Marketing Calendar Planning Create A Business Plan Direct Mail ...

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Small Business success may be the best way to reduce the unemployment rate in the coming years.

Did you know that small businesses (independently owned firms that employ fewer than 500 employees) can be credited with creating 64% of new jobs over the past 15 years? In an economy that desperately needs more new jobs, it?s more important than ever that businesses are able to thrive and grow to become strong, stable companies. Seven out of every ten business will last longer than two years. Five out of those ten will still be in operation after the five year mark. Very often the determining factor is how well that business understands its market and can communicate their solution for the customer?s problem. How can your business become one that lasts?

The key to business success is a marketing calendar that uses a targeted, rational approach.

It?s amazing how many companies view marketing as an optional or random activity. Customers can tell when you don?t have it together. As they shop around and decide where to place their often-limited dollar, they?ll look for a secure place to do so. You can best exude a confident image when your business is strong from the inside out. The result will be a rational, intelligent marketing message that draws customers in.

Here are 5 tips for planning your marketing calendar.

1. Conduct a SWOT Analysis

a. Strengths & Weaknesses? what are your company?s strengths and weaknesses? The ancient Greek wisdom of ?know thyself? applies to business too. Know what you?re good at and what needs attention; don?t wait for someone else to point it out for you.

b. Opportunities & Threats?these may come from outside of your company. Are there new niches opening up? New competitors? We listen to the forecast for the day?s weather so we can pack an umbrella or coat. Likewise, you should be aware of your industry so you?ll know as quickly as possible where the new markets are or the rising competition.

2. Define your mission and goals. A thoughtful, well-written mission statement can help to keep you focused when you are being bombarded by information. Don?t get stuck on this. A bulleted list is a great place to start. Know who you are and what you?re aiming for. If you aim for nothing you?ll reach it every time.

3. Define your objectives. Your sales expectations might seem lofty, intimidating, or unreachable. Break this down into quarterly, monthly or even weekly terms upon which you can take immediate action.

4. Plan which tactics you are going to use. Don?t just plan what you want; plan how you?re going to do it. Plot the actions that you will take for each of these activities as appropriate for your business onto a calendar.

a. Direct Marketing: Purchase a targeted contact list so that you can reach your specific audience via email, direct mail, and telemarketing. Don?t waste your energy reaching people who can?t use your product or service: focus on those who can.

b. Networking: Attend trade groups and shows; join the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, etc. Every social media outlet also has local and industry-wide networking as well. Twitter uses ?Tweet Ups? to connect locals and Linked-In introduces professionals with common industry ties.

c. Information Marketing: Speaking of social media?you should be using these powerful and affordable methods of message broadcasting and relational marketing. Twitter, now searchable on Google, not only provides a platform for interaction but also a way to publish your blog, article, or website?s URL to build traffic. Newsletters can be sent through email, direct mail, or posted on your blog. Educate and inform your customers and be available across multiple outlets.

d. Website: It?s worth doing this well. It?s now assumed any legitimate business will have a website. You wouldn?t hand a customer a crumpled business card or come to work in your pajamas?so don?t let your website become a cluttered, unprofessional mess. It?s your ?first impression? for many. Make sure it?s user-friendly, clean, and informative.

e. Promotions: Everyone is looking for deal right now. A good promotional offer sequence can draw customers into the store, increase holiday sales, or sustain you through the slow periods. It goes back to knowing your capabilities and weaknesses: maximize your strengths and bolster your vulnerabilities.

5. Establish your evaluation procedures. Check back to measure the performance of your goals against your plan. Waiting until next December is too long. Monthly (or at least quarterly) reviews of how your plan is performing will show where you should readjust.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Create a marketing plan for success!

Your marketing plan should be dynamic and you should be prepared to make adjustments throughout the year to accommodate changes to the environment?particularly as changes to your SWOT position occur. Everything changes: you must be able to adapt. Set your goals for 2010 now and be purposeful in your marketing. For targeted contact lists and other powerful marketing tools for your plan visit www.businesslistpro.com or call 800-280-4904.

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1. Evaluate Your Marketing Plan Best Marketing Tools Reach Sales Goals Business Plan Marketing Calendar
2. Marketing Plan Essentials Create A Marketing Calendar Small Business Performance Sales & Marketing
3. How To Grow A Successful Business Marketing Checklist Small Business Plan B2B Direct Mail Marketing
4. Know Your Customer Using Twitter & Facebook Social Media Direct Mail Email Marketing Plan New Year
5. Business Marketing Direct Mail Address List Tips by Business Mail Marketing Expert Jeff Rutowski

Source: http://www.nationalnewstoday.com/business-and-career/marketing-calendar-planning-create-a-business-plan-direct-mail-social-marketing-targeted-sales-plan.php

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