Marketing Plan
Comedians tell us that at the heart of all comedy is truth. There are some very funny commercials that celebrate small businesses. One of my favorites….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo68tKNsQQ4
As a small business owner who serves small businesses, many small business owners rely heavily on reputation marketing. Family, friends, and colleagues are our early customers.
It makes sense to market to those that know us and love us because they will take the leap of faith and try our products and services before others do.
Then there is the moment when business comes from “word of mouth”, our family, friends, and colleagues have recommended our products or services to people they know. It feels good because their reputations are on the line as well, and this shows that they value and trust us.
Unless we are Beyoncé, our circle of family and friends are limited. As small business owners we need to keep our momentum going, and the tool for creating momentum is a marketing plan. It’s best to do it when business is good to avoid any preventable dips in sales.
Entrepreneur Magazine explains why:
“Everyone knows you need a business plan, yet many entrepreneurs don’t realize a marketing plan is just as vital. Unlike a business plan, a marketing plan focuses on winning and keeping customers; it’s strategic and includes numbers, facts and objectives. A good marketing plan spells out all the tools and tactics you’ll use to achieve your sales goals. It’s your plan of action—what you’ll sell, who’ll want to buy it and the tactics you’ll use to generate leads that result in sales.”
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/241953
Take the time to create a simple marketing plan. Look at your numbers, at minimum, once a quarter then adjust your plan. Actions taken today help you avoid a very un-funny situation, a drop-off in sales.
by Janedra Sykes
