As everyone has noticed the market is down. This is obviously effecting your business just like everyone else. But what can you do to help your business stumble through this recession? There are two ideas I have for you to think about. One is in regards to your marketing concepts and the other is in regards to typical economics. 

First, just has everyone has stated in the news, try extending your sales period. I would say not only extend your sales period, but try to capitalize on customers returning items. You already have them in your store so now it is your time to convert them into another sale. Where do you advertise to them? Use the Internet to your advantage! Start your gorilla marketing campaign now!

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This past week I had the opportunity to meet various business owners. Most of them were selling a product or service which was typical, but while all of them were approaching me I started to prejudge each of them before they even opened there mouth to present their product. Is this wrong of me or is this a natural human tendency? It appeared to me that this is just nature, but if you know this is natural then why aren’t some business owners trying to avoid immediate stereotypes or judgments? Why does this happen?  After much deliberation within myself I decided to come up with some guidelines that may help small business owners stand out from their competitors. (more…)

Over the past few weeks I have watched a major success story unravel wit the Tech Spot Store. They have don’t an amazing job of getting customers to their store, but they have also made sure to ask where people found out about the Tech Spot. The reason why this is important is so they can gauge which marketing is working and which marketing strategies are not. If you are not tracking your marketing results you are like a manager not keeping stats on your player at the game. How would you know who to take in and out of the next game. You want your best players to play. This is the same for choosing the right marketing channels.

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Every business storefront usually has a sign on the front of their facade, but what sets apart a good sign from a bad sign? More than likely the design and placement. These two are the most critical to sending the right signal to all those that drive by your sign. For instance the Flamingo Bowl (Picture on Left) was taken by me to display how an effective sign can lure customers. It was colorful, playful, and told me what the business was. It was also placed in a manner that I noticed the Bowling Alley from block away in downtown St. Louis. Does your sign lure customers into your store? If not then lets take a look at some steps to take to help your storefront. (more…)

I have just found something new for your business to look into at yellowpages.com. They are now letting businesses to add video to their listing on the website. What a great way to set an impression about your business on potential customers. 

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This weekend was a huge breakthrough for me on the power of people. People can make or break your business at any given time. But, the best is having people on your side that believe in your product or service. These people eventually become your best marketers. Chris Brogan said it the best by getting Pirates for your business at SobCon08. This means building an army that will help and spread the word about your business. But first lets look at three ways to build up that army of pirates.

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