Advice

What type of marketing should I use?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford The type of marketing you use should be a critical part of your business plan. As part of that plan, you should identify who your key market is, and the demographics making up your customer base.

How do I set my pricing?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford Your selling price can be based on value, or cost.

How do I conduct market research?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford Many start-ups don’t have the money to hire firms to conduct market research. However, many companies are able to do their own market research by using a few simple methods.

What goes in a marketing plan?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By James Thomson Your marketing plan identifies your key audience, the best marketing methods you should use to reach those particular demographics, and the amount you intend to spend on those methods.

How do I maintain a customer/client focus within my business?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford Keeping customers and clients happy should be your business’s main focus. They are the lifeblood of your operation and without them you will fail.

What do I do if I’m not hitting my targets?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford If you aren’t meeting your sales targets, there are usually clear reasons why. Don’t sit around and wait for sales to improve – be proactive and figure out why you’re lagging behind.

How do I ensure repeat sales?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford You need to offer customers an experience they can’t receive anywhere else. This can range from the quality of your product, to the level of customer service they receive.

How do I create a good ad campaign?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford Your ad campaigns will only be successful if you know your audience extremely well. Your campaign must have a specific focus and speak to a certain demographic.

How do I negotiate a good deal?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford Negotiation skills are crucial when starting your business. You won’t have the cash to spend as much as you want, so negotiating discounts and deals with suppliers, customers and advertising teams will be crucial to helping you get off the ground.

How do I drive sales for my business?

8:27PM | Tuesday, 31 August 2010 | By Patrick Stafford Most businesses go through times when sales are low. During those periods it’s good to have plans ready to increase activity and keep the business moving forward.