Surveys May Provide Kick Start Your Business Needs

With the economy recovering at a very tentative pace, you may feel as if your marketing efforts have stalled dead in the road, and you aren’t quite sure how to kick start back into gear. If that is the case, it may be time to consider the power of consumer surveys.

Surveys are a great means of getting a firsthand read of your consumer base in relation to your business. How has their spending habits changed? What products are they now shopping for? What attracts them to a business? By asking consumers direct questions, you eliminate the guessing game often associated with developing marketing campaigns. Using the data compiled from your survey, you can accurately target your consumers and increase business accordingly.

Basic Survey Terminology to Consider:
Quantitative Surveys are based on measureable results.

Qualitative Surveys allow you to explore issues with respondents and allow for open-ended responses.

Samples should be at random and reflect a true representation of your population (or in your case, consumer base). The larger the sample size, the smaller the margin of error. If you are looking for quantitative results, a rule of thumb is to sample at least 100 people. Qualitative surveys are less dependent on sample size as you are looking for an exploration on a topic.

So, are you ready to start surveying? Here are some simple steps to follow to get your market research off to a running start!
1. Select the type of research you need (Quantitative/Qualitative)
2. Design a questionnaire
3. Collect your data
4. Analyze data

Be A Fearless Marketer

In December of 2008, I blogged about ways your small business could weather the storm of a slowing economy. Fresh off a presidential election and with renewed hope of a quick (or at least steady) economic turnaround that was sure to accompany a new administration, I never imagined the storm clouds would still be hovering over small businesses in April. Nevertheless, even in extended periods of slow or stalled sales, now is the time to be a fearless marketer while your competitors stay caught out in the rain.

• Recall how you came into business with your current client roster. Think back – maybe even way back – to how you first attracted your clients. Make a list. How did you make this connection or build this relationship? At ProMoter Inc., many of our clients and contacts came from associations and groups our staff is members of. Armed with this knowledge, we keep our memberships up-to-date and actively participate in committees, boards and meetings.
• Keep wooing long-time clients. Have you been doing business with the same client for years, maybe even decades? My guess is that you don’t want to lose that client. Sure you’ve built relationships with these clients but business is business. Keep your ideas fresh, your prices competitive and your gratitude apparent. Don’t give them any reason to let their eyes wander.
• Diversify. Consumers always want more for less. Brainstorm cost effective ways to diversify your current offerings so you can sell deeper into your existing customer base.
• Rethink business as usual. Many businesses are looking to revamp their tired strategies and mode of operations. What was working most likely isn’t working now. Don’t get left behind clinging to your tired practices. First step, overhaul your marketing plan to insure you are reaching the right audiences with the right messages at the right price.

ProMoter Inc. can help with this step to guarantee you aren’t left in the rain without an umbrella. Give us a call at 502-562-1969 or email at promoter@promoterinc.com to learn what we can do for you!

How to Weather the Storm of a Slowing Economy

With uncertainties about when the market will bounce back, many companies – small and large – are looking to tighten their budgets and lay low in order to weather this storm. However, there is no time like the present to launch back-to-basics marketing tactics to strengthen your sails.

Developing new business requires creativity, relationship building and an understanding of your market. Here are some tips to help you get back in the game and ahead of your competition during a slowing economy.

• Know Your Message: Put forth a clear, consistent message of yourself and your business. Don’t muddle the message with heavy industry jargon or mixed messages. It is also imperative to understand the tone of your market. Will your clients respond to messages of hope – “spend now to get ahead” or a restrained message – “do more with less?” This is the first step towards reaching out to new clients, which translates into success.


• Don’t Ignore Past Clients: Maintaining contact with previous clients is as important as attracting new ones. Clients need constant reminders of how great your services are or they will soon forget it. That could mean losing potential business in the future with that client or referrals that client may give. Therefore, it is important to stay in touch with those clients through monthly emails, holiday cards or phone calls.


• Obtain Referrals: Don’t hesitate to ask for a referral if you know you’ve done a good job for a client. And the best time to ask is during the transaction – six months later is too late.

Looking to increase your sales in this slowing economy? ProMoter Inc. can help. Contact us at 502.562.1969.