Small Business Marketing Ideas

Want to create something quickly...go online

2007-04-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

Thinking and creativity can be so difficult, don't you find. Writing a proposal or speech. Even creating content for your website. Well the wb can help. Try hiring a freelancer from anywhere on the planet at www.elance.com It's a resource that you can use when you are maybe a little out of your depth.

I just bought a Video Ipod!

2007-04-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

I know that doesn't make me especially cutting edge. My previous MP3 player simply got dropped so many times that I had to replace it. So now, I have finally joined the Ipod ranks. I enjoy listening to podcasts on my Ipod. Do you? More soon...

Internet Marketing...can you trust it

2006-11-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

You've heard the claims, internet marketing is the future, internet marketing is the now, is if you're not fully up to speed with internet marketing, then your business is dead. You will become one with Dark Lord.

So who you gonna trust to advise you?

Today I spent the morning with Graham Jones who runs an excellent Internet Marketing Club on Ecademy Now Graham has some pretty controversial views on SEO. I like his views.

Where do you get your advice from?

I hate your elevator speech, we hate your elevator speech

2006-10-31T02:00:00.000-08:00

How do you answer the question

"What do you do?"

If you have been coached by one of those self-appointed networking experts, you will probably respond with some 15 - 55 seconds of cutesy drivel.

It makes me wanna throw up over you and strangle you.

Instead try something novel....

BE YOURSELF

Not some pale lily-livered dull copy of the latest motivational speaker you have heard.

Why not start with a question.

So when you are asked

What do you do?

Did you know most people get no business from their web site?

What do you do?

Did you know that most people are making no plans for their retirement?

What do you do?

Did you know that most business owners have no idea how to take their business to the next level?

Go on Try it.

Be Different!!

Think questions and please drop that turgid elevator speech.

Looking forward to your questions when we next meet.

New Small Business Marketing Web Site

2006-08-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have just launched my new web site www.RodSloane.com . It's full of ideas to help you work with the clients that you want to work with.

Does your business card have your picture on it?

2006-08-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

No! is that because you are scared someone might recognise you and buy from you. I encourage you to stick your face on your card. Now, I can understand why women might feel uncomfortable with this suggestion. But please give it a go, it works...and it isn't too American!

Do you use postcards?

2006-08-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite forms of direct mail is using postcards. Fun, attractive and almost impossible not to read. Add colour and your postcard will stand out from all the dreary mail your prospect receives. I was given a bright colourful postcard today, it was the front cover of a new book. I'll keep it, I wouldn't have kept a letter. Think postcards.

Do Free Phones attract the wrong type of prospect?

2006-07-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Many so-called marketing consultants advise small business owners to have a free phone number. The thinking is that this will encourage prospects and clients to call you. Some people will tell you that it also gives an impression of size. So, let me be different, if you use a free phone number all you will do is attract free loaders who will never want to pay for your premium services. Wouldn't you want your competitors to attract those prospects. Suggestion encourage your competitors to have a free phone.

Make the Most from Membership of your local Chamber

2006-07-17T01:51:00.000-07:00

I am member of both Ealing & London Chamber of Commerce. Chambers are an excellent way to become known and market your business. London Chamber offers members a special service, where they can make a special offer to all other members. Now this is interesting. There are over 30 businesses in London Chamber that offer marketing services, but only three make an offer. Do the rest know anything about marketing really? Who would you approcah first? The one with the special offer or all the rest that look the same. Please make people an offer.

No- Cost Fun Networking is NetWalking

2006-07-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

Now, if you are like me walking into a room with a group of people who want to sell you their stuff is not my idea of fun networking. I always seem to get stuck with the software salesman who goes on and on about their dull product and ends up telling me how to network. I know how Zinedine Zidane must have felt.

There is an alternative.

Organise a Netwalk.

Invite clients, prospects, suppliers and friends to meet up for a walk in the country. Basically you rendezvous walk to a country pub. Have a pleasant lunch and walk back. If you get stuck with the bore simply walk away.

NetWalks are fun.
No cost...you don't hire a room

People love them, unless...you get them lost.

Get NetWalking!!

Simple Marketing Training

2006-07-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

Business Link is often a good place to network and attend a seminar.

London Business Link have just published their Autumn 2006 Schedule http://www.businesslink4london.com/

Guess who you can see speaking?