Category Archives: Businesses

Do businesses really think like their customers?

It’s important not to forget how your customers think. There’s the old adage: “put yourself in their shoes” – but there any many businesses who don’t. The trouble is, they get so wrapped up in what they’re doing, the technology and the objectives, the jargon and the statistics, the products and the profits, that they…

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*How* you use digital marketing is the key

Many companies are waking up to the idea that they must start using digital marketing. Many of them may already be using it – sort of – because they are aware of Facebook, Twitter, email newsletters and the like. There are many reasons why companies have not progressed within digital marketing, but the most obvious,…

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The importance of simplicity

I’ve always been an advocate for simplicity. Over-complicated things are such a waste of time, for both understanding and implementing. Simple things aren’t necessarily beautiful, but your perception of them will change once you start to appreciate their simplicity. An ugly structure can support a beautiful exterior, because it has been specifically made to be…

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How to wine and dine your prospects online

Online customer relationship marketing (jargon for engaging with customers online) is a bit like hosting a dinner party. As every dinner party hostess will know, it’s all about your guests. You are not there to promote yourself, but to engineer the evening to make it as pleasant as possible for all present. You take pains…

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Communication, an effective business tool

As my entry into the JupiterJasper Marketing lesson blogging competition, this blog is about the one concept of marketing I think will really help your business. This is ‘communication’, which comes in many guises: Research Do research into how your customers think, in order to communicate with them effectively. Even before starting to trade, it’s…

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Why your email list needs to be personal

One of the most annoying things about the internet is receiving spam. It’s almost as bad as those telephone calls that try and sell you stuff you don’t want, and even if you are signed up to the Telephone Preference Service, some, especially those from abroad, still slip through the net. So considering we all…

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Interaction is vital in social networking

When you’re dealing with social media, one of the most important things to consider is interaction. Interaction is when your readers, audience, fans, friends or whatever are compelled to respond to your social networking activities. This will happen when you post up something that is worth commenting on, full of value, beneficial and helpful, entertaining…

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LinkedIn: Answers can spread expertise

At the end of your navigation links in your LinkedIn profile is a tab called ‘More’. At the top of the drop-down menu that appears when you mouse over it, is the option ‘Answers’. I often wonder why it is tucked away like this when it is, in my mind, an integral part of effective…

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LinkedIn: socialise through the groups

A great feature of LinkedIn is the groups. There are literally thousands to choose from, in a similar myriad of subjects, levels and sociability. Locate them through the ‘Groups’ link at the top of your profile page, and you will automatically go to the list of groups you have joined. These vary from open to…

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How complete is your LinkedIn profile?

The social networking site for business has to be LinkedIn. Anyone in business should have a profile that is properly completed and updated. Failure to do so is like submitting your CV with gaps and omissions, which would certainly not impress a prospective client or employer – since it is both these targets you should…

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