The American Marketing Association has its lineup in place for the rest of the summer, so if you're looking for the perfect exercise for your marketing team now is the time to check your calendar and start making your reservations! You don't want to miss out on the opportunity to work with some of the greatest minds in marketing because you sent your paperwork in too late, do you?
June 24: Online Marketing: Convergence in the Cloud
Los Angeles, CA-Discover the infrastructure shift that's building "the cloud" and the reaching implications it's going to have for the way we market online. This presentation is going to be led by social media blogger Robert Scoble, who will discuss what the Cloud means for online marketing and how we, as marketers, can successfully incorporate it into our own marketing campaigns.
July 15-July 17: The 2009 Nonprofit Marketing Conference
Chicago, IL-This year's Nonprofit Marketing Conference centers around the idea of change and how the challenge we face in the current economy and the shifting demographics of donors can work to our advantage, as well as new ways to reach and engage donors and volunteers.
"You will leave NPMC armed with the latest research insights, proven strategies and ready-to-use tools to broaden your reach, deepen your relationships and motivate your donors/volunteers to action even with the reduced resources that are a reality in the current economic environment. "
Since I know I mentioned these events already in a previous blog let me take a moment to add that the AMA's next scheduled event is not due to take place until October, and that these symposiums, conferences and workshops fill up fast. Most of them have an early bird registration that begins almost a month before the event, so don't wait to get your group in until the last minute or it might be too late!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Are Today's Investments Tomorrow's Profits, Or Just Another Drain on Our Pockets?
In today's times of economic uncertainty it's hard to believe that anything we do right now is going to accomplish anything more than basic survival. Most of us are paring back on our investments at the moment in an effort to have more cash in our pockets on a day to day basis and enough to provide us with a financial cushion if we find ourselves stuck in the unemployment line.
And yet it seems like every time we turn around there's someone else there urging us to sink our hard earned (and much hoarded) cash into yet another investment scheme. Whether it's an IRA, a 401K, real estate or your stock portfolio, the potential gain that may or may not come from investing in investments that may or may not survive the recession intact doesn't seem nearly as important as putting an extra 10% of your income into your savings account.
That 10% is important, make no mistake about it, but money was never meant to just sit and stagnate. Money was born to grow and replicate, and today's economic recession can't last forever. Despite the negative (and rather frantic) press it's been receiving, this recession is actually very much a part of the natural order of things in the business world. What goes up must come down, and then go up again. Today's investments are going to be tomorrow's goldmines, so even though it may pain you to part with that extra cash right now it's going to pay off in profits down the road.
Sometimes you have to take a chance on short term loss to enjoy a long term gain, which is one of the first things every businessman and woman should learn before stepping out into the bullpen. Don't be afraid to invest in today's market. As long as your portfolio can stand a few ups and downs the long term gains are going to more than make up for the short term loss.
And yet it seems like every time we turn around there's someone else there urging us to sink our hard earned (and much hoarded) cash into yet another investment scheme. Whether it's an IRA, a 401K, real estate or your stock portfolio, the potential gain that may or may not come from investing in investments that may or may not survive the recession intact doesn't seem nearly as important as putting an extra 10% of your income into your savings account.
That 10% is important, make no mistake about it, but money was never meant to just sit and stagnate. Money was born to grow and replicate, and today's economic recession can't last forever. Despite the negative (and rather frantic) press it's been receiving, this recession is actually very much a part of the natural order of things in the business world. What goes up must come down, and then go up again. Today's investments are going to be tomorrow's goldmines, so even though it may pain you to part with that extra cash right now it's going to pay off in profits down the road.
Sometimes you have to take a chance on short term loss to enjoy a long term gain, which is one of the first things every businessman and woman should learn before stepping out into the bullpen. Don't be afraid to invest in today's market. As long as your portfolio can stand a few ups and downs the long term gains are going to more than make up for the short term loss.
What is "The Cloud"?
In a recent blog post I mentioned that the American Marketing Association was hosting a seminar that focused on the various aspects of marketing in "the cloud"-the amorphous Internet being that's coming to monopolize the modern view on Internet marketing. Since that day it's come to my attention how many people really have no idea what "the cloud" is, even though they spend half their lives buried in it.
In fact, if trends keep continuing the way they have "The Cloud" may become a life force of its own. But what is "The Cloud"?
When I was digging around on the web for a simple way to explain what is, to be perfectly honest, an unexplainable but easily understood concept I realized that if you didn't "get" the Cloud, you weren't going to GET the Cloud! This definition, as proposed by Phil Whainewright, came as close as I've ever seen a definition come to being clear and comprehensible:
"Once your software becomes a service in the cloud, it opens up the potential to link it up with other services that are out there. For many vendors and users this is still a barely dawning realization, but it's of fundamental importance. In many ways, the Internet cloud is one great global SOA — still very rudimentary in many ways, but flexible enough to accommodate different levels of sophistication, and evolving fast." - Phil Whainewright
In other words, "The Cloud" represents a global joining of all of the data, software and other service you're ever going to need. The ultimate global network. A living, breathing entity that's slowly going to reshape the way we think of (and do) business-and, in time, the way we as marketers view the marketing profession and commerce as a whole.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you're not riding the Cloud when the time comes you're going to be left behind.
In fact, if trends keep continuing the way they have "The Cloud" may become a life force of its own. But what is "The Cloud"?
When I was digging around on the web for a simple way to explain what is, to be perfectly honest, an unexplainable but easily understood concept I realized that if you didn't "get" the Cloud, you weren't going to GET the Cloud! This definition, as proposed by Phil Whainewright, came as close as I've ever seen a definition come to being clear and comprehensible:
"Once your software becomes a service in the cloud, it opens up the potential to link it up with other services that are out there. For many vendors and users this is still a barely dawning realization, but it's of fundamental importance. In many ways, the Internet cloud is one great global SOA — still very rudimentary in many ways, but flexible enough to accommodate different levels of sophistication, and evolving fast." - Phil Whainewright
In other words, "The Cloud" represents a global joining of all of the data, software and other service you're ever going to need. The ultimate global network. A living, breathing entity that's slowly going to reshape the way we think of (and do) business-and, in time, the way we as marketers view the marketing profession and commerce as a whole.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you're not riding the Cloud when the time comes you're going to be left behind.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Can Your Distribution Channel Help You Save Money on Marketing?
When evaluating the benefits of using particular types of distribution channels there are a number of issues that pop up along the way. You talk about speed and the effectiveness of getting your products to your customers. You discuss the wisdom of tying yourself with a particular company. Most importantly, however, you want to consider what value your distribution channel is going to add or take away from your products and services.
The good news is, if you've chosen your distribution channels and partners correctly you should be able to find that even your marketing campaign flows more smoothly and cost effectively than ever before. Retailers carrying your products often run specials that will serve to let their customers know about what your company has to offer. Coupons and sales can be your greatest ally! You're also going to have a more cost efficient method of reaching your target audience than you would have had using marketing directly, because they already have your target market visiting them on a daily basis.
Does this mean all you have to do to ensure your company's success is find the right distribution partners? Absolutely not. You still want to put as much thought and effort into your marketing campaign as you would have if you were single-handedly managing your own direct distribution. (Take a moment and pretend you're Michael Dell, the man who built his entire company on the foundation of marketing directly and aggressively to his consumers.) While the cost of your campaign will dip slightly due to extended exposure, the relative cost (your marketing cost to sale ratio) should zoom as your well-chosen partnerships help send sales soaring.
The good news is, if you've chosen your distribution channels and partners correctly you should be able to find that even your marketing campaign flows more smoothly and cost effectively than ever before. Retailers carrying your products often run specials that will serve to let their customers know about what your company has to offer. Coupons and sales can be your greatest ally! You're also going to have a more cost efficient method of reaching your target audience than you would have had using marketing directly, because they already have your target market visiting them on a daily basis.
Does this mean all you have to do to ensure your company's success is find the right distribution partners? Absolutely not. You still want to put as much thought and effort into your marketing campaign as you would have if you were single-handedly managing your own direct distribution. (Take a moment and pretend you're Michael Dell, the man who built his entire company on the foundation of marketing directly and aggressively to his consumers.) While the cost of your campaign will dip slightly due to extended exposure, the relative cost (your marketing cost to sale ratio) should zoom as your well-chosen partnerships help send sales soaring.
Sometimes Your Distribution Channel Really Is Your Secret of Success
When you start talking to some of today's biggest businesses you're going to hear a lot about their secret of success. Some companies will attribute it to clever management. Others will point toward innovative employees and prime, previously unseen opportunities in the market. If you were to take a look at Dell, Amazon.com and WalMart, three of today's most well known retailers, however, you'd hear a slightly different story. Yes, these companies can attribute their success to previously unseen market opportunities, but first and foremost they trace their success back to their highly efficient distribution channels.
Distribution channels are the routes your products take to get from point A (creation) to point Z (the consumer). Whether you're dealing directly with the consumer or you prefer B to B associations, your distribution channels are going to play a key role in your success.
Because your distribution channels provide the most direct and efficient link possible with your consumers it's important to make sure that you have them plotted out accordingly, with an eye toward both cost effectiveness and efficiency and quality and control. Why? Think of it this way. While at the beginning it may make sense for a company to handle its own distribution channels, over time that can become both expensive and inefficient. WalMart and Amazon are as successful as they are because they have developed an efficient way to get their products (through major manufacturers such as Sealy and HP) and to deliver their products (directly through their retail outlets and with major shipping providers UPS and FedEx).
It's important to choose companies whose image and vision jive with your own when you're establishing your distribution channels. Why? Imagine being able to buy a cost-effective Rolex at WalMart. The product would undoubtedly be popular, but it is equally as likely to lose a great deal of value in the eyes of your consumers-and once your products become devalued there is no going back.
So when choosing your distribution channels be sure to do your homework, evaluate the company's reputation and vision for the future, their concern for quality and their image before incorporating them into your distribution channel. Once you do you should be able to watch your profits fly and leave you wondering why you didn't think about handing control of your personal distribution off years ago.
Distribution channels are the routes your products take to get from point A (creation) to point Z (the consumer). Whether you're dealing directly with the consumer or you prefer B to B associations, your distribution channels are going to play a key role in your success.
Because your distribution channels provide the most direct and efficient link possible with your consumers it's important to make sure that you have them plotted out accordingly, with an eye toward both cost effectiveness and efficiency and quality and control. Why? Think of it this way. While at the beginning it may make sense for a company to handle its own distribution channels, over time that can become both expensive and inefficient. WalMart and Amazon are as successful as they are because they have developed an efficient way to get their products (through major manufacturers such as Sealy and HP) and to deliver their products (directly through their retail outlets and with major shipping providers UPS and FedEx).
It's important to choose companies whose image and vision jive with your own when you're establishing your distribution channels. Why? Imagine being able to buy a cost-effective Rolex at WalMart. The product would undoubtedly be popular, but it is equally as likely to lose a great deal of value in the eyes of your consumers-and once your products become devalued there is no going back.
So when choosing your distribution channels be sure to do your homework, evaluate the company's reputation and vision for the future, their concern for quality and their image before incorporating them into your distribution channel. Once you do you should be able to watch your profits fly and leave you wondering why you didn't think about handing control of your personal distribution off years ago.
Tiny Ways to Save a Dollar a Day
Despite predictions that today's economy is rapidly heading for an upturn (something that is good news to all of you start-up businesses out there that took advantage of the boom in Internet commerce but have still been feeling the pinch) Americans are still looking for ways to make their dollars stretch even farther. Ladies and gentlemen, if you're trying to build your business you know exactly what I'm talking about! When your marketing budget is still coming out of your pocket it's easy to see why so many small companies go down in flames in the first five years.
There are hundreds of books out there that offer hints on easy ways you can save money. You already know the big ones-stop spending, start putting away a certain percentage of your paycheck, stick to your budget. All those helpful tips don't take into account the fact that saving money is hard, especially if you're not used to doing it!
When I was surfing around online the other day I came across a great site to help everyone, business owners and everyday consumers alike, get started saving money. These fun little steps are things we can all do every day, and before long you're going to notice a huge difference in the amount of money you have in your savings account!
Tiny Ways to Save a Dollar a Day
1) Stop watching T.V.-your electric bill will thank you, and you'll minimize your exposure to the commercials that are draining your bank account dry!
2) Start making your gifts rather than buying them. Most people are just as happy with a plate full of brownies or homemade candles as they are with an expensive tie they're never going to wear, and you'll be able to save hundreds when Christmas rolls around.
3) Sign up for free customer rewards programs. You probably don't realize how much you spend at the grocery store or your local bookstore-but they do. These rewards can add up over time, and you'll be able to enjoy the things you love without having to worry about how they're impacting your checkbook.
4) Don't spend money on your kids. Seriously. They'll have just as much fun with old newspapers and paint, or an old cardboard box, as they will with a $3,000 playhouse.
5) Cut back on fast and frozen foods. Yes, they're more convenient at the end of the day, but they also cost considerably more.
6) Start walking the straight and narrow. Alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and weekends at the local pub can really add up over time. Dropping those habits can add hundreds to your budget, helping you save money and paving the way to a successful financial future.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Developing a Marketing Plan That Will Crush Your Competition
When you're playing in the field of big business there are two groups of people you have to worry about: The people who are buying from you (your customers) and the people who would like them to stop buying from you (your competition). Since marketing involves not only emphasizing the value proposition of your products and services but also differentiating what your company has to offer from similar prospects laid forward by your competition, it pays to develop a marketing plan that's designed to do both as efficiently as possible.
The major mistake most marketers make, especially ones that are new to the game, is looking too closely at the marketing techniques used by their competition. If the competition has launched a TV ad, they think they should do it too. If their competitors have a price war going, they think they need to take part. Your competition is only one piece of a very big puzzle, however, and shouldn't be used as the framework on which your entire marketing plan is based.
If you really want to crush your competition, take time to find out what, exactly, your customers want. The competition focused approach doesn't take into account the fact that your competition could be spending too much money or targeting the wrong group of consumers-and really, do you want your profits to pay for their mistakes? Consumer needs change more slowly than your competition, allowing you to get your feet under you before making major changes to your marketing approach, and by listening to your consumers you know you're taking the right approach to helping your business grow.
Take, for example, the case of Amazon.com. Believing that the best way to jump ahead of their competition was to advertise on TV, Amazon's CEO launched a wide marketing campaign only to pull it off shortly after when he realized it wasn't working. Instead, the company started offering free shipping. They weren't campaigning the same way their competition was, but by giving their consumers what they wanted this "dark horse" managed to continue to dominate the E-tail industry.
It pays to listen to your consumers instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses.
The major mistake most marketers make, especially ones that are new to the game, is looking too closely at the marketing techniques used by their competition. If the competition has launched a TV ad, they think they should do it too. If their competitors have a price war going, they think they need to take part. Your competition is only one piece of a very big puzzle, however, and shouldn't be used as the framework on which your entire marketing plan is based.
If you really want to crush your competition, take time to find out what, exactly, your customers want. The competition focused approach doesn't take into account the fact that your competition could be spending too much money or targeting the wrong group of consumers-and really, do you want your profits to pay for their mistakes? Consumer needs change more slowly than your competition, allowing you to get your feet under you before making major changes to your marketing approach, and by listening to your consumers you know you're taking the right approach to helping your business grow.
Take, for example, the case of Amazon.com. Believing that the best way to jump ahead of their competition was to advertise on TV, Amazon's CEO launched a wide marketing campaign only to pull it off shortly after when he realized it wasn't working. Instead, the company started offering free shipping. They weren't campaigning the same way their competition was, but by giving their consumers what they wanted this "dark horse" managed to continue to dominate the E-tail industry.
It pays to listen to your consumers instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses.
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