RICHARD ASSOCIATES
Marketing Consulting
 
The Grapevine
November 2009
In This Issue
Lectures
Marketing Planning
Networking Tip
Interesting Tidbits
Be Thankful
Lectures

Susan Richard photo 
Make Your  Marketing Plan a "Success" Plan!
Women's Business Forum
James Lorah House
Doylestown
Wednesday, Dec. 2
8-9 am
 
Marketing pros Susan Richard of Richard Associates and Pam Carroll of Carroll Consulting Group will lead a dynamic discussion to help you position your business for success in the new year. Participants will leave with strategies to implement over the next 4 weeks. Make 2010 your best year yet!
 
Richard Associates specializes in results-oriented marketing efforts.
 
Our services include: 
  • Strategic Consulting Sessions
  • Marketing Plans
  • Marketing Program Execution
  • Business Image Consulting
  • Lectures
Quick Links...
Greetings!

It's time to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we would like to achieve in the coming year. We have many reasons to be thankful and a lot to look forward to.
 
In the new year, how can you speak to your audience more effectively? Marketing helps us to find creative and innovative ways to reach our customers. It creates awareness and conveys who we are and what our product or service is. In your planning process, review this year's efforts and see if they produced new business for you. If not, reallocate your budget to weigh more heavily on what worked or to try new media outlets.
 
At Richard Associates, we specialize in results-oriented marketing efforts, so that you can make informed business decisions about future advertising and how to reach your customer. 
 
Planning is vital to your business. In this newsletter, I've included ways to plan your marketing efforts, a networking tip, and some interesting tidbits. I hope you enjoy!
 
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Susan Richard
Marketing Planning
Plan now for 2010 and feel confident right from the start of the new year.
   
Set goals to promote your business effectively:
To achieve success, you need a vision for your business, which requires planning. List priorities for your lifestyle and create timelines to achieve each goal. What would you like to happen? Maybe it's increased foot traffic in your store, or introducing a new product line, or expanding your locations. All of these require developing a marketing strategy and budget. 
 
Prioritize marketing and advertising efforts:
With expanded media and cable channels, consumers are now choosing which ads to pay attention to. They are not able to reflect on or respond to every ad they see. Do your ads create interest? Take a look at your current efforts and if you are not getting the results and viable leads you need, what can you do differently? By focusing on your ideal client and what is meaningful to them, you can create a message that resonates with your audience. Decide which media outlets work best for your business and go for it!
 
Create a referral network that works for you:
In order to get referrals, you need to provide outstanding service. Contact your current clients to survey them about their experience with your business. Are you meeting promised deadlines? Have there been any service issues? What do they like best about your company and why have they stayed with you? Once you know the answers, you will be able to emphasize these traits in your networking efforts. In addition, a survey provides an opportunity to ask your clients for a referral or testimonial, which leads to new business.
Networking Tip
Keep in touch with former colleagues  
Touch base with former co-workers, clients, and vendors. With the help of social media, email, or even a greeting card, it's easy to connect with people we may not have seen in a while.
 
Now is a great time to renew relationships and make a concerted effort to stay in touch. You never know who may have a quality lead or referral for your business.
Interesting Tidbits
Asking for Referrals
To grow our businesses, we know we should ask for referrals. Be specific when requesting them by describing your ideal client or mentioning a situation where your contact may meet a potential referral. Here's an article that provides more information on who to ask and how to do it.
 
Thank You Etiquette
Expressing your gratitude should be personal and convey thoughtfulness. For additional tips on writing great thank you notes, read this article. Your friends will thank you for it!
Be Thankful
Say thanks to those who have helped you Fall Squash
We all lead busy lives. Take a moment to let others know that you are grateful for their help throughout the year. Friends, colleagues, business partners, associates, and vendors all appreciate knowing they have a role in your success.
Get the attention you deserve!
 
Specializing in direct marketing, we focus your marketing dollars on results-oriented promotional efforts. Richard Associates also provides strategic advertising guidance for small to mid-size businesses. So whether you're just starting up or need a jumpstart, we can help you plan ahead and allocate your marketing budget to get the attention you deserve!
 
Richard Associates
618 Palmer Lane
Yardley, PA 19067
215-595-8959