In the downturn, many companies have scrambled to change what they do. They’re quickly added products or services, introduced multiple new versions, marketed to many new audiences. So maybe it’s time to ask — are you in over your head? Unfocused? Are you simply doing too much? Some businesses have taken the opposite tack in the downturn, stripping down their company to the bare essentials . They’re staying laser-focused... 

I had a strange dream last night, but oddly, it had a lesson in it. I dreamed that I went to a place to sell wool. There was one buyer. They decided whether my product was worth buying. Then, they turned it into yarn. They carded it, they dyed it, they put it on different spools and sold it to hundreds of people. Which business is harder? In some ways, selling wool is harder. I have to convince one person instead of several. In other ways, selling... 

The senator wants the Federal Reserve to look more closely at credit-card issuers marketing business cards to consumers  Read More →

Creating a Boutique Business This content from: Duct Tape Marketing Marketing podcast with Sarah Petty (Click to play or right click and “Save As” to download – Subscribe now via iTunes The term boutique is often associated with fashion or beauty related businesses, but it’s a concept that can apply to any business. Case in point is this week’s…  Read More →

This is the last post in this series about marketing for the newly promoted. Here is what we have covered so far: How to talk about what you do Understanding what your customer really buys Understanding your customers buying process Cross selling – spotting other opportunities to help Giving Referrals Knowing which customers business to turn away Networking Marketing vs. Sales and knowing which role you are in   Today I want to wrap up by talking... 

In a previous post, I talked about how to put your small business on the web . Before you go out and start looking for business, you might want to take a look around your site to see if it’s easy to understand what business you hope to accomplish. There’s a lot your blog does or doesn’t do to help you sell you or your product. Let’s look at it. Obvious Call to Action When someone lands on your site for the first time,... 

The intentions of small business owners vary tremendously; some entrepreneurs want to conquer the world, building a global brand, where as others want to run their business in a way that allows their family to live comfortably, while working on something that they love. Whether the aim of your business is global domination in your sector, or to run a lifestyle business, putting your business…  Read More →

Some people do freemium as a publisher quite well. I really love how GigaOm does it, for instance. Lots of their posts are very informative, but then you can get even more information if you subscribe to GigaOm Pro. It’s a great way to do it. The other way is how I did it in how to put your small business on the web . I gave you lots of free information, but also had some affiliate marketing links in there. You don’t have to buy... 

To increase your odds of getting paid, act quickly. Maintaining a credit policy can help you avoid getting into the situation  Read More →

Small companies are desperate for growth capital, but banks and investors remain cautious, says Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project’s John Paglia  Read More →

Duct Tape Coaching or Going It Alone This content from: Duct Tape Marketing One of my long-term missions is to build a network of small business marketing consultants that are equipped to install the Duct Tape Marketing system and essentially bring an end to all small business struggles. I admit it’s an ambitious mission, but I love helping small business and so I created the Duct Tape Marketing Coach Network . This growing global enterprise... 

Part of your business brand is your company name. The right company name can help you attract business. The wrong selection may actually hinder your growth. So it is worth the time and effort to think about a name that is more than just a name — it is part of your marketing strategy.  Read More →

Wikipedia defines “avatar” as “…a computer user’s representation of himself/herself or alter ego…” That is to say, an avatar is the “you” of the computer world. Most of us think of the word to mean the graphic we use alongside our social media account, but that’s only part of what defines an avatar. In this post, we’ll talk in a somewhat more rounded what about how your avatar... 

President Barack Obama said his economic advisers will examine “additional measures” to promote hiring and growth and urged Senate Republicans to drop their “blockade” of a measure to help small businesses.  Read More →

I was just looking over all that I’m doing. It’s quite a jumble. Here’s me right now: President of New Marketing Labs – marketing agency. President of Human Business Works – education and media company. Co-Founder at Third Tribe Marketing – membership community about marketing. Professional Speaker at Chris Brogan Speaks – speaking. [to be named] at CrossTech Ventures and The Pulse Network – Internet...