I saved a recent unsolicited email I received because it perfectly illustrated a flaw that I believe is behind almost all failed marketing attempts. Let’s call it the “core flaw” — talking about products and services as if that is what their prospective clients want. Here are the contents of that email (with name and [...]
I talk a lot about having an effective and compelling message as the basis of your marketing. Without it, just about every aspect of your business will be frustrating — poor reaction to campaigns, prospects who “need to think about it,” sales people who complain that leads are poor quality, price pressure, and on and [...]
There’s one change you can make that has the potential to instantly improve the effectiveness of all your marketing — improve how relevant, targeted, and compelling a message you use. If you are a small business owner seeking more high-quality leads, this should be one of the first things you review.
In the last post we covered the first element of what it takes to capture more of the sales that you deserve – a mindset of delivering profits. Think like the prize patrol and you’ll feel a lot less self-conscious about the following up with your prospects. One more mindset comment before I move on [...]
When I conduct a workshop, as I did last week, I often get a lot of nodding and discussion when I present the slide that I show here (VERY short version, we as marketers, are on the left and our target clients are on the right). Can you relate with the frustration of feeling like your [...]
In the last post I talked about the risks of trying to launch or fiddle with multiple marketing strategies at the same time. I personally believe this is an essential lesson to embrace, so I want to make sure I am communicating this concept well. If my stalled car analogy left you scratching your head, please [...]
Do you feel a baseline of doubt – a constant level of anxiety – about your efforts to generate more business? Do you wonder if you need to change or add to your strategies, but aren’t sure what you should be doing instead? Perhaps we all experience this fear from time to time. So what [...]
There seem to be more options for promoting our businesses available every day, but there certainly aren’t any more hours for us to get everything accomplished J. I struggle myself to keep it all straight, juggle priorities, and spend time, energy, and money on strategies for generating more business that I know will pay off. [...]
Had a good turnout Tuesday night at the free workshop sponsored by Contra Costa County SCORE, SBDC, and the library. I always enjoy talking with business owners grappling with real challenges in attracting new prospects and building profitable relationships. Here are a few pictures of the event “Marketing: Small Tweaks Yield Big Results.” I will [...]
Getting new clients, patients, or customers can be a frustrating process. Sometimes it’s not clear what to stop doing, start doing, or do differently. So what is frustrating YOU? I would love to hear what your biggest struggles are as you promote your business and attempt to obtain new clients. Post comments below. This will allow me [...]

