Monday, February 15, 2010

5 Ways to Build Your Brand in a Suffering Economy

1. Get Networking. Be proactive and strategic. Find out which networking events frequent your target market and be there. Being selective with where you spend your marketing dollars will narrow down your prospects and hone in on the ones who will help you see a greater return on your networking dollars.

2. Allow Room For Negotiation. Many prospects may be interested in your company's services, but it may not be something they want or can work into the budget immediately. Provide your prospects with room for negotiation. Offer different payment methods and plans, accept barter arrangements when necessary or set up work in phases. By offering flexibility you show an understanding for how tight budgets can be and your willingness to help business continue.

3. Offer Free Events. Offer valuable and relevant information for your clients and prospects to position your company as a go-to resource and expert. Provide free educational events at your office, a meeting space or by telephone. Web seminars and teleseminars are popular ways to host events without incurring a facility cost. Use resources like Instant Teleseminar and Free Conference Call. You can incorporate free networking opportunities with resourceful information which can undoubtedly increase the size of your prospect list.

4. Use The FREE Tools Available. Social media is a tool to take advantage of. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can promote your business and share important information within your business networks. Blogs are another useful tool. Wordpress, Blogger and Typepad are among the most popular. Blogging isn't a waste of time, and by updating your blog you can maintain a fresh website which in turn increases your Search Engine Optimization.

5. Be Strategic With Your Partnerships and Relationships. Find other service providers in your industry that target the same market and compliment the services you offer. Referrals in business are mutually beneficial, expand your network and will ultimately increase your business potential.

Based on original article by J. Bourn, Examiner from Sacramento


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