10 Steps to Open for Business

Step 10: Market and Sell

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Marketing – a Menu of Methods

There are various types of marketing for you to consider. Below you’ll find an overview of:

  1. Grassroots Marketing
  2. Public Relations
  3. Affiliate Marketing
  4. Online Marketing
  5. Traditional Advertising

Grassroots Marketing

This is certainly the most affordable type of marketing. It consists of using resources you already have to spread the word about your product or service.

We give one form of grassroots marketing special attention – networking. Networking is a great, low cost way to connect with potential customers and strategic partners and spread the news about your business.

Chambers of commerce are great venues for this—they provide an ecosystem of members who are all looking for business, as well as sources of products and services.

Joining a chamber is extremely important to expanding your network, while at the same time, as a member you may be entitled to great discounts on services you might need, such as office supplies, telecommunications, health insurance, etc.

Resource

Chamber of Commerce directory
Find your local area chamber of commerce

Trade associations for your particular industry are another great networking resource you should consider. Oftentimes these associations hold events, offer industry-specific education and message boards online, and provide an opportunity for members to list their businesses on their website.

Resource

The ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory is a great resource for locating associations near you and is updated daily.

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Comments

First and foremost, you’ll need to study up on your target audience to develop a marketing message that will resonate with them.  There are so many great suggestions in Step 10. Studying your target audience is key. I make and design office chair slipcovers. Some of the fabrics that I buy are based on the age group that I am trying to target. I have done alot of research online to see what the various age groups tend to like. I think in the long run it will pay off. One age group that I thi...

Excellent article. It is certainly thorough enough for anyone, even marketing novices, to know what they need to deal with.This section, however, is called Marketing & Sales. Your article, as good as it is, deals with only half the equation. Unfortunately, too many businesses think that marketing and sales are one in the same (I know you folks at StartupNation don`t think this way). They are not, at least not in the traditional sense. Marketing`s goal is to create awareness and generate qual...

I`d also recommend http://bfleming98.reseller.clickbank.net.  Clickbank has some great affiliate resources.  Plus you can see what is selling for other people too.  That might give you some ideas on other products to sell.    

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