Marketing Small Business in non-Metro Markets

Marketing for Small Businesses in non-Metro Markets

One the biggest challenges for small businesses in non-metro markets, such as Durango, Farmington or Cortez, is to develop adequate sales and revenues in a profitable way.     This is the goal of marketing, and it is an essential part of the business planning process.   Most companies in rural markets experience seasonal business volumes, thin margins and out of town competitors, which make market planning an important business strategy.    How should these challenges be approached?

Your marketing plan is a critical element of your overall business plan.    If you need business plan assistance, go to www.sba.gov on the web, contact your local SBDC (offices in Farmington, NM 505-566-3528 or Durango, CO 970-247-7009) or pick up some business planning software.   Business planning is a process, of which your marketing plan is the “top line” element of your business strategy. 

So what should be included in your marketing plan?  First, you need to do some market research?    External research is the collection of existing data on business markets, competition and business opportunities.   The local public library is an excellent source for business research.   Another resource is the Internet, including search engines such as www.google.com and www.yahoo.com    If you have a specific business segment, such as printing, fast food, household repair, you may want to order the applicable ‘franchise offerings’ in the area of your interest.    Franchise offerings can assist with your market research.  For competition, start with the telephone directory ‘yellow pages’.    Find the applicable business types and use the ‘yellow pages’ to determine the size, scope and types of retail or wholesale competition.  For internal research, customer surveys, focus groups, transaction analysis and face-to-face discussions with customers can assist small businesses in developing an accurate baseline of market research.

What else is needed?     Other parts of the marketing plan include advertising strategy, a promotional plan, sales compensation, media relations, pricing strategies and logo/graphic identification programs.  Check out www.marketingforsmarties.com for ideas on 14 steps to sustained growth.  Your marketing program will be a challenging endeavor, but without it, your business is less likely to succeed and be profitable.

© 2009 Jasper Welch, Engage Your Marketing, LLC.   Durango, CO

Engage Your Marketing!

Engage Your Marketing!

 

Company Purpose:

         To provide marketing strategies, marketing services, marketing support and training to entrepreneurs, small businesses and entrepreneur service providers based on proprietary Marketing for Smarties processes and other EYM tools that positively impact client companies and their top line.      In addition, the Company will operate with a licensing agreement the use of the Marketing for Smarties intellectual property and processes.

Lines of Business (Engage! Your Marketing)

         Marketing for Smarties: Licensing agreement with Don Warner (as individual) to utilize the Marketing for Smarties tools, collateral and processes.

         MfS Coach Training & Support:  Supporting entrepreneur training, marketing professionals and marketing coaches with MfS training, tools and collateral materials.  (Joint venture agreement between QCB and Planned Growth Company).

         Market research services: Market research, market surveys, market assessments, customer surveys, and customer focus groups

         Market Planning: strategic business planning with an emphasis on marketing, branding and positioning

         Marketing Projects & Support Services: Marketing project planning, implementation and support services.    Coordination of professional service providers (graphics, copy writing, web design, electronic & print media).

         Strategic Marketing:   Research, coaching and implementation of marketing strategies for EYM clients, based on EYM tools and resources, and MfS tools and resources.

© 2008, Engage Your Marketing!