OneCoach SBV | OC's Small Business Advisor

When we think of finding and attracting customers, we tend to think of the relationship from our own perspective. After all, it’s what we offer that makes them want to do business with us, right? Wrong!

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The continued stagnation of the marketplace has produced a noticeable increase in calls from business owners frustrated with their efforts to market their products and services. Of course, the methods by which they attempt to attract customers are both expensive and completely useless. As a small business coach, I find effective marketing strategies to be challenging for many business owners.

2009 was a watershed year for marketing strategy. Prior to that year, conventional mar

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What do Christmas trees and campgrounds have in common? They are both products of a seasonal business! And while they share a common trait of generating revenue during a specific time during the year, they differ in that the Christmas tree lots can be closed after Christmas while the campground has operating costs throughout the year. If you’re thinking of running a seasonal business to take advantage of short term revenue opportunities, make sure it’s more the ‘Christmas tree’ kind of business.… Continue

Effective communications depends on two factors; a clear message and an optimal channel to deliver it. Over the last 10 years or so, tremendous improvements have been made in the delivery end of the communication spectrum- cell phones/PDAs, text messaging, high speed internet, wireless, instant messenger, GPS and the list goes on. The message clarity side of the equation, however, has not advanced at the same rate.

Whether you are giving direction to your employees, presenting an idea to a clie… Continue

Face to face marketing traditionally known as networking has always been an integral part of a successful small business marketing strategy. But, with the increase of people starting businesses as an alternative to going back into the job market, networking events have taken on more of a ‘swap meet’ atmosphere as business owners and entrepreneurs attempt to find buyers and collect business cards to use for future email campaigns.

If networking is done right, it can fuel a continuous stream of q… Continue