marketing when business is slow

During this economic downturn, some businesses plan to close, or at least spend less. This means reduced funds devoted to seeking new business. While many of Focus + Finance clients have seen significant reduction in sales from the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year, those who are in a position to spend on marketing are advised to do so. This is no time to be stingy with promotion. Not only is there less competition out there, but if the majority of your rivals are ignoring marketing, this leaves plenty of room for YOU to get YOUR message to potential customers. But before you get that re-print of last year's brochures, you should read Your Marketing Sucks by Mark Stevens. Many small business clients don't understand the importance of overall branding, even for the smallest company. Identity - logo, website, packaging, and stationery - is very important to make an impression on clients and be easily recognizable. I was surprised to learn that some companies don't match up their business card design with their website or even with their invoice format. If your office is relatively quiet now, it would be wise to start evaluating your marketing tools and give yourself and/or your company a makeover. Then hopefully the rest of this year will start to look fiscally fine!