Best Marketing Tips

At a recent BOB, we asked our members to share tips, ideas and strategies for marketing.

"A millionaire once told me--To be a success you need to talk to 15 people per day.  Track how many people you talk to each day."
Laura Jasurda, Rodan and Fields

"Take advantage of being feature on Groupon.  Exposure to 700,000 people in SE Michigan and no out of pocket cost."
Jason T. Ryan, Groupon

"Run a Testimonial Ad in the local paper.  People always like to know what your customers think."
Russ Burns, All Saints Cemetery

"Advertise in the local paper."
Jill Dixon, Heather Pines

"Track where your leads come from.  Give and get referrals."
Lenny Dicks, MAACO

"Join local networking groups and form relationships."
Jason T. Ryan, Vision Fuel Media

"Get referrals from your existing customers, on their business letterhead.  If necessary, offer them a sample letter to show them what you're looking for."
Don Souden, Coffee Break Service

"Develop strategic referral partnerships."
Larry Ribits, Keaton Publishing

"Follow up! The fortune is in the follow up.  Read No More Cold Calling by Joanne Black."
Nick Shone, Legal Sheild

"Attend ribbon cuttings, grand openings and open houses."
Ginny Hechinger, Costco

"Pass out promotional items with your company name, logo, slogan or branding."
Fritz and David Jackson, Ideas for You

From the Chamber we add the following tips:

• Know who your target audience is and where to find them
• Partner with other chamber members who have a similar customer base to give referrals back and forth
• Ask questions of the advertising representatives for newspapers, mailers, radio and TV--advertising may be more affordable than you realize.
• Running 1 ad isn't going to do much--be consistent.  Build your marketing plan so it sustains consistent and multi-platform (Social Media, Print advertising etc.) based.
• Consider participating in service clubs and volunteer organizations.  You'll build friendships and camaraderie, but you're also building your personal and company brand.  People do business with people they know, like and trust.
• Show up.  Attending a Business Over Breakfast is an easy way to meet new people and grow existing relationships.
• Sit with somebody new at lunch.  If you always talk to the same people, you will get the same information.  Reach out and meet someone new.
• Sponsoring an event like Women in Business, allows you the opportunity for a table display and presentation time in front of the group.
• Co-brand with excellence. Sponsoring an event like Concerts in the Park or Taste of Clarkston, gets your name in front of a lot of local eyeballs--while being aligned with well-loved, smooth running events.
• Put your flyer in Advertising Advantage, the Chamber's direct mailing to 1000 area business.  ($150 per month)
• Take advantage of Independence Township library business resources and databases.
• Remember that excellent customer service at every touchpoint is fabulous marketing that will keep you in front of return customers and clients!

We've told you a few of ours, now share with us some of your best marketing tips, ideas and secrets!