tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57090254300614451282024-02-19T04:27:07.296-05:00AMW MarketingAMW Marketing looks to build partnerships with its clients by developing a solid brand through integrated marketing strategies and through strategic design and visual solutions.AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-28554233527459164732013-06-15T20:15:00.002-04:002013-06-15T20:16:08.153-04:00Meet Kathleen Stirling on the newest Cross Roads<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Cross Roads: Episode 3 - Meet Kathleen Stirling! Kathy is Global Director, Creative Services for Levi Strauss working on the Dockers brand. With such a big job, it's no wonder she is thinking about some changes in her life. Find out more about Kathy's job and what she's thinking about next. </span></h3>
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Watch it now! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0Qy3z0QS6I" target="_blank">Cross Roads: Episode 3</a>AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-14824244625755734822013-06-04T16:25:00.003-04:002013-06-04T16:25:34.707-04:00Our latest Cross Roads episode, with Paula GaullTake a peek at our latest show. This one features Paula Gaull who talks about her transition from marketing executive to redesigner and staging guru. Would love to get your comments!!<br />
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Click here to watch<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxfOWEqBxg4" target="_blank">Cross Roads with Angela Vescio Wilcox: Episode 2</a></span><br />
<br />AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-34477167418254514902013-05-06T10:41:00.000-04:002013-05-06T10:50:53.504-04:00Money in the Mulch proves to be a great event<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chace Building Supply and WHJY worked together to launch this exciting event - Money in the Mulch. The event took place on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The purpose behind the marketing strategy was to build brand awareness of Chace Building Supply, drive traffice online, get people to the event and ultimately have folks check out the store the day of the event. Chace Building Supply received two full weeks of advertising on WHJY radio and was able to reach out to the radio stations loyal listeners as well as their own retail customers. </span></span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Participants spent an hour digging through a huge pile of mulch
to find the buried $500 Grand Prize gift certificate. A total of 10 prizes were
hidden besides the Grand Prize including several $50 Cabela and Bass Pro Shop
gift certificates. 94 HJY and Paul Fuller from the Paul & Al Show were
on-site giving away prizes. The day was a lot of fun and it was a perfect day
for the activities. Food and refreshments were served and T-shirts and other
giveaways were handed out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">124 individuals registered online and 7 were chosen for the
digging. Additional participants who attended the event also dug through the pile
of mulch in search of the Grand Prize. The winner was one of Chace's very own
staff, Bert Melville. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxCdT6V40IkMYuMDfKqhp4T4IuI-a2t0vK8Eh03Tw_xk71G4DEdju81Aew9qpHVP6MJcYhl6aZYTv3qHvbKP-cj5SWXR6eCXfDItdnBXDqTDzjp1-Rem8gGlXd8cSpB3CaBN-Pw5v73g8/s1600/Paul+Fuller+announcing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxCdT6V40IkMYuMDfKqhp4T4IuI-a2t0vK8Eh03Tw_xk71G4DEdju81Aew9qpHVP6MJcYhl6aZYTv3qHvbKP-cj5SWXR6eCXfDItdnBXDqTDzjp1-Rem8gGlXd8cSpB3CaBN-Pw5v73g8/s320/Paul+Fuller+announcing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Fuller from 94HJY kept the attendees entertained</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhygHY0enerDGs4-P8Zd2Jc7lMlWOUy0drji7xhyphenhyphenOgOeguYnJ99qo-LCB9tX2U6jJbhAPoh8H95i5wkJIjJYR1RcrQtFho9OcLAOvQMsMsZexNu-Oy_IJ_4xUtGhF-NQdQHn_rzH4wxZq5/s200/digging+in+the+mulch.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attendees spent over an hour<br />
searching through the mulch pile<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size: 11px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTGwHJfRiotqxFdQHal5xPCP7g0SjqQBmQdyapleYx3p3wjinGUKIojnD_HNL_HbbMoziRaG3IZ5ElemIq60TUprTV4EySSak0OMJAnsP9lP1ZqtWHs-rtxItfAlNokyfu91kIeK6Q-mK/s1600/digging+some+more.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTGwHJfRiotqxFdQHal5xPCP7g0SjqQBmQdyapleYx3p3wjinGUKIojnD_HNL_HbbMoziRaG3IZ5ElemIq60TUprTV4EySSak0OMJAnsP9lP1ZqtWHs-rtxItfAlNokyfu91kIeK6Q-mK/s200/digging+some+more.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food and refreshments were served</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL5O8FDpYX6cgiIPeiagqS_jd2x85OrBihtw0tvqdNSFcGS1RLkxygwDqSQt3XxCo8OKbVDq3gx-XWVynJM-uFDyPe6N6okJJJ9p7iLC3jM8H8V_g0PsPB9XXRuR-hCXvZxHj9Xp-duw-/s1600/Paul+Fuller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL5O8FDpYX6cgiIPeiagqS_jd2x85OrBihtw0tvqdNSFcGS1RLkxygwDqSQt3XxCo8OKbVDq3gx-XWVynJM-uFDyPe6N6okJJJ9p7iLC3jM8H8V_g0PsPB9XXRuR-hCXvZxHj9Xp-duw-/s320/Paul+Fuller.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Fuller from the Paul & Al Show on 94HJY</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lIJEJM-l4PPRivp7T26VRxMMcJtVqU8Zbx6QGDgaU-BSIvO2HEG3jF4gI4UpZXSVsXqEVEXwrFAFW7Hn2iGp6wKpOi3Umb2tn6SChNuSfw5O6KcJ9J5IqSXTXYTE0KPg0ixTX5VdWg1K/s1600/whjy+van.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lIJEJM-l4PPRivp7T26VRxMMcJtVqU8Zbx6QGDgaU-BSIvO2HEG3jF4gI4UpZXSVsXqEVEXwrFAFW7Hn2iGp6wKpOi3Umb2tn6SChNuSfw5O6KcJ9J5IqSXTXYTE0KPg0ixTX5VdWg1K/s200/whjy+van.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 94HJY van onsite for the event</td></tr>
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AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-74682025212967436052013-04-12T12:08:00.001-04:002013-04-12T12:08:23.721-04:00Cross Roads is live!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Take a peak at our new program</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Cross Roads.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Our hope is to inspire and motivate people to make changes in their lives particularly as it relates to their careers. Upcoming episodes will feature individuals who have made major changes in their lives by starting businesses or making major shifts in their careers. We hope you will join us and we welcome your thoughts and input! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL5zd3gcac8" target="_blank">Click here to watch Cross Roads - Episode 1!</a></span><br />
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<br />AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-83888750313600015862013-03-29T23:45:00.001-04:002013-03-29T23:45:42.403-04:00Making of a TV Series - Part 3Today we taped our first show! The date came up suddenly but I felt as though I was prepared. I had written up my notes, rehearsed, met with my guest before the taping, and picked out an outfit. What I wasn't prepared for was the nervousness that would instantly creep up on me once the director gave me the signal for "action." Our first take lasted about 10 seconds before I lost my train of thought and had to start over. Thank God it wasn't a live program! Our second take went much better and we were able to tape straight through to the end. There were definitely a few hiccups throughout the program and a section that may need some work but all in all it went well. Not having seen anything yet, I have no idea how it will look once it's edited but my hope is that it won't be too bad.<br />
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If all goes well, my new program, named <i>Cross Roads</i> will air next week. It's rather nerve wracking waiting to see what transpires before it airs, but my hope is that there was some value conveyed during the process. My guest did really well and I was happy I chose a guest who I felt comfortable with. My goals for the show were to be able to offer something of value to viewers and to learn a new skill for myself. One thing is for sure, I was definitely out of my comfort zone today. My only hope is that it gets easier. I pray in time I become more polished and the information that is imparted is well received, interesting and inspirational.<br />
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The next show is in the works. Believe it or not, we plan to tape again in about two weeks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it goes more smoothly. More later....<br />
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<br />AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-59847319831314678182013-03-08T19:44:00.000-05:002013-03-08T19:48:08.435-05:00The Making of a TV Series - Part 2I just confirmed my first guest. And, a date has been set to film. Things are moving along quickly. Today I spent time writing my opening and my script for the first show. Without giving too much away, I had a few ideas I jotted down earlier, so today I wrote up my notes and edited them down to the point where it will feel more natural when reading it from a teleprompter. Next I timed it to see how long it will take and I'm feeling like it's a bit short. I will need to review all of this with the production team and be sure it all works and makes sense.<br />
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As the filming date gets closer and more and more details are filled in, I find myself getting excited. But I'm also realizing how much work this has become and will continue to be as I move forward. Regardless, I'm enjoying the process and am learning lots each day.<br />
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My next step is to meet with my first guest and review my notes with her. I want to let her know my vision for the first show and what her role will be. I tend to work best when I have material in writing in front of me to refer to so I do have a written script of the first show to go over with her.<br />
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More about my meeting with my first guest to come. Stay tuned...<br />
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<br />AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-40351119565524711592013-03-06T16:07:00.000-05:002013-03-06T16:07:26.601-05:00The Making of a TV series - Part 1The first meeting to discuss my new TV show took place today. While I had initial thoughts about what my program would be about, I'm now filled with a slew of new ideas and many more questions. The challenge I'm having is figuring out a way to meld all the ideas I have together in one cohesive fashion. From deciding on a title, and confirming my first guest, to thinking about music, and setting a start date, I left the meeting with anticipation, excitement and a fair amount of anxiety. With little to no TV production experience, would I be capable of pulling this off? Would I embarrass myself, or worse, would I embarrass my guests? Would I waste everyone's time? These are the thoughts that went through my head as I drove out of the parking lot on my way home.<br />
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While there are many unanswered questions, I'm committed to forging ahead. Next step is to secure my first guest and to write an opening that will introduce my show. I'm thinking about whether to use a teleprompter or go it alone. What are the questions I will ask? What is the point I'm trying to get across? What kind of information or inspiration am I trying to impart?<br />
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The idea for the show began when I started doing a few guest spots for another local cable station as a dog trainer. I met this woman at a park in Walpole, MA while walking my dog. Kim, host of <i>Pets and Their People,</i> stopped me in the parking lot and asked if I was interested in being filmed with my pet. As someone who enjoys showing off her dog, I couldn't resist putting my pup, Maizie, on camera. After a brief interview with the host, we exchanged cards and I followed up with her to learn more about her program and find out when our interview would air.<br />
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Having a dog training and pet care business, I thought there might be additional opportunities to showcase my services, so I offered to work with Kim to do more guest spots on her program. And, that is where it all began.<br />
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To date, we've filmed several guest spots for her program outlining dog training tips and offering up information on various pet related topics. It all got me thinking. How else can I use this medium to communicate the offerings and services of my own business to my own local community? From this train of thought, I was prompted to stop into my own local community cable station -- Norfolk Community Television right in downtown Norfolk, MA.<br />
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At first, I assumed there might be a similar program already in the works on which I could appear. But after speaking with the producer, I learned it might make more sense for me to come up with my own show and communicate to the world whatever I wanted. The ideas came flooding in. Do I talk about pets? Do I talk about my marketing experience? What about my life coaching skills? How can I combine all these ideas into one cohesive show?<br />
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Stay tuned to learn what transpires and find out what my next steps will be....<br />
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<br />AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-38473570686441226552012-11-13T11:23:00.000-05:002012-11-13T11:27:16.484-05:00How To Get Leads<br />
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Every small business owner at one time or another wakes in
the middle of the night wondering, “how do I get more leads?” The answer is not
always so simple. And yet sometimes it is. One of the best ways to get leads is
to ASK. We all have friends, acquaintances, colleagues, dry cleaners, postal
carriers, hair stylists and physicians. Yet how often do we overlook the
obvious? The very first place to start looking for leads is your own network of
people.</div>
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Assume you own a printing company. What do you do? Now I’m
not suggesting you just go up to your doctor and say, “hey, know anyone who
needs a good printer?” But what I do suggest is you tap into a friendly source
and talk about what you do. You could discuss how your business is going, whom
you’ve been working with lately and what your plans are for the future, and you
can also engage your audiences to see what they know about your work. Get them
interested in you and what you do. Begin a dialogue and learn more about them
and their connections. Finally, close your conversation by offering your
assistance. </div>
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You never know when the next person you speak with has a
niece or a nephew who owns a retail company and is in need of finding someone
to manage their next catalogue.</div>
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AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-51274066634025258442012-01-09T18:27:00.000-05:002012-01-09T18:27:24.040-05:00Best Wishes for a GREAT 2012!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A New Year brings hope and change. Like it or not some things will change and others will remain the same.</div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Running a business requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. Knowing your objectives for the year and prioritizing them is key to having a successful 2012. Looking back over the past year or past several years is also essential. Knowing what you did well and what needed improvement is a good place to start and will help identify the goals of tomorrow. </div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Of course, there are hundreds of other activities to consider when growing your business but taking a step back and putting in purposeful reflection and thoughtful prioritization is a wonderful place to begin.</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">AMW Marketing would like to wish you and your business or organization a successful, prosperous and joyful 2012. Be proud of the work you do, enjoy yourself when you can and plan, plan, plan so that when you look back on this year you’ll feel great. And, the following year will be even better. It’s what we call progress.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sincerely,</div>Angela WilcoxAMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-87128296201900441342012-01-08T08:10:00.000-05:002012-01-08T08:10:21.918-05:00Low Cost Marketing Tips<i><span style="font-size: small;">"Consistency is important to keep your product or service in front of your customer at all times, even if your marketing budget is limited." <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"></div></i><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">AMW Marketing is pleased to offer you a few tips to consider when times are tough: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;"></span></span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;">People don’t want to do business with your brand; they want to do business with you.</span></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;"></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Strategy No. 1: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">GET OUT THERE </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">People don’t want to do business with your brand; they want to do business with you. Opportunities to get out and meet potential clients and referral sources in person are only limited by your imagination. <br />
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Attend association meetings in your industry. <br />
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Get involved with networking events at the local chamber of commerce. <br />
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Make yourself available as a speaker at service club meetings. <br />
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Offer to lead a workshop or conference. <br />
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Be prepared to provide business cards and collateral. By positioning yourself as a resource and authority, you encourage the trust of potential clients. <br />
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Strategy No. 2: </span><br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">COLLECT EMAIL ADDRESSES </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">At trade shows, association meetings, or conferences, you will have the opportunity to meet a variety of people. Don’t forget to exchange business cards, and guard those business cards with your life! Communications by email could include: <br />
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A personalized "pleasure to meet you" with an invitation to further opportunities. <br />
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Connection emails that build relationships, including attaching relevant articles or website links. <br />
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A "thank you" note to new clients or customers to add that personal touch. <br />
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A marketing copywriter can assist in making these messages relevant and memorable. Software is also available to automate emails as your business grows. </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria,Cambria; font-size: small;">Your newsletter gives your readers insight into your business personality. <br />
</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Strategy No. 3: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">SHARE INFORMATION </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Develop an interesting and creative e-newsletter with bits and pieces of your personal industry wisdom, current trends, and relevant humor. <br />
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Use the email list you’ve created to keep connected with potential clients and referral sources. <br />
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Post the newsletter on your website and let people know it’s there for their viewing whenever they like. <br />
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You can collect additional email addresses from interested surfers on your website as well. <br />
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Your newsletter gives your readers insight into your business personality and ability to meet needs. Software is available, or you can give the raw material to a professional marketer to design and format. <br />
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Strategy No. 4:<br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Social media allows you to connect directly with potential and current clients. In no other time in history have businesses had the ability to directly affect public perception, one person at a time. Some popular social media are: <br />
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Facebook <br />
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Twitter <br />
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Blogs <br />
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Although you want to put a face on your company, remain professional and avoid inappropriate postings on Facebook. <br />
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The most common error new Twitter users make is bombarding their followers with ads for their business. Social media is about building relationships. <br />
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Blogs are easy to set up, but will only gain a following if they are interesting and personal, even when related to business. <br />
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There are specialists in Internet Marketing who can assist you in starting social media accounts or maintaining blogs. <br />
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For the remainder of the FREE helpful, low-cost marketing tips from AMW Marketing, click on the following link:</span></span><a href="http://www.amw-marketing.com/cc-fb.html">http://www.amw-marketing.com/cc-fb.html</a>AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-34503540593015168402011-06-17T15:28:00.001-04:002011-06-28T09:50:44.254-04:00Marketing or Sales?<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sales and marketing are two different sides of the same coin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In both cases it's about providing a quality product, service, or idea, delivering a clear message, and building relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sales jobs are difficult for one primary reason- people don’t want to be sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People want to spend or donate their money in ways that match their personal interests, desires, and values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a salesperson, you have to find that connection and convince your target to take action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One-to-one relationships and face-to-face dealings are very important to people. Building relationships is important in both sales and marketing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Marketing is communication that opens the door and starts the connection, often</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> supporting sales efforts. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Marketing sets the stage for strong sales, providing information that can strengthen the organization’s reputation, demonstrate its values, and prove its effectiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All aspects of marketing- media campaigns, collateral, events, social media, etc., build those relationships by increasing brand recognition, providing information, and continuing the conversation, allowing potential clients and donors to connect with your company on a personal level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A true client relationship must be built in order to attract potential clients or donors, to persuade them to exchange their hard-earned money for goods, services, or goodwill, and encourage them to refer to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the marketing program is designed to reach people and interact with them on a personal level, building one-on-one relationships, the foundation for exponential growth is built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Customer loyalty and word of mouth is the most inexpensive and effective marketing program.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In order to build these business relationships, customized marketing programs must be created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The systems and tools a car dealership uses will be different from those that a food bank will use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Avoid cardboard cut-out marketing plans and work with a marketing person or firm that is willing to create a program that will best serve you and your clientele.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">t is important to consider your marketing objectives, whether it is to build brand recognition, increase retention, generate leads or increase sales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your sales staff will benefit from a solid marketing program, because it will provide evidence of the company’s reputation and capabilities.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span>AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-21657029480785898292011-05-10T12:40:00.002-04:002011-05-10T12:44:31.253-04:00Navigate to...<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you’ve ever had to take a personality test, you may have heard of Myers-Briggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the dichotomies explored in this test is a person’s lifestyle preference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a “J” for judging, you like to have matters settled in relation to the outside world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you a “P” for perceiving, you tend to like to keep your options open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you are a serious thinker and planner, and like to have matters settled, you may have no problem creating detailed business and marketing plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you lean more toward keeping your options open, however, you may be more challenged when it comes to the business world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anyone can put out a shingle and offer products or services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yard sale enthusiasts do it all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if you want to have a business that is effective, efficient, and profitable, you have to have a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t get to where you want to go if you’re not sure where that is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">All the technological tools in the world will not build your business if you don’t have a goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even a GPS system asks you what your destination is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t take the time to narrow your focus and plot a course, your efforts will not achieve the desired results.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps you already have a business plan and the marketing plan scares you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many options today- TV, radio, newspaper, internet, social media, billboards, mobile phones, magazines, corporate sponsorships… If you don’t plan how to target your products or services to the right people, you could spend thousands and not make a single sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The good news is that you’re not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People in your community and people you know are at varying levels of business experience and success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Business coaches and marketing firms can help you clarify your goals and create a workable strategy to meet them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">AMW Marketing is one of those companies that can help- offering customized solutions to meet your marketing needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</span>AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-31648927503571328502011-04-11T15:32:00.000-04:002011-04-11T15:32:26.359-04:00Discover the StoriesIt may be a television commercial, a Facebook invitation, or a forwarded email. Through words, pictures, or a combination, they aim to inspire with a story of triumph over insurmountable odds, or doing the right thing against enormous pressure, or discovering a solution when none seemed available. <br />
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If you want to bring people on board for your cause, you need good stories. Especially when working with nonprofits, stories are the key to: <br />
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• Attract attention<br />
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• Create resonance <br />
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• Generate action <br />
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Where do you find stories? In the thick of your mission. Do you run a food pantry? Who is talking to the clients? What are their stories? Is this a humiliating experience? Is this the only way to keep food on the table in the current economy? Did a child say something pitiable, like, “Now we can have sandwiches”? <br />
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If you are serving people, those people have stories. No one wants to ask for help, and most are excited, relieved, grateful, and so on, when they are given something that solves a problem or crisis in their lives. <br />
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This is not to say that people should be blatantly used as marketing fodder. Stories are merely an effective communication tool to tell the world about what you do. Who is your target audience? It may seem difficult when the people you serve seem to be in a completely different world than your potential donors. But people are drawn to stories about other people they can resonate with. Moms feel for other moms, no matter what their native country or social class. People who struggled in school feel for students who may need extra attention. Military families will be empathetic with anyone who deals with multiple transitions. <br />
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Find the stories and share them. Share them at fundraising events and service club meetings. Capture them in brochures and multimedia presentations. Post them on your website and print them in your newsletter. Invite your potential donors and volunteers to be part of the next story.AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-12946421306658125612011-03-16T09:15:00.001-04:002011-03-16T09:16:22.027-04:00Engage your CustomersCE, or customer engagement, may be a buzzword in marketing circles, but what is it and how can the small business owner use it?<br />
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Customer engagement involves a paradigm shift from one-way communication, such as radio or newspaper ads, to building a two-way relationship with customers and prospects. This long term focus may make statistics like conversion rates and return on investment obsolete, as the goal is to engage customers over a longer period of time. For brick and mortar establishments, customer engagement can take form in formal or informal surveys, suggestion boxes, and free samples. It also may involve different tools beyond traditional media, which may include blogs, website forums, email communication, and smart phone applications. <br />
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Old schoolers are often resistant to the idea of allowing customer feedback on the company website, especially if it might be negative. One of the bonuses of engaging the public is not only increased loyalty, but tips for improving products or services. <br />
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Today’s consumer is not the same as 50 years ago. He has developed an immunity to the constant barrage of ads in newspapers and magazines, and on the radio, TV, or internet. He is usually well-informed before making a purchasing decision. And, based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, he is motivated by feeling safe, being part of a group, and increased self-esteem. He doesn’t want to feel like just a number or a sale. He wants to be a groupie for your product or service, if it’s deserving. He wants to contribute to its success. <br />
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The idea of customer engagement also makes the best use of the fact that customers are at different stages of the buying process- from simply being aware of the company or product to become a repeat customer. Again, he wants to be treated as an individual. Focused customer engagement processes, including outstanding customer service, communicates a desire to meet the customer where they are at, rather than blast them with generic “buy me” messages. A happy customer is a repeat customer, and someone who will refer your business to others. That’s what makes the business grow.AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-3673684779109615092011-02-28T21:21:00.001-05:002011-02-28T21:22:09.061-05:00Everyone is in MarketingOne of the largely overlooked ways to market your business or nonprofit is to provide an optimum work environment. If employees enjoy coming to work, appear happy to be there, and speak glowingly about the workplace in the community, people will seek out that company. The logic is that a company that cares for its employees will likely care for customers and clients as well.<br />
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Granted, finances and circumstances may prevent providing lavish amenities like workout facilities or a day care center. However, smaller concessions to provide more flexible work schedules and opportunities to contribute on an individualized basis can be made with minimal cost. <br />
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In a recent survey of nonprofit employees, the best workplaces made them feel like the leaders of the organization cared about their well-being. They liked their co-workers. They felt like they could maintain a reasonable balance between work and personal life, and job expectations were made clear. <br />
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Creating an enjoyable workplace with a more community-like structure than a traditional corporate structure can be a challenge. If your workplace is already marred by dissatisfaction, mistrust, bitterness, and confusion, you may have a lot of work to do to make it a place where people enjoy coming to work. These nine factors can help rebuild a better work community:<br />
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1. Understanding. Most people put family first. An optimum workplace will allow flexible scheduling to allow for sick kids and school programs. Some companies allow people to job share or telecommute in order to get the work done and keep employees happy.<br />
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2. Celebration. Everyone loves a party. They don’t have to be elaborate set-ups reminiscent of The Office television series, but acknowledging birthdays and service anniversaries as well as reaching fundraising and other goals shows employees they are appreciated and builds community.<br />
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3. Communication. Any company with more than one employee is going to have occasional conflict. Clearly communicated expectations can prevent confusion and misunderstandings. The more lines of communication across and between levels of associates, the better community you will build.<br />
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4. Training. Even if expectations are clearly communicated, employees cannot do their jobs if they’ve not been appropriately trained. No person and cookie cutter job description are going to be a perfect match at the start. Give employees the freedom to ask for help.<br />
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5. Contribution. No one wants to feel like a nondescript cog in the machinery. Each person has unique talents that may or may not seem to fit into the workplace, but that can still be utilized to further the goals of the company. Some may have ideas for more efficient production, or may be able to design the artwork for marketing flyers. <br />
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6. Loyalty. When someone continues in the same job for years, or has a flawless attendance record, or is known to go the extra mile, they deserve recognition. They also deserve opportunities for education and training to grow into new positions as desired. <br />
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7. Courtesy. Everyone has heard horror stories about harassment, degradation, and worse in the workplace. Common courtesy in word and deed should be expected from all levels of associates, in all levels of communication. <br />
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8. Integrity. Nothing destroys morale worse than supervisors who do not follow through and do what they say they will. Be sure that promises are kept and fairness in hiring and promoting is the norm.<br />
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9. Generosity. People want to do something that makes a difference. Green work practices contribute to the environment. Community activities such as food drives and fundraising dinners show that your company cares for something besides the almighty dollar. <br />
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At the very least, you should be able to give your employees the same treatment you give your best customers.AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-90882767583656458032011-01-25T20:33:00.001-05:002011-01-31T06:12:06.811-05:00Get FREE tips to save money on marketing!AMW Marketing works with you to save you time, money and helps you become more productive and efficient with personalized, affordable marketing services. <br />
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Our free guide, "Top 10 Tips To Market Your Business on a Small Budget" will show you first-hand the basic ways to save money, free-up your time and get the results you want from your marketing plan.<br />
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For instance, TIP #7 will tell you how to save money directly affecting your bottom line. And, TIP #4 will tell you how to increase your internet presence for FREE.<br />
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Don't miss out on learning more about marketing on a small budget.<br />
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To receive your FREE Top 10 Tips To Market Your Business on a Small Budget and get more information on how AMW Marketing can save you time and money, simply complete our form and we'll send you our Top 10 Tips immediately. Click here now: <a href="http://www.amw-marketing.com/cc-fb.html">http://www.amw-marketing.com/cc-fb.html</a>AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-25144676242101988882010-10-25T20:11:00.001-04:002010-10-25T20:11:57.525-04:00Get creative with marketingMarketing involves creativity- new modes and methods of communication, to just get the attention of prospective clients or consumers. What do you do when you feel tapped out and the idea mill has dried up?<br />
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Creative people have methods they use, consciously or unconsciously, to give their minds the maximum capacity to think creatively and generate new ideas. <br />
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• Take time to think freely. This may be lying in bed before falling asleep, during a morning walk or run, in the shower, or during a long commute. <br />
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• Exercise your imagination. The more you use your imagination, the better it works for you. Visualize your success. Ask yourself, “What would happen if…?” Fantasize about the impossible.<br />
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• Do something new. Your brain’s neurons start firing when it has to learn something new. Read something different, volunteer, try a new exercise class, or start a new hobby. <br />
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• Create. Paint, knit, write, carve, cook… the result doesn’t matter. It’s the process that gets the right side of your brain active.<br />
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• Chill out. Creativity flourishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Take a walk, meditate, find a quiet place, breathe deeply. Put your worries aside for awhile and de-stress.<br />
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• Get back to nature. Spend time appreciating the colors of the season, the sound of water churning, or the changes during sunrise or sunset. Get inspired. <br />
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• Immerse yourself in creativity. Go to the theater or an art museum. Pick up a classic piece of literature or poetry. Creativity breeds more creativity. <br />
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With a tight schedule and multiple deadlines looming, you may think some of these activities are a waste of time. However, they are methods that “sharpen the saw” as Stephen Covey would say. When you take time to cultivate your creativity, you’ll spend less time chasing a muse, and more time wowing your clients with innovative ideas.AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-6421560375160489172010-09-30T05:26:00.001-04:002010-09-30T05:27:46.240-04:00Outside MarketingMarketing is most effective when it reaches the target audience. Common sense, right? The question is, where is your target audience?<br />
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One suggestion by marketing expert <a href="http://www.smallbusinessnow.com/">Kim T. Gordon</a> in her article “<a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/marketingcolumnistkimtgordon/article159472.html">Fresh Ideas for Innovative Marketing</a>,” is to “take it outside.” <br />
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Do your potential customers value environmentalism? Adopt a section of highway. Do they visit the gym? Buy ad space in the locker room. Are they parents of school-age children? Sponsor a little league team. Do they frequent the local coffee shop? Buy a placemat ad. Do they do the grocery shopping? Advertise on the shopping cart. The key is to have the name of your business in front of your potential customer at the right time. <br />
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As trite as “think outside the box” may sound, successful marketing strategies go beyond traditional print and media ads. Yet, they’re purposeful- not throwing money at every opportunity, but focused at reaching specific people with your message. <br />
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Another “outside” opportunity is to partner with other businesses. For example, if you are a business targeting brides-to-be, you can place your business cards at a photography studio or bakery. You can place an ad on their website, or offer a discount if the customer uses both services. The opportunities created by this kind of partnership, also called affiliate marketing, are only limited by your imagination.<br />
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So, take your marketing to the streets, where your customers are. And don’t forget to check <a href="http://www.amw-marketing.com/">our website</a> for a chance to win 20% off your first project with <a href="http://www.amw-marketing.com/">AMW Marketing</a>!AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-17050359142457005942010-09-27T20:34:00.001-04:002010-09-27T20:35:54.406-04:00Enter for your chance to win!Our new website is up and running and fabulous! Tell us what you think about it and you can win <strong>20 percent</strong> off your first project with AMW Marketing. Use the Contact Form on the site to have your name entered in the grand prize drawing. <a href="http://www.amw-marketing.com/">http://www.amw-marketing.com/</a>AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-20844415264080484092010-09-09T21:00:00.000-04:002010-09-09T21:00:48.763-04:00Get inside your prospect's heartMichael Fleischner, founder of <a href="http://www.marketingscoop.com/">MarketingScoop.com</a>, states that “marketing, if done correctly, helps us to define how we feel about a product.”<br />
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Why did you choose your cell phone? Did it provide services that you need? Do you NEED a phone to call, text, email, surf, take pictures, locate destinations, and calculate tips? Do you need a touch screen AND a keyboard? Or do you like the feel of the textured case, the color of the keys, the ringtones that sound more like a play list than a notification? Your cell phone provider knows the competition is fierce. If the TV ad or salesperson can convince you that your phone is a reflection of your level of coolness, a mind-altering communication experience, a secret advantage, an intimate relationship with the technical world… you will buy a top-of-the-line phone with all the accessories and service agreements to boot. <br />
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To market effectively, you have to get inside the head and heart of your potential client. What makes them tick? What do they really want? How do you want them to feel when they use your product or service? Dig deep. Who would have guessed deodorant could make you feel confident, or shampoo could make you feel beautiful? Fortunately for the marketing world, Americans want it all. They want to feel attractive but unique, interesting but accepted, exciting but safe. How can you help them reach those goals? <br />
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It’s not about manipulation, trickery or schemes. It’s about tapping into the reason your product or service is desirable for meeting the wants and needs of your potential customers or clients. It’s about stepping out of your business owner/operator shoes and stepping into your customers’ shoes. What do they do on a daily basis? What frustrations and aspirations do they have? What would make their life easier or add value to it? <br />
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How are you going to redefine your marketing approach today?AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-2157381981732059892010-08-20T21:08:00.000-04:002010-08-20T21:08:34.862-04:00What's the Vision for your BusinessDo you have a clear picture of your business objectives? How do you want your company to be perceived today and in the future? If your most loyal customer is asked, “How do you feel about Company XYZ?” what would you consider the ideal response? How many business owners do you think ask themselves these questions? From my experience, I can honestly tell you– not enough. <br />
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Too many businesses are simply going through the motions and aren’t spending enough time answering important questions like these. Without a clear sense of where you are going, you are not going to get there (at least not very quickly and not without struggle). <br />
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When Jim first opened Jim's Dry Cleaning, he wanted to provide reliable, dependable dry cleaning service and he wanted to make a comfortable living. As Jim was doing the marketing and promotions for the business, he realized early that not only did he need to differentiate himself from the competition, he also needed to have a clear vision for what the business stood for.<br />
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Jim took the time and clarified his business vision for himself and his customers to include non-tangibles like “treating customers like family" and "having a personal relationship with as many clients as possible.” He also knew that being successful for him meant his employees had to truly enjoy working there and he wanted them to feel like they were part of something bigger. Jim changed is vision from “dependable, reliable dry cleaning service” to running a family-style business where customers and employees appreciate each other and treat one another like close relatives. <br />
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Having defined his vision, Jim saw how he could do things differently. Jim now adds weekly employee meetings to his schedule so he can ask his staff what is working and what is not. He throws employee BBQs at his home whenever he can . He also invites loyal customers to pick up a slice of banana bread when they come in. Jim would have never even had these ideas had he not taken the time to clearly think about his business vision. <br />
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Of course, your vision may be quite different than Jim’s but it’s the process that is extremely important. When was the last time you asked yourself “what’s my vision for my business?”AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-242366790876196382010-07-26T19:17:00.001-04:002010-07-26T19:18:07.073-04:00Integrity MarketingAlan Chapman, owner of <a href="http://www.businessballs.com/">Businessballs.com</a> out of Leicester, England, has an interesting theory regarding the foundation of marketing. <br />
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According to Chapman, the number one factor that puts a business head and shoulders above the rest is the ethics and integrity of the organization: <br />
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“Price is no longer the king, if it ever was. Value no longer rules, if ever it did. Quality of service and product is not the deciding factor. Today what truly matters is ethical and philosophical quality - from the bottom to the top - in every respect - across every dimension of the organisation.”<br />
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This seems pretty simplistic. After all, no one ever talks about ethics comparisons or philosophy shopping. However, on an intrinsic level, most people want to deal with businesses they trust, with organizations that share similar values. Your marketing methods can make or break the image of integrity your business or nonprofit holds in the community.<br />
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Some businesses have taken integrity marketing to new levels. Domino’s Pizza, for example, came right out and stated, “We know you didn’t like our pizza. We’re going to make it better.” Their newest campaign involves using customer photographs of pizzas rather than using food artists for advertising pictures. So far, sales and traffic are up at the 2nd largest national pizza chain. <br />
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However, according to Bob Phibbs of <a href="http://www.retaildoc.com/">Retaildoc.com</a>, referring to both Domino’s and Toyota: “Lesson to businesses large and small, if you want to become a larger brand, you better pay attention to the most basic brand promises:<br />
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• eating our product won’t taste bad or<br />
• our products won’t kill you.”<br />
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In other words, it’s a lot easier to use integrity marketing when your business makes quality products or provides quality services at a fair price. It’s even better when the process of business, including hiring practices, selection of materials, and efficiency of procedures, is based more on what is right than what is profitable. <br />
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When the business is right, integrity marketing comes as a natural outgrowth. When <a href="http://www.orville.com/">Orville Redenbacher</a> told us "you can taste the difference" in his popcorn, you believed him. As long as eating the popcorn doesn’t “taste bad or kill you,” people will continue to show loyalty to his popcorn brand. <br />
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In a social media world where privacy is at a premium and everyone’s opinion can be blasted to the far corners of the internet, the value of marketing that tells the truth: “Let us solve your problem, meet your need, or make you feel good” is more recognized today than ever before. <br />
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In the words of author Douglas Adams, “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-52004851528238683762010-07-19T19:22:00.000-04:002010-07-19T19:22:24.591-04:00Efficient MarketingHave you noticed how crazy marketing can get sometimes? Between answering the phone, writing emails, running to meetings and returning messages it’s a wonder anything gets done during the day. <br />
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As a self-employed marketing professional, I get hundreds of interruptions every day and it leaves me feeling stressed. It’s as though I did not accomplish one important thing that day! Is there anyone who feels the same way? <br />
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So what do you do? Some things that really help me through the frustration are:<br />
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<strong>Make a list.</strong> I know a lot of people are not big on “to do” lists but I find them very helpful. After jotting down on paper the important things I want to get done for the day, I feel free. I know I won’t forget what needs to get done and I can choose which items on my list I want to cross off first. Whether it’s writing a proposal for a client, paying invoices, putting an estimate together or sketching out a creative brief, I know that at the end of the day I can look back at my list and know there are a number of things I have accomplished. <br />
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<strong>Don’t answer every phone call.</strong> While I know it’s sometimes easier to pick up the phone and respond to an issue immediately (rather than play phone tag for days to come) often it just doesn’t pay. When I find I’m focused and in the moment, getting interrupted stops my train of thought and throws me off-track. Decide at the time if it makes more sense to entertain the interruption or to continue what you were doing.<br />
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<strong>Schedule meetings close together.</strong> I like to make sure I have certain days where meetings are not scheduled and I have entire days or blocks of time when I can get things done. If I have to run from client to client every day of the week, I’d never accomplish a thing.<br />
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<strong>Consider your routine.</strong> Are there things that you find you are doing that are time-wasters? Or do you do things during the day that inspire and energize you? Pay attention to what you do throughout the day and keep in mind which activities should stay and which could be eliminated. Begin a routine of motivating, energizing activities throughout the day to keep you moving forward. <br />
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I’m very interested in hearing how you get all your marketing tasks done. And, I’d love to learn more interesting ways of how to get through a difficult day. Thanks for sharing!AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-32779039074017310272010-05-31T05:27:00.000-04:002010-05-31T05:27:11.699-04:00What am I marketing for?Following graduation, I worked at several entry-level positions in fields I wasn’t interested in. A few years later, I followed my vision toward a career in marketing when I took a job at a well-known advertising agency in Boston. I went on to working for several other agencies in the area further developing my marketing skills.<br />
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After 18 years in the agency world of marketing, I wondered if my time might be better spent using my skills helping others rather than increasing the bottom line for another large corporation. When working at a direct mail agency, I began to question more deeply how important was it we sell another pair of pants to a buyer that probably doesn’t need them. It was at that time I began my quest to search for what was important to me. My deep soul searching revealed that I didn’t necessarily need to abandon my years of experience, marketing knowledge and skills to help the world and make a positive impact. <br />
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That’s when my second career working with non-profits began. Looking back I was lucky to have spent five years working for a small non-profit right after college graduation. The experience I gained at that time was invaluable. I learned transferable skills and gained a great understanding about how to work with boards, committees, development teams, and executive directors. <br />
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Today as a marketing consultant, I continue to use my marketing skills to make a difference in the world. I take my expertise to serve people who are living with AIDS, to educate the public about important issues, to help those with disabilities, to assist the underserved find insurance, and work with many other organizations who support those in need. <br />
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Marketing and sales personnel are often grouped together with snake oil salesman and people who want to trick or seduce you into turning over your hard earned money for things you don’t really need. I believe marketing is a method of communicating solutions to potential problems for the consumer. By working with non-profits, I know the solutions are making a difference for this generation and generations to come.AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709025430061445128.post-35409450126325804712010-05-04T13:17:00.002-04:002010-05-04T13:24:53.002-04:00Still overwhelmed?More ideas to help you get through a stressful day marketing:<br />
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6. Journal. Why not spend five minutes writing freely about your life and about the things you love? Write down everything you appreciate in your life or write about plans you’d like to make for yourself in the future. Give yourself time to explore different ideas and see what comes to mind. <br />
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7. Spend time with an animal. Even if you work in the city, there’s always wildlife to be found. Listen to the birds chirping, walk over to a nearby dog park or visit a local restaurant with a fish tank. Animals have such a calming influence over us. It’s a great way to learn how to take life one moment at a time.<br />
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8. Reflect on pleasant memories. No doubt if you’re working in an office you’ll have a photo or a memento of family or friends. Take a moment to think back about that day and reminisce about the “good times.”<br />
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9. Call a friend or make a date for yourself to do something fun. If you know there’s something wonderful to look forward to at the end of the day or week, it will make getting through the grind much easier.<br />
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10. Enjoy a small bite of dark chocolate. Notice I didn’t say go out and grab a huge candy bar and eat the whole thing, but a small amount of organic dark chocolate will do wonders for your mood. Not only is it filled with wonderful antioxidants great for your health, but its sweet, luxurious taste will put a smile on your face!AMW Marketinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01853952799547028035noreply@blogger.com0