Take a moment and look at your most recent P&L report, what does it show for marketing and advertising costs? Typically most companies spend a fairly good percentage on their marketing and advertising needs, which is completely justifiable. The majority of businesses are simply not able to survive and function without some form of advertising and marketing but the amount of money that is spent varies greatly. How effective the marketing strategy is can depend upon several factors.
The one fact that remains the same regardless of the type of business is that marketing and advertising is completely necessary and cannot be avoided. While the budget for each business varies, it is a requirement that you find a good method of marketing that provides a good return on your investment when the money is spent. If your company wasted money on meaningless advertising and marketing methods then how could your possibly expect your business to stay open?
Most companies are working with limited budgets when they are trying to maximize their advertising dollars. This means looking for the way that is most cost effective and provides the greatest return to maximize your P&L report with a positive spin. Thankfully there are ways that are effective, and highly personalized that allow you to market your business. Which company would you prefer to work with, someone who only communicates with you when there is a bill due, or someone who keeps you in mind at times and sends a thank you card after purchases, and sends cards on the holidays?
Most clients can all agree that it is a dreaded relationship if you are only contacted when a bill is due. Most clients want to feel as if the companies they are working with value their business. This means that you should strive to break free of the thoughts that clients are only good for contacting when bills are due, but rather they should be appreciated even when there is nothing due.
This concept is something that some old style business owners are quite familiar with, but some newer business owners are not comfortable with. In the old days salespeople visited clients personally and gave samples freely. Now most business is simply done over the internet, phone or even by mail-order. This is a quick method of doing business, but it does tend to also remove the personal touch. Adding back the personal touch is something that can be handled affordably, without breaking the bank and without forcing the bottom line of your P&L report into the negative.
Remember, a good investment is something that allows you to improve your business, satisfy your customers, increase your bottom line, and is cost effective on all levels. You have numerous options of things you can do such as free pens, samples, magnets, even things such as personalized greeting cards for Thank You’s and other special occasions are all great examples that are all affordable, and simple methods that can be used to beef up sales, make clients happy and give people a great impression about your business.
