1)      You’re too expensive, I can’t afford you

2)      You don’t know/understand my business

3)      I understand marketing, I can do it myself

4)      You’ll just take over my marketing activities

Here’s Part 2 of our post.

1)    The Dangers of DIY

There are many issues related to businesses doing certain thing themselves, whether it be accounting, HR management or marketing. It always comes down to an issue of expertise and knowledge. And in the case of marketing strategy and planning, success is also a function of having a clear and objective perspective on the opportunities available to you.

A marketing consultant can provide businesses with a fresh, knowledgeable and unbiased perspective, articulating the strengths and opportunities of the company and how they can best be leveraged through an integrated marketing communications plan to deliver optimal results. Business owners are often too close to their companies to truly provide this objective point of view.

2)    Loss of Control

Arguably one of the biggest deterrents for many business owners is the potential loss of influence and involvement over the marketing process. In reality, good marketing consultants understand that input from various members of the business is critical in developing an effective marketing program that will actually deliver results. Eliciting participation from various members of the business is simply a smart way to get true ‘buy-in’ to the marketing strategy and plan.

If you’re looking for a marketing consultant that wants to partner with you in helping to grow your business, give us a call. We’re looking for clients who want to take their business to the next level, and to do so in a cost-effective and strategic manner.

1)      You’re too expensive, I can’t afford you

2)      You don’t know/understand my business

3)      I understand marketing, I can do it myself

4)      You’ll just take over my marketing activities

The reality is often very different.

1)    Pricing that’s right for you

We understand that cost is often an issue for many small and medium sized businesses, especially in these challenging times. Our goal is to provide cost-effective marketing solutions that will grow your business and fit your budget.  We can do as much or as little as your budget dictates.  More importantly, we can help you prioritize your various marketing initiatives to determine what would deliver the “biggest bang for your buck”.

2)    Doing the ‘deep dive’

It’s entirely correct that we don’t work for your business and may not, at least initially, completely understand your culture, vision and values. However, we pride ourselves in spending the time with each and every new client – no matter how big or small – to get to know their business on as intimate a basis as possible. We recognize that it’s impossible for us to do our job successfully without this in-depth knowledge of you, your business, your staff and your clients and prospects.

We’ll cover points #3 and #4 in next month’s post, so stay tuned!

Social Responsibility

Of the many hot ‘buzz’ words in the 21^st century, arguably none is bigger than corporate social responsibility (CSR). With all the corporate wrongdoings by both individuals and groups such as Bernie Madoff,  WorldCom and Lehman Brothers, is there any doubt why the issue of CSR is so prominent today? Clearly, there is a need for businesses to be more ethical and accountable. Brands that can truly stand under the CSR umbrella can build brand equity and value through these actions. Those that don’t will likely be the next businesses under Chapter 11.

Social Consciousness

Employing socially responsible business practices is nothing new. As many of us know, companies like Ben and Jerry’s and The Body Shop have been doing this for over a decade. Where the tide has shifted however is in the attention given to this area of business. Once considered a novelty and a “nice to have”, today the public considers socially responsible business practices a requirement; part of the rules of engagement in business. Anything less is considered a failure and a symbol of irresponsible management.

What does this all mean for small business?

While many small business owners may look at this development as a daunting one to take on, one could argue the complete opposite. This is very much a “glass is half full” scenario,  where this “social” movement can enable small business marketers to position their clients in a way that would have been virtually impossible even 15 years ago.

This so called ‘social’ movement has enabled small businesses to differentiate themselves and stick out from the crowd. Smaller companies have the benefit of being more nimble and community focused, and thus using these attributes to leverage the local market and beyond with their social purpose and mission. In the end it’s all about making a difference and a statement about your business stands for.

The Social Movement

The evolution of social consciousness has created a number of opportunities for marketers of all types of companies, small, medium, large, for profit and non-for-profit. But to embrace this phenomenon requires a completely different perspective than in the past: marketers need to consciously develop a social element to their client’s marketing this becomes an integral part of their brand, mission and values.

Social Responsibility

Of the many hot ‘buzz’ words in the 21^st century, arguably none is bigger than corporate social responsibility (CSR). With all the corporate wrongdoings by both individuals and groups such as Bernie Madoff,  WorldCom and Lehman Brothers, is there any doubt why the issue of CSR is so prominent today? Clearly, there is a need for businesses to be more ethical and accountable. Brands that can truly stand under the CSR umbrella can build brand equity and value through these actions. Those that don’t will likely be the next businesses under Chapter 11.

Social Consciousness

Employing socially responsible business practices is nothing new. As many of us know, companies like Ben and Jerry’s and The Body Shop have been doing this for over a decade. Where the tide has shifted however is in the attention given to this area of business. Once considered a novelty and a “nice to have”, today the public considers socially responsible business practices a requirement; part of the rules of engagement in business. Anything less is considered a failure and a symbol of irresponsible management.

What does this all mean for small business?

While many small business owners may look at this development as a daunting one to take on, one could argue the complete opposite. This is very much a “glass is half full” scenario,  where this “social” movement can enable small business marketers to position their clients in a way that would have been virtually impossible even 15 years ago.

This so called ‘social’ movement has enabled small businesses to differentiate themselves and stick out from the crowd. Smaller companies have the benefit of being more nimble and community focused, and thus using these attributes to leverage the local market and beyond with their social purpose and mission. In the end it’s all about making a difference and a statement about your business stands for.

The Social Movement

The evolution of social consciousness has created a number of opportunities for marketers of all types of companies, small, medium, large, for profit and non-for-profit. But to embrace this phenomenon requires a completely different perspective than in the past: marketers need to consciously develop a social element to their client’s marketing this becomes an integral part of their brand, mission and values.

The Customer is King

So what has changed so much in marketing to make it such a different playing field that it has been historically? Simply, the consumer has evolved into a position of power, if not even control by many of the developments in the last 10+ years. The era of the internet has provided consumers with something they never had before – easy access to a plethora of information on virtually every topic under the sun.

From product information to customer feedback and ratings on products and services to direct feedback loops via social media to retailers and manufacturers etc., the consumer has real influence over the marketplace and the products and services offered to them for consumption.

Being “Social” is more than Social Media

Many who read this blog’s title may assume that I was just going to talk strictly about social media and its influence on marketers. Wrong! While social media is an integral part of the many ‘social’ changes affecting society today, it isn’t the only one.

Being social touches on social media but goes much farther. In general, it influences marketers in its ability to enable active engage with your customers, the ability to add value to this relationship on a regular basis, and to broaden the reach of your marketing and communications messages – both on social networking platforms along with other mediums.

Use this engagement to learn more about your customers, and what they need or want from you. Encourage  them to collaborate with you to build better products and services, and to share any ideas and unfulfilled wants they might have.  You’ll build brand awareness, customer loyalty and a whole lot more!

Part 2 of this blog post will follow shortly in February, so stay tuned!

In answer to your request I have organized 3 dates for In Class Training of 
Set The Stage – Business Development Training That Turns Leads Into Sales

This foundational class outlines the Follow Up Business System and The Business Growth Strategy and is the same material I use to show corporate sales representatives at Investors Group, Verico Mortgages and new entrepreneurs through The Learning Enrichment Foundation and Enterprise Toronto how to follow up so they do not feel like they are being a pest.

Never feel like a pest again when you follow up after meeting people at business networking and trade show events!

This course will show you how to build a system that turns those business card leads into sales!

Set The Stage – Business Development Training
3 hours of training – $89.00

February 14, March 27 or May 8

from 10 am – 1 pm in Burlington Ontario.

Sign up for your preferred date

If you would prefer this training at your location, just contact me.

It really bothers me when I hear that people attend networking and trade show events as a route to find new clients and grow their business fast, but end up off course, lost in voice mail jail, frustrated and feeling like a pest.

Did you have a chance to pick up your FREE Business Growth Strategies Report? You Have Worked The Room – Now What?

Or take the survey ? Link to Survey surveymonkey.com/s/VDG78R9

Traditionally the beginning of the year is the time when small business and big business alike plan for the coming year. My business growth strategies for 2012 include combining online follow up training with mentor coaching.

Is business networking and trade show events in your market your company and prospect for new clients plans?

My goal is to help you turn more of those business card leads into sales. Would you please take a moment to answer a few questions so I better understand where you are today and how I can help you move forward and grow your business into 2012. As a Thank You you can sign up for a free Breakthrough Coaching Session.

Link to Survey surveymonkey.com/s/VDG78R9

As a fellow entrepreneurial business owner, I know it’s essential to put business systems in place to maximize efforts. It’s never easy navigating challenges, but it is so worth it when you see your business grow with less effort.

I love what I do! After receiving so many wonderful emails expressing thanks for the information I share, I know the positive impact my work can have in growing your business.

If you have any questions about any of the information I have shared, please just drop me a line. If I can help you – I will.

PS Make sure you pick up your FREE Business Growth Strategies Report – You Have Worked The Room -Now What?

Imagine showcasing your company to more prospects and turning more leads into sales with the same amount of effort you are using today … or less.

You’re about to discover secrets most business professionals will never know about following up after business networking and tradeshow events and it is stopping them from growing their business.

FREE Tele Seminar series – Maximize Your Business Networking and Trade Show Event ROI

Reveal business growth strategies PERFECT for Sales and Financial Service Professionals and Entrepreneurial Business Owners.

The FINAL call is Tuesday, December 20 – 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM Eastern

December 20 Become A Guide
80% of sales are made on the 5th – 12th contact.
Plan to continue to Follow Up

To be included on this call and have access to the full series first pick up your FREE Business Growth Strategies Report here.

One of the top questions people ask me about mastering prospecting and follow up is,
“How many times can I follow Up before the prospects thinks I am being a pest”

Give me 30 minutes and during these business development training seminars, I’ll show you how to shift gears and use a systematic approach to build the relationship during the critical beginning stage.

To be included on this call and have access to the full series first pick up your FREE Business Growth Strategies Report here.

During this FINAL call of a 4 part FREE tel seminar series I will break down my own step by step system and share with you little known secrets that you can use immediately to skyrocket your sales.

Once you know these secrets you will be able to grow your sales faster with the same amount of energy or less than you’re using today.

Whatever name you give it – working the room, prospecting, new business development, lead generation or marketing – the purpose of attending business networking and trade show events is to showcase your company and find new leads that you can turn into sales.

GET HELP – Create Your Own System

Follow Up Mentoring Program & Business Development Training

Starts January 2012

If you’re starting a new business or looking for business growth strategies to grow your existing business, plan to attend this online business development training program where you will learn how to showcase your company and be in a position to turn more leads into sales.

You probably already know – attending business networking and trade show events is one of the best way to find new prospects to grow your company.

But if you simply collect business cards and never follow up to connect, then you will fail to turn those leads into sales.

To celebrate the launch of her new website Growth Positioning System.com

Cheryl Scoffield, the Follow Up Specialist is hosting a FREE Tele-Seminar Series – Maximize Your Business Networking and Trade Show Event ROI – You are invited!

To be included on the series first pick up your FREE Business Growth Strategies Report here.

2nd Call in the series is Tuesday, December  6, 1:15 – 1:45 pm
Business Growth Strategy Overview, You Have Worked The Room – Now What?
Have a Systematic Approach

During this 2nd call of a 4 part free tele-seminar series Cheryl will reveal her step by step system and share with you little known secrets that will skyrocket your sales.

Once you know these secrets you will be able to grow your sales faster with the same amount of energy or less than you’re using today.

These business development training seminars will be recorded and available after the call for registered attendees. All seminars run 1:15 – 1:45 pm Eastern

The next Business Development Training Seminar dates in this series are:

December 13 Step By Step Follow up Business System
How to get prospects to look forward to hearing from you

December 20 Become A Guide
80% of sales are made on the 5th – 12th contact.
Plan to continue to Follow Up

To sign up for the series pick up your FREE Business Growth Strategies Report here.

Could I ask you a question please?

What is the top question you have about - prospecting at - and – following up after –  business networking and tradeshow events?

Please e-mail me your questions to Cheryl at Executive Sales Support.com

The reason I’m asking this question is – many of my clients tell me they try to follow up with the people they meet but they end up;

• feeling like they are bugging people and so they stop
• get distracted doing other activities and end up running out of time and feeling like it is now too late

Over the next six weeks I will be hosting a series of seminars where I be answering your questions and sharing with you tips you can use to:

• start conversations in a room full of strangers
• follow up tools to continue the conversation
• a marketing and sales funnel strategy that enables you to follow up with everyone you meet

Please e-mail me your questions Cheryl at Executive Sales Support.com
I look forward to receiving your questions and ‘seeing’ you in the upcoming seminars.To your success,