Sunday, April 11, 2010
Marketing Money is Wasted
Are you wasting your marketing money or actually using it?
1. Was it just a deal that you can not say no to?
2. Did you get any leads?
3. Would your money be spent better with another marketing strategy?
4. Do you have a plan so all of the marketing things you do create a brand?
5. Did you say "yes" just because of who was selling it?
Use your Marketing Plan to make good use of your money -
a. Do you have a chance of getting $10 for every $1 that you spend on marketing?
b. Do you have a marketing budget? (20% of your revenue)
c. Does it focus on your target market?
d. Track the results so you know whether or not to repeat that strategy.
To determine if your marketing money is wasted, call Cheryl at 647-287-0320 to set a complimentary introductory session.
Free marketing template - just e-mail info@fitforbusiness.ca and put "marketing template" in the subject line.
Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca
twitter: fitforbusiness
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Making A Tradeshow Work
1. Confirm that your target market will attend the event.
2. Ask what advertising the event has done to get attendees.
3. Be visible - have a sign that stands up (at least on the table) Make sure people can see your info from the other side of the walkway.
4. Create handouts that match your target market.
5. Figure out how to attract people to your booth - candy, draw, fun activity.
6. Collect names of potential clients - draw, newsletter sign-up.
7. You need to be visible - stand up as much as possible.
8. Be ready - offer a smile and say hello to everyone. Do not sit and read the paper. Ask a question that helps you decide if they are a potential client.
9. Talk to people - engage people in conversation. Booths with visitors attract more visitors.
10. Follow-up
Whether a tradeshow is $50 for a small business owner at a local event or $5,000 for a national level; being prepared will help the success of the event.
To create your tradeshow plan, marketing pieces and / or staffing for your event, please call Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business at 647-287-0320,
Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca
twitter - fitforbusiness
linked in / facebook
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Shape Up Your Sales
Just like a fitness routine that you have to do regularly -- you need to do your sales regularly. Making a few calls a week will result in extremely slow sales. Call at least 15 people a day. If you can not make these calls yourself, then it may be tiime to consider a virtual assistant or a sales assistant.
Sign up for the next sales workshop and learn how to grow your list, connect with clients and close more sales.
Shape Up Your Sales Workshop
3 hour sales workshop
1 hour consultation
Tues. May 11th
1 - 4pm
GPO Network
5925 Airport Rd, suite 200
Mississauga
$150 plus GST
Tues. Aprl 27th
1 - 4pm
401 Bay, 16th floor
Toronto
$150 plus GST
Call today to register
Cheryl Rankin
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/
Thursday, January 28, 2010
No Dollars Marketing
Here are some helpful ideas to market your business without spending any money from Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business.
- use a signature block on your e-mail
- make sure your voicemail has your name, your business name and try to give them a reason to leave a message
- respond to incoming newsletters and advertisements (thank you, your ad or something to help them)
- put all of your contacts in your e-mail and phone lists
- send 5 pro-active e-mails and make 5 pro-active calls a day
- have coffee with a new contact every week
- call at least one previous client for a nice chat each week
- put your business cards in all stores, coffee shops and board of trades that will let you
- send out an advertisement / introduction to a business contact to everyone on your list in trade for them to send out an ad/introduction to their list
- offer to be a guest speaker at your networking group/other groups
- volunteer for any charity but remember to tell them that you run your own business (bet they ask what you do!)
- post your product or services on some other web-sites like kijiji
- put your business listing on any internet directories that you can for free
- update your profile on all member listings that you have in books and internet directories
- linked in / Facebook / twitter – use them for business only
- find 3 other people who have the same target market and create a mailer to be sent to your target market; divide the cost by 3 and you do the work
- be the contact person for the next event
- help at least one other business owner a week with no strings attached
- tell people what to listen for in order to find you referrals
- offer a referral fee to a few people who might promote your business
- trade with someone who can get you publicity or advertising in trade for your product or service
- go knock on doors
- be sure that your close friends and family actually understand and can talk about what you do….they are going to talk anyway make sure it is helpful
- hire someone on 100% commission sales
- create a helpful handout
To get help implementing this list into your action plan – call Cheryl Rankin at 647-287-0320 to book a Brainstorming Session for your business.
Fit For Business
info@fitforbusiness.ca www.fitforbusiness.ca
Twitter: FitForBusiness / Linked In / Facebook
Monday, January 4, 2010
International Networking Day
I (Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business) am presenting a workshop on "connecting for better results" at this all day event on Feb 2nd.
- learn how to connect faster and better to your potential clients
- learn how to build on your connections
- learn how Business Connection Exchange helps business owners connect
- practice connecting and make some new connections during this session
International Networking Day
Feb 2nd 9am to 8pm
Estonian House, 958 Broadview Ave, Toronto, M4K 2R6
* networking mastery / marketing mastery
* a full day of business networking
* all day pass includes: morning workshops, lunch networking, afternoon workshops and evening schmooze
For tickets: Jennifer Beale, Unleash PR, 416-865-3274, jenniferbeale@unleashpr.com
Looking for events and networking meetings - call Cheryl Rankin,
647-287-0320, info@fitforbusiness.ca, http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/
2010 - the year to make money
Everyone starts the new year with big plans to do better than the year before. Make this year the one that works by actually do it.
1. Set up a daily routine that matches your goals
2. Find a buddy to help keep you on track
3. Divide your time into three categories (today, two weeks from now, 3 months from now)
4. Track your progress on everything (calls out, meetings, proposals - marketing results)
5. Think positively!
If you do not believe that this is your year to be successful then quit now. Believe and then get out there and make it happen.
Call me if you want to have a Brainstorming Session and get you started on the right track.
Cheryl Rankin,
Fit For Business
647-287-0320
info@fitforbusiness.ca
www.fitforbusiness.ca
Monday, December 14, 2009
Gift Ideas that are Fit For Business owners
I would like to help all of my contacts find and give gifts that are a good 'Fit For Business' owners. Send me your ideas (info@fitforbusiness.ca) and I will post them in this blog and share them with my contacts.
Fit For Business (Cheryl Rankin) - a banner sign for your business (647-287-0320, http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/)
Stitchsations (Shaheda Bhabha) - towels with your logo, order 1 upto 100 (call 905-454-1107, http://www.stitchsations.com/)
Dana Sewell Websites (Dana Sewell) - Give yourself a website to boost your business to the next level (call 647-349-9490, http://www.danasewell.ca/ )
StemsFlorals (Debbie Visser) - Centrepieces and hostess gifts starting at $20 (call 905-450-5512, http://www.flowersgta.ca/ )
Barry Shainbaum - Give a gift of hope this Christmas: Hope & Heroes, a coffee-table book, features 47 heroes of our planet, in photographs and biographies. $20.00 (call 416-362-8028 http://www.barryshainbaum.com/ )
Wheels Of Fitness (Gwen Rose) - Ball Chair (desk chair that is great for your back!) Regularly $159.95 but on special for $139.95 and free shipping in GTA (call 416-391-4646, http://www.wheels-of-fitness.com/)
Equilibrium Lifestyle Management (Leah Epstein) - Personal Training Gift Certificates (call 416-841-2196, http://www.elifestyle.ca/ )
TraciLee's Handmade Soal (Patricia Anne Birrell) - Traci-Lee's Handmade Soap is the home of "Girl Friendly" (SLS FREE) Bubble Bath and Old Fashion natural cold process soap. (call 905-702-2523, http://www.thekissbuyinggroup.com/ )
Mariposa Concierge & Errand Services (Tania Rose) - Buy yourself or someone else some extra time (call 416-841-9721 http://www.mariposaconcierge.com/ )
Independent Party Life Consultant (Karen Dinsmore) - Candles and centrepieces make great gifts (619-746-5519, www.partylite.biz/createwarmth )
Step Into The Spotlight (Tsufit) - Book - Step Into The Spotlight - A Guide To Getting Noticed (http://www.stepintothespotlight.com/)
Mango Tango Make-Up Design (Nicki Traikos) - custom gift certificates for makeup applications or make-up (call 416-561-9515, http://www.mangotango.ca/)
Victoria DeBrun from Centum One Financial has suggested http://www.youthfulbeautifulskin.com/ .
A & M Designs (Monica Blackburn) - Web-site gift certificates (call 905-502-8649, http://www.amdesigns.ca/ )
eMarketing Coach (Boris Mahovac) - Learn the basics of blogging for business (call 905-844-4247 , http://www.hottoblogforbiz.com/ )
Dradalm Promotions (Deb Taman) - Corporate Clothing (call 905-856-9323)
ACN (Rey Manipula) - Video Phone - IRIS 3000 for $99.00 - See the person you’re talking to with Revolutionary Video Phone (call 647-668-3077, http://www.rpmtelecom499.acnrep.com/)
Havoc To Harmony (Karen Sencich) - Laminated Information Guides that can be imprinted with your marketing and/or fund-rasing message. A great employee or client recognition gift (call 905-452-7008, http://www.havoctoharmony.com/ )
Clarity Assistants (Lyen Mortensen) - Give the gift of time! Purchase a set of 4 hours of time for someone else to do your bookkeeping, office administration or errands (call 647-205-9864 http://www.clarityassistants.com/ )
Rima Maamari suggested this idea - Gluten-free gift basket / wheat free recipe book (http://www.ecochefs.com/)
Passionate Web Creations (Alison Silbert) - Book - Winning Web-sites including a complimentary 30 minute coaching session (call 905-826-5714, alison@passiionateweb.ca )
Sharon Katz - Painting kits for kids or actual paintings for you (http://www.sharronsartat.blogspot.com/ )
Power Manners (Shannon Smith) - Book - Power Manners - How to use your personal skills for business and social success (call 416-324-8955 http://www.powermanners.com/ )
Stacey Grieve - Book - "Why Are You Weighting? It's Not The Food That's Making You Fat!" and discover a whole new way and a whole new you. (call 416-463-7070 http://www.whyareyouweighting.com/ )
Gift Baskets On The Shelf (Barb Wilson) - Red Poinsetta Gift Basket (call 905-785-1951 giftbasketsontheshelf@sympatico.ca)
eWomen Network (Darla Campbell) - 2010 Fundraiser Calendar "Dreams For Women" featuring world-class female athletes competing in Vancouver Olympics - $20 (call 416-562-9082, darla@amonavi.com )
Homewell Cares Mississauga (Donna Woods) - Moving Made Easy Packages - Get $20 off the moving package for seniors (call 905-848-2273)
Marilyn Garshowitz - her book - The Brutal Truth: A personal exposé of the corrupt and abusive Canadian Government and its legal system. A feisty non-fiction book dealing with bullying and misuse of power. $30 (http://www.thebrutaltruth.ca/ or Marilyn@thebrutaltruth.ca)
Kids Lane (Josephine Makoha) - safe and educational toys for babies and toddlers (Winston Churchill & Eglington, Mississauga; http://www.kidslane.ca/ )
Supper Encounters (Patricia Bianco) - Gift Certificate for meal shopping and preparation for similar cost to doing your own groceries. Go home with meals not groceries & save time! ( http://www.supperencounters.ca/ )
World Vision (Terea Suppa) - donate to World Vision charity for a great gift idea (http://www.worldvision.ca/ )
Your Marketing Magnet (Janette Burke) - Gift Certificates for marketing / PR coaching & consulting services, starting at $150 plus taxes (call 905-882-6893 ext 1, http://www.yourmarketingmagnet.com/ )
Janett Burke suggested movie passes, popcorn and movie memorabilia
Balogh and Partners (Gabor Balogh) - Gift Card Program - they shop for a gift ofthe correct value without ever knowing the card amount (call 647-340-5112, http://www.gbalogh.ordermygift.com/ )
Lyen Mortensen suggested Jewelry from Gypsy Jewelry, specializing in unique silver, costume and designer jewelry (Sherway Gardens Mall and Oakville Mall kiosks)
ELP Designs (Evan Pleet) Colour consultation
New Empowering Ways (Christina Demeester) - Goal setting session to create the life you really want and build the career you truly deserve (call 416-924-6087, http://www.newempoweringways.com/ )
Veronica O'Connor has a cookbook - Give the art of cooking "Veronica's Caribbean Dishes" cook book (call 905-799-2939, http://www.authorhouse.com/ )
Jennifer Neal suggested a Gift Card for all occasions. Most major brands are available (http://www.jneal.ordermygift.com/ )
Jashamy Inc - 50% off all our office chair products until Dec 31, 2009 (call 416-670-0778, http://www.jashamy.com/ )
AVON (Aniko Biro) - make-up products by AVON (call 416-451-3210, avon4sale@rogers.com)
Ajax Chiropractic & Wellness (Sandra Fattibene, RMT) - Massage Gift Certificates - give the gift of health! (http://www.ajaxwelleness.com/ )
Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, Brampton (Elisabeth Anniehs) - gift certificates towards a cruise (eanniehs@cruiseshipcenters.com)
ELP Designs and Space Planning (Evan Pleet) - Interior Design/Decorating and colour consultation gift certificates or first meeting discount (call 416-565-7801, http://www.elpdesigns.com/ info@elpdesigns.com )
Jim Pagiamtzis suggested a Gift Card for any occasion (call 1-866-407-7601, www.jpagiamtzis.ordermygift.com/default.aspx )
Peter McCusker (Peter McCusker Photography) A full family portrait to create a milestone of a family record for the future. Done digitally and you receive all the images on the DVD to print a you desire and keep secure for the future. (call 905-580-0658, www.weddingpicturestoronto.ca)
Tracy Matthewman (Isagenix) - Give the gift of health - Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing - Lose weight, boost health. (call 416-602-9897, http://www.whyisagenix.com)
If you need help pulling together your ideas, call me Cheryl Rankin, Fit For Business, 647-287-0320, info@fitforbusiness.ca, http://www.fitforbusiness.ca/
