Once a business is established, it’s common practice to add products and services in the name of diversification and the desire for more profits. It’s a wise business move to choose products and services that will appeal to customers you’re already doing business with. But what’s the point of diminishing returns? When does adding more […]

You’ve probably heard the saying, “People like to buy, but they don’t like being sold to.” But you may wonder what it really means. It means that people are buying what you sell. It means people are spending money. But it also means that people are only willing to open their wallets and part with

If you’re looking for a creative way to grow and create new business opportunities, you may want to consider a marketing partnership. By bringing two (or more) complementary companies together, businesses can tap into audiences they may not normally reach, providing exponential marketing exposure and increasing their customer base. When considering a marketing partnership, it’s

One of the primary reasons a prospect comes to a website is to learn more about a business. The prospect wants to learn not only what you do and how you do it but — more importantly — why you do it. There are many competing businesses in your industry and community. Statistics have shown

There’s a radio station you may have never heard of, but it’s one you need to tune into each and every day if you really want to grow your business. It’s called WIIFM, and it stands for “What’s In It For Me.” Yes, this is a fictional radio station, and yes, it’s a bit cheeky,

Marketing is about telling your story. Sales is about having conversations. From the point of view of marketing, every single business is unique. No two are exactly alike. The mistake occurs when everyone in the industry looks at what others are doing and copies it. The story is no longer unique. To sell more and

Even though Facebook has more than one billion active monthly users, many businesses still aren’t using it to its full potential. Here are a few easy ways to use Facebook to increase exposure, communicate with customers, and grow your business: Offer Facebook fan-only specials that are promoted to fans who currently “like” your page. Encourage

A successful business follows one core marketing concept: “Find a need and fulfill it.” However, there may be many players offering similar services and products in your field. This is where having a competitive advantage can lead you to the top. To be in the top 10% of your field, you need more than just

One of the most effective ways to keep a competitive edge is to think like a prospective customer and compare your business frequently to your competition. What does your competitor offer that your business does not? While it’s helpful to stay informed of what your competition is doing, you should avoid copying their ideas. Rather,

As more businesses and marketers have turned to email marketing, it is fair to wonder if direct mail marketing still works as effectively as it once did. Email marketing is a good way to stay in touch with customers and prospects. Just like social media marketing, it has its place in the marketing mix. However,