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Welcome to Armstrong Beech Marketing
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Greetings!
Practising what you preach doesn't always happen - apologies for the rather long gap since my last email But I'm pleased to have been busy!
Thinking towards 2010, what makes a company exceptional, in commercial terms? Generally, they have more customers. But it's not by chance. They use good marketing to get them. For your New Year's Resolution, make marketing one of the key elements of your every day thinking about your business and continually try new methods to communicate and then test.
Think about what you did in 2009 ...
- traditional newspaper advertising
- radio and TV
- direct sales - with real people
- telesales
- internet pay per click
- email marketing
- web site banner
- attended trade shows
- networking
What worked best for you? What are you planning to try in 2010? Try at least one of these every month but always trial something new before adopting it in a big way. Need help? Just give me a call. Getting your message out in several media is the ideal so that you're always on people's radar!
I went to a Q&A session in Bristol recently with Alan Sugar - now Baron Sugar of Clapton - arranged by GWE. When asked for his greatest marketing tips it was "to do more of what is working for you". He wanted facts, not anecdotes; he said to focus on what you are doing right, and commended hard work. Nothing new then !!! |
Sebastian Coe
Former Olympic champion, politician and businessman Sebastian Coe shares the secrets of his success and provides his tips on leadership skills.Click here for details. |
Dennis Turner, Senior Economist, HSBC
If you missed his recent visits to Swindon recently, here's his slides from his presentation. |
...40% stated that finding more customers was key.
Some stats I read recently from a survey of approx 2,500 SME owner managers showed that the number 1 priority for 40% of them was to get more customers. I would be thrilled to work with you on your marketing in order to achieve this..... Just call 07789 778 335.
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Showing your customers you care
It's a staggering 60/65% of customers who leave a supplier because of a feeling of indifference and I've done that twice this last month. This last year has been tough but it's not going to be plain sailing yet. So, do check out those renewals and before letting them carry on, just check that there isn't a better deal out there.
After 25 years I'm moving from the AA. How stupid some will say to stay for that long, but sometimes you just do. Of course they want to match my new quote but I don't want that. I want a company that would have said - "You've been with us for 25 years and that's just amazing (these days!) To show you how much we appreciate you and have valued your business all these years, have XXX months membership on us" - well, pigs might fly!
And I'm changing mobile supplier from a business I have used for the last ten years - again a feeling of lack of being valued, pricing and emails that don't help me as a small business user of mobiles. If you want to know more, let me know.
Conversely an Inn with rooms I'm working with is offering its loyalty card customers a great discount for New Year's Eve - their chance to say 'thank you'. How neat is that...
How are you demonstrating to your customers that they are valued? Ignore this at your peril! If you haven't undertaken any kind of customer survey this last year, then it's really important that you do. It doesn't have to be on a massive scale but asking a few really relevant questions gives you feedback, makes your customer feel good, and it's your opportunity too to ask for referrals and testimonials. Need help? Just give me a call... 01225 869 240
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Are you backing Swindon?
The New Swindon Company is working with partners and local businesses to spearhead an initiative that will put the town at the forefront of any business looking to relocate. The eMarketing campaign is targeted at the commercial property sector and businesses in the geographical area from West London along the M4 corridor up to and including Bristol. The campaign is based around the £1billion regeneration of the town centre and in particular the forthcoming Union Square Development which will start on site mid next year. For more information and to find out how you can back Swindon , click here.
And I had already included this before the news broke this week that Swindon will be twinned with Walt Disney World!
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| Upcoming Networking Events
Distinguished Executive Address Series:
The line up for the Spring of 2010 includes inspirational talks from Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director of the National Trust, Sir Mike Rake, Chairman of BT to name but a few...
Next event 9th February with Anthony Habgood, Chairman, Reed Elsevier. If of interest, worth subscribing to their website:
Institute of Directors - Events in the South West can be found on the IoD website or click here. You don't have to be a member to attend
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The VW Fun Theory
I've seen this a couple of times now. The site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people's behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it's change for the better. Take a look. | |
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| Train 2 Gain
Training under the Train 2 Gain offering of £1500 worth of training for owner/managers or senior leaders for just a £500 commitment is growing and it's very exciting to be able to work with businesses from many different backgrounds. My information sheet on the Train 2 Gain offering is still on my website. This grant is such a wonderful kick-start to your marketing, so why not take advantage of it? Contact me today if you'd like more information - 01225 869 240 or 07789 778 335.
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| One hour's FREE Marketing Advice
If you are unsure of what you need or if we are the right ones to help you, then book in for a one hour free telephone consultation with me at a time to suit us both. This could be to discuss marketing/sales or email marketing Just complete this form with details of your company, contact details and the problems for which you'd like solutions. You need to book your hour before Christmas (to take place in January 2010) so don't delay and book today!
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How can you get involved in London 2012?
The Business Network is your one-stop shop to find out how your business can get involved in London 2012.
Delivering the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will require the procurement of goods, works and services from an enormous range of firms.
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For those of you with young children looking forward to Christmas, check out this website where you can even track Santa's journey on Christmas Eve on Google Earth!
You may want to turn speakers down a bit!
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| Rebecca
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Beatrice
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We attended our elder daughter, Rebecca's graduation at Bristol Cathedral last month which was a fantastic day. She is now a Staff Nurse with the North Bristol Trust. And Beatrice is now in her third year at the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff - she was one of only a couple Year 3 pupils to be accepted to shadow members of the BBC Orchestra of Wales, and is doing so well. We're looking for an orchestra with whom she can perform the Walton 'cello concerto - 1st movement, or all of it - if you can help please let me know! As you can tell, I'm just so proud of my family.
Thank you for reading, and I wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Warmly,
Debbie Newman
Armstrong Beech Marketing
PS: don't forget the one hour free marketing advice offer. Book it before Christmas Eve to take place in January. |
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