Archive for December, 2011

New Year’s Resolutions for Small Businesses

Friday, December 30th, 2011

As the New Year approaches it’s time to begin thinking about New Year’s resolutions. I’m pretty goal oriented and actually love this time of year–it’s always fun to look forward to new possibilities and make new plans for growth and achievement. I also believe that thinking about and committing our goals to some formal form (whether hard copy or online) serves to formally mark them in our minds and increases the odds that we will actually move forward to achieve them.

Here are my “top 3 marketing resolution recommendations” for 2012: (more…)

Are the “4 P’s” Still Relevant? I think so.

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
The concept of the “4 P’s” was first put forward in the 1960’s and still used in many circles today, although from time to time a new “marketing mix” will be proposed by some marketing expert to replace this classic formula. To me, the basic principles are still sound and still apply despite (more…)

Developing Rapport With Customers

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

How do you effectively develop rapport with customers? How do you connect and compel those who have “raised their hands” and said “yes, I want to connect with your company” to continue coming back for more and, better yet, to spread the word about how great you are to others?

In a world marked by increasingly sophisticated technology, it may seem trite but it’s true that developing rapport with customers is not rocket science. In fact, my advice which, initially, may sound very general, is simple: (more…)

Small Business Predictions for 2012

Sunday, December 4th, 2011

A new year is right around the corner and I, for one, am looking forward to a great year! Based on feedback from my clients, and my own experience in 2011, it seems that there are some early signs of an uptick in consumer demand for products and services. Here’s hoping that’s true and that it’s something that all of you are benefiting from. I was recently asked by a business reporter and colleague for my small business marketing predictions for 2012 – here they are: (more…)