In the end, marketing is always about networking - it's who you know, and who knows YOU that counts. While we may buy lunch at a restaurant we've never heard of or go to a movie we know nothing about, most of the time we do business with people we know and trust. It always comes back to that.
And about those lunches - how often have you stopped at a McDonalds not because you love the food, but because you know and trust the brand? It always comes down to familiarity, predictability and trust.
Here are four strategies that have worked for thousands of small business owners. They are not "quick fixes", and they will require more of you than merely buying an advertising campaign, but they are likely to produce better results:
1. Let people get to know YOU. Join organizations you believe in. Work for worthy causes, donate your time to charities and civic groups. You'll be helping your community, you'll know your customers, and more importantly, they will know and appreciate you.
2. Communicate in every way possible. Instead of buying a radio ad, why not be a guest expert and answer questions? Instead of buying an ad in the local paper, write a column. Instead of mailing brochures, send a newsletter filled with practical information, community events - and a coupon.
3. Donate to community organizations. Offer your professional services for a reduced fee (or free) to local groups. Donate supplies to a local school or community center. Invest in your audience and they will, in turn, be more likely to invest with you in the future.
4. Make your website a true resource. A website that is merely an electronic brochure will have limited value. Provide resources folks can use! Add valuable tips or links to other web sites. Give people a reason to use your site, and to return regularly.
Branding is always about YOU. Yes, branding your company name is helpful, and branding your goods and services is a nice idea. But the more people who know and appreciate you, the more business you'll do. In the end, marketing is about networking.
Marketing Means Networking - To learn more about this author, visit Rodger Blaker's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
Networking Mistake Myopia
|
| |
Many people who sell find themselves dreading it, doing it stressfully and being reluctant with networking. This is one of a series of articles to turn networking misconceptions into better understandings - and sale...
|
Endless Referrals
|
| |
The intent and theme of Bob Burg's book, "Endless Referrals" is how to get people to know you, like you, and trust you. They should also want to see you succeed, and want to help you to find new business.
|
Sales Reluctance Is Not a Two-Letter Word Named No!
|
| |
Sales reluctance syndrome can strike a salesperson at any time during the selling process, anywhere and with anyone. Learn about the top seven reluctance in networking thoughts and feelings, and how to get started o...
|
5 Tips To Networking Effectively
|
| |
If you own a business, or just want to expand the amount of contacts that you have, networking may be in your best interest. This is the practice of simply building the amount of contacts that you have. You can use ...
|
The Difference Between Networking and Selling
|
| |
If you confuse networking with selling you will almost certainly end up earning less than you should.
|
 |
Related Businesses - Evan Elite Authors |
|
The Evan Elite Authors program is currently in beta phase. For details please contact us.
|
|
|
Rodger Blaker
(Visit Rodger's Website)
Rodger Blaker Coaching LLC
Phone: 214-485-2238
www.rodgerbla
ker.com
Rodg
er@rodgerblaker.com
Rodger is a Professional Certified Coach
who is an expert at creating positive
change in business behavior, working with
solopreneurs and small business owners.
Through a proven coaching process, Rodger
helps very busy, successful leaders to
slow down, reflect, and map out critical
changes they need to make to significantly
grow their business and improve
personally.
Before opening his coaching business,
Rodger spent 25 years working for fortune
500 companies where he gained valuable
leadership experience by working with
senior and executive management as a
senior project manager.
Rodger is a graduate of the CoachU
Certified Graduate Coaching Program and he
is a member of the International Coaching
Federation where he earned his certificate
as a Professional Certified Coach. He is a
member of the ICF North Texas chapter
where he holds the position of Treasurer.
Rodger also holds a certification as a
Project Management Professional or PMP.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|