You can provide the best products, outstanding services or the latest and greatest in technology; but if you don't market them - and no one knows about it - WHO CARES?
That was my message when I spoke to NAWBO last week and I tell that to all my clients who tell me they are hesitant about marketing - or they are cynical about marketing - if it works or not. Come on! We all market ourselves each and everyday to the people in our lives. Just look at the couple who is deciding their destination for next year's vacation. She wants a tropical island and he wants Vegas. WATCH those marketing campaigns kick into high gear - and may the best marketer win!
We all market - we all respond to marketing. So just LOVE marketing - it's so much easier that way!
Lisa
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tips for Planning a Large Networking Event
One of my clients asked me about ways to improve an Open House the firm is planning. They expect around 250 guests. I thought it would be helpful if I shared these tips with you:
Define a clear goal for the purpose of the event - if it’s just a goodwill gesture, is that enough to justify the time and expense of planning this event?
Promote the event beforehand in newsletters, on social media forums and in a broadcast e-mail prior to the event
Use the invitation to collect information about your attendees. Provide areas of interest for them on the invitation – I am interested in…and have checkboxes of what type of person they are interested in meeting – attorneys, forensic accountant, manufacturing company owner, etc.
Define and communicate your professionals’ role at the event. This can include rehearsing the various “elevator pitches” with staff and tasking attendees with a goal of making 2 - 3 introductions … saying something like “We have over 200 professionals slated to be here today – may I help you meet a particular type of contact here?”
Set up service area or industry “stations. Creating areas that are specific to an industry or service area (designated with simple signage and hosted by 2-3 representatives from the firm for hour-long shifts is a great way to help direct attendees to meeting someone that holds benefit for them.
Play a continuous slide show featuring the benefits and service areas of the Firm could be shown at key areas (food and bar)
Collect business cards from all attendees – asking them to write their area of interest on the back – is a no-brainer. This should be done at either the service area “stations” or somewhere else – have a drawing – collecting business cards in a fish bowl is another idea for collecting attendee information.
Offer unique entertainment at the event can help your firm stand out – perhaps a clown that performs magic tricks could ease any “stiffness” around the event.
Follow-up on the event – if you can collect business cards and send out a message two weeks afterward with a call to action. If you can attach a survey of what they liked or suggestions for improvement for next year and also a checklist for topics of areas for upcoming seminars, etc. Ask if they’d like to be contacted by one of your professionals about a certain topic…leave an open space for commentary.
Have a great event!
Define a clear goal for the purpose of the event - if it’s just a goodwill gesture, is that enough to justify the time and expense of planning this event?
Promote the event beforehand in newsletters, on social media forums and in a broadcast e-mail prior to the event
Use the invitation to collect information about your attendees. Provide areas of interest for them on the invitation – I am interested in…and have checkboxes of what type of person they are interested in meeting – attorneys, forensic accountant, manufacturing company owner, etc.
Define and communicate your professionals’ role at the event. This can include rehearsing the various “elevator pitches” with staff and tasking attendees with a goal of making 2 - 3 introductions … saying something like “We have over 200 professionals slated to be here today – may I help you meet a particular type of contact here?”
Set up service area or industry “stations. Creating areas that are specific to an industry or service area (designated with simple signage and hosted by 2-3 representatives from the firm for hour-long shifts is a great way to help direct attendees to meeting someone that holds benefit for them.
Play a continuous slide show featuring the benefits and service areas of the Firm could be shown at key areas (food and bar)
Collect business cards from all attendees – asking them to write their area of interest on the back – is a no-brainer. This should be done at either the service area “stations” or somewhere else – have a drawing – collecting business cards in a fish bowl is another idea for collecting attendee information.
Offer unique entertainment at the event can help your firm stand out – perhaps a clown that performs magic tricks could ease any “stiffness” around the event.
Follow-up on the event – if you can collect business cards and send out a message two weeks afterward with a call to action. If you can attach a survey of what they liked or suggestions for improvement for next year and also a checklist for topics of areas for upcoming seminars, etc. Ask if they’d like to be contacted by one of your professionals about a certain topic…leave an open space for commentary.
Have a great event!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Lisa Tierney on Marketing Planning
Discover how to market yourself and your company in a way that makes you feel comfortable, showcases your talent and allows you to shine!
• Never have to engage in a marketing activity you don't like - ever again!
• Customize a perfectly-tailored marketing plan that is comprehensive and long-reaching, so your target audience is touched by you each and every month in a way that provides value.
• Stay focused on the brass ring and use your authentic and unique self to reel in your ideal client.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 8:00 am - 11:30 am
Holiday Inn in Fort Washington, PA - 432 Pennsylvania Avenue
Cost: $35 for members and $45 for non-members
Other Expert's Topics Include
• Measurement Eliminates Argument
• Strategic Planning
• Sales and Your Strategic Business Plan
• Peace of Mind for Business Owners
To register, go to
http://www.gonawbophilly.org/programs/2011-01-18-Key-Elements-to-Business-Planning
• Never have to engage in a marketing activity you don't like - ever again!
• Customize a perfectly-tailored marketing plan that is comprehensive and long-reaching, so your target audience is touched by you each and every month in a way that provides value.
• Stay focused on the brass ring and use your authentic and unique self to reel in your ideal client.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 8:00 am - 11:30 am
Holiday Inn in Fort Washington, PA - 432 Pennsylvania Avenue
Cost: $35 for members and $45 for non-members
Other Expert's Topics Include
• Measurement Eliminates Argument
• Strategic Planning
• Sales and Your Strategic Business Plan
• Peace of Mind for Business Owners
To register, go to
http://www.gonawbophilly.org/programs/2011-01-18-Key-Elements-to-Business-Planning
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)