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 Gone are those days when people considered business cards, advertising etc. are good and effective marketing technique. There is a paradigm shift in marketing specially for small businesses. Today all companies promise hell a lot, but do they keep up is the million dollar question.

So change your "promise driven strategy" to "execution driven one". 

Because executing the promised will help in retaining existing as well as get new customers. This will create a business value for your business in the industry too.

Review sites are the R&D incubation lab: 

Make the customer feel that they have the real control.. Since they have the ultimate control over your brand and business, focus on them. A single review from a customer in a review site can play a roller-coaster in your business. So have a quick look at review sites about your business and customers review to change or advance in business according to the way they want.

Geo target    under a microscope view have paved way for the new age location based marketing era. Social networking sites plays a vital role in this marketing as it will help in reaching a better target prospect, by knowing their likes, interests. Thereby offers and discounts can be made appropriately. You can never get new customers without satisfying your existing client base.

Word of Mouth advertising is free but it is of THE most value in gaining reputation and goodwill in business world. Word of Mouth advertising have worked for most small businesses success.

Develop a rapport with customers by sending periodic discounts, offers and seasonal greetings. This will not only excites them but also will earn you a respectable brand name in your business.

e-age: 

If you have a website fine, if not establish one. As almost all customers search for products online, by establishing a website for your business you will let the new customers know your presence in the internet world. Even though your customers do not purchase online. Make sure your website is Search Engine Optimized, so that your prospective customers can find you easier.

e-marketing: 

This is one of the effective way of marketing through internet. Every person will check their e-mail atleast once in a day, this addiction will give you an opportunity to reach your customers with your new products and offers. But do remember not to SPAM! A major advantage of this technique is its cost effectiveness.

AD-partnering:

Go for an advertising strategy with similar partnering companies. This strategy is a win-win for both the companies, specially will prove good for small business. This will also be of less cost since cost is shared.

Above all do remember You can't succeed in any business rightaway. If you still follow the same old marketing techniques, your business will be sidelined for sure...

Do understand that "return of customers gives you the return of investment". 

Social Networking sites: 

Social networking sites are truly the virtual meeting place for most people in the world. It has become a part of their lifestyle. Small businesses can easily be marketed with social networking sites. It not only creates awareness among people about your business but also gets you customers, for free! So have a page for your business at social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Friendster etc...

So focus and have a customer-o-centric strategy to sustain and develop in your small business. 

I end this by challenging the true new talent.  It is time to mold the future.  Let’s change advertising in 2011. Go for either one or combination of these strategies to keep you on the fast track of the new business era.


Good Luck