subject: How To Add Value To Your Business In The World Of Marketing [print this page] I thought it was time for something a little different and something that would get you thinking about how you could do things a little different come 2011. How can a marketing consultant add value to my business is a question that is so often asked, but also so often neglected. If you are a small business or rather a new business with a great product or service but you do not know how to get customers, then finding a marketing consultant who can teach you about both online and offline marketing is a good start.
There are certainly different types of marketing consultants and agencies, all with different expertise, backgrounds and services that they provide. The question I would always ask myself before deciding which group is right for you me is are they in the trenches using the strategies that they teach day in and day out and do they have the expertise and knowledge on how to promote and market my product or service.
Its fine to get someone who has gone to university, completed 4 years of marketing to then go and work for a marketing company, however are they really the ones that market that company, do they really know how to get you leads, clients and increase your profits, or are they just following what the manual tells them to do.
It is the same with Social Media consultants or strategists, yes right now social media is the craze and certainly it provides your business with some HUGE advantages and yes every business should be involved. However you need to find the right person that actually generates leads themself of social media, that actually makes money themself of social media and uses all the applications available themself. Not just the talkers who are not actually doing it themselves. Did you know we generate over 30 leads a day from social media and in excess of 5 figures every month?
Knowing this simple piece of information could save you time, effort and money. It is easy to proclaim to be an expert in something, go to a course, get a piece of paper and hey you are an expert OR you could find the people who are doing it day in and day out and getting the results you want.
Consultants and Agencies can research your target market, develop a marketing strategy and assist you with advertising and promotions. They can determine which media and advertising methods will be best for your business. Because you don't want to spend unnecessary money, they will find magazines, newspapers, radio stations and/or websites that will reach your target audience. They should ensure that you are not paying for advertising in a magazine that doesn't reach your market.
Consultants and Agencies should have a team around them that will arrange the graphic design work, printers, website and IT work and any other promotional material required.
At times just having another person to bounce ideas off, look at the marketing copywrite and provide another view point can be extremely powerful, but more importantly can save you time, effort and money in the long run.
These are just a few ways that a marketing agency can add value to your business. But remember, your business is unique so the marketing strategy employed will be customised to your business requirements. Never underestimate the power of marketing and what it can mean for your business.
