The April Coffee Break
April 1st, 2009 | Author:
What is Marketing, Anyway?
WHEN WE USE THE TERM MARKETING we’re not just talking about creating a brochure, business card, or producing a website. It includes all of that—but much more. Advertising is only a small part of the puzzle in the “marketing world.”
It is taken from the phrase “going to market.” When you go to a market to sell your goods, you make sure you appear professional and helpful. You have friendly service, a nice sign, and an excellent location. You pay attention to every detail and look for ways to create an atmosphere encourage the customer to buy your goods.
Marketing brings all the pieces together.
Simply, marketing is everything you to do put your product or service into the hands of possible customer—no matter how big or how small.
Elizabeth Mong is the head of our marketing program. She is joining us for coffee, sharing with us why marketing is so crucial today.
As we sip our coffee, Elizabeth answers the question, “Why is marketing so important in today’s tough economic times?”
Her answer comes with enthusiasm: “No one is escaping the effects of our weakened economy. Your customers are shopping differently than they did a few years ago. They research more, pay more attention to value, and compare more prices.
“Your business must stand a foot taller than your competition: your marketing strategy—your brochures, business cards, website, signs, billboards, worker’s uniforms and even your business building—must shout to your customer base, ‘We’re a trustworthy, permanent business with products and services valuable to you.’”
We ask Elizabeth, as we pass around the biscotti, “What is the most important thing we can do in marketing right now?”
Elizabeth smiles and answers, “You need to show people you care through your marketing approach. Identify how the economy is hurting your customers. Find creative ways to help them in these tough times. They will sense your care. If your products and services meet their expectation of value-quality at a reasonable price, they will develop loyalties to your company.
“This is a time to pay attention to your customers and to let them know you care with good business practices. It is also a time to generate a new customer list, and you do it the same way: good, effective marketing of your business.”
Thank you, Elizabeth. We can’t wait to “go to market” with all of our new ideas and fresh vision for our company.
Please join us again in May for another fresh brewed cup of marketing ideas and business strategies to enhance your knowledge and infuse your imagination to go even further…
