So you’ve been wondering if this social media stuff is really popular.  Can it really influence my business?

Take a look at the new word for 2009 from the Oxford Dictionary.  

http://blog.oup.com/2009/11/unfriend/

It’s time to start thinking how can you take advantage of social media as one of your sources for marketing your business.

I want to pass along a story today from the Boston Globe ‘Tweets’ on the menu are a sweet deal about restaurants using Twitter to increase business.  In the story a restaurant used Twitter to let everyone know of their progress of building and opening a new restaurant.  On opening night the place was packed and at least half the patrons from Twitter.

Since my last post I have received emails from followers doubting social networking can help to inprove their business.  Take a look at this article and leave me a comment on your thoughts about LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.   Tell me how you use them or why you don’t feel they are effective to market your business.

I know you’ve heard about this internet thing called:

1. It’s a way to stay connected with your customers. 
2. It’s a way to meet new contacts that may become customers.
3. It’s inexpensive.

So is it worth it?

In the last couple of months we have been using social media to reach out to other potential customers from outside our immediate market.  We have seen an increase in activity and interest in our services and products.  Using social media is becoming the new way for prospects 
that are looking for information on products and services you offer.  

It should be one of your tools in your sales tool box.

If you would like to learn more about social media give us a call to discuss how you can grow your business through social media at 508-226-4565. 

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JoeNorcott

Recently it came to my attention that Hyundai had a new ad for its vehicles. But it was different than the regular ads you see on television. You know: the get cash back now and employee discount ads. Take a look here:

Rethink Your Marketing!! (more…)

I know it’s been a while since I last wrote. 

February is a short month in days and it just

seems to have flown by with the sales
and marketing automation projects I have
been working on using ACT! by Sage and Infusionsoft.

However, I had time to read a book on nurture marketing.  This book got me to thinking about how we all try new things in marketing but sometimes the tried and true still work the best today. 

We sometimes lose our way when trying to get out the word about our product and services.  In this world we want the sale now not five days from now. We go for the easy sale and leave the others behind. 

As the sub-title states “A Step-by-Step Process for Growing Clients by Design”, we forget that there are steps to marketing and selling and nurturing is the core to doing it successfully. (more…)

On RI’s WJAR TV they recently had a news report of one company being successful in this down economy.  Brewer’s Cove Haven Marina of Barrington RI:  Doing Well in Tough Times

They have invested $7m in their operations, expanded and had employees get certified in repair, maintenance etc.. of boats.  Upto 40% of their customers are from out of state.  They have improved the marinas they own and plan to increase employment in the spring when boating starts up again in Narragansett Bay.

I am alway hearing that this economy is getting my business down.  Well here’s a business that has planned for it. 

Don’t think it’s to late to start getting your business back on track.  If a marina that is a seasonal business dealing with a non-essential luxury item can do it so can you!! 

Get your marketing ramped up and be in front of as many new leads and remind your existing customers that your here and can sell and service them now.

If you need help in getting your marketing ramped up and automated call us at 508-226-4565.

It started out as just one of those typical business conversations that changed to a conversation about marketing.
“How’s business?”
“Business has been slow in my industry lately. I am concerned that we are not seeing new customers and existing customers aren’t buying much from us although some of them I talk to say they are busy right now.”
“Hmm, are you still getting the word out about your products?”
“What do you mean?” (more…)

Mary found she was spending a lot of time trying to find new leads and not generating enough sales to make quota.   The existing base of customers hardly bought a second time and many went to competitors to purchase the same quality products. 
 
Mary and the owner discussed and implemented an automated sales and marketing system. 
 
Once a business automates their sales and marketing, many experience increased sales.
(more…)

The US Postal Service announced in September that it still adds about 2 million addresses each year.  However, the volume of mail dropped by 9 billion pieces for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

In this economy there is a silver lining to reach more customers and it’s by using direct mail!  Sending your direct mail offer has a better chance of being seen by more people because they receive less stuff each day in their home or business mail box.

More eyes see direct mail offers than email!!

(more…)

September has been interesting for us.  We have seen some clients make a commitment to using new or upgraded software to automate their sales and marketing.  Others are in the Chicken Little mode of the “Sky is Falling” and not looking ahead or long term to position themselves for growth.

However one prospect we met was interesting.  They have the pain to install a system to track and automate their sales and marketing.

• Losing track of leads generated by the sales team.
• Forgetting to do quotes on those interested in their products
• Forgetting to follow up even when the existing customer requested because there will be a job for them to bid.
• Can’t locate the quotes that were sent out.
• Customer support doesn’t follow up promptly or totally forgets.
• No one knows what the other person is doing with a new lead or an existing client.

The reason isn’t lack of an automated system but because management lacks the commitment to put policies in place.  Management isn’t really looking within to correct the problems and establish polices for working with leads and clients.  They think the software will cure the problem.

Before any company purchases a new system or upgrades an existing system they need to first look within and review their sales and marketing process.  Put into place policies that not only make employees accountable but management as well.

Look for a system that will be flexible and take advantage of how your company sells and interacts with existing customers.  It’s your business and you really need to take ownership of it. 

If your company is ready to commit to a new system or need help with your sales process please call us at 508-226-4565.