Once you have set up a business, either online or off, marketing becomes a constant and ongoing activity that you MUST pay attention to. Without marketing and promotion, you won't have a business.

You need a marketing mindset. This means that the marketing door of your mind is always open. The question that you need to engrave in your mind is, "What can I do today to let more people know about the benefits of my product or service."

Here are some steps you can take to develop a marketing mindset.
1. Create a marketing strategy for you business.
Marketing doesn't just happen. You have to create a plan that you work to fulfill. It is important to know your field of business and your competition. Make a list of the marketing methods that you think will increase your exposure to potential customers. The list will differ for each kind of business. It might include items such as:

Online marketing: newsgroups, forums, mailing lists, search engines

Creating strategic alliances with other companies

Advertising in association publications

Advertising in e-zines and newsletters

Doing radio and/or TV interviews.
Spend some time every business day acting on one or more of the items on your list.

2. Keep your mind open for new opportunities. Read magazines and newspapers and surf the Web, always with the an eye towards expanding your marketing efforts. If something strikes your interest, mull it over in your mind and see if you can come up with a way to use the idea.

3. Think people.
People buy products and services. In order to find more customers, you have to find more people.
As obvious as this may sound, some entrepreneurs forget that it's all about connecting to people.

Where do you potential customers gather, online and off? Join organizations, attend meetings, meet new people whenever you can.

A WORD OF CAUTION: There's a fine line between marketing and being too aggressive. Although you might see each person as a marketing opportunity, it is important that you connect to them on a human level without pushing to let them know about your business.

BLONDY

[BACK] [TOP]