|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |  |
|
Are you still in business?
Written by: Tom GoscheArticle Overview: Heidi Thorne writes an outstanding newsletter that comes out every Thursday. A couple of weeks ago, she wrote the information below, that I tried to summarized, but I just cannot change Heidi's words. She talked about stopping your advertising, and I was trying to find a networking twist.
 |
Free Download - Are you still in business? By Tom Gosche |
Are you still in business?
Heidi Thorne writes an outstanding newsletter that comes out every Thursday. A couple of weeks ago, she wrote the information below, that I tried to summarized, but I just cannot change Heidi's words. She talked about stopping your advertising, and I was trying to find a networking twist.
Well, I found it. I had been attending the Schaumburg Business Association (SBA) Member Breakfasts and the Professional Development meetings every month. Due to scheduling conflicts, I have not been to a SBA meeting in about 3 months. I ran into someone from that organization at the local Starbucks and he said (half joking, I hope) "I haven't seen you in a while; I thought maybe you went out of business."
Think about that perception. Sometimes perception becomes a reality, at least in some people's eyes. The lesson is that you need to have your Brand out there, keep Networking, keep Marketing and you will keep making more sales.
Heidi wrote:
"Let's say that today you decide to quit advertising. Times are tough and, heck, it's hard to figure out what you're getting for your ad buck anyway. And no one says they saw or heard your ad. So what's the difference?
Last week we looked at an Ad Specialty Institutereport of several studies over almost the past century that point to increased sales growth due to increased ad spending during a recession. But this week, let's look at the consequences for NOT maintaining or increasing your ad spending.
According to an Ad-ology Researchstudy, 48%-56% (results vary with type of business)of U.S. adults surveyed would interpret a lack of advertising as a sign that a business was struggling, with 12%-15% feeling that the ad-starved business would not be in business much longer. Those are sobering figures not to be ignored!
What many people forget is that your advertising is part of your public relations strategy that builds your brand. It sends positive messages to your clients and prospects about you and your commitment to doing business.
My thanks to Danielle Durán of WERV-FM 95.9 "The River" radio station for sharing this important article."
I could NOT have said it better myself!
Article Tags: adults, business association, conflicts, consequences, heidi, marketing, nbsp, networking, perception, professional development meetings, public relations strategy, recession, sba member, schaumburg, specialty institute, starbucks, thorne
|
About the Author: Tom Gosche RSS for Tom's articles - Visit Tom's website  Click here to visit Tom's website   You really can do anything you set your mind to Where do you look for answers Did we forget how to sell Continuous Learning Meeting with people Figure out how you might be able to work together |
Related Forum Posts
Re: Is A Business Plan A Waste Of Time?
- I don't see a business plan a waste of time. Actually it's a great goal-setting tool for a business and it also helps evaluate a business' performance which allows the business owner to see where the business is going. Others say that it is only important when seeking funding from lenders or banks, but I believe it is more than that, that's why I have mine written and it's a work in progress since I first started in business.
Is A Business Plan A Waste Of Time?
- According to various government statistics, up to 80% of businesses will fail within their first five years of operation. That number is staggering to me.
At the same time, when I look at most business owners, most of them do not have a business plan for where they want to go. When you ask entrepreneurs why they don’t have a business plan, most of them will say something like: “it’s too much work”, “I’m not trying to raise money”, “it’s all in my head already”, or “my business changes too often for a business plan to be worthwhile.”
Sound familiar?
Did you write a business plan for your company when you first started? Are you planning on doing it for your new business idea?
Is "Good" - Good Enough
- I was just reading the thread about whether people need a business plan and this idea hit me.
Someone commented that if you don't have a business plan and you're doing all right - then why spend the time or money. But, is doing good or doing all right - good enough?
Maybe you're a business that is getting by and making the bills. What if, taking the time to really evaluate your business with a detailed business plan could help you see places to make some changes which could take your business to the next level? Would it be worth your time?
I think it would definitely be worth the time. That could be because I've worked with a number of business owners who were "getting by", but once they committed to having someone evaluate the business - they saw a drastic increase in their revenue. So, why couldn't or wouldn't an entrepreneur do an evaluation to determine where the business is, where it isn't working and where it should be going? This could be done in a business plan format. Just some random thoughts.
Shri
answer this question
- I dont know if this is posted in the right area, or if its been asked heaps of times already.
Tell us something BAD you have done in your business that could have potentially(or has) destroyed/ended your business, or that has effected your business in a BIG way.
OR, is there something GOOD you have done in your business that has really benefited you in a BIG way.
Re: Unsecured Lines of Credit
- Hello, creditguru:
Thanks for the recommendation. Here are two questions for you that will further help our forum members to make use of your suggestion:
1. How [u:p6n6npsx]does[/u:p6n6npsx] a business establish a strong business credit profile? (Especially small business and home business.) Please provide some tips or guidelines on how to do this effectively.
2. Commercial credit lines can be helpful to a business, but they do require responsible management on the part of the business owner. What tips, recommendations or cautions can you offer to business owners who are considering commercial lines of credit?
Thanks.
GT :-]
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
by: 
Lesson #3: “Tell ‘em quick and tell ‘em often”
Searching for the Stars: How Yang and Filo Took Their Business to New Heights
Salesperson Wimp-Out: I Need Help 
February 2012 Top 100 Leadership Experts to Follow on Twitter
Please Stop Calling it Coaching!
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
How To Be A Management Legend
Intro to Search Engine Optimization
10 Golden rules to survive the Global Crisis
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.