January 2012 Newsletter
February 10, 2012
January 2012 Newsletter
Five Ways to “Shake the Trees”
by Amy Patton
I grew up on a farm so I frequently use farm references and analogies. Sometimes they just fit the topic perfectly and this is one of those times. Our farm had a pecan orchard. When harvesting the pecans the first task is to get the easy “pickins”. After you get the obvious, easy stuff – the pecans on the ground and those that are low and easy to reach – the next step is to “shake the trees”. Shaking will let loose more pecans and give you another round of easy pickens before you start the hard work of climbing and reaching. The same is true in business. Here are five suggestion for “shaking the tree”:
1. Revamp your marketing plan – Take a look at last year and see what really brought in revenue and what didn’t. Maybe you are spending your money on the wrong things. A full marketing analysis provides a road map for achieving your goals. Don’t have a marketing budget or track performance? Well then…go straight to suggestion 2.
2. Start Tracking - If you don’t track how your marketing dollars are spent to the revenue they produce – it’s time to start! Tracking ROI provides the facts needed to optimize your budget
and strategy.
3. Launch a search engine marketing and optimization campaign – If you already have a web site, what is it doing for you? How much business does it bring in? You went to the trouble to build a web site so you should get the most out of it. It’s trackable, it’s targeted and it doesn’t require large budgets. So what’s not to love? It pays to know what you are doing though. Hiring a professional pays off.
4. Get social – Everybody is talking about social media these days and you wonder if you should jump on board. If you do, it needs to be done properly. Adding a social component is easy. Getting it right…not so easy.
5. Customer relations – Often the best place to find new business is old business. Show those valued customers of yours some love! Hearing from you may inspire them to make a new purchase. Remind them of your services. They may have forgotten one that is just what they need right now. Customer relations should definitely be part of your marketing plan.
Project Spotlight:
Arkansas Duck Masters Guide Services
Arkansas Duck Masters Guide Services
The Challenge:
Create a web site that instantly conveys the brand and experience of a hunting guide service.
The Solution:
See for yourself!
Edwards Funeral Home
The Challenge:
Be true to the dignity and honor that Edwards Funeral Home provides for their clients.
The Solution:
Watch the videos
Shout Outs:
Thank you to all of these companies that have helped us create wondferful content!
Calvert McBride for helping us with several large rush projects this year. We really appreciate you!
Graphic Services for working with us to get a rush t-shirt order out for Christmas!
Welcome New Clients!
DCS Communications, Inc.
Empty Creel Fly Fishing
Duck Masters Guide Services
Quadrivium
Edwards Funeral Home
The Importance of Being Impressive
February 10, 2012We had a situation recently that reminded us of how important first impressions and professionalism really are.
Don’t take introductions, handshakes and a smile lightly. It goes a long way. If you are the first person a customer meets or talks to at your office, your greeting affects that person’s perception of you and the company.
Be courteous, helpful and smile. After all, customer and vendor interactions (whether on the phone or in person) are an important part of your brand.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentC is for Cookie….and much more
August 19, 2011I noticed a common factor over several conversations in the last few weeks. What is up with words that start with “C’? It seems that a vast array of them can spark quite the controversy. So I started jotting down “C” words that that came up so we can explore how they pertain to what we do every day.
“C” Word #1: Change
Ooooo… This word is a fightin’ word to some. “Change” ignites all kinds of emotions. It seems that there few people float in the middle on this one. People are either change agents or against change. Now some will tell you that they are for change but when it comes time to walk the talk…no can do. The reality is that life changes every day. This leaves you with just a few options:
a) Adjust accordingly
b) Embrace and seek opportunities
c) Dig your heels in deep and hope that this new day is just a nightmare because you like things just the way they are.
As marketing gurus, we are 100% behind Option B. How can we not be? The way we communicate seems to change daily. So as professionals, we have to stay on top of the latest and greatest technology to help our clients interact with their customers the way their customers want them too.
We love change. How about you?
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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