Wanted: Marketing help and a business plan
Marketing inexpensively and writing a plan for expansion – two problems this business owner faces. Readers, any advice?
From Mike McCormick, Miami, Florida Devon,
You might first want to consider how much you want to spend. Set up the budget, and that will determine whether you do advertising, direct mail, radio, etc.
I read Lois Geller's book, Response! The Complete Guide to Profitable Direct Marketing, and Bob Stone's book, Successful Direct Marketing Methods, and they helped me in my dealership.
From M. Maxwell Hobe Sound FL www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.com. In my dicussions with various small business owners, I find that local chambers of commerce are popular, in addition to other civic groups (Toastmasters, churches etc). They provide inexpensive, effective ways to market.
Also, local universities often offer small business programs, most of which are free. I would recommend that you call local community colleges and universities to see if they have any such programs.
Writing your own Business Plan is like doing your own surgery. As a Business writer, (www.docspec.ca) when I prepare a Plan for someone, they get a proven format, accurate and complete information and prompt delivery. In addition they get free business consulting and project analysis based on years of experience. This third party viewpoint pre-tests the project for viability and errors; something you don't get when you do it yourself. Also, a Business Plan is a sales document. You are trying to sell your project to someone else, not just outline your idea. So, invest a few dollars before you get in too deep and hire a professional writer. The last Plan I started was never finished because I uncovered a fundamental flaw that rendered the project a no-go. It saved the client over $300,000 (in equipment purchases) which they were about to commit to.