5 Marketing Mistakes you Can’t Afford to Make

In virtually every area of business, there will be pitfalls along the way. Marketing is NO exception.

1. Mistake #1 – Eliminating marketing efforts when times get tight.

When cash flow slows, advertising, direct mail and other forms of marketing are the easiest expenses to reduce, right? But cut these and you eliminate the very activities that will bring in new customers to turn your business around. By stopping your marketing efforts, you will be setting yourself up for additional loss of business.

2. Mistake #2 – Not measuring results.

Don’t wait until times get tight to start measuring the results of your marketing efforts.

Ask customers how they found your business and then track the results.

3. Mistake #3 – Putting all your marketing dollars in one area.

If your entire marketing budget is used on just one method of promoting your business, you won’t realize the highest return on your investment. Diversifying your efforts will increase the frequency and reach of your messages and stretch your marketing dollars.

4. Mistake #4 – Allowing your ego to get in the way of common sense.

Ego can tempt a very bright person to do dumb things. Your marketing decisions should be based on factors that will positively impact your bottom line. Buying full-page ads or covers featuring yourself and not focusing on your business’ unique offerings may result in money out the window.

5. Mistake #5 – Not Getting Help when you need it.

If you find you’re too busy to handle your marketing efforts or that your materials aren’t looking as professional as they should, it’s time to call in the reinforcements. Hire an independent business consultant to bring in new concepts and fresh ideas.

Carol Birkey
Business Coach/Office Support
816-781-8053

“I look forward to moving your business forward”

Profiting from Networking

Sales are frequently developed through the relationships we have created with other people. Networking functions provide the opportunity to expand our contact list, particularly when we create and nurture quality relationships. It is not enough to visit a networking group, talk to dozens of people and gather as many business cards as possible. However, every networking function has tremendous potential for new business leads:

* Make a positive first impression: You have EXACTLY one opportunity to make a great first impression. Factors that influence this initial impact are your handshake, facial expressions, eye contact, interest in the other person and your overall attentiveness. Develop a great handshake, approach people with a natural, genuine smile and make good eye contact. Make a powerful impression by asking them what they do before talking about yourself or your business. Once you have demonstrated an interest in someone else, they will – in most cases – become more interested in you. When that occurs, follow the next step —

* Be able to clearly state what you do: Develop a 10-second introduction as well as a 30-second presentation. The introduction explains what you do and for whom. This introduction should encourage the other person to ask for more information and when they do, you recite your 30-second presentation. Each introduction needs to well-rehearsed so you can recite them at any time and under any circumstances.

More business coaching information on my main website carolbirkey.com.

Definition of a Mompreneur: Stay-at-home mothers who create home-based business.

I started my home-based secretarial business in 1984 after a divorce with no money and 2 small children to raise. The business was started out of fear: fear that I would have to put my children in daycare, which I could not afford. Fear that I would lose my home and fear that I would not be successful. The fear of failing my children and myself, propelled me to start my own home-based business. more…

Networking - 3 M’s - Myths, Mistakes and Mission

Myths, Mistakes and Mission of Networking:

* Leads: the biggest networking myth – by simply attending meetings regularly, you will get sales leads.

* Easy Money: I have heard networking is the lazy man’s sales manager. Truth is – effective networking is hard work, but it pays dividends, year after year.

* Taking AND not Giving: the best way to get a sales lead, is to give a lead to someone else.

* Familiar People: the last people you want to network with, are the people you already know!!!!! Force introducing yourself to as many people as possible that you don’t know.

* Lack of Follow Up: If you don’t intend on following up, please stop networking. Courtesy and professionalism dictates that you follow up with referrals and leads.

* Forgetting to Say Thank-You: Unfortunately this is a more common mistake than you would think. Make sure to recognize people who introduce you to a networking group and provide referrals.

“Invest in your future — give someone a lead today!”

More business coaching information on my main website carolbirkey.com.