There are many elements to what we know as 'marketing'. The overall term 'marketing' means to make a communication about a product or service; a purpose of which is to encourage recipients of the communication to purchase or use the product or service. But there are various types of marketing that are important for businesses to focus on including brand marketing, internet marketing and direct marketing, for example.

Another major component of marketing is promotions which are often mistaken to mean the same things. The Promotion Marketing Association clarifies how each relates to the other, "...Promotion builds brand equity through its integration in the overall marketing process." In this newsletter, we'll beam in on some promotion techniques that I've used and had my team implement to increase thea awareness of our companies and events. To stimulate ideas and help trigger new ways for you to let your target market know about your events, Read On...because with Spring right around the corner, everyone could stand a little promotion pick-me-up.

Enjoy!

*Figure out who you need to let know about your product or service

If your primary target market is African-American women 18-54 who are looking to start a business, in business already or looking for business opportunities, that needs to be clear. You may even have a secondary target market which is fine, but the most important thing is to clarify your demographic. Is your event open to various industries or particular core businesses like business services, marketing and information technology? Who would want to hear what your product or service can do for them?

*Once you've got your demographic down here's some suggested promotion methods

#1 *Every woman or man who fits in your demographic should know about your product/service or event

-Provide a flyer, business card or URL to provide information about it.

-Mention the name of your product/service/event, when appropriate.

#2 *Use your everyday opportunities to promote

-Always have your company information, URL or dates of events within hand to provide to someone
seeking information or needing it. For example, if youre on the elevator with someone who may
fit your target demographic you may have the opportunity to pass them literature.

-In your emails, post the information about your product/service/event in your email signature and make it a
different color and size than your message text so it stands out.

-If your company has an events bulletin board or internal newsletter, participate and post info about your events (if it doesn't pose a conflict of interest) or if you will be a part of a newsletter or other public media outlet, talk about your product/service/event and how it will satisfy your demographic's needs.

#3 *Attend professional events and spread the word

-If you are not already attending at least 2 professional or networking events per month, set a goal to do so. You can use these venues to spread the word about your business/events.

-If you do attend events currently, be sure to mention your products/services (when appropriate) and provide information about it. Be
prepared to mention the added value of working with your company or attending your event, like product giveaways and raffles.

#4 *Canvas your area location for promotional Hot Spots

-If your business/event is located in an area with lots of foot traffic, take advantage of it. Position a street team to hand out flyers for 1-2 hours.

-If your business/event is located in an area with business buildings or apartments, inquire about a building bulletin board to post your business/event info or acquire a business directory and visit each business to see if you can provide information about your company.

-If your event is held at a popular venue, be sure to mention that fact to those you are spreading information to. When a person knows how to get to an event without really thinking it makes it easier for them to take the chance and attend.

Ciao!

Danny