1. Develop a Plan. Going blindly into the New Year without a written marketing plan can end up costing you thousands of dollars. Not identifying action items and those individuals who will be responsible for those action items results in duplicated efforts. Plus, a thorough marketing plan should build on itself, creating synergy through the action items to get the most bang for your buck.
2. Plan to Attend at Least one Networking Event Each Month. In this era of decreased advertising effectiveness and increased social media, the “social” aspect of marketing is more important than ever. Networking events are a great way to meet like-minded professionals who might be interested in what your company offers.
3. Find Local Opportunities to Speak: Small business groups are always looking for knowledgeable presenters who can pull together a presentation for a group. Polish up your speaking skills, create a great PowerPoint and start reaching out to small business group leaders.
4. Develop a Referral Program. Reward your faithful clients with free products or services when they recommend you. By giving your clients something in return, they will be more apt to sing your praises when meeting other professionals.
5. Consider Hiring a Consultant versus a Full-time Employee. Besides the obvious cost savings—you don’t have to pay for vacation, sick leave or employee benefits—consultants are ideal if you have intermittent marketing projects that don’t require a full-time person.
