If you've launched a new business, you probably
didn't allocate enough money for marketing.
This is the single most common mistake made
by businesses that fail. Hi, I'm Peggy Collins,
and here's how to market a business through
grassroots marketing. That's key. As the name
implies, it begins at the ground level and
the community where you do business. The simplest
place to start is with an effective elevator
speech. Keep it short, well-focused and understandable.
Tell everyone about your business. Don't assume
they know, assume they want to. You must be
your most outspoken representative. Number
two, ask customers for referrals. Nothing
is more effective for building business than
a personal referral. Word of mouth can go
a long way to cultivate an army of ambassadors
to help you spread the word. Number three,
always follow up a referral with a simple
thank you note. A handwritten thank you note
to a customer is impressive, and it tells
them you think their business is worth the
time it takes to say so. Number four, press
the flesh. Get out, get acquainted with other
businesses in the community, who might be
a good source of leads. Self flooring, get
out and introduce yourself to furniture retailers,
painters, interior designers, builders, and
remodeling contractors. The best way to get
a lead is to give one, so be sure you reciprocate.
Five, product sampling, it's a great way to
introduce new items, and reach out to a new
market segment. How many times have you thought,
I know they'd buy if they just tried it? So
give a potential customer a taste of what
you sell, along with a discount coupon for
a purchase. Let them try, and they'll be more
likely to buy. Number six, creative partnerships
can extend your visibility. If you sell jewelry,
team up with a successful clothing store.
Display in each other's businesses, do fashion
shows together. Maybe offer a discount to
each other's customers. When the occasion
calls for advertising you can extend your
ad dollars by collaborating. Write, publish,
promote, craft a press release for local media.
Write a great blog sharing your expertise.
Write a letter to the editor addressing a
topic of interest to your industry. Publish
a newsletter with relevant info the reader
can actually use. Post an event or support
a cause. Next, brand your business. Create
an attention-getting mascot, interesting packaging,
or imaginative delivery methods that are unique
to your product. Invite your customers to
share their ideas, and listen when they do.
Take notes, ask questions, respond. Number
ten, and most important, teach your staff
to provide extraordinary customer service,
and they'll keep coming back. It's about creating
the experience, train every staff member from
hostess or receptionist to the management
team. The importance of customer service excellence
and you can be sure a visit to your business
is an experience they'll repeat and tell their
friends about. That's the way you can utilize
grassroots marketing to grow your business.
I'm Peggy Collins, wishing you good luck and
good business.