Nationally recognized speaker, Peter Shankman, gave some great tips and advice at a recent NEWS4Women event. Here is just a fraction of what you missed and thanks to @carlastoneintl for tweeting this event!

-The point of social media is to listen

-Your job is to provide such stellar customer service that your customers use social media to do PR.

-Ask what you can do for others

-Don’t worry about creating viral- create something good.

-Your job is to network 24 hours per day- not being a business card ninja

-Never underestimate the power of getting to your office early.

-Good writing is brevity.

-To get someone’s attention- Learn to write. Be someone who is remembered not recalled.

-Embrace the concept not the brand

-The average attention span today is 2.7 seconds- 140 characters- the average length of a text message.  

-If social media doesn’t generate revenue, it is wasting your time and money.

-How to reach your audience when you don’t know how to reach them- ASK THEM.

- Transparency brings trust. Transparency is key. In a world of social media, when you have a problem, admit it. We love redemption.

-We have no control over our companies- our customers control our company.

-Prepare to Succeed. “Very few people prepare to succeed”.

And finally, some humorous words of wisdom: “social media is a way to screw up to a much larger audience in a shorter amount of time”

Is it you? Is your business or organization the biggest secret in town? With an economy on the skids many companies are cutting back on their advertising and marketing budgets but now is simply not the time to stop promoting your business. Now is the time to use effective and affordable marketing tools. Think there is going to be a pitch for marketing with NEWS4Women in here somewhere? You betcha, as one nameless Alaskan would say!

Start by thinking about inexpensive ways you can promote your company or nonprofit organization. It goes without saying that you don’t ever, ever, ever leave home without your business cards. Take a critical look at your business card and the message it conveys about your business. If somebody picked your card out of a fishbowl would they immediately know what kind of business you have and is your logo distinctive? Are you using both sides of the card to maximize your message? Do all your employees have their own cards? Remember every card is an advertisement for your business and using business cards is an affordable way to promote your company.

Consider using vehicle signage to market your company every where you drive. People take notice especially if it’s colorful, fun and distinctive. Make sure your contact info and website are easily visible and memorable especially from the rear so drivers behind you in traffic can’t help but notice.

Another effective idea may be to form strategic alliances with other businesses which offer complimentary services or products. For example, a salon or spa might partner with a jeweler to offer a special promotion for the upcoming holiday season. Create a marketing plan together, share the budget expense, and distribute to clients from both businesses as well as prospects.

Is it time for you to take a critical look at your marketing plan? Need an affordable way to reach new customers? Contact us to discuss creative marketing ideas to reach your target market.