Joe Smith

Rethinking the 4 P’s

Today there are multiple communications vehicles that satisfy people’s need to gather information.

In retrospect: third anniversary of It’s Your Business

This month’s column marks the third anniversary of It’s Your Business appearing in The Record.

Success comes from inspiration

Quotes come from a variety of sources; not all were coined by the gurus of business or come out of business administration textbooks.

Trends that will shape 2013

This is the time of the year that many marketers try to predict trends.

Hello, my name is …

The term “elevator pitch” is a chance encounter to deliver a summary of your business.

Aspire to inspire before you expire

What is it that keeps you going on a day-to-day basis as you work your business?

Is it a goal, strategy or a tactic?

In the world of marketing there are clear distinctions between these three concepts.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Professionally-designed visuals complement your communications strategy.

Tough times create opportunities

reports show how tough it is for Valley businesses in these challenging economic times.

Not just any event

This marks the second anniversary of It’s Your Business appearing in The Record.

Social media going mobile

Keeping up with friends, family and people who like you can have a big impact on your business.

What’s the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan?

Most people operating businesses know how important it is to have a business plan, particularly if they are looking to secure a loan or other form of financing.
However, a business plan is only half of what your business needs in order to become successful. You also need a strategic plan that will allow you to keep building on your success.

IMS more than just another mumbo jumbo acronym

When I started my consulting business a number of years ago, I used the tag line Integrated Marketing Services — which I thought was rather self-explanatory.

In the niche of time — find your niche in the market

Whenever a big box store moves into town, conversations within the business community inevitably revolve around the need to set yourself apart.
It is relatively easy to say be unique, be different, but how do you go about doing that in a market that seems saturated with similar products or services.

Heed the four Ps of market research if you want your business to succeed

To develop even a rudimentary marketing plan or business strategy, it is essential that you conduct some market research.
It is only through this process that you can develop products or services that will meet the needs of your customers, establish distribution channels and create awareness of what you have to offer.

Advertising single best way to get your message out

For people to know who you are, what you have to sell and where they can find you requires you to do something very basic — you need to advertise.

Crisis management plan for small business

How many small business owners have a crisis management plan?

Measure your business’s unique selling proposition

Let’s start off the new year with a very basic marketing question — what is your USP?