Archive for March 27, 2012

What Sets You Apart?

Do You Know What Sets Your Company Apart From Your Competition?

We’ve all heard that we need to have our elevator speech ready, just in case we need it.  How about knowing off the top of your head, three key points that sets you apart from your competition?

Those Key Points Should Stand Out!

If you know what those three points are, you should post them on your website, brochures, business cards and even incorporate them in your sayings. The key factors that set you apart from your competition are the deciding factors for potential customers to buy from you instead of the competition.

Follow Through

If you state that those key factors set you apart from your competition, you better follow through and make sure those items are a part of every customer experience. Listen to the feedback your customers give you. Customers have the experience and you can never argue with experience! Stand out and let your key factors stand out loud and clear. Knowing how you set yourself apart from competition gives you a new confidence to write that press release and talk about your products/services!

Make it a great day!

Helene

Owner/Founder of Rain and Company Marketing Group and Web Design

Helene

#1- We Need To Be True To Ourselves FIRST!

What does being true to ourselves have to do with business?

For those of you who follow my blog on a regular basis, you know that I usually stick to business and to practical tips.  This blog is a bit different.  I want to challenge you and ask you if you are pursuing what you are passionate about?  The business that you’re in, is it what you want to do? Does it come naturally for you to do the things you do? So many people live their entire lives trying to imitate someone else. The sad thing is that all along, they were suppose to be who they are and that brings so much value to the workplace, family, friends… and it draws customers in because they are passionate about the product or service and it comes naturally!

Follow Your Passion- It is Contagious!

As a marketing specialist, I tell my clients that there is one thing that is more contagious than anything else and that is passion!  If you’re passionate about your business and your products/services… then you will draw customers on  your side and they will believe in the product/services that you offer. Without passion, you simply have a blah product/service.

Time For A Check-Up?

We all need to take some time and do a self check-up of where we are in life. Life changes all the time and so many of us need to adjust just to survive. Survival should be a temporary place, but many people make it a permanent residence.  What happens next, is that you start to hate what you do and you have no passion to grow or evolve into the next thing. If that’s you, I encourage you to take inventory of the things you are passionate about and pursue those things!

Life is too short to settle and we do so much better when we simply agree to be true to ourselves first! My favorite saying this year is “I Just Want To Be Me!”

Make it a great day!

Helene

http://www.rainandcompany.com

Founder/Owner

 

Marketing Staff VS Marketing Contractor

Marketing Staff VS Marketing Contractor

You’re in business and you know that marketing is essential to produce growth.  Which one is best? Hiring a staff to do your marketing or hiring an outside marketing contractor?  There are several pros and cons to both. The good news is that you have options, including having both a staff and hiring an outside consultant!

You Have Options

Let’s say you just launched a new product or service and you need a marketing campaign to spread the word. The marketing campaign can and should include several of the following:

  • Brochures
  • Banner on your website
  • Press Release
  • e-Newsletters
  • Mail-out
  • Advertise in magazine
  • Advertise on billboard
  • Advertise on radio
  • Advertise on TV
  • Post on all social media venues
  • Word of mouth referrals on your website

I’m only listing a few, because I don’t want to be too long.  Most of the items listed above cost money, from social media that cost nothing to TV commercials that cost a lot!

The Perception

Some people think that hiring a contractor might be very impersonal. After all, you hire them to do a service, pay them and that’s the end of it right?  Well, as a Marketing Contractor, I would like to give my side of the story.  I’m a strong believer in relationship and building strong rapport with my clients. I hope to never be “just a contractor” but an ally, friend and a long term partner that will help this company grow and be successful. No matter how the internet has changed the relationship aspects of business, the one aspect that remains as important as it was 100 years ago, is trust and relationship.

You Can Have Both a Staff and Contractor

I have worked successfully with a marketing staff to launch products/services. Companies are not limited, but have the option to work with their staff and hire outside contractors.  I personally believe that it is beneficial hire outside marketing contractors at least twice a year, to bring forth a fresh objective and perception.  Let’s face it, everyone has an idea when it comes to marketing!  I’ve discovered that many of those ideas are all good, but might not be beneficial. Marketing Directors should embrace feedback from other professionals!

Benefits of Hiring a Marketing Contractor

There are many benefits to hiring a contractor to do your marketing. I will list a few in an effort to keep it short.

  1. You don’t have to deal with lazy or disgruntle employees who feel entitled all the time
  2. You can hire contractors on a month-to-month basis
  3. The contractor can still be a part of your company and meet with your sales team either in person or via Skype or gotomeeting.com
  4. You don’t have the extra expenses of salary, taxes or benefits
  5. A marketing contractor might have more resources available for you to use
  6. They have a bird’s view of what’s going on and can see the bigger picture more objectively
  7. They can think more like your potential customer

Being in business can be difficult and so many people wear different hats. I like the new Staples commercial with “Dave” and all the roles he plays in the business… but in the end, he’s one guy.  Jack of all trades and master of none!  When it comes to marketing, don’t compromise. Leave it to the experts to promote your products/services.

Make it a great day!

Helene

http://www.rainandcompany.com

 

Does Your Website Make You Look Like an Amateur?

Professional Web-Design

Attention business owners and entrepreneurs- Having a professional website is more affordable and easier than you think!  So many people go the free route with their websites! This makes companies look very amateurish!

If there’s one thing I recommend to all my clients, it’s to have the best, most professional website available. Your website tells the world who you are, how you operate and how professional you are.

Don’t settle for the cheap, free websites…. after all, you don’t want that to represent you?

Check out our portfolio- For more information, send me an email helene@rainandcompany.com

Until next time!

Helene

http://www.rainandcompany.com