This evening I went to a free marketing seminar and as a newbie I found it really interesting! I also found the networking opportunity - even in a small group - really beneficial and was able to hand out some of my business cards. It was a diverse group ranging from a lady who had a milkshake bar to another who practised natural therapies. There was even someone about to sell healthy chocolate!

Over the next few days I'll put down the tips which I have learnt and hopefully they will be useful for those who will read this blog!

1. Marketing does not need to be heavy handed and forceful.

If people get to KNOW, LIKE and TRUST you it is only a small step further for them to want to BUY from you.

Getting to know you!

Basically where we can advertise (the channels) - newspapers, magazines, word of mouth, website, business card, email, direct mail, sponsorship, networking, radio, TV, charity events, back end of a bus (this list is endless)!

Who do we want to target? - Where will they be? What do they read? Find out the best way of contacting them.

Rob, our instructor, said one of the most important things to remember about marketing is that it is a communication between yourself and the customer. It's getting people to feel good about their decision to want to buy (be it material or service) from you.

Something to think about

Other than the money (hopefully) that comes in from your business what do you like about it? What motivates you? What part of your business gives you pleasure and why?

Well that's it for today. I'll pass on some more of what I did tomorrow!