Marketing my Business.

Ok, so I haven't blogged for awhile. A year to be exact. I AM still in business! 2008 was a tight year. Since I specialize in vacation homes and rentals my business is slow at the beginning of the year due to the fact that the rentals are full with seasonal visitors, but once they leave, around Easter, the phone starts ringing again. This was the case in May. Although I had my regulars calling me at the beginning of the year to do little touch ups to their units, the bigger jobs started in May. This confirms to me that my marketing efforts paid off and even though it was a horrible economic year I was still able to attract business because of my referal base. It just goes to show that if you do a great job and make sure everyone is happy at the end you will get repeat business and referrals.

What I have learned to do during the slow times is reconnect with those that referred business to me and to develop new marketing and networking plans. It's good to look back and see which plans worked and which didn't. The best plan for me is t0 network. I try different organizations each year and at the end of the year determine if they were worth it or not. I also decide what new organization I want to join that might help build my business.

The key things to look at when determining what organization will work is who are the members, are they businesses that can help build my business, how many events/opportunities does the organization provide that I can attend and meet these people.

Also, it is important that you have the opportunity to present your business at these events, such as an introduction or a 30 second opportunity to let them know who you are and why you are unique. Tailor your speech to what the members would feel is important about your business.

I find that the fact that I've won 1st runner up for rookie small business of the year in '06 gives me credibility. Also, I let people know what trade shows I'm going to and offer to bring back specific product information that they might be looking for. This let's them know that I feel its important to stay on top of new trends and products and that I want to help them with their business at the same time.

I try not to hand out my business card unless I am asked for it and then I ask for their's as well. I'm also a great listener and I ask questions about their business and what challenges they are dealing with, then I try to think of a great idea or tip to help them overcome that challenge and I reconnect with them.

I keep a large binder in my office that holds every business card I have ever received and it is organized in groups pertaining to the type of business. I also enter the contact info into my Constant Contact database as well as my email database for future marketing. When my clients ask me if I have a painter or a place to buy silk arrangements I can always pull out my binder and refer someone I have met personally!

Creating personal relationships is critical to building a successful business. Don't be short-sighted. Everyone you come in contact with is important now and can be even more so in the future. I make everyone feel they are important. I try to refer people to other business as much as possible.

When I have finished decorating a residence I go to the chamber office and pick up all the brochures, business cards, telephone books and magazines that I feel would be important to the owner and the renter and I fill a drawer with the information. This helps the local businesses and puts restaurants, parks, and arts information right at their fingertips.

When people know that you are trying to help build their business they like to help you in return!