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Starting a business
Question:
IT SURE DOES! IN UK AT THE MOMENT, IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO SUCCESSFULLY MARKET AN UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR LEVEL OF SERVICE THAN IT IS YOUR PRODUCTS. ANY ORGANISATION NEEDS TO BE MARKET-ORIENTED TO INCREASE ITS POSITION WITHIN THAT MARKET - AND WHO ELSE HAS THE TIME AND/OR FOCUS TO FULFIL THAT REQUIREMENT OTHER THAN A DEDICATED MARKETING REQUIREMENT. INTERESTED TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO REPLIED ‘WHY BOTHER’ TO YOUR QUESTION! www.bamberforsyth.com [ModSpeak: for future, please don't use all caps. It's considered rude...like shouting 
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Response:
I think there can be cases where a formal marketing department can actually be harmful. I used to work at a financial services company (mainly consumer credit) with no formal marketing department. The financial/business analysts were responsible for managing the entire marketing process. This resulted in rather uncreative copy. But, in that business, it was more important to get the right type of customers (low-risk, high spenders, etc.) and offer the right types of products to them, and make the right pricing and credit decisions. Most competitors had formal marketing departments. Their marketing guys would want to do X and the finance guys wanted to do Y. So a lot of them made poor pricing and credit decisions, and have just gotten hammered in the past few years as market conditions have changed rapidly and consumer credit has worsened. Meanwhile, we were wildly successful. So, my safe, middle-of-the-road opinion is that it probably is usually good to have a formal marketing department, but there are some types of businesses where it doesn’t matter or can actually hurt you. Jon DeLuca Scientific Business Consulting
Response:
Me thinks one confuses the process with the resources implementing the process. There is no reason to require any one person to be a full time marketing person… unless you enjoy creating little empires and battling turf wars…. J.P. Solyom KS Business Development
Response:
> Would you discuss factors that indicate whether a service organization needs > a formal marketing department in order to be market-oriented. Thanks. > [ModSpeak: Last time I looked, this wasn't > misc.business.marketing.homework ....just yet
Why stop now? In the time I've lurked / participated / been unhelpful / Cynical on this newsgroup, it has been traditional that posts should arrive from panicked students asking for contributions on various papers topics. It is nice and reassuring to know that the Socratic model is still functioning so well in schools around the world. Indeed, it is probably time to follow up on something suggested by the moderator, that a site should set up with a collection of essays under the most common topics for use by our still studying contributors. I would further suggest that he add a few rogue elements misleading and bad examples to keep the lazy sods on their toes. I am sure one or two of those who contribute to this NG will be able to set up a system for credit card charging and the writers of the essays could then be compensated for their work when it is used. No formal marketing department need apply. Regards Aidan This Macsoup is great - I'll have to register it soon!
Response:
I am considering starting a horseshoeing business. I am interested in what sort of marketing techniques might work best in a situation like this. People with horses tend to be pretty loyal to their farrier if he/she is good. And if they are are happy with the way their horses are being shod, not that willing to change for a few bucks savings. What approaches could I use to attract cliens my way? Thanks for your time. Joshua Kelly ----
Response:
Hi Joshua, You need a unique selling point. Perhaps your qualifications -- I've been horseshoeing for x amount of years and have worked on Black Beauty, etc. Your service -- My previous clients are so satisfied that they've said "I wouldn't change farriers because he provides y...." Something that makes you stand out from the crowd. Hope this helps, Terri Firebaugh -- Firebaugh Communications http://www.firepub.com Public Relations Author/Book Tours High-Tech Health/Fitness Womens Issues Small Business - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -> I am considering starting a horseshoeing business. I am interested in > what sort of marketing techniques might work best in a situation like > this. > People with horses tend to be pretty loyal to their farrier if he/she is > good. And if they are are happy with the way their horses are being > shod, not that willing to change for a few bucks savings. > What approaches could I use to attract cliens my way?
Response:
(Joshua Kelly) writes: >What approaches could I use to attract cliens my way?
Joshua, Try to find potential clients who are UN-happy with their current horseshoe-er. It may be easier than converting happy customers. It would seem to me that horse auctions, state fairs, stock shows, and the like would be good places to check out. See if you can set up a demo booth at those to entertain the kids and the parents will appreciate your effort. Sincerely, James Echols Business & Management Coach Uncommon Solutions http://uncommonsolutions.com
Response:
Would you discuss factors that indicate whether a service organization needs a formal marketing department in order to be market-oriented. Thanks. [ModSpeak: Last time I looked, this wasn't misc.business.marketing.homework ....just yet Think you should tell your teacher to participate in the newsgroup. She could have fun! ]