Akia Marketing

8 Steps to Promote Your Business To Success

noreply@blogger.com (akiamarketing) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:15:00 +0000

There are potentially hundreds of ways you could promote your new online business and build up your reputation and portfolio. Assuming your target clients are located in your home town there are a number of ways you can get your business some well deserved attention.

1. Get listed

This is one of the most important wats to promote your business. List yourself in as many business directories, yellow pages, and local business Websites as you can find. As well post on as many classified ad sites you can find. Many of these will list your company for free, though some might require you to pay a small fee. This type of promotion is well worth the time and investment, as most people consult these publications when looking for a designer, plumber, electrician etc. You see the point so get yourself listed.

2. Contacts

It's not what you know, it's who you know. This little phrase holds a great deal of water in the small-scale online business industry. When you're first starting out, you'll find that a lot of your work comes in via word of mouth promotion. It's therefore very important to make connections early. Do a few things for free for local charities, community groups and organisations - this is a great way to build up your reputation and portfolio and also spread your name around potential client fbusinesses. Eventually you'll be approached by 'a friend of a friend of so-and-so' who wants a site designed, try a new product etc. This is an example of 'viral marketing' and is one of the most effective methods you can use to promote any business.

3. Your Business Website

Your website is it - your big chance to knock the socks off of your potential clients! Here's your opportunity to show them what you can do, to tell them exactly how your company can help them and why they should choose you over the competition. Never forget that first impressions count, and if your portfolio isn't the best you can make in terms of design, layout and content, you're selling yourself short straight away.

A Website for your business is very important. Hey, it's what you do, isn't it? Aim for a crisp, clean design that emphasises your professionalism and skill. Give your potential clients as much information as you think they'll need. Remember, this is most likely going to be your first point of contact with a potential client, and could determine right away whether or not the contract or sell goes to your company, or Joe Blow down the road.

4.The Almighty Business Card

Yes, we all heard the story on the mighty business card. but let's be honest: nothing beats a business card for quick, effective promotion.

Let's take an example: You're out with some friends at a local diner. You start chatting to a friend of a friend; the topic of conversation turns (as always) to work; she asks what you do; you tell her you about your business, products or services Eureka! It turns out she's the owner of Jane's Boutique, a fashionable designer clothing outlet in town. What's more, she's been toying with the idea of adding your clothing line for her business, so she can update her fashion line.This gets better and better. So you tell her you'd certainly be interested in helping her out (for a fee of course) and that she should give you a call. Now, do you:

A. Scribble your details on a used paper or napkin that she's most likely going to pull out of her pocket and blow her nose on without realising what it is, or

B. Pass her one of your high quality, professionally printed business cards that contains every method to contact you imaginable, including of course the URL of your business Website, which she'll place in her purse and most likely use to contact you?
The moral of this story is somethimes the old fashioned way works better. But on the other hand giving her a business care and leaving a few behind may get you an extra client. sale etc.

5. Advertise

Of course, you could always go the traditional route and advertise. Targeted advertising is the key here; billboards and the sides of buses simply won't cut it. Try placing an advert in the local newspaper, or target your market even further by advertising in publications specifically published for small business owners in your local area. These will vary depending on where you are and what the local economy is like, so take some time to research the various advertising mediums available in your area before you commit yourself to anything. Also create flyers and hand them out or go door to door and introduce yourslef and hand that person a flyer. Your never know who your next customer will be.

6. Word of Mouth

Tell everyone you know about your business, and what you do. And what services that you offer. for example you are selling skin cream and your sister knows about your business., and see s and elderly lady scratching her hands because they are so dry. She stops this elderly lady and tell her about your business. and about the creams you have. Later on this same old lady decides to go online, checks out your website and purchases the cream your are selling. All because you told your sister about your business and products. Now that's is word of mouth advertising.

7.Flyer Advertising

Write up an ad about a new product or service your are offering. On this flyer add the pic of the product or service., to entice your ad getting viewed. Add a speciial or discount will get more attention to your business. Hand them out to everyone you know.Aslo go door to door and hand out your flyers. Let everyone know you have a business and here is what I sell. Like the saying goes tell one tell all let's fo to the ball.

8. Brochure Advertising
Make up some brochures and place them eeverywhere and anywhere you can. Place pictures, business info, sales and contact info into the brochure. People love to read while waiting for their appointments. for example you sell lawn care products. you have a brochure explaining what you sell etc, there is a man sitting in the dioctor's waiting room who sees your brochure picks it up and reads it and wham it is the product he has been looking for. he looks at the back of the brochure for your contact info. and wahm you go ta sale. Brochures sell products and gain business exsposure. So get your brochures out there and your businesses seen.

Overall

Getting your business name recognised in appropriate circles is one of the biggest hurdles of an online business is going to face, but with a little thought and some shameless self-promotions it's not as hard to get noticed as you may think. Good luck, and happy promoting! and Here's to your success with Akia.

Business Card Advertising Tips

noreply@blogger.com (akiamarketing) — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:43:00 +0000

Running a business, giving out business cards is crucial to marketing your business. Business cards speak volumes about who you are, what you offer and how serious you are marketing you and as a business. A church bell ringing lets people know they are open for business. Your business card is your bell. Here are some proven tips using business cards to increase your chances of landing a job or creating a business opportunity.

1. Send a business card with your child to school for example place one in their agendas,or when sending a note for the teacher staple a business card on the top of the note.

2.Take business cards everywhere go and leave one behind below is a list where you can leave behind a card.

1. Doctors offices
2. Dentists offices

3. Waiting rooms of Offices

4. Laundry Facilities

5. College campuses

6. Public restrooms (on backs of stalls, sinks, window benches, etc)

7. Library

8. Beauty Parlors

9. Tax Preparation Offices

10. Orthodontist Offices

11. Insurance Offices

12. Dry Cleaners

13. Fast Food

14. Bagel/Donut shops

15. Speciality Food Stores

16. Deli's

17. ATMs

18. Veterinarians

19. Nail salons

20. Day care center

21. Retirement homes

22. Model home centers

23. Real estate agents offices

24. 7-11's or corner stores

25. In front of magazines at the check out line of the grocery store

26. With your Tip at a Restaurant

27. Magazine stand

28. Store clerks checkout stand

29. Video Stores

30. Dressing rooms

31. Fast food play grounds

32. Employee break room

33. Shoe stores

34. Kids Resale shops

35. Specialty Restaurants

36. Temporary Staff Offices

37. Flower Shops

38. Restaurants

39. Pet Stores

40. Dance Studios

41. Grocery Stores (bulletins, etc)

42. Mortgage offices

43. Computer stores

44. School Administrative Offices

45. Fabric stores

46. Specialty Bakeries or Catering Services

47. Print Shops

48. Dealerships waiting rooms, salespersons area

49. Tanning salons

50. Vitamin Stores

51. Clothing stores

52. Senior Activity centers

53. Walk-in Medical clinic's waiting room

54. Bank or Credit Union

55. Restaurant supply store

56. Park benches

57. Bus Stop benches

58. The Pharmacy (also waiting area)

59. Bowling Alleys

60. Post office

61. Gas Station

62. Movie Theater Lobbies

63. On bus seats (train seats, rental cars, looking at RV’s)

64. Furniture stores

65. Car shows, RV shows, etc.

66. Jewelry Stores

67. Fitness Centers

68. Video store drop off box.

69. Ice Cream Parlors

70. Security officers desk

80. Motel/hotel front desk

81. Motel/hotel lobby

82. Motel/hotel restaurant

83. Receptionist desk, secretary’s desk, manager’s desk

84. Lobby of business

85. Mechanics

86. Friends, relative’s coffee table

87. Contest and giveaway websites

88. Open houses

89. Grocery store carts

90. On top of free newspaper stands

91. Phone booths

92. Driver's side windshields

93. Lobby sofas

94. Car insurance offices

95. Newspaper stand

96. Book area of store

97. Anywhere that says "take one"

98. Car repair shops/motor oil change places

99. Men’s stores (home repair stores, sports, men's clothing, etc)

100. Flower stores

101. Neighbor's (or aquaintence/friend's porch)

102. Employment agencies

103. Non-profit agencies

104. Talent agencies

105. Church lobby

106. Gym/sport equipment store

108. Craft/fabric stores

109. Chiropractic offices

110. Flea Markets

3.Ten networking Tips Using Your Business Cards

1. Never leave home without a business card. Before leaving home, your checklist should always include business cards, as part of "do I have my wallet/money, house keys, driver's license'" Any 'per chance' meeting is an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the local store could be an opportunity to network. Make it a habit to carry business cards.

2. Insert a business card when mailing bill payments. Bills contain advertisements. Why can't you advertise your skills or services the same way' Insert a business card with your payment. You may not think a person in California who opens your credit card bill payment can help you. Never underestimate the power of networking.we are 6 people away from knowing someone of influence. You could be 6 people away from knowing the President of the United Sates, your favorite movie star or someone who is in a position to hire your skills or services. Each of us knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone etc. Developing this powerful networking attitude will be a fundamental source of continued success.
3. Use proper business card etiquette. Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card. When given a business card, don't just take it and place it in your pocket. Make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. You might see something that could be a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card such as date, location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when following up with that person. This also demonstrates a sincere interest in the other person. Then place it in your wallet. This lets them know they reside in a special place with you.

4. Be generous. Give business cards out to everyone, including family and friends. Don't let vanity stop you from giving out your last business card or giving 2 at a time to each person. I have met many people who have totally missed the purpose of a business card. I once asked a person for a second business card, so I could refer his services. His response was "I only have a few cards left and I need them", as he looked again at his name on the card. Hoarding your business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account. Also it makes you look like an idiot and someone who does not care about their business.

5.. Ask for referrals. When giving a business card, people feel more comfortable when you ask; 'I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services'. Don't make people feel like they are on the spot. This approach disarms people much better than asking them, 'is your company hiring'' People naturally like to do favors for people. Saying 'could you do me a favor by referring my services to someone'. This always places you in a better position with them. Also by offering them a discount or a special will al entice them to help you get a few referrals.

6. Maximize every meeting. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. Family or friends social events could produce unexpected encounters with people. Don't discount those events. So you're going to a birthday party for your friend's kid. You never know who you might meet. At a family gathering last year, I met a man who was interested in helping me develope my business this year. Who would have thought this could happen by giving him a simple business card.

7. Place yourself at the right place at the right time. Have you been to a job fair or business conference and been disappointed with the networking results' Turn the tables around. Consider volunteering to help out at the job fair or other types of events. This puts you in a better strategic position for presenting your resume or business card. Company representatives might view you differently, if they know you are willing to go the extra mile in helping them make their presence easier to manage. Get involved your business will thank you.

8. Use "In Your Face" follow up. Did you ever have a job interview or meeting with a recruiter, potential client or employer and wonder why they never called you back' 'Out of sight, out of mind' is the operative phrase to remember. Today's economic climate dictates you might be competing with 20, 50, 100 or more other people for the same position or contract. It's quite a task for people to keep track of each individual meeting. So it's up to you to give a person a reason to call you back. Immediately after a meeting snail mail a hand written note thanking the person for their time. Insert your business card. Now you're in the driver's seat in standing out from other people. If you get no response, do it again. Patience and persistence pays off. here's to your success!
9. Use promotions to promote you and your business. Newspapers often have stories of people being promoted to high levels in different organizations' This is an opportunity for you. Consider getting some invitation size blank greeting cards. Use the Internet's search capabilities to find out the address of the company's executive offices. Send the blank invitation type card with a hand written note sincerely congratulating a person on their promotion. Insert your business card. For the cost of a 37-cent stamp, you have just made someone's day and may create an impression that makes a person feel compelled to respond back to you. Make it a habit to do this once a week. Remember '6 Degrees of Separation'. You just never know . . . People open invitation type envelops faster than any others. Also include a dicount wiht your business as a congratulation gift. You never know it could relate to a sale.

10. Brand yourself with a slogan. Print a slogan on your business card that answers the question 'Why should I buy from you' Or "What makes you different from everyone else'" A catchy phrase or slogan insures people ALWAYS associate a company name with their product or services. People remember even after the commercial is over. That's called branding. Companies pay big bucks to advertising agencies to come up with these lasting slogans. Consider doing the exact same thing on your business card. This is your insurance people remember you, after you meet. Don't just put Hortence Smiley, Accountant on your business card. Add something like "Financial Services With Integrity". A slogan makes all the difference between getting that sale or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.

Unusual Places to leave a business card

1. Bus Stop- leave a few cards on the bench people can't resist a card staring at them

2. Bus ride- the bus once in awhile and leave a few cards behind you never know what a person maybe looking for.

3. Taxi Cab- leave a few cards in the cab you never know who may be the next passenger

4. Restaurants- leave a card with a tip at the table. Also leave a few cards on some empty tables to may also help your business.

5.Airport- When it comes to marketing via ” leave your business card approach, “ airports are the best place on earth to promote your business. There are just hundreds of places in an airport that you can simply drop your card and let others know about you and or your business

6. Department store- if you are shopping for home and garden decor, and you sell home and garden decor leave a card on the shelf. Put a card in a purse or whatever is business related is a great way to get some exposure for your business.

7.Bar - While at a bar if you are still not drunk enough to forget your business, leave one at the counter right before you leave. The next person will most likely give it a look and if they are drunk enough they might just slip one in their pocket. And of course your product and services are so strong that someone doesn’t have to be drunk to keep one of your business cards. They will grab and hold on to it anyway. That’s marketing at it’s best – when you can promote your business where people go to forget their own business.

8 Restrooms- leave a business card on the counter in the bathroom is a great way to get attention to your business. You never know who may interested in what you are selling.

9. Grocery Carts - leave a few business cards in a few grocery carts will also help grab some attention to your business.

10. Laundry Mat- Do you do your laundry at a laundry mat if you do then why not leave a business card.

11.Movie Theater- Do you go to he movies leave a few business cards on a few empty movie seats will also help you get your business out there and seen.

12. Elevators- When on a elevatot in a hospital or business office etc leave a business card behind befor stepping off. Who knows who will be in that elevator next.

My last tip for you is treat your business card like a ticket. After all it is a ticket to your world. Offer a percentage off, or offer a discount on the back of card will open your world to others

Happy Networking and Here's To Your Sucess!

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (akiamarketing) — Sun, 09 May 2010 23:16:00 +0000

Akia Marketing would like to wish all my readers a Happy Mother's Day. Being a mom to 6 beautiful children has been a honor, the greatest challenge in my life was being a mom to a special needs child. When I had my little boy he was an miracle to begin with. You see my son was born with shoulder Dystocia. His shoulders were to big to pass through the birth canal. The doctor did not see this until it was too late. When they finally got him out he was not breathing. it took 3 moinutes to bring him back. Again he crashed in the nicu and had to be brought back again the second time.

That night they told us that he was not going to make it the night. That same night I asked god why did you give me a beautiful gift like this to just take away it. As I sat there holding his little hand, waiting for him to slip away. he squeeze my hand for the first time and winked his eyes at me. I was in shock not knowing what to think. My husband went to get the nurse, she said it was a miracle that he is still hanging in there. Even though they told us that he would never talk, walk or even be normal. He beat the odds and was released from the hospital two and 1/2 weeks later .

Justin has a brain injury due to the lack of oxygen to his brain during his birth. It has been a tough battle and we still have a long road a head. But I still smile at my beautiful son knowing that god had given me the most precious gift of the all. Justin in now 10 yrs old and is a wonderful loving boy. He can not read or write. But he can drive a quad , snow mobile it incredible what he can do.

This mother's Day my son made me a butterfly made with his hand print. with this poem This isn't just a butterfly you plainly can see. I made it with my hand which is a part of me.it comes with lots of love especially to say i hope you have a very special Mother's Day Love Justin. I cried when I read it and I will cherish it everyday. As everyday goes by I watch my children grow up and I smile knowing that I raised them the best that I knew how.

So when I say it is awesome to be a mom you bet it is. No matter what steps we take in this world. our children follow so we should always set a good example. So Happy Mother's day to you and all treasure the moments with you children because remember one day they will chose your nursing home. lol Happy a great Day.

Easy Marketing Tips

noreply@blogger.com (akiamarketing) — Sat, 08 May 2010 19:40:00 +0000

As a wahm I am always looking for ideas to market my business and get it out there and seen.
here is some quick and easy marketing ideas that will help you do just that.

Business Cards-are easy to create and print on your own, or you can purchase them for a reasonable price. Make a habit of carrying them with you everywhere you go. And hand them out also leave a card in the change rooms, bathrooms, bullentin boards, yes believe me I have gotten sales this way. Another idea is to include a business card in every mail you send out. And leave your cards in places like the swimming pool, skating rink,baseball game, hockey games are just a few that most of us don't to think to leave a card at.

Flyers are another promotional item that’s easy to create on your home computer. Print them up yourself or print one and take it to a copy shop to duplicate. You can pass out these flyers much like business cards. Keep an eye out for bulletin boards in grocery stores, coffee shops, your child’s preschool or the gym and post your flyers there. Also walk around and put your flyers in people's mailboxes check with your local paper about options to have your flyer included in one of their publications. Or even pay a local child to deliver your flyers door to door for you . One way or another your business will get seen. I also put up a flyer in the ladies restrooms. and yes I have gotten sales from it. Also include a flyer with a candy treat on halloween.

Door Tags are another great way to get your businesses out there and seen. Hang them on doors as you go door to door with your flyers. They are easy to make and to print off. Also you can hang them on locker doors at your local swimming pool, Gym or what have you.

Articles are another simple and easy way to ge the word out about your business. get in the habit to post an artcile about your business once a week. Write about your sales, new products, or what have will keep your readers interested in your business. Submit your article to top article directories like http://www.ezinearticles.com/ http://www.isnare.com/ http://www.ladypens.com/ with a link to your website in the resource box.

Participating in forums is another great way to get the word out about your business. Find forums related to what you do and spend a little time each week (about an hour should do) answering questions. Don’t directly advertise your service, though. Just post a link back to your website in your forum signature. Your main goal is to build a relationship with the other forum participants and get them to see you as someone who knows what they are talking about. When you accomplish that, the readers will click the link just to find out more about you and will be open to the idea of becoming customers. Also post your sales, opportunities on the forums as well. Don't be afraid to open your market to new forums. The more you advertise the more cance at a sale you will have.

Both coupons and contests are another great way to get people to your site or turn visitors into customers. Run a contest and offer your product or service as a prize. Additionally, you can also sponsor your product or service in someone else’s contest gaining even more exposure. If your shopping cart lets you use coupons, post them on free coupon sites, or offer existing customers or people on your newsletter list a special coupon to get them to buy. Also haing buy one get one free sales will also drive in some great traffic.

Banner, Button and Link Exchanges are now great way to spread the word about your business. Exchanging links with businesses in your related industries as well with those that are not related will drive in people who may be interested in what you are offering.

Blogs are another great way spread the word about your business. Talk about the things that your business offers such as advertising, products, specials, etc as this will help get people interested in what you are offering. For example if you are selling home decor items write a list of tips for decorating your home. and include your link will help get people interested in your business as well.

Give a few of these marketing ideas a try and watch your business grow.
Look for some great advertising please check out http://www.akia.devhub.com/

Written By Anita Riddell
Marketing and Advertising Ceo

Super Mom Wife And A Wahm

noreply@blogger.com (akiamarketing) — Sat, 08 May 2010 04:19:00 +0000

I sometimes wonder how us women can pull off being a mom, wife and running a business online. I know for me I am constantly juggling between being a mom,wife and fulltime business owner. I am always balancing between the laundry load and answering an email. or running after a child and caring for an husband who often forgets he has 2 feet and a heart beat.

And yes somedays I just want to scream and pull out all my hair. But then I realize I wouldn't give any of it up for the world. I love being a wahm and I enjoy the time I spend with my children. And the memories we have created together as years go by.If I was working outside the home the things I would have missed. Are the constant hugs and kisses, and seeing my daughter dress up in some of the funniest costumes. Or seeing my special needs child smile at the simplest thing as a lady bug.

Memories like that are to precious and those are the ones you want to hang on to forever. But then on the other hand I look back at what I had to do to get here. And the hard work and long hours, and the wear and tear on my marriage. And then I smile when I say was it all worth it you bet it was. There is not a day that goes by that I can't stop loving what I do. And that is being a super mom, wife and a wahm.

You Know When You're a Wahm When

1. you start calling your children by your email addresses

2. You add links to your children lunch box notes

3. you ask your husband to email you when he is ready for his dinner

4. You have to shave your legs one at a time between answering yahoo messages

5. you have to take laptop to bed just to wake up your online friends in the morning
6. your wearing pink curlers in your hair and you forgot that your web cam was on

7.your child asks why are you laughing at the computer mom while looking at you like your crazy
8. your husband asks what is for dinner and you tell him it is the computer

9. you mastered folding laundry, and making a meal while chatting online at the sametime
10: you leave a message on your answering including your business url and email addy

Written By Anita Riddell