Marketing Ten Commandments

1. Know thy target market- This is so important. Your market is not everybody (unless you are selling toilet paper, even then there is always a focused niche for your product)You must be clear on who you are selling your product/service to.
2. Reward thy customer- Your loyal clients keep the candles burning. Know who they are and reward them accordingly.
3. Use more than one form of communication- Don't just send e-newsletters, or print letters, do both. Use multi-media to communicate with. My business coaches(Richelle Shaw/Lashanda Henry) taught me so much about this. It has proven so valuable for my business.
4. Thou shall provide "top-notch" customer service- Exceed expectations. Don't take not one customer for granted. You are not the only_________in the city. You are not the only person that sell XYZ. Be friendly,helpful, knowledgeable.
5.Thou shall know thy competitors- Duh! You better know what promotions they are running. Know why their customers patronize them. Know everything about the competition. Everything! How do you know where you stand, if you don't know where they stand?
6. Know the art of repetition-There is a reason certain companies are household names. Repetition! Everywhere you go you see their ad. They send you mailings over, and over, and over again. Eventually you say "Let me check them out". Build your brand the same way. Send your mailings, e-letters, etc...over, and over, and over.
7.Thou shalt know where your business is coming from- Ask everyone "How did you hear about me?" Have a tracking system in place. Use different codes that coincide with specific ads so you will know if your marketing dollars are being spent wisely.
8. Thous shall ask for referrals- Ask your customers to refer you people. Mama said "Closed mouths, don't get fed". Open your mouth. Ask for the referral, and have a reward system in place for the clients that refer.
9.Thou shall use free publicity- Establish yourself as an expert. Write articles. Give workshops and seminars. Start a blog. Sponsor a charity. Give away a certificate for a silent auction.
10. Thou shall find out what the customer really wants- Use surveys, suggestion boxes,etc to get regular feedback. Don't assume they will just tell you. Bad news travels fast. Know where you stand. If improvements are needed make them immediately. If you get a 5 star rating..Great! You don't know if you don't ask.