http://dexone.amssupport.net/Public/Register.aspx?dexid=othermedia&dexoneid=othermedia_phoenix

Facebook Link:
http://www.facebook.com/DexOneCorp

Like Dex One on Facebook to see the Livestream.

At the top of the Dex One page click on “Timeline”

Scroll down and click on “Watch Event Videos”

You will be prompted to enter your name and email address to register and immediately will be placed

Screen Shot for instructions

into the live event.

Why aren't people taking my business idea seriously?

1.)    You don’t have a real email.

At one point TheNameofmybusiness@gmail.com may have worked. Now, it doesn’t. There are several great free tools to set up an email address, using your business domain.

Marketing Tool:  Google Business Apps

2.)    Because you have nine of them.

Everyone, meet John Serial-Network-Marketer.  Network marketing is a viable way to generate income but representing four, three or even two different businesses at one event confuses people.

Marketing Tool: The Strategic Marketing Plan

Determine which hat you wear and when. Establish a clear target audience for each event or promotional opportunity.

3.)    You don’t have a website (or at least a landing page).

People often ask, “Do I really need a website?” I respond with a single question, if you looked for a specific business online but couldn’t find a website, what would you assume? Many people would conclude that you don’t have a legitimate business or you are a flake. Today, you can create a simple website on your own but I would recommend spending the money to hire a website designer. REMEMBER just because your cousin took a course in website design does not mean he understands how to market a small business.

Marketing Tool: WordPress – use it to create a simple website using a template.

4.)    Your Facebook photo

We know that photograph of you and your friends in Las Vegas makes you look cute but it is killing your brand. On the flip side, a generic headshot with a grey background and your blue power suite is not leaving much of an impression either. You are not a logo. You are a person.

Marketing Tool:  Professional looking photograph. People want to connect with people, use profile pictures on social media to reflect what is unique about you and your business.

5.)    You

People sense when you are not committed to your business. If your business is not in line with your vision and passion, people know it. If you are indifferent about your profession or success, everyone else will be as well. Everything from your appearance, your non-verbal communication and your verbal communication will scream, “I DON’T CARE.”

Marketing Tool: Goals and Vision Sheet

Why are you in the business you are in? How does attending a networking event support your goals? What are your goals for the business? Create a clear marketing plan and determine the value for each marketing activity.  Clarity and passion make a business successful.

In today’s competitive market, people choose to invest their money carefully. Each purchase is an investment. As a business professional, it is your job to ensure that people feel it is a wise investment. People pay attention to the details. No one is going to tell you, “I didn’t buy from you because you have a gmail address,” but these little details add up quickly. Whether you are represent a service provider, have a physical store front or represent multiple product lines, pay attention to your marketing details and take advantage of the many great FREE marketing tools available to help you build your brand.

As the lines blur between business and community, small businesses are introducing new elements of civic unity, responsibility and transparency into their business. At the same time budgets for charities and community support are decreasing. Emerging businesses are now consciously leveraging time, money and resources to ensure their community efforts achieve the greatest impact for their identified causes, as well as their own organizations. As we come into the traditional “giving season,” smaller budgets and increased social awareness provides small businesses the opportunity to use strategy and creativity to give back to the community.

Three Dog Marketing at the 2011 Gabriel's Angels Fundraiser

Three Dog Marketing was founded on the value of community service. Three Dog Marketing works with many businesses to integrate community service into their business and marketing efforts. The following five strategies can be used by all businesses considering their charitable activities:

1.) Find a cause that fits your brand, your employees and something you are passionate about. Don’t be afraid to ask your employees what causes they feel passionate about. In addition to increasing your employees’ dedication and morale, their enthusiasm and shared purpose are guaranteed to improve your impact.

2.) Think of non-profits as strategic partners. Don’t just select a large charity because their name is known. Many larger non-profits do not have the flexibility (or inclination) to support your business. There are many great causes out there, don’t be afraid to use your charitable efforts to help build your business. The more your business grows, the more you are in a position to support additional groups.

Ask the question, “How can supporting your organization, help my business?” Is this a group or organization that your target audience is dedicated to? The majority of charities will be excited to partner with you but a smaller, growing organization may be even more appreciative of your donations and support.

3.) Create a strategy including when, how often, and how you will leverage your resources to your chosen cause. Many people feel that the only way to support an organization is through a large (cash) donation. This is not true. Ask your selected charity about other ways to show your support. You’ll be surprised at the variety of options offered.
By planning ahead, you and your marketing team can integrate your efforts with others. Who else (clients, prospects) can you invite to participate? Who else can support your efforts and build relationships at the same time?

4.) Don’t be afraid to let you passion show. Wear a ribbon to a networking event. Post information on your social media. Put up signs. Talk about your causes. Show your excitement! Nothing gets people more involved and passionate about your business as you being passionate about your cause!

5.) Think outside the box! Your business can grow through your social responsibility. When you integrate community support into your organization, unconventional opportunities will appear. Whether it’s mentoring a new business owner, donating space in an e-newsletter, or simply attending an event, when you become clear that community is important to you, opportunities will appear.

In the weeks and months ahead individuals and businesses will be asked to lend support to dozens of good causes. As you decide who to support, think of ways that your “good deeds” might impact your bottom line. Corporate social responsibility is not only good for non-profits, it’s also good for the businesses that support them.

Do you want pigeon? Who is your target client?

Who do you want in your sandbox?

Please don’t say everyone or Fortune 500 firms.  Your target market should be as narrow as possible.  Your target market may be Arizona companies with revenue of $2 – 10 million dollars a year, that are growing at least five percent annually. You may define your market by product or service lines, demographic or distribution channels. Does that mean all your customers fit that profile?  Maybe not; but this is the group of prospects that you focus your marketing efforts and budget to attract. This is your sandbox.

What is your unique value?

Why do people buy from you?  Harnish calls this your brand promise – the measurable outcome that your customers receive from working with you.  This quantifiable result is why your clients do business with you instead of your competitors. Once you determine why people buy from you, you can create compelling marketing messages and collateral that both builds your unique brand and provides a persuasive argument for doing business with you and your firm.

Creating your marketing strategy clearly requires more direction than this short article can provide but by answering these two questions, you’ll be on your way to developing a successful and productive marketing strategy for your company.