Marketing 2005

OK, if you're not going to hire me to develop your 2005 marketing communication plan for you I have a few suggestions that you may not have considered as part of your marketing arsenal.

Of course, you already have a company name, a positioning statement, logo, stationery, business cards and a website.
Right?

The next thing I suggest is an employee survey. Ask them about what's happening where the company meets the customer.
Find out how employees feel about the company. A recent survey shows that employee attitudes have a huge impact upon a company's bottom line. Motivated employees provide great service, and great service can separate you from your competitors.

Next, develop a customer retention program. It costs five times more to develop a new customer as it does to keep an old one. E-newsletters are an essential part of my customer retention program. Sign up for my e-newsletter at http://www.hoover-ink.com.

Finally, here is a random list of other items that can be considered part of your marketing arsenal.

- your reputation
- advertising
- consultations, demonstrations, seminars, samples
- community involvement, cause marketing, philanthropy
- media contacts, bylined articles, op-ed pieces
- guest speaking program
- great working environment
- employee development program
- networking, referrals
- contests
- customer surveys
- special events

If your time for 2005 marketing related tasks is limited, take some advice from my marketing mentor: pick three things from above and do them right.