V-Source IN BUSINESS Magazine

Hire Your First Salesperson

2011-03-22T03:53:00.000-04:00

We Are in Need of Your Charitable Donations and Participation

2011-03-22T03:00:00.003-04:00

Growing Your Ethnic Brand

2011-03-21T00:14:00.000-04:00

6 Tips for Building Buzz on a Budget

2011-03-21T00:07:00.000-04:00

Marketing, business - Take Advantage of Free PR

2010-04-03T02:09:00.001-04:00

Marketing, business - Take Advantage of Free PR

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10 Marketing Trends for 2010 - 2010 Marketing Trends - Entrepreneur.com

2010-01-26T15:34:00.001-05:00

10 Marketing Trends for 2010 - 2010 Marketing Trends - Entrepreneur.com

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Time to Audit Your Image - Business Image - Entrepreneur.com

2010-01-19T15:59:00.001-05:00

Time to Audit Your Image - Business Image - Entrepreneur.com

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Put On A Show!

2009-07-11T00:16:00.002-04:00

Create your own Experiential Marketing events. Why?

Events such as Trade Shows and Expos are the perfect Experiential Marketing environment.

Often, Small Business Owners are interested in participating in these sort of business events but are concerned about lack of ROI (return on/of investment). Another concern is often times such events are over crowded and too noisy to make a quality connection, making it even harder to get a new customer/client.

Of course there is the concern of there being too few potential clients/customers to market a services or product to at Trade Shows and Expos as well but, that's another subject.

This tip was featured on the forum in the group MARKETING ON A BUDGET on Atlanta Networking Girls (Ning Social Network).

Article: How Target Marketing Can Make a Huge Difference

2009-05-11T21:34:00.001-04:00

The words,Target Marketing, should not be mistaken as just another set of words to describe "attention to detail". Targeted marketing can make a huge difference in the responses you get from your e-mails. I suggest that business owners or their assistants (if your businesses staff has been upgraded) divide e-mail lists into categories based on interest, geographical locations or any other criteria you choose.

Grow your e-mail list at every turn. Everyday there are opportunities to add someone to your e-mail list. Train yourself to take advantage of every opportunity to grow your e-mail list. -Make sure your website has some sort of sign-up box.

Purge (clean) your e-mail list. Make it a goal to give a little bit of time to cleaning your lists(s) on a monthly basis. You will get a good feeling knowing that your e-mail list(s) consists of people who want to hear from you.

If you want your e-mails to be valued by your readers, you should put more time into them. Give yourself time to think about what you're trying to accomplish. Put your best effort into creating content that is interesting and useful to your list. some internet reference used.

Question: Why create a Small Business Marketing Plan?

2009-05-02T22:15:00.008-04:00

Answer: It is imperative for Small Business Owners to create a marketing plan to identify and capitalize on their strengths and opportunities.

Outlined marketing strategies within the plan should take into account factors such as your:

*Strengths/Weaknesses (solutions should be outlined as well)

*View of competition (be realistic and honest)

*Various Marketing Strategies (ex: PR, Events, Promotions, Media, Sales)

*Identify Target Market

*Annual (Budget marketing only)

*Assessment of available options (including funding options)

Reference: http://www.marketingsurvivalkit.com/

Have a question related to operating a Modern Small Business that you would like answered by our Project Manager and featured in the V-Source Office & Marketing Modern Marketing Magazine?

Send your questions to info@v-source.biz.

Question: Why hire an Event Marketer?

2009-01-06T09:52:00.002-05:00

Answer: You want your event to be a big hit, lots of fun, informative and people should want to attend. An Event Marketer is essential to any business event, he/she is in charge of promoting an event and making it enjoyable and attractive to the attendees.

Article: Effective Public and Client Communications-Professional Image

2008-12-29T19:59:00.005-05:00

Article Series: Effective Public and Client Communications
Title: Professional Image
Written by: Valencia Sims, Small Business Consultant and Chief Executive Officer
Company: V-Source Office & Marketing LLC
w: http://www.v-source.biz e: info@v-source.biz

You’ve heard the saying time and time again, “don’t judge people on first impressions”. You may even practice that quote when you are networking at various business events.

Allow me to keep it real with you. Your client(s) judged you on first impression and so will your potential client(s). Fact in mind, let’s discuss professional image and ways you can insure that everyone who meets you forms a positive first impression of you and your business.

Note: Having a positive first impression formed about you is especially critical if you own/operate a service based business. You want to ensure that every connection you make forms a positive first impression of you.

Keep in mind at all times this fact, that within two to thirty seconds of meeting a new contact, they’ve judged you and you will never get those two to thirty seconds of first impression back!

Note: Remind yourself that looking successful is a major part of being successful.

We businesspeople enjoy meeting new people and re-connecting with people that are pleasant and knowledgeable. Practicing these characteristics on every new contact that you make will lead to you leaving a good first impression with them.

Note: Your bottom line is on the line. A positive professional image attracts business.

Read this and additional articles, log on to: http://www.v-source.blogspot.com

Request a copy of all titles in this article series, send an e-mail to media@v-source.biz

© V~Source Media Group

Question: What is a Marketing Consulting Firm?

2008-12-23T14:12:00.006-05:00

Answer: Marketing consulting firms offer services that clients can't (or don't have time to) deliver to their target market(s) themselves. Marketing consulting firms offer advice and information to companies of all types, meeting needs and solving problems.

An experienced marketing firm will offer new and innovative ways to market clients business products and/or services to maximize and expand the reach to potential consumers.

Advice: The Fear of Delegation

2008-11-29T11:55:00.004-05:00

Don't let fear prevent you from delegating!

Some small business people are afraid to "let go" of a particular task and delegate it for what they consider to be good reasons. "So-and-so won't do as good a job at ________ as I do." Or "I'll waste too much time telling so-and-so how I want it done. It's easier to do it myself."

These are myths. People who make this kind of objection to delegating are really afraid of losing control. It's important to realize that you don't lose control of a task just because someone else is doing it. You still have the final say.

Source: About.com Small Business-Canada

Business: Homebased Business Startup Checklist

2008-11-06T19:53:00.003-05:00

Business: Homebased Business Startup Checklist

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Market Demographics: 5 Local Advertising Sites

2008-11-04T02:44:00.007-05:00

The future of advertising is online.

Here are 5 of my favorite sites for local advertising.

1. MerchantCircle

2. Yahoo! Local

3. Craigslist

4. CitySearch

5. AOL CityGuide

Question: What is EXPERIENTIAL Marketing?

2008-09-25T09:47:00.004-04:00

Answer: Experiential Marketing pulls the emotional cords of consumers and helps increase awareness and loyalty towards your particular brand by letting your customers experience the benefit(s) of your product/service by themselves instead of marketing to them.

If you would like additional information on Experiential Marketing, please call 678.389.6869 to speak with a consultant.

Demographics: Hispanic Market

2008-09-15T16:49:00.005-04:00

One of the fastest growing consumer segments in the U.S.

Here are the 10 states in the U.S with the largest Hispanic populations:

1. California 2. Texas 3. Florida 4. New York 5. Illinois
6. New Jersey 7. Arizona 8. Colorado 9. Georgia 10. New Mexico

The easiest way to access the Hispanic Market is from within the community. Make yourself known and be available. To be able to effectively communicate with potential Latino clients you will need to spend time where they spend time.

Question: How do I increase my reach?

2008-09-15T16:39:00.004-04:00

Answer: Go where the people are! Distribute marketing and/or promotional materials/items at events with a wide ranging audience and where large crowds of people are.

Question: Why hire a Fashion Marketer?

2008-09-02T16:48:00.003-04:00

Answer: A Fashion Marketer is responsible for assuring the popularity of a particular brand by coming up with an appealing strategy that connects the designer of the brand to the targeted group. Honestly without a Fashion Marketer, the entire brand module may collapse.

Question: What role does marketing play within a business?

2008-08-19T21:59:00.008-04:00

World-Renowned Marketing Guru, Philip Kotler answered this question the best.

"Marketing's role is to sense the unfulfilled needs..."

Your company's marketing endeavors should be geared towards fulfilling the needs of your customers and should constantly remind potential customers that they need what your company supplies.

Thank you to blogzine subscriber, Q. Irique, Director of Client Relations for 3 Deep Media, LLC, an Atlanta based entertainment production agency, for submitting this question.

Have a question in regards to marketing for your U.S, UK or Canada based business that you would like for our Project Manager to answer?Submit questions to info@v-source.biz. An attempt to answer all submitted questions will be made, as scheduling allows. Thank you.

Help: Identifying legitimate trade shows/expos

2008-08-13T19:22:00.008-04:00

I have put together a list that can assist both vendors and hosts in regards to trade shows/expos.

This list will help potential vendors identify a legitimate opportunity and or help hosts validate their legitimate opportunity.

1. The trade show should have a business/industry oriented name.

2. A contact name, phone number/e-mail address should be available. Once contact is initiated, a professional with knowledge and details about the event should assist you and be able to answer any and all questions that you may have.

3. A website detailing the event is fairly optional but highly recommended. If you are a web design vendor you may want to think about exchanging your service/talent for booth/table space at the event. (hint..hint)

4. Show date(s) and time(s) should be clearly stated.

5. Expected attendees, demographics and target information should be available upon request.

6. Estimated number of exhibitors should be available upon request.

7. Show venue, location and element should be clearly stated.

8. A clear refund policy should be available in case of conflicts, weather, etc.

See article, Trade Show/Expo Woes, Tips To Ensure ROI

Question: When is the best time to develop a Marketing Calendar?

2008-07-31T21:44:00.007-04:00

There has never been a better time than right now, besides yesterday or the day before that or the week before that... you catch my point.

A Marketing Calendar is equivalent to a guideline. What are guidelines used for? A form of keeping things or people on a certain path or moving towards a particular goal. Your business needs guidelines in regards to marketing, so you can continue to or start reaching your goals.

Thank you to L. Enmeor, Owner of a UK based Financial Consulting Firm, for submitting this question.

Have a question in regards to marketing for your U.S, UK or Canada based business that you would like for our Project Manager to answer?
Submit questions to info@v-source.biz. An attempt to answer all submitted questions will be made, as scheduling allows. Thank you.

Article: Effective Public and Client Communications-Press Releases

2008-07-26T18:45:00.004-04:00

You want publicity in those areas where your target market is most likely to be reached. If, a specific media outlet does not reach your target market, there is no need to submit your news to them.

Now that I’ve gotten that statement out of the way, let’s talk briefly about Press Releases.

Scenario:

You have just launched a new product. You want the new product news released immediately. You’re a savvy small business owner, so you e-mail your Agent, Publicist or Project Manager (whichever title this skilled professional holds) the news about the new product and inform him/her that you want this news released immediately. Your news should almost instantaneously be released to local media outlets, within your target market, which the Agent, Publicist or Project Manager has established business relationships with using whichever method you have agreed upon. See article 3 Modern Types of Press Releases…

The reason you hired their firm in the first place.

This is the ideal scenario for small business owners. My firm releases hundreds of press documents a month. Our clients are at ease knowing that their important news is being delivered and imperative public relations are being cultivated. No one should have to stop running their business to double as PR. Who likes to do that? I assume if you liked doing PR that would be your business. Correct?

Think on a broad scale, anything that is news, in addition to traditional news about your business should be released to the media. This can included events and accomplishments.

Question: Can LESS be MORE in Marketing? YES!

2008-07-18T11:14:00.005-04:00

As a marketing professional, I can vouch for the fact that high-budget marketing is not always high-impact marketing. There is no need to ring your bank account dry on marketing endeavors.

However, you do need the right techniques to reach your target audience.

Low cost marketing techniques are equally effective in creating recognition among current and potential customers. Such techniques can also assist with keeping customers loyal.

The real challenge here is not how much money you can spend, but rather, how creative you can be in finding ways to maximize results out of every penny you spend on your marketing plan.

Reference: www.marketingcrossing.com

Tip: Offer your customers, free information of VALUE.

2008-07-07T20:08:00.004-04:00

It is difficult for a prospect to take the hard step towards making the decision to become a customer. Many prospects and return customers need a little nudge. Enter Guerilla Marketing. Make that hard step a lot less hard by providing soft steps for your prospects and return customers to take. Offer your customers, free information of VALUE. This should include, free brochures, a free newsletter or a free catalog. All of the mentioned can be created and/or delivered, electronically.

Tip: 3 Modern types of Press Releases that can be used as Public Relations (PR) tools.

2008-06-30T20:44:00.006-04:00

Consult with the person in charge of your marketing for advice on which type of press release is most beneficial for your business. If you need assistance, click here.

The following types of press releases are great PR tools:

Event Announcements (ex: business mixers and after hours)
Internet Radio Interviews (yes, your Blogtalk Radio interview is GREAT PR!)
E-mail News (I suggest you take advantage of Constant Contact, ASAP!)

Tip: Promotional Giveaway Success

2008-06-24T12:56:00.005-04:00

Cheap, or uninteresting giveaways usually land in the trash, taking your business/companies reputation with them!

The giveaway that you choose will affect the success of your marketing strategy at a trade show or expo. Giving careful thought to your choice when deciding upon a giveaway is key.

Here are some things to consider:

Does the item match your company’s image?
Does it fit into your budget?
Is the giveaway unique, and will it hold your visitors’ interest?
Is it something you would like to own or get as a gift?
Is it the right size? Will it accommodate your contact information or message?

Reference: www.marketingcrossing.com

Tip: COMMITMENT

2008-06-09T19:33:00.002-04:00

By Jay Conrad Levinson
Author, "Guerrilla Marketing" series of books
Over 14 million sold; now in 42 languages.
The best-selling marketing series in history.

Commitment

If you're not committed to a marketing or advertising program, it's probably not going to work for you. I tell my clients that the single most important word for them to remember during the time they are engaged in marketing, is commitment. It means that they are taking the marketing job seriously. They're not playing around, not expecting miracles. They have scant funds to test their marketing- they must act. Without commitment, marketing becomes practically impotent.

You evolve a marketing plan, revise and re-revise it until it is a powerful plan for your purposes. You put it to work and you stay with it, no matter what (in most cases). You watch it slowly take effect, rise and falter, take a bit more effect, slide back a bit, start taking hold even more, stumble, then finally grab on and soar, taking you with it. Your plan is working; your cash register is ringing; your bank balance is swelling. And this is because you were committed to your marketing program.

Help: Trade Show/Expo Woes, Tips To Ensure ROI

2008-05-28T09:51:00.007-04:00

Trade Shows and Expos are essential, effective marketing tools. However, small business owners are at times, hesitant to participate. Why?

Lack of ROI (return on investment)!!

To help ensure ROI, these simple tips should be considered. These apply to both participant and coordinator.

Set GOALS-It helps to know upfront what you plan to acheive from participating in any event.

RESEARCH-One show/expo does not fit all.

ADVERTISE-Showing up is not enough! Let every one of your contacts know that your business will be in attendance.

Be IMPRESSIVE-Prizes should be offered and your booth/table should always have a greeter on duty.

Always FOLLOW-UP-Thank your visitors and get in touch with prospects within 24-48 hours.

Reference: http://www.marketingcrossing.com/

Resource: Attract Foreign Customers

2008-05-23T09:42:00.010-04:00

Considering sellling your product or marketing your services to clients in Japan?

But, your business is U.S. based!

It can still be done! Thanks to a few websites with tools that can do a partial conversion of your website into foreign language(s). Hence, making your site able to be indexed by foreign search engines such as, Google Japan or Yahoo Japan.

Leave a comment on what you think after you have done your research. We'd like to know which one works for you.

Special thanks to "Tom" an associate in our Yahoo Group "Entrepreneurs At Home" for researching this issue and posting it to the board.

Tip: Summer Promotional Giveaways

2008-05-22T08:54:00.005-04:00

Summer is a "hot" season for trade shows and expos.

Try some of these promotional giveaway ideas at your next event.

Drawstring Backpacks
Flying Disks
Cooler Packs
BBQ Sets
Beach Balls

These items should have your company name/logo imprinted on them.

Help: Maintaining Visibility-Trade Shows

2008-05-13T10:07:00.007-04:00

Participation in trade shows is a good and essential way to maintain visibility and gain market share.

I always encourage V~Source Clients to be "in sight, in mind." When you mention trade shows, I know most think of big, expensive venues that may not be in the marketing budget of most small business owners. Have no fear, the Metro Atlanta Area is filled with budget friendly events that small business owners can participate in, and V~Source is in the loop.

For example, we will be participating in the Grand Cascades Trade Show being held on Saturday July 19, 2008 in Suwanee, Georgia. V~Source will be representing and promoting the products and services of our participating clients. If you will be in the area that day, stop by the Grand Cascades Club House and visit us! We'll be at booth # 26. See you there!!

Tip: 2008 Low Cost Marketing Trends

2008-05-12T18:04:00.003-04:00

Enter Guerrilla Marketing: Getting the word out about your business without investing in traditional or Yellow Pages advertising is the challenge at hand.

Using time, energy, knowledge, information and especially imagination will be the best practice.

Here are 3 low cost marketing trends for 2008:

1) Podcasts (helping onliners have offline appeal)
2) Blogs (create marketing buzz, while being informative)
3) Expansion to Global Markets (Internet exists over seas, too!)

Tip: Being "Eco-Friendly" Can Be Beneficial For Your Small Business-Promotions

2008-05-12T17:40:00.004-04:00

"The right promotional product can be crucial when launching a new company."

According to the inaugural BBMG Consumer Conscious Report, nearly 90% of American consumers are more likely to buy products from businesses they believe employ "eco-friendly" practices.

Valencia's researched tip on "Eco-friendly" Promotions

*Using organic or recycled nature promotional products will not only demonstrate that your business cares about the enviroment, but will also reduce the effects of harmful materials, pollution and non-biodegradable waste.