One of the hard truths of business is that you are paid and evaluated on your results, not your effort—a fact that occasionally makes “knocking it out of the park” with pricing feel unattainable. (And job satisfaction, less than desirable.) Particularly for businesses that specialize in custom services (raising my hand; are you as well?), establishing concrete pricing is … [Read more...]
10 Holiday Marketing Promotions to Boost Small Business Sales
Sponsored by VISA Business: There is no better time of year to invest in marketing and promotions than during the holiday season when people are already amenable to buying. You can boost your small business sales this holiday season with some creative thinking, but you should start planning now. Don’t wait until November to start putting together your holiday promotions or … [Read more...]
Review Sites Are Critical for Business
In our global community reviews are becoming increasingly important. People are able to review your company, products and services from their computer and mobile phone. This can be extremely advantageous for companies that have amazing customer service. It can also drive business away if you have the wrong staff in place. Here is what you need to know about review sites … [Read more...]
PR 101: Customer Service Counts
Interesting business conversations can crop up just about anywhere—if you're paying attention and know exactly how, and when, to jump in. Such was the case the other day, during an informal meeting with a potential client. Informal, because our entire meeting took place at the checkout counter of her specialty food market. I knew from the start, that there would be … [Read more...]
The Art and Science of Emotional Branding
Emotional branding is powerful. When consumers emotionally connect with your brand, both loyalty and advocacy grow exponentially. Furthermore, emotional connections to a brand help that brand survive through any micro- or macro-environmental problem. When you can make consumers feel something about your brand, you've reached a level of marketing success that most brand … [Read more...]
How Audio Branding Can Help Define Your Business Culture
Guest contribution by Colleen Fahey (learn more about the author at the end of the article): The most important brand touch-points for customers are your employees. Since employees are the flesh and blood manifestation of your brand, they need to know they belong and be clear about what they belong to. It’s no wonder many companies use audio branding primarily for their … [Read more...]
7 Ps of Social Media Marketing Success [Infographic]
Social media marketing success is tied directly to brand building. Are you tackling social media in the right ways to effectively grow your business, attract your ideal customers, and reach your goals? Take a look at the infographic below to learn how you can go from social media zero to hero by following seven specific "Ps" --- perception, predominance, progression, proof, … [Read more...]
Essential Tips when Launching your First E-Commerce Website
Sponsored by NCC Group: Getting into the world of online business is an avenue open to everyone in our modern age. With so many options for creating and managing your own sales website, it seems that anyone could be a dot-com tycoon if they only got the formula right. But setting up your own e-commerce website is not a walk in the park. As well as deciding how it will … [Read more...]
The Importance of Integrating Your Brand Promise into Your Company Culture
Sponsored by VISA Business: Why Internal Branding Matters to Corporate Culture and Business Success What does your brand promise to consumers? Do your employees believe your brand promise? If not, why should consumers believe it? Internal branding should be a core component of every company’s culture because your employees are your best brand advocates. However, they … [Read more...]
Marketing to Women and Mothers with Stephanie Azzarone
The world of marketing to women and mothers has changed a lot since Stephanie Azzarone opened her communications company, Child's Play Communications, 25 years ago. During her recent appearance on my online radio talk show, The Social Marketing Hour with Susan Gunelius, she shared a wealth of information about how brands can grow successfully by connecting with women in the … [Read more...]