Many business owners begin each year with a list of goals or objectives they want to accomplish. However, managing day-to-day operations and juggling several balls at once, makes it easy to lose sight of these goals as the year progresses. Rather than just write out goals at the beginning of each year, I’d like to suggest a “must do” success list. Having a ‘must do’ list for the year, implies that the items on the list are non-negotiable. If you adopt the mindset, that there are certain things you absolutely must do in order to grow your business, you may approach it differently than if you just write out goals. Let’s look at the 5 critical steps any entrepreneur must take to ensure a profitable brand every year.
Increase Your Internet Presence.
It’s no secret that the Internet has changed the way the world does business. Many people prefer to shop for personal and business needs on-line versus face-to-face. If you want your prospects and ideal clients to find your business when they do an Internet search, you must have a presence online. Not only do you need to update your website, but you must update your products and services so that you are current with trends in your industry or niche.
You need strong branding, and your website must be your first tool to convert prospects into paying clients. You need targeted online marketing to keep a consistent flow of new clients coming into your business.
According to a recent article by BIA/Kelsey and ConStat, nearly all consumers (97%) now use online media to shop locally. This new study reveals local consumers access an increasing number of online media sources before buying; and the use of online coupons and appointment scheduling are on the rise. (Source)
Don’t get left behind, use the Internet to connect to your prospects and ideal clients in a powerful way.
Create a Marketing Calendar.
Don’t let another year fly by and you have not accomplished your marketing plan. Sometimes things don’t go the way we want because we have not planned for success. There’s something to be said for those people who work ahead so that success becomes predictable. Planning your entire marketing calendar for the year, ahead of time is a great way to ensure that you know what you’re doing before the time comes. When it comes to your marketing plan, you must map out every strategy that you will utilize throughout the year and allow yourself plenty of time to test and measure results. Prior planning prevents poor or fair results and gives you a better chance at promoting your offerings in advance to your target audience.
Develop your Top 50 Connections list.
A key factor in having a successful business is making connections and building relationships. Whether you need to get more clients, joint venture partners, affiliates, mentors, or you need a new accountant, write down the top 50 people, companies or organizations you want to connect with. If you don’t know a specific person’s name, simply write “new accountant.” Remember once you write it down and make it goal to connect with everyone on the list within the next 12 months or coming New Year. If you make it a priority, you will tend to this list throughout the year until you have crossed off every item.
Refresh Your Brand.
Every so often, usually once per year, it’s important to do a ‘brand audit.’ Assess your brand identity, image and core messaging. Is your website still relevant? Is it time to update your head-shot? Determine if your logo and tag-line needs updating. Does it still resonate with your target audience? Conduct a survey with your consumer base to ask them what they think and feel about your brand. Assessing your brand’s reputation in the market, will provide you with pivotal information before you make any major changes.
Reconnect with Previous Clients.
You never know if former clients may need your services again. It’s always a good idea to reach out to former clients and customers to see how things are going in their business and lives and if there is a new need for something you can assist them with. Reconnecting with former clients is another way to increase sales because they may just have a referral for you or a resource that can help you down the road. Always remain in touch with former clients to update them on new products, services or special deals.
Now over to you. What are you going to do to ensure that your brand is successful every year?
Your assignment: Write down which of the above steps you are going to implement in your business and give yourself a deadline to accomplish each step.
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This article is written by Lori A. Manns. Want to use this article for your website, blog or newsletter? No problem. Here’s what you must include: Lori A. Manns, CEO of Quality Media Consultant Group your marketing and sales success mentor, and founder of Marketing For Trailblazers™ & ABC’s of Successful Sponsorship Sales System;™ that shows you how to get more sponsors and sales for your business, guaranteed. To purchase consulting services on marketing, advertising or sales and, learn how to increase your revenue and grow your business; please visit www.qualitymediaconsultants.com.