Metrics and a return on your marketing investment are indeed very important. But there is another essential piece when outsourcing your marketing efforts that is often overlooked or under-valued. Many
It seems that we all know those two or three people that seem to effortlessly and legitimately know something about everything. These are the people we quickly grow to hate or depend on for the answers to all of our menial inquisitions throughout the day. Ever wonder how they do it? They probably just made an effort.
Blogging-What’s a B2B Company to Do? If you’re responsible for marketing or business communications at a B2B company and you’re still on the fence about incorporating a blog into your business-aligned communication strategy, this post should be of interest. HiveFive, a Cambridge, Mass.-based internet marketing software solutions company, has released the results of a marketing research survey that suggests many business-to-business companies don’t fully grasp the business opportunities associated with blogging. Some, in fact, see it as a resource drain. Hence, the title of this blog “Blogging-What’s a B2B Company to Do?”.
We all know that loyal, long-term customers are the lifeblood of most businesses. Current customers are less expensive to sell to than potential customers, and they are often your personal army of advocates.
Here are 3 specific reasons to take the time to foster your loyal customer base:
-They are a great source of referrals of potentially good customers.
When networking…
Do you spend most or all of the time doing the talking?
Are you waiting for the other person to stop talking so you can share your next thought, essentially not really hearing what others are sharing?
Do you focus on telling others about your product or services, and you share little or nothing about the value you can add to their business or lives?
Our team was getting prepared to attend an event right here in Anderson, Indiana. We were looking for something bold to say during our 60 second pitch, something that would grab the attention of a room full of women.
When you see the Tiffany & Co. box, what do you think of? Quality, perfection, first class?
When I see that little blue box I think of determination, focus and a steadfast purpose for the brand. That little blue box has surpassed the job of holding jewelry and has become an icon of wealth, success and prosperity for the Tiffany & Company.
So how does that happen? How is a company able to build a brand, not around their product, but around the box that holds the product?
So you have a great product or service to offer. That’s good, but it’s only part of your business. Now you need to have a great marketing plan to attract and engage your customers.
Without customer buy-in, it doesn’t matter how amazing your product or service is. Your prospective customers need to see how your business offers what they need and will somehow improve their lives. Most companies also depend on repeat customers, so engaging your current customers to help them buy-in over and over again is another key to success.
Parallax Power Supply is an electrical supplier to the RV OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) market. This company is a great example of going above and beyond in their customer engagement and communication. Although RV Dealerships don’t buy directly from Parallax, they recognize the importance of building relationships and communicating with dealerships to strengthen their brand in their industry.
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of having a clear, consistent, and meaningful brand voice, let’s talk about how that impacts your internal communication. Integrity is vital for any business that wishes to maintain positive relationships with customers, employees, and enjoy long-term success. One aspect of integrity is doing what you say you will do and maintaining those standards all the time. Employees are often the largest advocates or adversaries of your brand. Make sure they experience the same brand voice as your customers and the public.
Choosing to work with someone outside your organization can be a big decision. Here are a few things to consider before you decide to outsource work or projects.
What areas should you consider getting outside help for?
It’s not exactly a secret that the world is constantly changing. Even something as simple as getting directions is completely different. Twenty years ago we all used maps. Ten years ago we printed maps and directions off the internet. Today it seems ridiculous not to use turn-by-turn directions using smartphones with satellite technology. Similarly, it is important to keep up with the ever-changing nature of marketing.
Learn how to effectively use social media to build your brand and cultivate a loyal fan base.
This consultation includes the following components:
Interview: Element212 will review:
Recommendations:
Learn how to optimize your website and improve your website’s ranking in search engines such as Google.
This consultation includes the following components:
Approach: Element212 will provide:
Recommendations: You will receive:
Duration: 7-9 Weeks
We’ll take an in-depth look at your brand, communications & buyer’s journey to devise a comprehensive marketing strategy that works.
This consultation includes the following components:
Interview: One-on-one interviews with team members & customers or clients to uncover:
Survey: Online customer & team surveys
Analysis: Current marketing audit
Report & Recommendations: In-depth overview of your customer’s and team member’s brand perceptions along with a comprehensive marketing strategy and a Gantt timeline for the following:
Duration: 14 days
Ready to step up your marketing? We’ll identify opportunities and develop a plan that capitalizes on those findings.
This consultation includes the following components:
Interview: Half-day team interview to uncover:
Survey: Online customer & team surveys
Analysis: Current marketing audit
Report & Recommendations: Data gathered to bridge the gap between customer & company perspectives with insights to shorten the sales cycle. This report includes marketing strategy recommendations and a Gantt timeline for the following: Website Social media Print marketing Digital advertising Public Relations
Duration: 5 days
We’ll take a look at your brand and identify opportunities for the advancement of your marketing efforts.
This consultation includes the following components:
Interview: Half-day team interview
Survey: Online customer & team surveys
Analysis: Current marketing strategy
Report & Recommendations:
High-level overview of your customers’ & team members’ brand perceptions along with marketing strategy recommendations and a Gantt timeline.
Duration: 3 days
We’ll help identify your customers’ buyer’s journey and how you can influence their purchasing decisions.
This consultation includes the following components:
Interview: Up to 10 customer interviews
Survey: Online quantitative customer survey
Analysis: Secret Shopping (when applicable)
Report & Recommendations: Insights into the decision-making process your customers go through when researching, considering, and ultimately deciding where they make their purchase. This report also includes marketing recommendations along with a Gannt timeline.
Duration: 7 days
Let’s take a look at your team’s internal and external communication processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
This consultation includes the following components:
Interview: Half-day team interview
Survey: Online anonymous team survey
Analysis: Secret shopping (when applicable)
Report & Recommendations: Insights report showing gaps and opportunities for internal communications & processes and marketing recommendations with a Gantt timeline.
