Finding the Right Marketing Message
One Size Does Not Fit All
 We make marketing blunders when we try to treat all of our customers the same way, says marketing guru Lisa Barone.
The solution is to divide customers into segments based on things like demographics, buying behavior, services required, and influence on other customers. While few businesses can afford to create a customized message for each client, having offers to suit specific groups.
Her article in Small Business Trends explains how to collect data and define segments.
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Expert Insight:
Treat Your Staff Like Your Customers
David Hamaker, CEO of Western Graphics, a consumer products firm, and SCORE Counselor
"One the most under valued and under appreciated resources in
a company is your employees. Treat them
like your customers and you will take a giant step towards utilizing an asset
that keeps on giving. Your employees are
your direct conduit to your customers whether it's sales, customer service, manufacturing
or accounting. Your employees can
either be a cost of doing business or a valuable resource that contributes to
your bottom line."
Ask Now for Expert Advice.
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Find New Startup Grant Opportunities
Grants of up to $25,000 Available From Consumer Firms
Intuit is offering grants of up to $25,000 from local businesses nominated by their customers.
Huggies is sponsoring a grant contest for Moms
developing toddler friendly products. Winning applicants can received
up to $15,000.
These are just a few of the grants offered to local businesses by consumer products firms as a way of promoting their own business. While there is no master list of such grants, it pays to check with firms you patronize to see if they have programs to support customers who are starting a business.
If you are looking for grant lists, of course, we recommend the lists at www.grants.gov, www.foundationcenter.org, and www.business.gov. These will direct you to governmental and foundation money, but not private business promotions.
Coming soon is a $500K grant program from the City of Portland to sponsor software startups. Look for details this fall.
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Success Story:
Idea Merge Takes RV Leasing to the Next Level with SCORE
Growth Presents Both Challenges and Opportunities
 Eric Bredesen of Idea Merge has been helping travelers lease and rent cars and motor
homes worldwide for about 10 years.
Working as a broker with a staff of four located in different cities,
countries and time zones, he has grown a successful business making
international rental and leasing easy and affordable. Growth has its challenges, though, and Eric came to
counselor Spike Bailey looking to create more structure and organization for
his firm. As they worked together, Eric
came to see that he had reached a point where it made good economic sense to move
from home-based to office-based business.
Currently, he is looking to purchase commercial office space that will
allow him to build his business and invest in real estate at the same time. He and Spike are now meeting monthly and addressing other
issues such as new product development and nurturing customer and supplier relationships. Eric says Spike has been a great resource who
has helped him clarify ideas.
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SCORE Workshop Schedule
Tue Jun 8, 2010 8:30a - 12:00p
Internet Marketing
Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:30a - 12:00p
Social Media Marketing
Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:30a - 12:00p
Web Search Engine Optimization
Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:30a - 12:00p
10 Secrets of Distinctive Products/ Services
Fri Jun 18, 2010 8:30a - 12:00p
Secrets of Financial Management
Thu Jun 24, 20108:30a - 4:30p
Business Basics for the Small Business Owner
Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:30a - 12:00p
7 Issues for Sustaining and Growing Your Business in a Tough Economy
Signup for Workshops
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How to Use SCORE Counselors
Defining the Job and Finding the Tools
SCORE counselors can help a business in many ways. Here are some of the most common:
- Developing a Business Plan
- Developing a Marketing Plan
- Refining a Sales Strategy
- Negotiating a Lease
- Negotiating a Business Purchase
- Determining a Financial Plan
- Protecting Intellectual Property
If you would like help with these or any other business challenge, request counseling today.
Request Counseling
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