Customers are still spending money.

Customers are definitely shifting their priorities. With gas prices and a gallon of milk now over $4.00 each (who would have thought it would ever happen!), people are watching their every dollar. But does that mean consumers are not spending money, actually, no. Folks are buying stuff, just being highly selective and cautious. Impulse buying is on hold for now. When it comes to their online experience, consumers want more for free (free email accounts, free shipping, free return service, free 800 numbers to call, etc.) they want it fast, they want control of their online experience, they want a fair price and they want the company they deal with to be honest in all communications. Make sure you give your target group the above and they will continue to be loyal. Chin up everyone, the good times are just around the corner.

Social media is worth it!

There was alot of talk about social media marketing efforts at the NYC conference. It is hot right now and is proving to be a successful tool to connect with other experts, peer to peer dialogue, show your expertise and attract new customers. The most popular social networks for small business owners is Classmates.com, LinedIn, MySpace and Facebook. Research has shown that people want to connect with other people and these communities are playing a significant and influential role in the decision-making process. Just think of it as word of mouth on hyper-drive! Check them out and start engaging in a dialogue.

Back from the NYC Marketing Conference

The New York City conference was awesome. I met with lots of vendors, participated in discussion groups with bigwigs from major corporations and attended lots of seminars. The major take away point is, as marketers, we all know alot, there is a ton that is rapidly changing the way companies are driving new business and we are all in the same boat trying to figure out what works. The old traditional way of mass marketing is no longer effective. People are more sophisicated and are looking for one-to-one personalized messages that is relevant to them and word of mouth has never been more powerful. The result: social media has exploded and is getting good results for businesses. Over the next few days/weeks, I'll touch on several different topics and what I learned. Have a great day.

Happy spring or should i say summer!

Life is good but it is a little too hot too fast. 90 degrees today, wow! I'm off to the annual marketing conference in NYC next week and will bring back lots of ideas and new information. The advertising landscape is rapidly changing and what use to work in the past is no longer as effective. What do you do now to grow your business? Are you jumping into the unknown territories of social media and internet marketing? Are your dollars and time investment going to bring in sales??? All businesses large and small are facing the same issues. Stay tuned for answers to these questions when i get back.