
If you would like to learn more about designing a Relationship Marketing plan for your business contact Melissa Guthrie @ 800.775.0712 xt 7013
To Your Success,
Melissa Guthrie
Melissa Guthrie is the founder and President of MBS Development Group. She has been a success coach and business development advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, sales professionals and network marketers since 2002, and has a specialization in Personal Contact Marketing/Relationship Marketing.
MBS Development Group
Developing Highly Effective Entrepreneurs and Sales Pros
Developing Business Relationships to Last a Lifetime
Developing Six-Figure Income Earners
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Creating a 'WOW" Experience for Clients & Customers
The following is from a presentation I give to business professionals, entrepreneurs, sales forces and organizations who want to create a powerful impression upon their clients and potential clients, such that the client or potential client is left saying "Wow, that is the person or company I want to purchase from."
The most successful business professionals know and understand that by developing meaningful relationships with people in their network they will realize growth in their business that comes from word-of-mouth, an endless source of referrals and clients/customers that are loyal for life. Here are 5 essentials of Relationship Marketing:
1. Make Sure That Everyone In Your Network Feels Appreciated & Valued: “Appreciation Wins Over Self-Promotion Every Time”.
a. Treat Others How They Want To Be Treated, Not How You Want To Be Treated (this is referred to as the Golden “Golden” Rule!
b. Authentically Make Others Feel Like A VIP or MVP.
c. Go Above & Beyond In Customer Service – Always Strive to Add Value
2. Pay Attention To Details & Always Remember Important Dates
a. Remember to acknowledge Birthdays, Holidays, Anniversaries, etc.
b. Acknowledge Events Going On In Someone’s Business, Personal or Family Life
c. Get to Know Client’s Likes/Dislikes, Hobbies, Talents, Goals & Dreams, etc
d. Be Aware of Client’s Strengths & Weakness, Struggles & Challenges, Success & Setbacks, etc.
3. Grow a Huge Rolodex. Make and Add New Contacts Daily
a. A.B.C’s of Business = Always Be Connecting with People
b. Surround Yourself With Other Successful People Who Have Large Influential Circles of Influence
c. Find Creative Ways To Share Circles of Influence by collaborating or joint venturing with other business professionals, networking groups, lead exchange groups, social media networking
d. Develop a Power Team – a small group of referral partners with whom you can all share the same clients which results in a constant flow of referrals. Power Team example: Realtor, Home Inspector, Mortgage Specialist, & Property Manager or Chiropractor, Massage Therapist, & Fitness Trainer.
4. Be In Regular Communication With Your Clients/Customers & Potential Clients/Customers
a. Have a system for staying in touch and following up with people which includes a combination of the following touch points: telephone call, email, greeting card/postcard & in person (if and when appropriate). Determine your ideal touch point frequency – monthly, every other month, or quarterly.
b. Send out 5 to 10 personalized greeting cards each day – Nice to meet you, thank you, customer appreciation, thinking of you, birthdays, holidays, etc. Follow the leaders: Harvey MacKay, Joe Girard, Tom Hopkins (multi-millionaires who built their businesses with Relationship Marketing). The best system for efficiently sending personalized greeting cards via postal mail is SendOutCards, for more info visit www.soclink.com/mbs or www.sendoutcards.com/mbs.
5. Commit To Daily Personal Growth & Leadership By Example
a. Spend Time Daily Working On Yourself By Reading Great Books, Listening to Audio Programs, & Attend Seminars Regularly. As you grow personally and professionally you will become outrageously attractive to all of the right people. Clients/customers will seek you out.
b. Seek Wisdom by always learning & expanding knowledge in your area of specialty, sales & marketing, leadership, human relations, psychology, personality types, Etc. Utilize mentors and coaches.
c. Lead By Example & Be A Person of Integrity. Never ask someone to do something you yourself haven't done or are not willing to do. Keep your word and always follow through.
I recommend you complete the following statement, write it on an index card and place it next to your computer where you will see it often. " In order to enhance the “WOW” Experience I provide to others, today and for the next 30 days one relationship building action I am committing to is ….."
Begin today to be the best Relationship Marketer you know and you'll never want for business again, regardless of what the economy is doing.
To your success,
Melissa Guthrie
Melissa Guthrie is the founder and President of MBS Development Group. She has been a success coach and business development advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, sales professionals and network marketers since 2002, and has a specialization in Personal Contact Marketing/Relationship Marketing.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Are You Ready To Master Personal Contact Marketing?
I invite you to join me this weekend as I host a very popular FREE webinar.
"How to Master the Art of Personal Contact Marketing" Webinar
When: Saturday January 24th @ 1pm EST
There are only a few slots left....RSVP to mmguthrie@hotmail.com or 800.775.0712 xt. 7013!
Why you should attend:
We are in the midst of a new economy which requires us to take some new approaches to marketing & promoting our product/business. It has been stated that 80% of all marketing & advertising is not effective, that mean only 20% of your marketing & advertising works. That sounds like the old 80/20 rule to me.
If you would like to learn how you can utilize postcards & greeting cards in conjunction with one of the most effective marketing methods "Personal Contact Marketing" (PCM) aka "Relationship Marketing" and realize 99.9% of your marketing reaching your intended audience in a powerful way, then you will want to clear your schedule and be on the fwebinar.
What else you will get from this call:
* How to increase customer/client/distributor retention through the power of appreciation and recognition.
* How to increase the amount of referrals you receive from customers and others in your circle of influence.
* How to get prospects (including friends & family) to seek you out and call you first because they want to be your customer or business partner.
* How to be more efficient & effective with your prospect and customer follow up method.
* How to creatively add value and create the "WOW" experience for prospects & customers.
* How to increase your business while reducing your advertising budget!
* and MORE!
To Your Success!
Melissa Guthrie
Melissa Guthrie is the founder and President of MBS Development Group. She has been a success coach and business development advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, sales professionals and network marketers since 2002, and has a specialization in Personal Contact Marketing/Relationship Marketing.
MBS Development Group
Developing Highly Effective Entrepreneurs and Sales Pros
Developing Business Relationships to Last a Lifetime
Developing Six-Figure Income Earners – Annually and Monthly
"How to Master the Art of Personal Contact Marketing" Webinar
When: Saturday January 24th @ 1pm EST
There are only a few slots left....RSVP to mmguthrie@hotmail.com or 800.775.0712 xt. 7013!
Why you should attend:
We are in the midst of a new economy which requires us to take some new approaches to marketing & promoting our product/business. It has been stated that 80% of all marketing & advertising is not effective, that mean only 20% of your marketing & advertising works. That sounds like the old 80/20 rule to me.
If you would like to learn how you can utilize postcards & greeting cards in conjunction with one of the most effective marketing methods "Personal Contact Marketing" (PCM) aka "Relationship Marketing" and realize 99.9% of your marketing reaching your intended audience in a powerful way, then you will want to clear your schedule and be on the fwebinar.
What else you will get from this call:
* How to increase customer/client/distributor retention through the power of appreciation and recognition.
* How to increase the amount of referrals you receive from customers and others in your circle of influence.
* How to get prospects (including friends & family) to seek you out and call you first because they want to be your customer or business partner.
* How to be more efficient & effective with your prospect and customer follow up method.
* How to creatively add value and create the "WOW" experience for prospects & customers.
* How to increase your business while reducing your advertising budget!
* and MORE!
To Your Success!
Melissa Guthrie
Melissa Guthrie is the founder and President of MBS Development Group. She has been a success coach and business development advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, sales professionals and network marketers since 2002, and has a specialization in Personal Contact Marketing/Relationship Marketing.
MBS Development Group
Developing Highly Effective Entrepreneurs and Sales Pros
Developing Business Relationships to Last a Lifetime
Developing Six-Figure Income Earners – Annually and Monthly
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Marketing In a New Economy
Throughout 2008, we seemed to hear from countless sources about the declining economy. We saw home values continue to drop and the markets fall to all-time lows. “We are in a recession and we haven’t seen the worst of it” many said. If you are like me, you had several friends, associates and loved ones who were subject to lay-offs, lost their jobs as their employers went out of business, or they lost the business they invested so much time, money and energy to start & build. With all of that being said, you may agree with the doomsday reports and say, “Yep, we are in the midst of a bad economic crisis.” I’m not hear to say that’s right or wrong; I will say that I have my own perspective and that is we are simply moving into a NEW Economy. And in order to thrive in this new economy, it will require a new way of thinking, being and acting in the marketplace. Historically, the people that prosper during tough economic times are those who are willing to go against the grain and do what to some may seem UNREASONABLE and Unconventional.
Let’s say I’m one of 100 widgets sales people in a relatively competitive market in a healthy economy. In order to capture my ideal amount of business, I have $500 per month going toward marketing and advertising. Suddenly, the economy takes a nose dive and business slows, there are less people buying my widgets. I’ve got a choice to make, I either have to cut back my expenses to match the lower income or I have to increase my sales to meet my established needs. It is a common practice of many business owners and sales professionals to cut back on their marketing and advertising when business slows down and money’s tight, It’s a knee jerk reaction; its seams reasonable to do, right? If there is less money flowing in, then we must tighten the reins on our expenses.
If all of the widgets salespeople do the same thing and cut back their advertising budget. Then they will all be in front of less potential buyers and will continue to experience a drop in sales. Let’s imagine that I decide not to cut back my advertising budget, I keep advertising and promoting. I decide to work smarter, not harder. I realize through analysis of my marketing plan that 2 of my 6 advertising venues were producing sub-par results. I eliminate those two and research and implement a creative, innovative marketing method that is proven to be highly effective in customer acquisition, retention, as well as increasing referral business. The other 99 widget sales people have cut back on their advertising and now have less presence in the market place. I have maintained and even enhanced my presence in the marketplace and thus, hold a greater share of the available market. The result is that when someone decides to go widget shopping, I’m most likely to be the one they find or the one that they are referred to. My business is maintaining or growing, while the other 99 widgeters are crying in their soup and some are even going out of business.
Suggestions for Marketing in the New Economy:
o Business by Referral through Business Networking Organizations (i.e. Business Network Intl, Le Tip, etc.)
o Social Media Marketing – LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook, Twitter, etc
o Article Marketing and Blogging - establish yourself as the expert in your field through article writing and blogs!
o Relationship Marketing/Personal Contact Marketing – establish Lifelong customers & increased referral business through multi-touch point system.
SMART Marketing Tip of the Week: Maintain, increase, and/or enhance your Advertising Plan for 2009. Be Unreasonable and Unconventional. Seek expert guidance if necessary. Stay tuned for more on successful marketing in our NEW Economy!
To Your Success!
Melissa Guthrie
Melissa Guthrie is the founder and President of MBS Development Group. She has been a success coach and business development advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, sales professionals and network marketers since 2002, and has a specialization in Personal Contact Marketing/Relationship Marketing.
MBS Development Group
Developing Highly Effective Entrepreneurs and Sales Pros
Developing Business Relationships to Last a Lifetime
Developing Six-Figure Income Earners – Annually and Monthly
Let’s say I’m one of 100 widgets sales people in a relatively competitive market in a healthy economy. In order to capture my ideal amount of business, I have $500 per month going toward marketing and advertising. Suddenly, the economy takes a nose dive and business slows, there are less people buying my widgets. I’ve got a choice to make, I either have to cut back my expenses to match the lower income or I have to increase my sales to meet my established needs. It is a common practice of many business owners and sales professionals to cut back on their marketing and advertising when business slows down and money’s tight, It’s a knee jerk reaction; its seams reasonable to do, right? If there is less money flowing in, then we must tighten the reins on our expenses.
If all of the widgets salespeople do the same thing and cut back their advertising budget. Then they will all be in front of less potential buyers and will continue to experience a drop in sales. Let’s imagine that I decide not to cut back my advertising budget, I keep advertising and promoting. I decide to work smarter, not harder. I realize through analysis of my marketing plan that 2 of my 6 advertising venues were producing sub-par results. I eliminate those two and research and implement a creative, innovative marketing method that is proven to be highly effective in customer acquisition, retention, as well as increasing referral business. The other 99 widget sales people have cut back on their advertising and now have less presence in the market place. I have maintained and even enhanced my presence in the marketplace and thus, hold a greater share of the available market. The result is that when someone decides to go widget shopping, I’m most likely to be the one they find or the one that they are referred to. My business is maintaining or growing, while the other 99 widgeters are crying in their soup and some are even going out of business.
Suggestions for Marketing in the New Economy:
o Business by Referral through Business Networking Organizations (i.e. Business Network Intl, Le Tip, etc.)
o Social Media Marketing – LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook, Twitter, etc
o Article Marketing and Blogging - establish yourself as the expert in your field through article writing and blogs!
o Relationship Marketing/Personal Contact Marketing – establish Lifelong customers & increased referral business through multi-touch point system.
SMART Marketing Tip of the Week: Maintain, increase, and/or enhance your Advertising Plan for 2009. Be Unreasonable and Unconventional. Seek expert guidance if necessary. Stay tuned for more on successful marketing in our NEW Economy!
To Your Success!
Melissa Guthrie
Melissa Guthrie is the founder and President of MBS Development Group. She has been a success coach and business development advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, sales professionals and network marketers since 2002, and has a specialization in Personal Contact Marketing/Relationship Marketing.
MBS Development Group
Developing Highly Effective Entrepreneurs and Sales Pros
Developing Business Relationships to Last a Lifetime
Developing Six-Figure Income Earners – Annually and Monthly
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