The hottest marketing idea in the news was the recent Amazon PRIME sale, where, for a day, prices were dramatically lowered for new and existing PRIME members. Advertised as “Better than Black Friday,” this was simply an online version of the “one-day” sale that your local department store would hold now and then; it’s been around for years. However, it’s hot, because it is perceived as being “new,” but also for showing a 200-300% increase in sales and generating a lot of new traffic for internet retailers.
In contrast to that, I have had small business and startup clients ignore the notion of a “discounted price” and “competitiveness” as critical factors in operating their business. For example: (more…)
Do you have a marketing plan? You don’t? Then you’d better get one. If you don’t have a road map for targeting the right product to the right people in the right way, keep your website on MySpace and start buying truckloads of lottery tickets.
Businesses talk about creating an environment that encourages innovation, change, openness, and so on. They believe that getting employees motivated with some good ol’ “rah rah” enthusiasm will make their workers feel good and inspire them to be more productive and innovative. They couldn’t be more wrong. You need to learn to think outside the box.
Building a brand and differentiating yourself from competition are one of the key challenges facing startup businesses. Committing to quality customer service can be a key and achievable tool in the success of your business. While this may seem obvious, it frequently loses prioritization when other issues strain the business. For example, the following is obvious:
• Satisfied customers, repeat customers, positive social media, and referrals are the best and least expensive marketing a business can have. There is no substitute for a satisfied customer.
• In contrast, dissatisfied customers, poor service, and negative referrals can offset the best marketing efforts.
• Avoiding problems with great products and service is the most productive strategy to execute great customer service.
• “You only have one chance to make a first impression.”
• Response time is becoming a key measure affecting sales, profitability, and excellence. It is wasteful to not promptly answer customer requests, have long lines, run out of inventory, etc. (more…)
We all understand the importance of goals, purpose, direction and measurement in establishing commitment, success, team work, and coordination. Somehow between that understanding and the execution things often go awry.
One of the key mantras of a relatively new industry, direct marketing, has been the focus on setting goals and measurement. Google Analytics, and products like it, have quickly become business tools of choice for companies seeking to set goals and measure results. These new direct marketing tools are so effective and relatively easy to use that businesses both large and small can now instantly measure and observe results.
One typical reason goals are often not set correctly is that it can be a difficult process. One of the advantages of professional sports is that the goal of winning is simple, clear, and easy. It is not always quite that simple in other businesses. (more…)
Demographics is the study of how a population based on factors such as age, race, sex, economic status, education, income, and employment affect various outcomes. Demographics are typically used to learn more about a population’s characteristics. Businesses must rely on demographics as a key method for planning.
Labor force
Back in 1960, the American labor force was dominated by 21-45 year old white males. Today, we have a far more diverse labor force when viewed according to age, sex, race, and ethnicity. These changes in the labor force require an entirely different structure of practices, strategies, and culture. (more…)
When you want to stand out, reach out to Bert for the tools that will build your “sticky” brand. My focus is on understanding and analyzing your dilemmas and challenges, so your company becomes profitable faster.
Call (914) 632-6977 or email me at bshlensky@startupconnection.net. Don’t leave without signing up for our useful free eBook!
Feeling stumped or overwhelmed? Contact Bert at (914) 632-6977 or Email to start the process. Thanks!
example, the following is obvious:
We all understand the importance of goals, purpose, direction and measurement in establishing commitment, success, team work, and coordination. Somehow between that understanding and the execution things often go awry.
Demographics is the study of how a population based on factors such as age, race, sex, economic status, education, income, and employment affect various outcomes. Demographics are typically used to learn more about a population’s characteristics. Businesses must rely on demographics as a key method for planning.