Last week I wrote about keeping your marketing strategy simple and flexible (http://intrepid-llc.com/2008/12/16/keep-your-marketing-plan-flexible/). And I recently wrote on the core elements of your marketing plan (http://intrepid-llc.com/2008/11/23/the-clock-is-ticking-on-2009and-fast-7-steps-to-build-your-intrepid-marketing-plan-today/).
Today I am making a year-end appeal to not only take this process seriously – but to take action.
Assuming you are a small to medium sized business – or an entrepreneur serving all capacities from sales to management to production – you don’t really need me to tell you a marketing plan is essential.
Not because you should have an “on paper” strategy to get and keep profitable customers. You do.
But as a small to medium-sized business, you have a distinct advantage over the large companies – you are small and nimble and can quickly adapt in this environment.
This is actually exciting! This is actually a great opportunity! But ONLY if you get your head out of your fanny and take advantage.
Social media allows you to – cost effectively – build community and convey value and expertise. Follow that up with a properly-messaged and executed direct response campaign – and you can bring home the prospects you need to build a growth enterprise.
Every day I talk to small business people – most of whom are on edge about the economic environment. They are nervous about tightening budgets – and they are allowing this fear to paralyze them.
Change your paradigm now. Deep down you know what you do best – and you know who your target market is. The two hardest things you need to do are adjust (which you can do quickly) and execute (which you can do by just starting).
You know, it is easier than I thought. So get to it!