This site was made as a free resource to you, a business owner/manager, to aid in the growth of your business. In this site, you will find information to help you grow market share, increase the effectiveness of your marketing, and help you identify areas of opportunity in your business.
I welcome all questions by way of e-mail. Feel free to find me on Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, or MySpace on the Contacts page.
Have you ever heard of someone that said, "I can't wait to get out of this town", yet they seem to have been saying that same thing for the past 20 years? I have...several times. Same thing goes for those business owners/managers who keep saying, "I wish I had more business", but won't embrace different ideas to grow their business (if they do anything at all). In my travels, I have found that most people are fearful of change and the ones who are not fearful are lacking the knowledge to get the next level.
I am in the process of writing a marketing book focusing on the negative. This is where I disclose that I'm probably one of the most positive people you will ever know so this sounds completely backwards to me. The negative that I'm referring to are the things that business owner/managers do that could be better in regards to their marketing. Check back often for updates on the book. My focus today is on vision. How can the person that wants to grow their business actually grow their business without a vision? The short answer...they can't!
One of the biggest mistakes a business owner makes is that they do not have a SPECIFIC vision. Just opening the doors or providing a product/service is not a real business plan. Once the doors are open, just growing the business (even in small amounts) is not even a viable business plan. I submit that most small businesses start the process of failure before their business begins by not having a SPECIFIC vision.
Having a vision is like planning a vacation. You have to do it step by step. Pretend that you are leaving Dallas and driving to Memphis. You have to make sure the bags are packed, hotel reservations are set, budget for food & fun set aside, and any other tedious little things you can think of are accounted for. Some people are adventuresome, but that is not a wise business choice. The first step is to find your destination. As a business owner, where do you want to end up? What is your destination? What steps need to be taken in order for you to reach that destination?
Hint #1 - Have a realistic vision! Write down every detail of accomplishing that vision.
Hint #2 - Focus on your diamond! Don't try to be all things to all people. Promote, advertise, market, and sell your #1 item by volume or profitability. Don't make the mistake of saying this...(Names changed to protect the advertiser) I am ABC Auto. From brakes, leaky hoses, and tune-ups to air conditioning and transmission problems, we got you covered! We have great customer service that no one can deny! ABC Auto located on the corner of Taft & Washington. This is a real ad in a real market. Instead, focus on your #1 seller...Are you tired of being hot and sweaty in your car? Call ABC Auto! Air conditioning checks are only $19.99 and we'll have your problem diagnosed in 15 minutes. Remember ABC Auto for your automotive air conditioning needs. Both of these ads are ten seconds in length. Which one would motivate you to go in?
This site will help you along the way. I will post blogs and change the content on this site regularly (at least once per week). Check back often for marketing advice.