When you think of marketing, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For so many small business owners I meet, they name tactical approaches like social media or newsletters first. Offline forms of marketing are often named later, such as networking or events. I tend to find that it is the things we [...]
I get a lot of solicitation emails. As a person who believes that good things CAN come out of the blue and fall into your inbox, I want people to send me great ideas or things I want to say yes to. I really do. Yet, if I had to put a number to it, [...]
I wanted to take a minute this week to talk about one of the more controversial openings for a networking conversation: “Mind if I pick your brain?” Some time ago, I observed a conversation on Facebook. Someone posed the question about whether it was okay to ask if you could pick someone’s brain. Everyone who [...]
Small businesses usually benefit when they find creative ways to do their marketing. As much as the marketing conversation tends to revolve around finding new leads or encouraging repeat sales, there is an often-overlooked element that sits outside the box: Building up the strength of the community inside your business. Let’s talk today about marketing [...]
When you think about your marketing plan, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the upcoming campaigns? Sales drives? The platforms you are using? The content you are developing? Well, I’m a big believer in the details, and there is a detail that is integral to your marketing plan that you [...]
Over the years, I have been incredibly fortunate to be invited to deliver workshops and presentations all over the world and to directly serve small business clients all over the world. There is something I have noticed. Business organizations and associations throughout the world - that exist to offer free or low-cost services to small [...]
You want people talking about your brand - and what you REALLY want is for them to sound excited when they do! Excitement for your brand and your offerings is the foundation for hooking customers and generating referrals, and you can build it by creating a memorable experience with your brand. But how do you [...]
When you are trying to set yourself apart in a crowded industry, testimonials are part of the equation. Kind words from previous customers may make all the difference to a prospective customer, but not just any testimonial will do. You are looking for the perfect testimonial – the one that will speak volumes about your [...]
Networking is a core marketing tactic that many business owners, nonprofits, and professionals use. In fact, when I work with clients on the structure of their marketing plan, some type of networking almost always exists as a key piece of their first tier, introductory level. In principle, this is a great idea for building connections [...]
Referral marketing is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. As a business owner and marketer, you know that networking is a meaningful tool. You may have networking opportunities on the calendar. Perhaps even regular networking meetings. But are you making the most of them? If you really want to grow your [...]