Mint

Marketing a new product or business

2007-12-06T12:35:00.000+13:00

For every dollar spent in developing a product, five times that amount should be spent on marketing it. Unfortunately a large number of entrepreneurs fail to grasp the importance of marketing - they assume the product (or service) will sell itself, and customers will just come. This is surprising when you ask entrepreneurs what they should be concentrating on most in their business.

They usually say marketing, and this is evidenced by the high numbers of attendees at marketing seminars and workshops. Taking products to market costs and financial projections should always allow for marketing expenses.

While the market size is important, it is customers that you need - they pay the bills. It is crucial to implement a month-by-month marketing plan.

Seduced by the first few quick sales there can be a gap before a sufficient flow of prospects is built up in the sales funnel. Implementing a month-by-month marketing plan that involves client relationship management, visibility-related activities, and targeting of new prospects and potential referral sources will ensure you have a steady stream of profitable new business.

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Creating Customers for Life

2007-11-12T15:56:00.000+13:00

In the spring we often think about growing gardens and the process of planting seed and fertilizing and cultivating the soil. The same is true of your prospects and clients.

Here is the Podcast.

Understanding Your Customers

2007-11-08T13:26:00.000+13:00

Satisfied customers who keep buying your product or using your services are the lifeblood of your business. You need to ask yourself a few key questions at regular intervals. Some key questions to ask are:

�?� Who are my customers?

�?� How do I know what customers value in my products or services now or in the future?

�?� Am I sure my customers are satisfied?

�?� How do I help my customers and deal with their concerns and complaints?

�?� Am I doing enough to maintain my customer relationships?

�?� Do I know if I am gaining or losing market share?

Another off topic post

2007-10-30T20:42:00.000+13:00

If you are a keen runner, or looking to train for a half marathon then take a look.

Technology Expo

2007-10-26T19:32:00.000+13:00

Come along to the technology expo this Saturday the 27th of October. This will be a fantastic opportunity to see how you can use technology in your business, and give you some ideas on how to use technology to keep your customers coming back.

It is at the Hyslop hall, Taieri College, Mosgiel from 10am until 4pm.

Off Topic

2007-10-20T23:32:00.000+13:00

Here is a great blog on solar power energy and it's uses.

Role of technology

2007-10-19T17:24:00.001+13:00

Use technology to your advantage. Your customers deserve the best service, use the means available to achieve this.

clipped from en.wikipedia.org

Role of technology

Technology has made available a wide range of customer service tools. They range from support websites and the ability to have live chats with technical staff to databases tracking individual customers' preferences, pattern of buying, payment methods etc., and tailoring products and service responses based on this advanced data. Specialist software that is designed for the tracking of service levels and for helping recognize areas for improvement are often integrated into other enterprise operational software tools such as ERP software.

The Importance Of Quality Customer Service

2007-10-16T13:31:00.000+13:00

Considering all things being equal, why is it that some companies flourish in the face of adversity while others crumble? Studies have proven that it is not because a company offers a lower price, or even a better product for that matter.

Here is my podcast on the matter. A lot of this information originally comes from Milan Hallard.

New business doing well after 3 months

2007-10-13T12:47:00.000+13:00

It's the little things

2007-10-10T17:55:00.000+13:00

When my partner and I went to spend a night at Larnach castle, we decided to have dinner in the music room. Anyone who has been to this castle knows how grand the rooms are.

That night we were treated to four course dining with maids serving us in suitably attired 19th century outfits. At the table dining with us were several couples, all from different counties. It seemed a little like a UN gathering rather than fine dining. We were all impressed with the quality of food and service.

But what we told our friends of the experience were the free chocolate truffles given as a treat at the end. As we were too full after the marvelous meal, we wrapped the truffles up to eat the next day during our trip home.

Well the next day I discovered that truffles do not travel well as they started to melt, but the flavor was to die for. As we ate the chocolate, we remembered the good points that Larnach castle offered as a place to stay. Needless to say I had returned to the castle a few months later.

The most successful businesses understand only too well that to earn customers loyalty, they have to do just that, earn it. Now in this case, all that was required was a chocolate given at the right time. The best businesses use simple techniques like this for business growth to devastating effect.

Think about what small things you can do to turn happy customers into a dedicated loyal following.

Customer Care - What Customers Really Need

2007-10-04T10:15:00.000+13:00

Most people believe that the hardest part of starting and maintaining a successful business is finding the right product or service. In reality, this is hardly ever enough, it is simple the starting point. A lot of this information is from Laurie Brown who is an international trainer and consultant and works to help people improve their sales, service and presentation skills.

Here is my podcast

Advertising Effectiveness Trends, a Small Survey

2007-10-01T13:23:00.000+13:00

In the day to day running of my business, I am discussing marketing strategies with business owners and marketing managers on a daily basis. If you can earn their trust, then they will be very candid with you, especially if you can help them without trying to sell them something.

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Are You Happy Staying Stagnant?

2007-09-25T15:41:00.000+12:00

One thing I hear a lot of is the comment "we do not need to advertise, word of mouth does all we need". This is fine if you want all your competitors to pass you by, and don't mind looking like an amateur in a professional environment. But at some stage you are going to have to be honest with yourself.

I have yet to see a business compete successfully in the twenty first century by this method alone. At least their competitors can give a sigh of relief when those words are uttered.

Have a look at your most successful competitor, do a little mystery shopping, if they know you, get someone else to do it. Gathering intelligence this way can cost you nothing, but you will pick up a few hints at what you need to change in order to take your share of the market from them.

Timing is Everything for Customer Loyalty

2007-09-20T17:29:00.000+12:00

What amazes me is that every year, not long before Christmas, I get reminded of who I spent a lot of money with. What I mean by this is the inundation of wine and calenders with someone's names plastered on it!

If you plan to let your customers know that you value them, do it all the time. There is no need to go crazy with your marketing budget, but if you leave it until Christmas, you will get caught in the "freebie flood". Doing something small, but meaningful, often enough will ensure you get remembered yield much greater results to customer retention and business growth.

So start now and make it a habit!

Flaws in Your Customer Retention System

2007-09-20T14:23:00.000+12:00

The goal of most businesses is to make a profit by acquiring new customers and then providing service to them in the hopes of keeping them as long term customers. Listen to more here from my Podcast.

A new day Otago

2007-09-17T17:51:00.000+12:00

Hi everyone, This my first blog to introduce you to the wonderful world of customer retention marketing. In this blog you are going to find some great tips on how to grow your business by increasing your goodwill.

The customer service part of many New Zealand businesses is sub par when compared to the rest of the western world. This presents a fantastic opportunity to get your business to shine above your competitors.

Be courageous and take a few (calculated) risks, and get creative, there is a lot of possibility here in Otago. Later on this week I will give you a few suggestions, but for now be positive and enthusiastic when thinking of your marketing strategy, there is no rocket science involved.