I have to admit, when I first started, I didn’t. All I wanted to do was start doing what I loved to do. I figured if someone referred me, and that person referred me, then I was good. Well, that does work, but I soon realized that I needed more.
It takes a lot for me to tear away from the day-to-day and do what need to be done. I knew I had to complete a business plan, but didn’t have the time. When a business plan writing contest came about, I quickly signed up. I didn’t expect to win, place or show, all I wanted to do was complete it.
Within that document, I had to include how I planned to market my business. Sometimes what is required in the business plan is not enough. Luckily, the “Business Owners’ Toolkit” offers great advice on how to draft a separate marketing plan.
There are four marketing components in your business plan – Marketing 101 – product, price, place and promotion.
- How will you market your business, product or services?
- Have you conducted any marketing analysis? Are there enough people in your area or on the Internet interested or willing to purchase what you have to offer?
- Do you have a marketing strategy? Do you know how you plan to get your products or services into the hands of your customers?
- Have you developed marketing and sales plans? How will you reach your customers to market your products? What type of advertising will you use (print, broadcast, Internet)?
The Business Owners’ Toolkit goes into detail about how to develop a strong marketing plan. It also provides a sample plan(s) for you to use as a guide while developing yours. Read what they have to offer in full here – http://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/sbg/startup/planning/business-plan-marketing-component.aspx.
While you are there, also check out the marketing tab. There is information on product development, Internet marketing, advertising, public relations and a lot more.
You will be amazed at how much information is there.
Try it out and let me know what you think.