How To Get Leads

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.

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.

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.

Avoid Common Marketing Mistakes I

With so many balls in the air, directors of non-profits are faced with a variety of tasks sometimes making it difficult to do everything effectively and efficiently. However, with proper guidance and support, all marketing initiatives can be successful. 

One common mistake non-profits make when it comes to marketing is not having consistency.  Non-profit organizations, like all businesses, must have a cohesive brand identity. Organizational branding is extremely important and should be consistent from one program to another. Too often one program within an organization (perhaps because it has its own budget) develops its own promotional or communications material. Having one program appear as if it's part of an entirely different organization does not serve to promote the cause.

At the same time, in an attempt to save money, many non-profit organizations do not follow the proper organizational graphic standards. Colors, logos, and other graphic standards may be ignored, causing a loss of brand identity. Good branding is a precious commodity for every business and non-profit organization.

Brand identity is what differentiates the American Cancer Society from the United Cancer Foundation.  One is a state-based organization that focuses on obtaining free screenings for those who can't afford it.  Isn't it important for potential donors, volunteers, and clients to know the difference?

AMW Marketing can provide the necessary guidance to make your non-profit's brand stand out.  Is your message consistent?