The Importance of Networking

Those of you who know me will also know that I’m addicted to conferences. For me, the eye-opener was the second edition of the European Shareware Conference. I went there just to see what it was like, not knowing anyone. I am very shy in nature, and it’s not always easy to get to know new people. But when I was there, I went to the informal drinks the evening before the conference, and knew everyone who was there in no time. I actually think that going there without knowing anyone was... Read more »

Service Business Owners: Take A Risk And Create An Ideal Client Profile

Do you know who your ideal client is? Most business owners don’t really know. They guess! And because they guess, they’re working way to hard, marketing too much, spending too much money. I know I’ve been there, done that. Now, my bottom line definition of an ideal client would include a client who: –Easily pays you top dollar, and on time, for your services. –Comes to you already understanding what you services can help them accomplish. –Refers you to others... Read more »

Magnanimous Music Mogul Maneuvers Magnificent Marketing

If you live on Earth, you have heard about the deal between Country Music Legend Garth Brooks and mega super store, Wal-Mart. Brooks, who has always proved to be a marketing innovator, has inked a deal that is sure to set the music industry on fire. Recently parting from his label, Capitol Records, the deal grants sole distribution rights to Wal-Mart. What can we learn from Garth? First, he’s all about the business, his fans, and marketing, something I speak about repeatedly both on my weekly... Read more »

Guerrilla Marketing

Guerilla Marketing is the use of unconventional marketing techniques intended to get maximum results from minimal resources, which let’s face it; most indie musicians have minimal resources. Today, guerrilla marketing is a non-traditional, low-cost, and highly effective marketing endeavor, which when used properly can reap many rewards for the diligent user. So what can you do to use guerrilla marketing to help further your music career? The first piece of advice I can give you is to think... Read more »

Press Release - The First Step Of The Marketing Campaign

A press release is usually a definite statement about a new product or service, released singly or simultaneously via the media. There are many ways to issue a press release, i.e. call for a press conference and give a concise statement regarding your product, write a descriptive note and send it to the editors of all newspapers which you identified for this purpose, send it to the local TV network, the national and international TV channels, depending on its importance and your marketing strategy. Most... Read more »

How To Prepare For A Fundraising Event

Well, that time of the year is upon us once again. People from all walks of life start to band together in pursuit of one common goal, to get their favorite candidate elected come November. Yes, election season is just about to arrive, meaning that we can now start flooding our candidates with enough wads of money to ensure that their campaign will stay afloat all the way up to the day we vote in these midterm elections. One of the most important aspects of any respectable campaign is the need to... Read more »

What’s The Deal With Business Exposure From Public Relations?

Public relations is useful whether you want to reach a global audience or only a single town, it is the perfect compliment to advertising efforts. And best of all, it is not downright expensive! Here’s a few tips to help you get started: - Get published. Write educational articles for trade journals, newspapers, and other publications that reach your target audience. They’ll get your name in front of the public and add to your credibility. Credibility is an excellent PR technique, and... Read more »

Public Relations- Do Not Miss This Huge Opportunity!

Public relations is not only for large companies. Even small businesses can take advantage of publicity to increase their exposure and grow their customer base. Here are a few tips to help you get started with your PR campaign: - Make your media coverage do double duty. A major component of public relations is “planting” feature stories or news in newspapers, magazines, television or radio programs. When a favorable story about your business appears in the press, you not only gain the... Read more »

Are Public Relation Strategies Really That Effective?

Public relations is useful whether you want to reach a global audience or only a single town. It is the perfect compliment to advertising efforts with its low budget and high exposure. Here’s how public relations can help you and your business: - Encourage your employees to give back to the community. Close down your business for one day a year and have your entire staff do a day of charity work. Headlines would read, “Local Print Shop Closes Doors to Help the Needy!” Not only would... Read more »

How Public Relations Can Help Promote Your Business Effectively

There are still inexpensive ways to get the word out about your business. You just have to have the patience and creativity to find them! Here are a few techniques and tips that will help you to get started with a public relations campaign: - Develop a simple PR plan. You don’t need a complex plan, but by taking the time to map out a few basics you can help ensure the success of your PR efforts. Start by identifying what you want to accomplish for your business, how you want to be seen by... Read more »