Having a business can be rewarding and a lot of work but consumers can only buy your product or services if they know your business exists! You might have the best product or service on the market but no one can buy it if they don't know it exists!
Putting together a marketing plan for a business is essential and necessity to promote your products and services. Consumers have to know your product is available in order to purchase it and leaving this out of your plan could help slow down your growth. Having a marketing plan that is creative, outgoing and well thought out can help provide the growth you will need to sustain and be successful.
One example of how this has been done well in recent times is what the American Hockey League's Lake Erie Monsters have done to market themselves to fans in Cleveland. The Monsters are a minor league team in what many call a major league city and the team had to almost start out from scratch. The previous team in the market, the American Hockey League Cleveland Barons, played to an empty Quicken Loans arena for several seasons from 2001-2006. The Barons weren't very big on marketing and almost never advertised at all in the market. As a result, the team took a hit at the gate and many in Cleveland didn't even know the team existed.
After the Barons left town to move to Worecester, MA, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert brought in the Lake Erie Monsters and he and the executives hired to run the team put a huge emphasis on marketing. The team was not only utilizing traditional methods of purchasing ad space in newspapers, television and radio but hired salespeople who previously contacted those who purchased tickets to Cleveland Barons games and Cleveland Lumberjacks games (the Lumberjacks were a minor league team in Cleveland before the Barons). These salespeople found out that many people were unaware that minor league hockey existed in Cleveland but those phone calls along with the ads in the paper and on radio and television helped get the word out. It took time to put in those phone calls but the person on the other end of the phone lines learned a little something when they received that call or saw the ads elsewhere.
In addition to traditional forms of marketing, the Monsters have a functioning web-site, have utilized Twitter and Facebook and have had players make public appearances at local rinks and schools. As a result, this has helped build the brand name of the Monsters and become more familiar to people in Northeast Ohio. The Monsters are also cross promoted at Cavaliers basketball games and this and the other marketing efforts have helped fans become more familiar with the team and get them through the gate.
In these times, it's not always easy to have a big budget for advertising and marketing but there are cost efficient ways to promote your business. Social media such as Facebook and Twitter cost almost nothing but time to the business owners and many have been able to grow by utilizing this as part of a marketing strategy. Networking at different functions can help put you in touch with people who may need your products or services and blogs have also become useful in getting the word out. Being able to get in front of people utilizing the growing forms of social media and networking can help put you in front of potential customers and make consumers aware your business exists.
Putting together a good product or service is vital to a business but making others aware it exists is crucial to growth. Marketing does take time and can be expensive but can also be done in ways that can help promote your business and grow your sales.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saying Hello and Taking Time To Know Others: A Lesson From NHL Star Mark Messier
"How are you doing today?"
When going into your office or workplace everyday, how difficult is it to ask that to those who work with you? Asking someone how his or her day is going is really not difficult to do and can help build your relationship and trust with that person.
On a daily basis, you can simply go into your office or workplace and not really take the time to get to know your teammates and others that work in your office. You can simply go in, do what you have to do, and leave for the day but how can you build relationships with these people if you don't take the time to get to know them? If you come across as if you don't care, how do you expect these people to respond to you when you need them the most?
Taking a few minutes to get to talk to others isn't as hard as it seems. Simply saying, "Hello, how are you doing?" to others you work with and listening to the responses can really mean a lot to the person you are conversing with. It's not everyday that someone within your management team will say hello and get to know the people who work alongside you or at other parts of the company so saying hello and taking time to know the person you are talking to can make a difference.
Being a lifelong hockey fan, one of the best examples I can provide is what NHL Legend and Hall of Famer Mark Messier (pronounced Mess-EE-ay) did when he was a member of the New York Rangers. Messier knew he could just walk into the practice rink or Madison Square Garden on a nightly basis and not really talk to anyone but his teammates. He simply could have walked in, did what he had to do, and walked out at the end of the day but he didn't.
While serving as team captain, Messier took time everyday to say hello to those who worked in the Rangers front office, Madison Square Garden and many others as he walked into and out of the arena. Messier understood that taking time out of his day to ask others how their days were going showed he cared. These people felt more comfortable around Messier and found it easier to talk to this NHL Legend because he took the time to know them as people and showed he cared. As a result, Messier is still considered to be on of the most beloved New York Ranger and NHL players of all time because off his willingness to learn about others and show he cared.
Taking time out of your day to know others isn't that difficult and it will show others you work with that you care. Sparing just a few minutes of your day to check in on how another worker or person is doing can make a difference and build a relationship with that person. You can practice by asking the people working in your local coffee shop, favorite restaurant or other gathering places how their days are going and you will be surprised how meaningful it is to them that you are taking time to get to know them. Once you do that, take time at work to do the same and you will start to see a difference.
When going into your office or workplace everyday, how difficult is it to ask that to those who work with you? Asking someone how his or her day is going is really not difficult to do and can help build your relationship and trust with that person.
On a daily basis, you can simply go into your office or workplace and not really take the time to get to know your teammates and others that work in your office. You can simply go in, do what you have to do, and leave for the day but how can you build relationships with these people if you don't take the time to get to know them? If you come across as if you don't care, how do you expect these people to respond to you when you need them the most?
Taking a few minutes to get to talk to others isn't as hard as it seems. Simply saying, "Hello, how are you doing?" to others you work with and listening to the responses can really mean a lot to the person you are conversing with. It's not everyday that someone within your management team will say hello and get to know the people who work alongside you or at other parts of the company so saying hello and taking time to know the person you are talking to can make a difference.
Being a lifelong hockey fan, one of the best examples I can provide is what NHL Legend and Hall of Famer Mark Messier (pronounced Mess-EE-ay) did when he was a member of the New York Rangers. Messier knew he could just walk into the practice rink or Madison Square Garden on a nightly basis and not really talk to anyone but his teammates. He simply could have walked in, did what he had to do, and walked out at the end of the day but he didn't.
While serving as team captain, Messier took time everyday to say hello to those who worked in the Rangers front office, Madison Square Garden and many others as he walked into and out of the arena. Messier understood that taking time out of his day to ask others how their days were going showed he cared. These people felt more comfortable around Messier and found it easier to talk to this NHL Legend because he took the time to know them as people and showed he cared. As a result, Messier is still considered to be on of the most beloved New York Ranger and NHL players of all time because off his willingness to learn about others and show he cared.
Taking time out of your day to know others isn't that difficult and it will show others you work with that you care. Sparing just a few minutes of your day to check in on how another worker or person is doing can make a difference and build a relationship with that person. You can practice by asking the people working in your local coffee shop, favorite restaurant or other gathering places how their days are going and you will be surprised how meaningful it is to them that you are taking time to get to know them. Once you do that, take time at work to do the same and you will start to see a difference.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Relationships Are Key
No matter who you are, the relationships you have on a personal and business level are key to success. The relationships you have with people you have worked with, people you have met through networking, and other means can help point you in the right direction during your career and help you make progress along the way.
On a professional level, key relationships can help point you in the right direction and develop your skills along the way. Some of my best relationships with network contacts have helped me learn to network better, develop deeper relationships with others and provide direction on how to improve my performance at work. Relying on other advice from people who have been in my shoes before have helped me grow professionally and develop skills that needed a little shine to them.
During your career, relationships can come in many different shapes and sizes and it's best to take advantage of the advice that can be provided. Relationships with past and present co-workers can be key and other relationships can develop from people you have met through networking, other network contacts and in other social situations. Don't be afraid to develop relationships in different ways because you never know when you will need a lending hand.
When attending a networking event or going into work, take time to develop relationships with the people you meet or work with. You never know when you may need a lending hand from these individuals and when you will need another person in your corner.
On a professional level, key relationships can help point you in the right direction and develop your skills along the way. Some of my best relationships with network contacts have helped me learn to network better, develop deeper relationships with others and provide direction on how to improve my performance at work. Relying on other advice from people who have been in my shoes before have helped me grow professionally and develop skills that needed a little shine to them.
During your career, relationships can come in many different shapes and sizes and it's best to take advantage of the advice that can be provided. Relationships with past and present co-workers can be key and other relationships can develop from people you have met through networking, other network contacts and in other social situations. Don't be afraid to develop relationships in different ways because you never know when you will need a lending hand.
When attending a networking event or going into work, take time to develop relationships with the people you meet or work with. You never know when you may need a lending hand from these individuals and when you will need another person in your corner.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Feedback Can Open Doors For Improvement
Whether you are starting out at your new position, hunting for your next job or are a seasoned veteran in your field, there is always room for improving your methods, techniques and strategies. Finding ways to improve can be found in different ways and one of the most efficient methods is to solicit feedback from others. Feedback can open up possibilities you never expected and can also point you to the right direction to improving your methods and strategies.
Soliciting feedback from others can be nerve racking at times, however, the information you receive can point you in the right direction. Hearing negative feedback about your performance or your habits can be difficult to take but can help you realize what you need to do different to improve. Hearing this information might sting at times but it's better you understand how you can handle yourself or a situation better then not knowing you are going the wrong direction in the first place! The feedback you hear may not always be positive but can help you understand what direction to take to improve your methods.
In your business profession, soliciting feedback from those inside and outside your field can help open opportunities to improve your methods and how you conduct business. Hearing feedback from people within your industry can provide you insight on how you can stay current with modern strategies, maintain a high level of professionalism and be a key contributor to your company. Those outside your field can still provide insight you might not have thought of otherwise and can provide another perspective. Perspectives from both the inside and the outside of your field can provide you with the insight you need to improve your strategies and continue your path to success.
When hosting an event for your business or organization outside of work, soliciting feedback from your guests can only help you become more prepared for your next adventure. Taking a few minutes or having people fill out feedback sheets can help you understand what areas you need to improve on, how the event could have been run better and will provide you with the direction needed for your next event. You might not be able to please everyone 100% with your event but understanding their thoughts and concerns can help you plan for a better event next time.
Taking time for feedback is worth it and by utilizing it, you can open doors for yourself and manage to continue down the right path.
Soliciting feedback from others can be nerve racking at times, however, the information you receive can point you in the right direction. Hearing negative feedback about your performance or your habits can be difficult to take but can help you realize what you need to do different to improve. Hearing this information might sting at times but it's better you understand how you can handle yourself or a situation better then not knowing you are going the wrong direction in the first place! The feedback you hear may not always be positive but can help you understand what direction to take to improve your methods.
In your business profession, soliciting feedback from those inside and outside your field can help open opportunities to improve your methods and how you conduct business. Hearing feedback from people within your industry can provide you insight on how you can stay current with modern strategies, maintain a high level of professionalism and be a key contributor to your company. Those outside your field can still provide insight you might not have thought of otherwise and can provide another perspective. Perspectives from both the inside and the outside of your field can provide you with the insight you need to improve your strategies and continue your path to success.
When hosting an event for your business or organization outside of work, soliciting feedback from your guests can only help you become more prepared for your next adventure. Taking a few minutes or having people fill out feedback sheets can help you understand what areas you need to improve on, how the event could have been run better and will provide you with the direction needed for your next event. You might not be able to please everyone 100% with your event but understanding their thoughts and concerns can help you plan for a better event next time.
Taking time for feedback is worth it and by utilizing it, you can open doors for yourself and manage to continue down the right path.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Find Your Niche With Networking Groups
Over the past several years, networking has grown into one of the most popular ways to find jobs and mingle with different professionals. As more and more job seeker groups become prevalent, opportunities to network are plentiful.
For those new to networking, it can be an intimidating task, however, the best way to find what type of networking group you are looking for is to get out and try several of them. It doesn't hurt to go to more then one and you don't have to limit yourself at all.
Below are different tips on finding networking groups and events you are comfortable with and getting the most out of these sessions:
1) Go to networking groups that have a large turnout and small turnouts- Doing this will help you decide if you feel more comfortable networking in a large room full of people or a small get together at a local coffee shop or restaurant. Some networkers prefer a larger setting while others prefer a smaller and relaxed setting to meet with new people. The only way to find out which type of interaction works best for you is to try both types of groups.
2) Always bring business cards or a notepad- Make sure you have a way for people to remember who you are and if you can't get a person card from another person, have a small notepad to take down his or her information. People do make the mistake of not bringing business cards to a networking event and it's harder for people to remember who you are if you don't give them something to remember you by. For large and small groups, business cards are a must and have that notepad available in case you meet someone you would like to network with who doesn't have a card.
3) Keep your eyes open for networking events in the evening or at restaurants- Networking events in the evening and/or at restaurants during this time typically are more relaxed and are in a closed setting. The people you meet there are often winding down from the day at work and a restaurant often serves as a relaxed setting. This will allow you to network with other professionals when they are a bit more relaxed and not so focused on work.
4) Find networking events within your field- Most industries have organizations associated with them (e.g. PRSSA for Public Relations Professionals) and sometimes networking events are planned as a way to get new members or have an outing. These events can be big or small based on the organization planning it and you will get to meet people within your specific field. It doesn't hurt to look into these groups and attend one of their networking events.
For those new to networking, it can be an intimidating task, however, the best way to find what type of networking group you are looking for is to get out and try several of them. It doesn't hurt to go to more then one and you don't have to limit yourself at all.
Below are different tips on finding networking groups and events you are comfortable with and getting the most out of these sessions:
1) Go to networking groups that have a large turnout and small turnouts- Doing this will help you decide if you feel more comfortable networking in a large room full of people or a small get together at a local coffee shop or restaurant. Some networkers prefer a larger setting while others prefer a smaller and relaxed setting to meet with new people. The only way to find out which type of interaction works best for you is to try both types of groups.
2) Always bring business cards or a notepad- Make sure you have a way for people to remember who you are and if you can't get a person card from another person, have a small notepad to take down his or her information. People do make the mistake of not bringing business cards to a networking event and it's harder for people to remember who you are if you don't give them something to remember you by. For large and small groups, business cards are a must and have that notepad available in case you meet someone you would like to network with who doesn't have a card.
3) Keep your eyes open for networking events in the evening or at restaurants- Networking events in the evening and/or at restaurants during this time typically are more relaxed and are in a closed setting. The people you meet there are often winding down from the day at work and a restaurant often serves as a relaxed setting. This will allow you to network with other professionals when they are a bit more relaxed and not so focused on work.
4) Find networking events within your field- Most industries have organizations associated with them (e.g. PRSSA for Public Relations Professionals) and sometimes networking events are planned as a way to get new members or have an outing. These events can be big or small based on the organization planning it and you will get to meet people within your specific field. It doesn't hurt to look into these groups and attend one of their networking events.
Monday, July 5, 2010
For a Job Seeker, Time Management Can Be One of Your Biggest Enemies
Searching for a job can be a long process and does take up a lot of time. Getting opportunities to interview, preparing for interviews and meeting people does take a lot of time and can be exhausting. Not properly managing your time can hinder you significantly and can slow down your progress.
Below are some tips for managing your time properly during a job search:
Set a daily schedule for yourself and stick to it - Even though you are not working, set a daily work schedule for yourself as if you are working. Set aside at least several hours each day (typically seven or eight) and stay close to that schedule. The best time to reach out to network contacts is during business hours and those should be the hours you are working to find your next position.
Write down your daily tasks each day- Writing down what you have to do each day on a sheet of paper might sound tedious but will help you remember what you need to accomplish on a daily basis and keep yourself focused. Making checklists or to-do lists can help you stay organized and keep you up to date with what needs to be accomplished for a successful job search. This will also help you remember appointments, interviews and follow ups.
Keep mind of opportunities to network- Sometimes we are faced with choices in life and when it comes to networking events, we do have choices to make. Networking events can be intimidating at times but have proven to be effective ways to find a job. Getting out and meeting new people is a great way to find other opportunities for jobs. Networking events can make the day longer, however, they are worth the time and you never know what might arise afterwards. Taking time to go to these events will increase the number of people you meet during your search and can help point you in the right direction.
Keep mind of opportunities that might not come often- While networking, you will come across people who have hectic schedules and will not have a lot of time to talk. If you are given an opportunities to speak with that person (even if it's by phone), make time in your schedule to do so. You never know what might come of that conversation and if you pass, you might not get that opportunity to speak with that individual again. Take the opportunity when given and it might open up another door for you.
Below are some tips for managing your time properly during a job search:
Set a daily schedule for yourself and stick to it - Even though you are not working, set a daily work schedule for yourself as if you are working. Set aside at least several hours each day (typically seven or eight) and stay close to that schedule. The best time to reach out to network contacts is during business hours and those should be the hours you are working to find your next position.
Write down your daily tasks each day- Writing down what you have to do each day on a sheet of paper might sound tedious but will help you remember what you need to accomplish on a daily basis and keep yourself focused. Making checklists or to-do lists can help you stay organized and keep you up to date with what needs to be accomplished for a successful job search. This will also help you remember appointments, interviews and follow ups.
Keep mind of opportunities to network- Sometimes we are faced with choices in life and when it comes to networking events, we do have choices to make. Networking events can be intimidating at times but have proven to be effective ways to find a job. Getting out and meeting new people is a great way to find other opportunities for jobs. Networking events can make the day longer, however, they are worth the time and you never know what might arise afterwards. Taking time to go to these events will increase the number of people you meet during your search and can help point you in the right direction.
Keep mind of opportunities that might not come often- While networking, you will come across people who have hectic schedules and will not have a lot of time to talk. If you are given an opportunities to speak with that person (even if it's by phone), make time in your schedule to do so. You never know what might come of that conversation and if you pass, you might not get that opportunity to speak with that individual again. Take the opportunity when given and it might open up another door for you.
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