Marketing Basics to Start Strong in 2011 

 As you prepare for a successful 2011, are you asking yourself some of the same exact questions as this time last year:

"Where and how do I get good ideas?"

"What's the best way to reach my prospects?"

"Am I really targeting the right people? "

"How am I going to find time to get it all done?"

Most of us have asked these questions, and more, related to creating and implementing a marketing plan. The bottom line is unless you dive in and do something, you may be asking the same questions again next year at this time.

Here is a short list of five valuable activities to jump start your marketing plan for 2011.

Define/Refine your Unique Marketing Message

One of the most crucial pieces of your Marketing Plan, not to mention your overall Business Plan, is your message, which defines and communicates what you offer and why people should get it from you instead of your competitors.

Define/Refine your Target Market

If you are talking to the wrong people, who cares what your message is? Just as important as your message, a well defined target market helps you focus on the right people and maximizes your time and money by preventing you from scattering your resources in a shotgun approach, blindly hoping you'll hit something (or somebody!).

Create an Editorial Calendar

A simple concept, but also a major stumbling block, having no ideas documented in advance can ruin your best marketing intentions. At the most basic, you should have a simple chart with a year (or a quarter at a time) blocked out in months or weeks, filled in with ideas of what content you want to communicate and the method you will use in which to communicate.

Do a Survey

All marketing planning and decision making relies on good information. Where do you get your information? Developing a client/customer/vendor survey provides an invaluable source of gathering key information to guide you in all your marketing efforts.

Create a Networking/Referral Plan

Whether all your business comes from referrals or not, it is wise to create a networking/referral plan to leverage your time and the time of your sales and/or marketing staff. Review past networking efforts to determine what is worth continuing next year. Also think about how your existing contacts (clients, friends, colleagues, vendors, etc.) could be great referral partners for you. Create a plan to engage these people and stay in touch.

While this list is certainly not all-inclusive, any of these activities will get you moving and inspire you to think in "marketing mode." If you need assistance in fine tuning your marketing strategies, we're as close as your telephone or email! 

Happy New Year and best wishes for a successful 2011!