Making Your Company Shine

As you are starting the New Year, there are things you can do to create an image for your company that will shine above the rest. Every day you can find stories on the economy, unemployment rates, and business success. There's no doubt that business owners and consumers are leary. In a difficult or unsure economy, one of the things businesses do first is cut back on their marketing budgets. Instead of cutting back, keen business owners should be taking this opportunity to outshine their competition. When trying to figure out what you would like to do with your company this year, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

1. Develop a plan. It is always surprising how many small companies neglect to do any kind of business or marketing planning. Figure out where you want to go and how you are going to get there. Then, write the plan down and update it periodically.
2. View marketing as an investment. The more you strategically market to the people who need your product or service, the more customers you will attract.
3. Evaluate what you are currently doing to make sure the money you are spending is working for you. Don't use strategies just because they are part of a traditional marketing program. Focus your efforts on what gets the best results.
4. Stop using strategies that are not working and always remember to test and measure so you know whether you are effectively reaching your target audience.
5. Review your marketing message. You want to be certain it clearly and concisely demonstrates "What's in it for me?".
6. Don't forget to have fun. If you love what you do and are having fun doing it, you will have no choice but to succeed.