Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor Performance. This is one of the mottos of the marines, so we come back again to warfare. In the last article we looked at the marketing tactics to underpin your marketing strategy. This final article in The Practical and Unscary Guide to Marketing Strategy series uncovers the steps in creating a … Read more
A customer typically looks at 12 different things to help them make a decision, whether it’s a testimonial, a video or a review. You need to know where they go so you can make sure they find you and not your competitors. Last time, we looked at a few different models you can use to … Read more
One of the frameworks you may want to use for growing your business in one way or another is the Ansoff Matrix, and it is designed to simplify the complex. In the last article we gave some thought on how to analyse your business and the environment. Now you need to consider how to grow and … Read more
There are many layers to your business and developing your marketing strategy: There are relationships, influences and dynamics which are going on around you every day and are available for you to tap into. Now you’ve considered the 7 Ps of the Marketing and Services Mix, analyse your business to develop your marketing strategy. Think … Read more
Exploring ORM or Other Routes to Market as well as the Marketing Mix: Product (or service), Price, Place and Promotion is a critical part of developing your marketing strategy. Previously, we covered the macro environment and how those factors play into your marketing strategy. Now we’re going to look at other routes to market and the marketing … Read more
The micro environment is everything that sits immediately around your business – your customers, competitors, suppliers and what I refer to as ORM: Other Routes to Market. You’ve looked at the wider world or the macro environment, now it’s time to look closer to home or the micro environment and how these factors should help … Read more
The economy, environment as well as social factors, attitudes towards faith or charitable giving and, finally, technology are all factors you should take into consideration when developing your marketing strategy. We discussed last time about some of the macro factors (specifically policy or legislation and geopolitical shifts) to take into consideration. Now, we’ll look at other … Read more
In order to develop a strategy, you need to step back from your business. You’re going to be asking a lot of questions and finding a lot of new answers. You may also find yourself going in a different direction to the one you thought. In the previous article we established why you need a … Read more
When we start talking about marketing and strategy, people start to look worried. It’s unsurprising, because the terminology used to describe strategy comes from warfare, going back to at least the 1800s, so it’s unfamiliar to us today. It’s still worth bearing in mind, though, as many people get confused between a strategy and plan, … Read more
Are you a business owner? Or dreaming of being your own boss one day? Well, I’d like to help you unleash your hidden talents. I meet many business owners in my marketing consultancy who are keen to grow their businesses and succeed. Naturally. They are invariably a talented, hardworking and enthusiastic bunch. So where’s the … Read more