1.) Maintain a customer data base and enter all customers and prospects in this system and continue to update with notes about their birthday, hobbies, family, their likes and dislikes, etc.
2.) Make a list of topics for future press releases to use during the year and go beyond sending them to just the newspaper. Pitch them to a radio or TV station and self-promote them on-line with social media.
3.) Have regular brainstorm sessions on new products and services; advertising concepts; taglines; social campaigns for on-line marketing; contest ideas and sales promotions; and review of what your competitors are doing and what you offer that is different from them! [note: if you do not have anyone to brainstorm with be sure to consider hiring a marketing coach like Purple Diamond!]
4.) Set-up strategic alliances and partnerships.
5.) Set stretch goals and action items to achieve them for each month, quarter, year, 5 year and beyond. Be sure you create an overall marketing plan, but be organized and disciplined to have a weekly plan of meetings and action items written down prior to the start of your week! PLAN for success!
6.) Update website on a regular basis and maintain an on-line strong social media campaign to drive traffic to your site. Consider launching a thoughtful email marketing campaign that draws attention and offers useful information so that you have a greater open click rate.
7.) Be sure to THANK your customers and offer excellent customer support. Consider having a special customer service fun event to invite your clients and top prospects to as a way to show them that they are appreciated! If your budget is small and does not allow for this be sure to at least take the time to send a hand-written note thanking them for their business.
8.) Attend networking groups, join the local chamber and participate in charitable organizations that give back to the community that your business belongs to.
9.) Know your numbers, measure results and ASK other business owners what they have used that has had a significant impact on their business.
10.) Work with a Marketing Coach who understands your market and what challenges you face and how to get you the results you need today!