January 25th, 2010
When brainstorming marketing prerogatives for the New Year, keep in mind the power of relationships.
 Build Trust, Build Brand Talking to people is a free marketing tool. It can often lead to meaningful connections, referrals, or at the very least, beginning a rapport with someone as you enhance the credibility of your business or brand. Nothing is more effective than building relationship, having conversations and making connections.
So get out there! Develop a monthly networking calendar, go out with the right mentality, build your network, jump into the conversation, and put a friendly, receptive face to your brand. If you are feeling really ambitious, host a meet up event and bring the people to you. By distinguishing yourself as a go-getting networker, you will put yourself in great a position to get more business.
With that said, it is important not to forget about your current customers. Developing a relationship built on trust through honest interaction and clear responsive communication, your clients will see your worth and value your advice. People are more likely to work with someone they trust and have a personal relationship with, than those they do not.
Tags: cheap marketing, cost effective marketinging, distiguishing brand, event networking, power of relationships
Posted in Branding, Marketing, Small Business News, Strategy | No Comments »
January 22nd, 2010
2010 is the year that online marketing trends really take off. Businesses, moms, companies, vendors, consumers are all out there cruising the web. Twitter, Facebook, Google, iPhone apps, Bogs, YouTube: are the new vernacular and everybody using it and doing it. If you are out to market your goods, turn on your computer and get to work.
With real time benefits, more interaction and connectivity, and audience engagement, online marketing has become more hands on than ever before. For the first time, business can begin to understand their audience in an up close and personal manner. Who they are, where they spend their time online and how they spend their money–and use that knowledge to create strategy accordingly. Business have already started to employ SEO, RSS syndication, bookmarking, pull marketing, and audience sourcing through Social Media  platforms to get their products/services directly to their market.
It is important to remember, although marketing is taking a turn to digital, creating synergy between online and traditional campaigns is still crucial to effectively reaching your marketing aspirations. By employing traditional techniques like using a consistent brand and message identity across all channels and understanding objectives and metrics, utilizing these tools to the online sphere will boost any marketing campaign.
Tags: audience engagement, online marketing trends, SEO, small business, social media, Strategy, synergy
Posted in Branding, Marketing, Small Business News, Strategy | No Comments »
January 13th, 2010
One of the most cost-efficient ways of entering into the New Year is developing a solid business and marketing strategy. While it may be time consuming, the time spent developing a strong plan of attack, will not only save you money all year long, but it will give you a clear vision of how you will reach your revenue goals.
Developing an approach is a lot like performing detective work; you have to become the Sherlock Holmes of strategy. Asking the right questions, uncovering clues of the market, understanding the players involved all in order to obtain the correct answers to solve your business case.
Strategy begins with research. Good ole’ fashion research it acts as your magnifying glass for analyzing the market, recognizing and learning from competitors and having a thorough understanding of your target audience and how to reach them. By defining your customer, identifying who they are, how they make their purchasing decisions, what demographic they are in, will allow you to strategize an effective plan around how you will reach them and secure their business.
After discovering the aspects of the market you can then determine a realist budget
 Thinking like Holmes for your marketing campaigns and prioritize where you should focus your assets and attention on.
Sherlock gets it when he says, “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. (A Scandal in Bohemia)” So go out there and get your data and form your theories of how you will succeed in this New Year.
Tags: business strategy, Cost-efficent, marketing campaigns, marketing strategy, research, target market
Posted in Branding, Marketing, Small Business News, Strategy | 1 Comment »
January 8th, 2010
We’ve all made our New Year’s Resolutions: eat healthier, save money, join a book club, spend more time with family. Having this firmness of purpose is what is so exhilarating about resolutions. Why stop at personal resolutions, why not apply them to your business? This year make determined resolves for your business.
It’s a New Year. A clean slate, a fresh start. New goals, objectives, ambitions, and metrics. While we slowly climb out of this recession, now is the time to focus on cost-effective solutions that will jump-start the New Year and allow you to make the most of your resources and get you to where you need and want to be. The New Year allows you to refocus, update expectations, set new benchmarks and ultimately strategize how you will reach your aspirations for the year. Where to begin?
Start at your vision statement. Where do you see your business headed? How do you want it to operate? What will it be in the future? What are your core values and how can those attributes make your vision a reality? After defining your vision and clearly articulating it, move on to your mission statement.
Compose your mission statement with your vision in mind. Ask yourself what the main strategic intent of your business is. What are your essential competencies? By understanding your purpose and aim as a company, and using your attributes to your advantage you can set focused, targeted goals.
New Year’s Resolutions have a bum rap for always getting thrown out the window around week three. This year, resolve to stay on track.
 Mission Statements Inlaid with Vision
Tags: Business, core values, cost-effective, goals, mission statement, New Year resolutions, Strategy, vision statement
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December 16th, 2009
 Holiday shopping is calling, your dry cleaning is waiting and you are ready for VACATION! But wait, before leaving for the holidays, roll up your selves, dedicate some time and clean your desk to start the New Year off organized and ready to be productive.
• As simple as it sounds: file your papers! While most of your documents may be digital, those papers stacking up on your desk are there for a reason (and if they are not, recycle them and get rid of them). Categorize those that do serve a purpose; put them in folders and make them accessible.
• Do a quick inventory of what you are missing and what you may need for the New Year. Staples, tape, screen cleanser, you name it, make a list and inform the appropriate people in charge of supplies.
• Get rid of clutter. If the business cards you obtained from all your networking meetings are scattered, its time to enter the data into your contact management system and store the cards in a particular place. If they are transferred digitally, you may even be able to toss the card to eliminate even more clutter.
• Look at your computer desktop. Is it overflowing with documents that can be placed elsewhere in more specific files? You be the judge, but having a clean computer desktop makes finding folders easier, not to mention it is aesthetically pleasing.
• Make a quick reminder list of meetings, phone calls or any other follow-ups that you have to do after the holidays.
• Last but not least, wipe-down your workspace: desk, computer screen, keyboard, chair, and anything else you want squeaky clean.
Now go enjoy your holidays!!
Tags: holidays, Management, New Year, organization, small business
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December 14th, 2009
During the rush of the holiday season, in the midst of shopping trips, holiday parties, clearing off your desk and ramping up for the New Year, don’t forget to find special ways to thank those who have been by your side all year long: your team. This is the perfect time of year to show your team you care and there are a variety of ways to show appreciation for those who help you all year round.
Can’t afford to give your team a traditional Holiday Bonus? Times are tough. But, there are other ways to reward your staff that are cost-effective.
Team Gifts
Buy a nice gift for members of your staff. Gifts are often cheaper when bought in bulk, so you can afford to splurge on a few cases of wine or a large order of fruit baskets. Get creative and make your own gift baskets or packages. Really tight on cash? Reward your staff with company coupon books redeemable for extra personal days or half days. (Just make sure everyone is clear on the parameters for redeeming them!)
Internal Greetings
Send out a mass email of holiday e-cards (or mail handwritten cards) to members of your staff the day before people start leaving for the holidays. Check out Hallmark or 123 Greetings for cost-effective e-cards.
Create a Holiday Atmosphere
 A few weeks prior to the holidays, stay late one night and decorate the office with non-denominational holiday decorations. Your team will arrive the next day and be surprised by how beautiful the office look. This will create a wonderful mood around the office. Play holiday music during the day for an extra touch and keep a stash of fresh-baked cookies and hot beverages in the break room.
Throw a Party!
Your holiday soiree doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive to be fun. In fact, your team may appreciate a more laid-back holiday celebration in lieu of having to buy a new outfit and get all dressed up. Throw the bash in your company conference room or at a nearby bar. If the party is after-hours, let your team bring guests. Host a Holiday Happy Hour at your favorite local watering hole. As long as you provide plenty of snacks and drinks, your party is sure to be a hit. (Check out our blog on hosting the perfect holiday party!)
Bring your Team Together
 The holidays are all about bonding and togetherness with those you care about throughout the year. Plan fun activities outside the office to make memories for your team. Try bringing your team holiday caroling or ice-skating on a Saturday afternoon. Team up for a good cause by volunteering at a local soup kitchen or having an office-wide holiday toy drive. (Offer prizes to bring a friendly competitive spirit.) Start a Secret Santa tradition and bring the holiday spirit to life in your office.
Regardless of how you spread holiday cheer throughout the work place, don’t forget to find small ways to thank your team for their year of service and to get your whole office excited for what 2010 will bring.
Tags: holiday atmosphere, holiday party, holidays, office, office holiday
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December 9th, 2009
 Office holiday parties are an excellent way to boost employee morale and head into the New Year revived and passionate about your company goals. To be the hostess (or host!) of the mostest, follow these simple tips and get your party on:
• The first thing you must determine as host is your budget. After analyzing your budget and working out what you can afford, determine whether this is a formal or casual party. From there you can ascertain where to host it, what to serve and begin sending out invites to your guests informing them on the shindig’s vibe.
• If you are planning on serving alcohol, it is vital that you provide transportation for guests to get home safely. Whether you create a designating driving system or offering pre-paid cabs, you don’t want to worry about how your fellow employees are going to get home.
• When considering decorations, be conscious of your employees’ beliefs and keep the holiday theme neutral.
• Music should not be too loud. After all, you want your guests to be able to interact without shouting.
• Make sure to take photos at your party and post them on your company website.
• It’s your party, enjoy yourself, engage, mingle with your guests and have fun!
Tags: holiday party, host, Management, office holiday party, office party, small business
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December 7th, 2009
 Cheer, merriment and good spirit are circulating the chilly air and the company holiday party is right around the corner. This is a perfect opportunity to socialize with your co-workers, make great impressions on your superiors and get to know the people you work with outside of business small talk. You get that invitation, first things first: RSVP and utilize these tips to be a great gracious guest.
• It’s a holiday party, dress festively. That does not mean sporting a Santa suite, but a classy, generally semi-formal, company appropriate outfit should be your go-to.
• These are social events, so by all means socialize, laugh, sing a holiday tune if the opportunity presents itself, but keep in mind that you are at a company function and the decisions you make should be responsible and respectable.
• With that in mind, no one likes a stiff at a party, so enjoy yourself. Don’t structure all talk about work, deadlines and bosses, but rather, use this as a way find other common interests with your fellow employees. How are your kids? Did you see that game? We go skiing in Vail every year, how about you?
• Bringing a tasteful gift is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for the party and for being a part of the company.
• Showing a genuine interest in co-workers and involving everyone in conversation will keep the party going. No one likes to feel like the odd ball out, save that for Jr. High dances.
• Use the holiday party as a venue to speak with those who you don’t usually interact with. Schmooze with the President or other departments, look at this as an opportunity to network within your company. Making a connection on a personal level, in some cases, can give you an advantage.
• Don’t go overboard with the free drinks and food. Especially if you are going to use this as a networking forum, moderation is something to tactfully employ.
• Most of all, have fun! Take advantage of this treat and be thankful for it!
Tags: business networking, holiday season, networking, office Christmas party, office holiday party, small business
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December 3rd, 2009
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Don’t let the daunting task of making out holiday cards for clients, colleagues and contacts dampen your holiday spirit! There are many ways that you can spread holiday cheer through e-blasts, online and handwritten cards without breaking the holiday office mood (or the bank!)
Holiday E-Blast
A holiday e-blast is a great way to wish all of your contacts well for the holidays. Remember when Mom used to write that holiday newsletter to family and friends you may have lost touch with throughout the year? Send out a cheerful holiday newsletter to all of those in your “company family” with an update on the success of your company for the past year and maybe a sneak peek for the New Year. Encourage contacts to write back and share their triumphs and setbacks from the past year. As the end of the year draws closer, reflecting on the good and bad of 2009 can bring you together and renew the sense of hope for 2010.
Online Cards
Another fun (and cheap!) way to keep in touch over the holiday season is to send online greeting cards to your contact book. These can be personalized and sent individually or more generic and sent to a large number of contacts to save time. Make sure that you pick an greeting card template that is in line with your brand identity and is warm, but professional. (Leave all cartoons and humorous cards at the door, or for contacts with which you have a more established rapport.) Free and inexpensive e-cards can be found at the Hallmark website or at 123 Greetings.
 Handwritten Cards
Unless you want a writer’s cramp, save personalized, handwritten cards for those very special clients with whom you have a longstanding relationship. Go to your local card shop or check out Cards Direct.com and pick up a box of inexpensive greeting cards (again professional and consistent with your brand) and spend a slow Friday afternoon with some holiday music writing greeting cards. If you have a lot of cards to write, enlist a few of your team members with more free time to give you a hand or lick a few stamps. Feeling ambitious? Take a team photo and send out photo greeting ca rds to clients who know your team well.
Client Gifts
If budget allows, send top-tier clients a small holiday gift. Make a list of all new and current clients with whom you’ve kept a relationship throughout the past year, include key players in the company, as well as any management representatives with which your company has closely worked. Your gifts don’t have to be extravagant, but make sure they are from the heart. Here are a few inexpensive, but tasteful, client holiday gift ideas. To save a few bucks, get some of the craftier members of your team together after work one evening for some hot cocoa and gift-making time. This will create a team bond and give each member the feeling that they are contributing to the holiday celebrations. For crafty gift ideas check out the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Network–and don’t forget good food is always a big hit!
Whether you send your client a free online card to purchase a gift, make sure that you take a moment this holiday season to give back to your clients.
Tags: 123 Greetings, client gifts, client holiday gift, CRM, e-marketing, eMarketing, greeting cards, holiday cards, holiday gift basket, holiday gifts, online greeting cards
Posted in Management | 1 Comment »
December 1st, 2009
 As a manager, it’s your job to spread holiday cheer around the office and to your clients. Keep the spirit merry by being culturally sensitive to the beliefs of your clients and colleagues. Make sure that your holiday festivities include everyone in the office. Remember, there are other holidays in December besides Christmas. Here are a few quick tips to keeping the holiday spirit alive and well in your office, without crossing any boundaries.
1. Christmas, Channukkah, Kwanzaa, oh my! With so many wonderful holiday traditions in December, it can be hard to keep them all straight. But, it’s important to do your homework and read up on December holidays your employees may celebrate. For example, did you know that December l3th is Saint Lucia day, a national holiday celebrated in Sweeden? Brush up on your cultural awareness to make the holiday season merry for everyone in the office.
2. Have international employees or interns? Here’s your quick guide to how holidays (Christmas, in particular) are celebrated around the world. Make co-workers from around the world feel right at home by integrating traditions from different countries into your holiday festivities.
3. Decorate the office using non-denominational decorations. Snowflakes and snowmen are great examples of universal decorations that keep the office festive, but are not tied to one specific holiday. Avoid putting a Christmas tree or holiday-specific decoration in a central location.
4. Have a pre-holiday meeting with your staff. Make sure that you communicate openly with your employees about what is and is not appropriate during the holiday season. You don’t want co-works unintentionally offending each other at the happiest time of year.
5. Don’t be afraid to celebrate! Once the terms are set and everyone is on-board with creating a culturally-sensitive holiday environment, feel free to let loose! Host a holiday party, plan intra-office get-togethers outside the office or even set an extra cheerful tone around the office as the holidays approach. As they say, “‘Tis the season to be jolly!”
Tags: Chanukkah, Christmas, CRM, cultural sensitivity, December, Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, holidays, Kwanzaa
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