No. I am not writing the book to teach people about marketing. I am learning it the hard way like dummy. Ever since I started my own business, I have been learning marketing everyday. Some works and some don’t. This post is basically about what I have learned in the past. You may find this useful.

As a self-made Internet entrepreneur from scratch, I have to say that I would rather know sell million crappy products than sell zero life saver product. In other works, marketing is #1 key factor to success for any business! Period!

Having a right mindset is very important in the business world. Someone told me that 80% small business failed, because they don’t believe the the following statement.

Marketing is an investment! Not expense!

The majority small business that fail at the end of their life cycle believe they have to spend money to do marketing. When economy goes down, they cut the Marketing budget. They are also cutting the revenue. They end up close their business.

That was exactly the way I was thinking. I lost count how many times I tried to calculate the cost and the expense for my marketing strategies. I end up spending the money for nothing.

Now I am thinking marketing as investment. I have to calculate the return with $ sign. Whatever I do to promote my business must generate some return. It can be a new paying customer, a better slogan, testimonial or even free exposure.

Does your business card sell?

If your business card doesn’t sell, why have one? Here are some of the interesting points that make so much sense to me.

What does a poor and cheap business card mean to your customers?

• You don’t have money
• You are not professional
• You don’t care

Also, if your business card looks very pretty, creative, shinning with a glossy coating front and back, you are loosing business. Majority people get a business card will write something on the card. So if your card is too glossy to write something on it. People will forget it.

Deliver the message!

This is the most important thing that your business card sell. Will people understand what you are selling? A simple one sentence will make big difference. People may not remember your face or where they meet you, but people will remember what you are offering. I don’t remember how many times people told me this. “Ah. I have seen this before! Now I know who is behind the business!” What they see on my card is simply a very simple logo and one 4 words slogan / tagline. All my contact information is on the back side with enough white space to write a note.

Here are some of the tips about successful marketing.

• Build relationship with customers
• Help customer creating values to your business
• Follow up
• Free offer that must be profitable
• Reward people to pass on to others
• One survey a month at least
• Add value and be relevant

Here is some statistic data from one of the largest local business directory company.

• In the direct mail advertising industry 1% return is considered an above average return
• 32% consumer are more like to use a coupons
• Wealthier people use more coupons
• 51% Yellowpages user are new customers
• 71% online shoppers will shop local or offline.

The 1% return on direct mail marketing is consider above average. It simply sounds like a wasting money marketing solution. It’s way too low. Some of my customers using my Internet services are getting up to 18% conversion rate. No wonder, direct mail is not working very well for the majority local businesses. They are too expensive too!

I am still learning.

To be honest, I had tough time and great time learning how to sell my own services. I believe I have the most wonderful working solution for local businesses, but it won’t be that wonderful if no one use it.

Marketing Marketing Marketing! Nothing will be sold without good marketing strategies.