| March 2009
Sponsor |
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Frank's Digital Printing has been providing quality services to our customers for years. We offer total quality management and personalized customer service with strict attention to detail.
At Frank's Digital Printing we have built our business on integrity & prompt efficient service. Our team has been providing high-quality reprographics to Aurora and the surrounding area for many years.
Other services offered are banners, billboards, yard signs, flyers, magnetic signs, vehicle graphics, laminating, digital cad plotting, scanning and much more.
723 Aurora Ave, Aurora, Il 60505
Tel: 630.892.2511
Fax: 630.801.1990
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:00
Saturdays by Apointment only
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| Success Story |
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"It has been my pleasure to work closely with JJR Marketing Consultantants. It is obvious in my opinion, that Jackie is an incredibly motivated and talented individual. She is extremely enthusiastic about her career which allows her to incorporate her creative energy into everything she does. Together with their motivation and brilliant creativity, JJR Marketing Consultants have truly helped point my business in the right direction. Therefore, I am extremely happy to recommend their team for any and every marketing need."
Katie
Salon Two Nine Owner |
| Our Team |
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Jacqueline
Make-It-Happen Director
Deborah
Account Executive
Juan Pablo
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Proud Members of:
Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Westmont Chamber of Commerce
Northern IL Food Service Executives Assoc.
Toastmasters International |
| Quick Links |
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To view any of our previous Make It Happen! Newsletters please click here...
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Inspiration for you! |
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"My experience has shown me that the people who are exceptionally good in business aren't so because of what they know but because of their insatiable need to know more. "
-- Michael Gerber | |
FIVE COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS IN AN ECONOMIC DOWN TURN
by Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz
As a marketing agency, we understand the challenges that small to medium-sized businesses face. If we add the current economic down turn to the mix, it might seem like a very gloomy outlook. The good news is that it is NOT gloomy; in fact, the situation that our economy is facing today presents some very interesting opportunities. If we go back in history to the recession that took place in 1981-82 and according to a study of McGraw-Hill Research, business-to-business firms that maintained or increased their advertising expenditures, averaged significantly higher sales growth, both during the recession and for the following three years. Their sales rose 256% over those who decreased or eliminated their advertising during the recession. Advertising and marketing during difficult times solidifies customer base and allows businesses to gain market share.
Now, the question is, what advertising / marketing activities can a business engage in to thrive in this economic situation?
Here, we present 5 ways that you can reach your marketing goals.
1.
Create a Marketing Plan
How can you get there, if you don't know where you're going? This is a fundamental step to the success of any business, large or small. Focus is a component that many businesses miss. The strategic plan should include a concise definition of the businesses current state, goals and objectives. In addition, the market segments must be defined along with the key messages and the vehicle/media to reach them. A common mistakes that businesses make is to allow the media to choose them. Let your marketing plan be the roadmap to success in 2009.
2.
Strategic Partnerships
Partner up with local businesses.
Now more than ever it is extremely important to maximize your co-op opportunities to market your business. A great way to do this is by creating a consortium with other local businesses. A consortium works like this: you create a pool of funds available to market in conjunction with other businesses in your local area. For example, local businesses in related industries might create a consortium with the theme of "your local destination for family fun" featuring a kid-friendly restaurant, indoor miniature golf, go carts (all nearby). Once you define your theme, you can proceed by selecting which vehicle to use to market. Some examples are: direct mail (within a 5 to 10 mile radius), local newspaper ad, public relations campaign, and eblasts. By doing so, you are attracting local families to your business and gaining market share; all without breaking the bank and at a fraction of the cost. Remember that all businesses involved would participate with equal funding.
3.
Social Networks/Maximize Exposure
The future of technology is here now. It is crucial to embrace this fact and incorporate it in the way that you market to specifc segments. Avenues such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are prime examples of a cost-effective way to connect to colleagues, business partners and possible clients on a new wave of technology. Some benefits of social media include, but are not limited to: networking, event invitations, third-party endorsements, information sharing, special
interest group participation, lead / prospect sharing, etc. Embrace technology!
4. Enhance Exposure by Implementing Non-Traditional Communication Channels
As technology evolves, so do the options to market your business. Consider an integrated marketing multi-channel marketing campaign. For example, the combination of a direct mail campaign with intelligent bar coding. Try: voice messaging, fax blasts, Eblast and text messaging campaigns i.e. Business Link.
On average, people need to see you 5-7 times to remember you, but not just in one medium. Incorporating multiple channels to your campaign makes it more effective.
5.
Establish a Client Relationship Management Program
Now more than ever, it is crucial to maintain your customer base and gain market share. This economy presents a great opportunity to do so via marketing. Creating an emotional connection with your clients ensures that they not only think of you when they need your products/ services, but keep you are at the fore front of their mind, when somebody else they know needs you too. It costs 7 times more to find a new customer than keeping your existing customers. An example of how you can establish an emotional connection with your current customer base is conducting a birthday mailer program. It has been proven that birthday initiatives are one of the most efficient ways to gain additional business. Why? Because you tap into the emotional level of your customer. Eblasts, in-house collateral, website promotions, and quarterly newsletters are all great ways to stay in touch with your most valuable asset: your customers!
Your opportunity to shine, as a business, is right now! Think outside the box and remember that this is the best time to gain market share over your competitors.
Will you take advantage of this great opportunity in disguise?
We are available to discuss.
Sincerely,
Jacquelyn Camacho-Ruiz
Make-It-Happen Director
JJR Marketing Consultants LLC
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