February 13, 2008
- Reflections on the 80/20 Rule
You might have heard of the Pareto Principle, which is also referred to as the 80/20 Rule. Now, the Pareto Principle says that 80 percent of your results come from 20 percent of your efforts.
February 9, 2008
- The Benefits of Spaghetti Marketing
Spaghetti Marketing refers to the idea that you throw out a whole lot of marketing, and you see what sticks. So, the symbol, or the example would be that you throw a pot of spaghetti against the wall, and you see what sticks to it. So, the concept of Spaghetti Marketing is actually useful in a couple of situations.
January 23, 2008
- Small Favor and Free Gift
Would you have 10 minutes to do me a small favor? I've put together a short survey on your business sales and marketing because I'm interested in learning more about you and your business. This will help me provide timely, relevant, and helpful content.
June 19, 2007
- Authority Summit 2007 is coming up!
The 2007 Authority Summit is coming up, with a whole line-up of well known online marketers. I've already bought my ticket and can't wait for the event. I attended last year and it was a really great experience, with lots of online marketing specific content. You know how you sometimes attend conferences and there isn't really anything you can immediately use? The Authority Summit is different. I, myself, applied just a few of the techniques I learned there and my site traffic increased more than 10x soon after, just on one website. If you've been floundering around on the internet…
November 18, 2005
- View your marketing from the outside in.
Ask your best customers what they like about your marketing- after all, you want to attract more people like them, right? Ask if you can spend 10-15 minutes on the phone asking how your business can better serve them.
October 13, 2005
- Borrow from other industries.
Your marketing, like your business, sometimes needs a bit of upgrading, updating, or freshening. Another way to keep your marketing fresh is to borrow from other industries.
June 29, 2005
- Don't be afraid to start over.
Every few months or so, I get the urge to "start over" with my marketing. What this means, essentially, is that I look at all the marketing avenues I'm currently using, and ask myself these questions: 1) Am I still enjoying this marketing avenue? (Because if you don't enjoy it, it's not worth it) 2) Is this marketing avenue effectively bringing me enough return?
May 19, 2005
- Do more of what works.
It's a good idea for every small business owner to periodically evaluate their current marketing strategies with a focus on pruning back what isn't working so there is more time to focus on what is.
February 14, 2005
- Make thoughtful use of relevant holidays.
Well, I don't know about you, but I sure have gotten a lot of email today wishing me Happy Valentine's Day. The email has ranged from personal good wishes (which I love) to tons of marketing geared to letting me know how much I'm loved and valued by various people. Now, I have no problem with being loved and valued (good to know, right?)- except- and this is a big thing- when everyone who is "loving and valuing me" is sending me the EXACT SAME EMAIL as everyone else. How loved and valued do I feel now? Not very- and this is an important aspect of your marketing to pay attention to.
February 10, 2005
- Keep a small notebook handy to capture ideas.
Keep a small notebook handy to capture your marketing and business ideas.
February 9, 2005
- Collect stats and facts all the time.
When you read an interesting fact or statistic about your industry, capture it- either rip it out, or write it down.
February 1, 2005
- Artist's dates to replenish your creativity.
There may be times in your business when you feel like you've already done everything you know how to do, and yet, still, your business isn't quite where you want it to be (yet!). When this happens, I think of it as the "marketing well running dry."
January 18, 2005
- The marketing plateau.
The marketing plateau refers to that point where you've implemented all the marketing avenues you can think of, and now you're just waiting for the results to start pouring in. When reaching this plateau, some people will feel relaxed and gratified- they know they've done their best, and they expect positive results. For these people, the plateau may represent a welcome "break in the action"- giving them a chance to regather their energies and refocus their efforts.
December 21, 2004
- Find newsworthy angles.
An extremely effective strategy for keeping your marketing fresh is to start looking for newsworthy angles in your own business. What is your business doing which is new, interesting, or exciting?
December 17, 2004
- Planning Your Marketing for 2005 III
Idea #3: Look where you can update your current marketing avenues. Find ways to use the same process, but in a new way.
December 16, 2004
- Planning Your Marketing for 2005 II
Idea #2: Look at what marketing avenues bring you return and are easy and enjoyable for you.
December 15, 2004
- Planning Your Marketing for 2005 I
Yes! In the midst of winding down 2004, preparing for the holidays, and dealing with a bit of mental and physical slowdown, it's time to don the superhero outfit and also start planning your marketing for 2005.
December 3, 2004
- How to Stay Creative
By taking time, each week, to read, think, maybe watch TV or a movie or two, to do some research and surf the internet (in reasonable amounts, of course!),
November 4, 2004
- Planning for 2005
The only constant is that something is always changing.
November 2, 2004
- Finding Hidden Opportunities to Market Yourself
Where might there be hidden opportunities for you to market yourself? Are you making good use of your voicemail- perhaps adding information about special deals or discounts?
