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Are you a newbie or perhaps you are already operating your Home Internet based business opportunity for some time? Would you like to build on-line presence, nevertheless not certain concerning how to go by and find your online marketing strategy? Then, keep on reading.

How many marketing strategies a person need to pick?

The overall rule of thumb is picking anywhere from one to three methods. You certainly should not concentrate on a lot of items at the same time. By trying to do so many things at one time, you simply turn out to be mediocre in almost everything rather than growing to be the very best in a single strategy.

The true secret to achieve success in marketing is always to specialize and concentrate in order to master a couple of techniques. Therefore, do not decide to put too much on your plate concentration is vital.

The number of hours you’ve got each and every day determines the marketing techniques that you are selecting; it is also dependent upon your current level of skill as well as on the type of the strategy you decide to undertake. You will find strategies which can be more time consuming as opposed to others. Once you decide on what you need without a doubt then make a final decision and do whatever you can and understand those strategies.

Follow the experts that are skilled in those strategies, simply study and understand until you become an expert of those strategies you selected. Your ability to succeed is dependent also on how much hard work you are prepared to put into your online marketing strategies. As you come to be proficient at most of these approaches, you will subsequently be able to use outside agencies for outsourcing or learn how to automate them.

Your very best friend as an Internet marketer will probably be your expertise. It is your responsibility to educate yourself in almost everything that will help you to execute and be successful. For, those who have no clue what you are doing being an Internet marketer you will see little success ahead.

Now what marketing strategies should you choose?

That is the next element that needs to be resolved concerning marketing. Pick one direct response marketing strategy, since that will constantly provide you with the quickest outcome of lead flow.

Apart from that, the only basic principle and extremely critical is to select something, you like to do. Pick something you are so passionate about that you could see carrying it out yourself on a daily basis for the next ninety days. Mainly because, ninety days is what it takes to master a technique and see results from it.

Select something you like that makes you get up each morning trilled. That you are excited, you are going to work on your home Internet based business opportunity on this technique.

You fail to remember to eat, shower or having a social life with your buddies that you are so much consumed in what you are up to then you have chosen the right strategy, and in this there’s no question that you will be very successful. Remember Enthusiasm is vital to achieve success in your work.

By: Naomi Ke

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Small businesses are not always able to market their products or services in the same way that larger companies do. Marketing strategies that focus on local customers, however, can help them succeed. Here are a few marketing strategies that can help the little guys grow into major players in their markets.

Find Your Niche Market

The only way for a small company to be successful is to define a strong and detailed target market. Finding a niche market means that you are targeting your efforts to a few individuals instead of attempting to target a large and hard-to-define group. While “35-49 year old males with children” is a good target market, the niche market of “35 year old males with boys who watch sports and push children toward junior league sports” creates a more detailed target that can be easily sought after and reached. Local small business marketing tools revolve around communication points. The more ways with which you can connect to your target, the more successful your business will be. One of the best marketing strategies is to utilize the local community and culture of the area. Local events are a great way to get your name out into the marketplace. You should pair with local events through monetary sponsorships or donations. This will help to create awareness within the local community, which can lead to greater sales and word-of-mouth advertising.

Tips for Marketing Your Small Business Website

A well-designed and informative website can help you reach even more prospects. One of the best marketing strategies for a small business is to create a website that will help customers to retain information on your business. You can then work on marketing your small business website as an asset of your company and brand, helping you to retain a larger share of your target market. Advertising online doesn’t necessarily require a big budget. Web advertising platforms, especially Google AdWords and Facebook, can be used to target very specific demographics and local audiences on a limited monthly budget. Such ads will certainly cost a lot less in the long run than TV ads or print media and can help you target your customers and measure the success of your campaigns more accurately.

By: Amber A. Adams

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Does your company have a community business relation strategy? You need one. You need to join the team, the community and maintain your relations with other local businesses. There are many ways to do this, one is to join your local chamber of commerce, yet only on average 10% of the proprietors of small businesses ever do this. You should be in the top ten percent shouldn’t you? After all you have a lot at stake and have invested a small fortune in your American Dream, do make it count.

Ask not what your community can do for you, it is time for you to give back a little, get involved and reap the rewards of being a community based business that cares about your current and future customers. I have put together an outline of some of the things you might do to promote your new image as a community based small business. Now realize my business is different than your business; we are in the business of Mobile Car Washing and Auto Detailing and your business is quite different. Here is what I would like you to do; take this outline and modify it to fit our small business and then put a paragraph or two next to each item. When you are done you will have a real good community based business strategy and over all plan which will serve your American Dream quite well over the coming years. Think on this and be sure to act on it as well.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY RELATIONS

I. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A. Joining Committees

B. Board Of Directors

C. Grand Openings

D. Neighborhood Mobile Watch

E. Internet Programs

F. Distribution Of Newsletters

G. Membership Drives

H. Logo On Vehicle

I. Meeting With President

J. Meeting With Chairmen

K. Network Other Groups

L. Attending Meetings

M. Referrals – Word Of Mouth

N. Fax Sharing List

II. OTHER IDEAS

A. Fax Business Crime Alert

B. Coupon Books

C. Window Displays

D. Counter Displays

E. Business Card Books

F. Safety Posters For Break Rooms

G. Small File Box With Resumes

H. Human Resources Department Job Referrals

I. Employee Awards

1. Sales Person Of The Month

2. Top Listing Agent

J. TMA-TMO Fundraisers

K. United Way Withholding

L. Magnetic Refrigerator Ads

M. Co-Op Advertising Offers

N. Letter To The Editor

1. You

2. Managers

3. Employees

4. Franchisor

O. Hire A Woman

1. Press Releases

2. Nominate For Awards

P. Nominate People Locally

Q. Be Creative

1. Get In Newsletter

2. Franchisor, Association or Vendor Funding

By: Lance Winslow

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Top Ten Businesses in a Bad Economy

According to One Coach the following businesses tend to succeed during a recession:

1. Business Coaching

2. Business Networking

3. Alternative Fuels

4. Environmental Services

5. Health Care

6. Nail Salons

7. Discount Retailers

8. Luxury Products

9. IT and Technology Services

10. Credit and Debt Management

It is debatable whether Nail Salons and Luxury products truly do succeed in a recession. Item #9 in my view should be ranked higher in the list as businesses utilize technology to become more efficient and profitable during tight, recessionary periods. #3 and 4 are great forward looking businesses, but they carry a premium and subject to positive government policy and regulations. Just know you need to be prepared for the long haul with Alternative Fuels and Environmental Services as demand will ebb and flow directly associated to the whims of the White House and Congress. In addition, during down economies, you will need to aggressively sell how much these businesses can save consumers and businesses money in a significant, quantifiable way, since the offering will be products and services that carry a price premium. Glad to see my business at the top of the list! Businesses find out they need a business consultant and coach during downtimes-the smart ones know this before they get in trouble!

Real World Business Recession Tactics and Strategies

Some areas which Sara Wilson keyed on in the December ’08 Entrepreneur Magazine Article, “Trend: Economy”, which makes a lot of sense in this Economy:

1. A Business Idea that is Working right now: CouponMom

a) Stephanie Nelson started a website that teaches consumers how to save money buying groceries using coupons.

b) 2008 Revenue has doubled and the site had over 1 million unique users in July.

2. Local Scope: Due to financial pressures and an uncertain economic outlook, consumers are spending more time at home and closer to home.

a) Consumers are frequenting local restaurants and entertainment establishments, which are more low key and less expensive.

b) Instead of traveling to Disneyworld, families are utilizing “staycations”, enjoying local area parks, lakes and beaches.

3. Green Business: Organics are and have been exploding in growth and the outlook is very good. People want to eat healthy and feed their family healthy food even when things are tight financially. Green conservation is another growing business niche.

4. Web Business: Why spend large start up dollars on a brick and mortar Business, when you can run the same or similar business from home, utilizing the internet?

a) Web businesses are very competitive and the learning curve is significant if you aren’t familiar with web marketing techniques.

Sara Wilson had another good article, “How are Franchisees Dealing?” in the January ’09 Entrepreneur Magazine that interviewed four different franchise business owners on how they were dealing with obstacles during this current economic slump:

1. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop: The franchisee, Jay Palmer, couldn’t find a loan for a new store. He tried using his home and his parent’s home as collateral and no luck with banks, including trying to obtain an SBA or Corporate loan.

a. The Solution: Mr. Palmer found a personal investor (Angel Investor). The investor came into the shop for a shave and a haircut when Mr. Palmer wasn’t around so he could get a good feel for the business. He ended up investing $150,000 after seeing a steady stream of happy customers and happy, energetic employees. This was a great move on Mr. Palmer’s part, using a track record of success and clearly showing a sharp investor the real deal behind the potential success of his future business opportunity: great service, great product, happy customers and content, energetic employees. In just one site visit and the positive experience with the business’ services, the investor was ready to supply the needed capital even after multiple bank turn-downs.

2. Kitchen Solvers: Franchisees, Carrie and John Borden Kircher, customer niche based changed. Their customer market became price orientated, and the business offers premium kitchen and bath remodeling. Leads dropped 19% and sales are down 25% over the last two years.

a. The Solution: Their solution is rebrand their vans, get new signs; increase letters to past customers; leave a gift with a customer after a job is complete; and working with their franchiser on the operational side of the business. Ok, as a Business Consultant I am going to give my two cents on the Borden Kircher’s proposed solutions:

i. Rebranding Vans and New Signage: In my experienced opinion, this is a waste of money. I would instead spend this money on a new Marketing Plan which concentrates on two areas:

a) How to target higher wealth clients in the market area.

b) How to sell price based customers on why premium services and products can save them money in the long run. Once the new Marketing Strategies bring in profits, then it is a good time to upgrade signs and re-brand with those growth dollars.

ii. Increase Letters to past clients: Ok, but what is the purpose of a letter? The time to ask for referrals is the day the job is completed. When the client is happy with their new Kitchen or Bath. A newsletter with examples of completed jobs and customer testimonials, along with a preferred customer discount coupon, may be more effective in obtaining an add-on sale with an existing customer. A newsletter can also be a forum to introduce other services to current customers which they may not be aware, such as, having an article on the Design Services that Kitchen Solvers offers. The most cost effective, normally highest bang for your marketing buck, are continuing sales to existing customers.

iii. Leaving a Gift Basket with a Customer Post Job Completion: The Borden Kircher’s are looking to implement better customer service and they believe customers are looking for the “Wow” factor. Leaving a gift is not customer service, and the wow factor should be as a result of a beautifully completed job. A Gift Basket will get neither. Customer Service starts at the Sales and Design Stage and continues throughout the job. The business owners showing up on the job to check on things and talk with the client is good customer service. Meeting with the customer in person after a job is completed to go over everything and ensure the client is happy is good customer service (and a great time to drop off the latest company newsletter and ask for several referrals). Customer Service is showing up on the job when the client is unhappy with the contractor’s work. This type of highly motivated customer service will create the Wow factor for Kitchen Solvers, along with a quality, premium, beautiful look in the finished kitchen or bathroom, leaving a lasting impression.

iv. Work on the Operational Side with the Franchisor: This is one of the fantastic advantages a Franchisee can leverage: utilizing the experience and resources of the Franchisor. Some Operational Tips I would make as a Business Consultant:

a) Analyze product costs and see where you can cut costs yet still retain a premium, high-end image with quality products and value added results.

b) Work on a Supplier Business Plan which strengthens your relationship with your suppliers, tapping their assistance, experience, resources and expertise to bring better product offerings to your customers.

c) As previously stated re-work the Marketing Plan, along with making the resulting key changes in the Strategic Plan to better anticipate future market trends and adapt operations more proactively to those indicating trends.

d) Examine the Operational Aspects of the Business Plan to see how you can better bridge the gap between the design sale stage and the install. Customers are more prone to pay a premium for a smooth, effective transition from concept and design to install and completion.

e) Incorporate add-on selling into your Strategic Sales Plan for existing customers. A happy customer is more apt to stick with the same company to continue remodeling, so be sure to have a built in process which engages customers and shows them other remodels you can accomplish for them. Add-on selling takes very little marketing cost for a big return and ties in well with solid customer service.

f) Have the Franchisor witness some sales and installs to see if areas for improvements can be identified. Incorporate these improvements into your Business Plan.

b. My Best Advice: Find a way to sell a premium product and service to higher wealth clientele and offer a product/ service which has a premium look and finish, yet appeals to price conscious customers. Search for innovative suppliers who can help accomplish this mix. Follow-up this new business model with strong customer service throughout all the sale and install stages. Concentrate on a post-completion walk-through which asks for referrals and start the add-on sale process. Follow up with a monthly newsletter which contains add-on ideas and offers a loyal customer discount. The Borken Kircher’s have a lot of challenges in this economy, and as they said, “you can’t just sit around waiting for people to call.” Use this rough patch as a learning experience in staying ahead of changing market trends, analyzing costs and making new plans for future success. A premium product + great customer service + a quality install + great value = a viable business model in any economy. Just don’t wait two years to make changes.

3. The Melting Pot Restaurant: The challenge Franchisee Michael Frampton was facing during the Real Estate Crash in California was establishing the restaurant in a new shopping center when 10 other centers in the area were all opening at the same time. On top of this significant challenge, property taxes went up from $500 a month to $2,500, which meant $2000 a month cost comes straight off the bottom-line, never being budgeted for.

a. Solutions: Mr. Frampton shows why he is going to be a successful business owner. Clear steps and strategies to overcome the current situation:

i. Loyalty Cards: This is a fantastic move. Appreciate your regular customers during the hard times, and they will keep your doors open.

ii. Mass Mailing: Targeted within a 10 mile radius as there are so many competing restaurants in the immediate area. Targeted mailing is measurable, which is key during tough times.

iii. Analyze where you are spending money and the areas which can be controlled (not necessarily cut): Mr. Frampton actually saved $500 a month in focusing on linen costs for towels used to clean the restaurant. He also analyzed energy cost: when they turn on equipment and the length of time it’s used. A third major cost area for restaurants is staffing, which Frampton cost analyzed as well.

iv. New Business Opportunity: He started opening for lunch on Sundays. Why? Probably because customers come after church with their families to enjoy an upscale meal, as do the late weekend risers searching for a good brunch close to home. One of the best analyses a restaurant can perform is looking at the average customer flow, food sales, alcohol sales and costs for each day of the week it is open to determine what days are best to be open and the reasons why. Armed with that information, you can adjust staff schedules, open hours and food prep costs much more strategically. Mr. Frampton apparently thinks the added costs of being open for lunch on Sunday is worth it, based on good cost analysis.

4. EmbroidMe: Wendy and Todd Diskin own a franchise that specializes in promotional solutions for businesses, which includes decorating apparel and screen printing. Their challenge has been rising costs from their suppliers. They have experienced a 5% increase in the Cost of Goods over the last year.

a. Solutions:

i. Competitive Pricing vs. Solution Based: The custom product industry is price competitive. With rising costs, the Diskin’s have provided a more solution based approach so the buying decision isn’t just made on the quote. For instance, if one of their customers is trying to increase readership, they figure out how EmbroidMe products or services can help the client achieve that goal and come up with a program to do so. Then the decision becomes one of “risk and reward and ROI instead of price…” Selling solutions alongside your product and service offerings is a way you can separate your company from the competition and still retain premium pricing in a price based market.

ii. Continuous Marketing Software: This program sends letters and emails so the Diskin’s can “stay in front of their customers on a regular basis without a ton of effort….” This software program keeps the company engaged with customers, giving EmbroidMe first opportunity to make another value added sale or track how customer market trends may be changing.

iii. Vendor Relations: Leveraging a strong advantage franchises have, EmbroidMe Corporate negotiates the best pricing and strategic relationships with suppliers for their franchises. This is a huge advantage as it is a time consuming task and volume pricing from a Global Corporate level is much more advantageous than negotiating on your own as a single business unit. So it is apparent that although COGs has risen, EmbroidMe is still very competitive and successful, even in a recession.

Conclusion:

This article used real world examples and combined it with the business experience of a 20 year veteran Business Consultant to provide you with real world examples and strategies to use in order to start, run or adjust a new or existing business in a struggling economy. In a recent article I discussed Recession Survival Planning, and how it is a must and utilizes good Strategic Planning, Diversification Techniques, Contingency Planning and Cost Management. In another article I discussed various Recession Finance Techniques for your business which are particularly good during a Recession, which include Networking, Supplier Finance, Lease Finance and Local Business Loans. To conclude in this article, I identified certain types of businesses which excel in an Economic Downturn and why they are successful. My best advice for starting or operating a business during Recessionary times is as follows:

1. This Recession will have an impact for at least 3 years. So keep that in mind when planning for your business.

2. Track record, Experience, Niche Market Identification and Cash Flow are keys in raising funds for your business.

3. Solid, Comprehensive Business Planning, along with realistic, accurate Market Planning and Financial Forecasts are very critical during challenging economic times. An effective Strategic Plan is integrally important in bridging the gap between a Marketing Strategy and Realistic Financial Forecasting.

4. Out of the box thinking: For Brick and Mortar Companies, key on strong local areas and/or utilize the web to efficiently bring a product or service to the market.

5. Price Competitiveness becomes less important if you sell value-added business solutions to your customers and have tight controls on costs.

By: Frank Goley

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Financial Crisis

It’s certainly no secret now that we are all experience a global economic crisis of unmet proportion. While we all hear talk on the evening financial news about an apparent recovery, I don’t think any of us have yet to see actual signs of that. Learning about what a recession is and how to overcome its effects can go a long way in developing best business in recession times strategies.

So What is a Recession?

We’ve all heard much talk about recessions, depressions and economic recover periods but what exactly do they all mean? In order to define recession we must first learn about its main indicator, the Gross Domestic Product or GDP.

A nation’s gross domestic product is the amount it produces within its territorial boundaries. In other words, it only takes into consideration what is produced in that specific country as opposed to the companies who operate overseas.

During a recession, a nation’s GDP falls steadily, but by less than 10 percent, over a period of months. A depression is defined when the GDP falls by 10 percent or more and is sustained over a period of several years.

Protecting Your Business

While it may seem counter intuitive, the absolute worst thing any business can do during a recession is to cut back on their marketing efforts. Studies show that companies who maintain or increase their marketing budgets enjoy an average growth rate of over 200 times those who pulled back on marketing.

Ramping up your marketing efforts to maintain best business in recession results doesn’t mean simply throwing more money into the budget. Now is the best time to carefully analyze each of your marketing methods and make sure that you are getting value for your investment. Be frugal but be bold.

Another crucial element of self preservation no matter what the economy is doing is to educate yourself about the mechanisms of our economic and monetary systems. The better we understand the causes and effects, the more we can insulate ourselves from them.

Grow, Learn, Master

Through knowledge, personal growth and mastery of the aspects of your business that still need improving upon, you can not only protect yourself but build the best business in recession times that can surpass your expectations and help you achieve your goals. There are many resources online that can give you the information you need to move forward. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities and strategies to turn the tables on the recession and build your wealth today.

By: Ylva Jansson

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