Being in business for 13 years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people who have started businesses. What I found is there are many who have great products and services, but lack the “know-how” to get their business to the right level.
No one can do it all. Businesses are multi-tiered. Not only are there functions that include accounting, marketing, human resources, sales, etc., there are also functions/responsibilities within those areas.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are creative professionals who can assist you with ways to help your business succeed. The following is a short list in the area of public relations and marketing communications.
- Public Relations Professional – The Public Relations Society of America defines public relations as “A strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” The public relations practitioner can help with identifying your target market (demographics), strategy, social media, developing “stories,” special events (product launches), and media relations.
- Marketing Consultant – The marketing consultant can assist you with developing your sales and marketing strategies, pricing, product placement, lead generation, branding, Internet and SEO, developing print and online marketing campaigns.
- Professional Copywriter – We can all have great ideas, but describing those ideas, services and products in a way that persuades potential customers can be daunting. Copywriters write content for websites, marketing and sales materials, brochures and direct mail. They also assist in advertising by writing taglines, jingles and ad copy. Copywriters can be independent or employed by ad agencies, public relations and marketing firms.
- Event Planner – Planning a professional event is not the same as throwing a birthday party, although there are similar elements. The logistics include identifying the purpose, theme, audience, venue, program/activities, time and dates.
- Graphic Designer – It never gets old because it’s true: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” A creative graphic designer is the bedrock of publications. Yes, the copywriter helps with words, but the graphic designer determines the look, feel , tone and personality of any printed piece.
- Photographer – Not everyone with a camera can take relevant photos. The trained photographer understands positioning, lighting, moods, rhythm and purpose so that the image “speaks” without words.
Business owners may be the best at what they do, however no one is the best at everything. In business, it’s best not to be the jack-of-all-trades but the “master of one” great skill. Using professionals who are the best at what they do can help your business make a big impact.