GOYA | Forum | BUSINESS CHAT | Over marketing...

Who Said That?

Douglas
Wallace

Skeeter

I like blog and run a small business.

posts 993 | joined 14 Feb 10

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Over marketing...

27 Jul 2010 at 11:13 Douglas said ....

Loads of people will realise about "over marketing" at somepoint.

This is another reason, why I don't wish to part-take under my business name necessarily. The marketing bit is funnily enough fine setup and doing its job. I do think in many ways people get a warped view of what marketing is and then possibly end up over marketing themselves or their business.

For me marketing is quite a swift activity and is either ad-hoc or planned.

There is the big company approach of "raising awareness" to a wider audience, but I don't buy that too much, especially for either local or niche business.

What do you think?

Are you marketing, being you or something else?
PS. I read someone appologising on Twitter for not being there as they were busy with dealing with customers. They represent their company. This is loonesy (if I spelt that correctly).

Skeeter, blogging here: http://www.tweetsbyskeet.com :: Bonus: Small Business Tips

27 Jul 2010 at 11:34 Denise replied ....

Denise
Meredith

Sponsalis

Great organiser, lover of people and generally a thoroughly good egg.

posts 2588 | joined 06 Dec 09

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I was learning all about marketing yesterday and learnt some valuable lessons which I shall incorporate into my business with immediate effect. I now know what to do and what not to do. I always try to be me because there is little point in trying to be something different because we all get found out in the end.

Denise
Meredith
Sponsalis

27 Jul 2010 at 11:40 Douglas replied ....

Douglas
Wallace

Skeeter

I like blog and run a small business.

posts 993 | joined 14 Feb 10

07770NoSkype 228844 web

Denise,

I read about the event you went to.

I'd actually like to find out a bit more about what you learnt. It's an area I'm not familiar with at all, so I would really like to catch up. I am in Birmingham going paintballing on Friday, but I doubt getting chased through woods by nutters like me is really your cuppa, so I'd be quite willing to learn from what you found out if you have time.

Sounds fascinating.

Skeeter, blogging here: http://www.tweetsbyskeet.com :: Bonus: Small Business Tips

27 Jul 2010 at 11:55 Karen replied ....

Karen
OrangeTree

OrangeTree Development

Geek Girl I don't speak geek, but I do think in Flow Charts. OrangeTree Build systems that help build successful businesses.

posts 3600 | joined 16 Nov 09

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Marketing was the elective module of my degree ... great subject to include in a degree as there is no right or wrong answer ... a bit like economics. Anyway, I don't see marketing as a 'thing' you do ... it happens in everything that you do that occurs in front of other people, the skill is in managing the message that gives out.

I do once recall someone on this forum (it could have been you Doug) saying they haven't done any marketing ... but just by being here and giving of themselves on this forum you are marketing. It is not a campaign and there is no collateral other than their words. But they talk about what they do, you share some of their ideas and ethos. This is marketing.

It is a big subject. If you want to do something interesting, you should attend one of Pauls training sessions about branding ... especially useful for people who believe that means a logo. It doesn't!

Karen OrangeTree
OrangeTree Development

27 Jul 2010 at 12:04 Paul replied ....

Paul
Norman

OrangeTree Development

My name is Paul. I currently run the odd business or two, and also provide a business advice service. Like, advice from the real world.

posts 5125 | joined 14 Nov 09

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Oooooo...it's time I did another branding/marketing gig.

I love branding.

Paul Norman
OrangeTree Development
SoleHeaven

27 Jul 2010 at 12:12 Denise replied ....

Denise
Meredith

Sponsalis

Great organiser, lover of people and generally a thoroughly good egg.

posts 2588 | joined 06 Dec 09

07948NoSkype 818611 web

Skeeter

I am away on Friday down in Forest Row, East Sussex with some chums so I shall miss the paintballing. I shall try and share some key points:

Have multiple ways of getting new business.

Pay by the word adverts - this keeps the message very sharp.

Explain value to the point where price isnt the deciding factor

Offer a money back guarantee - this boosts confidence and annoyrs your competitors.

Have as many joint ventures as possible because that way you can share knowledge and contacts - ask the person you are in a JV with if they would mind you putting a leaflet/postcard in with their mailing when they do a mail shot.

Capture email addresses on your website and if possible have a double opt in by sending an email after they have opted in to confirm that they have opted in.

Follow up your emails/leads

Track and monitor what happens on your website.

Have a lead page and put it on a dedicated website or on the page of your website that is most visited by people (you can find this out if you keep track of your stats).

Use free stuff such as google analytics and google weboptimiser

Offer an incentive e.g. free information

Don't buy email addresses and use an online service to send emails to your clients that way you cannot be accused of spamming - use the free spam checker on google to help you ensure that your emails reach the right person and don't end up in the spam box.

Create a segmentation list to allow you to target specific people in the sectors of business that you cover instead of using a splatter gun effect when emailing.

Don't be boring

Learn copywriting because you need that for your website, you adverts, emails etc.

NABO are running more one day courses www.nabo-members.com - in the Introduced by field put my name in there and then you can go for free otherwise it costs £299 plus VAT.

I met all sorts of interesting people yesterday one chap had a hand in several varied businesses from management consultancy to flying saucers (I kid you not), there were others who were accountants, lawyers, childen's entertainers, entertainment agencies, medical hosiery, UW, restaurants, one chap makes quality control equipment for factories etc. etc. It was great to share ideas.

Denise
Meredith
Sponsalis

27 Jul 2010 at 13:50 Sean replied ....

Sean
Stevens

Credit-Manager.Net Ltd

Job: Credit Manager, Business: Credit Management, Hobby: Board member of Credit Organisation. I am a Credit geek.

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I did some marketing and economics as part of my credit management studies. I plan to do some form of marketing every week. It may be something very simple like make 100 business related forum posts that include my signature or talk to 10 people about their business, plans etc to get ideas and input. I don't consider anything I do as going over the top or doing too much as when I look at my potential market place and the number of potential customers I have in the country, there is a long way to go..

Credit-Manager.Net

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