Marketing tips and advice for small business from expert Eric Gilboord

 
 
As home offices and technology expand, more new businesses open. Demands on our time are increasing exponentially. Running a small business can make it seem like time is not on our side or even in our control. We are experiencing a complete change in how and when we work.
 
 
I am often asked what the difference is between sales and marketing. Marketing researches the opportunity, prepares the strategy, produces the tools to inform the prospect and places the potential sale on the table. The Salesperson then picks up the ball and confirms the opportunity, contributes to the strategy, uses the tools to inform the prospect and moves the opportunity off the table and into the cash register.   Marketing is everything from how you answer the telephone, correct spelling in your correspondence, and SEO to the words and graphics of your emails, website and brochures. 
 
 
Must mean my readers value the information. So check it out. http://www.ericgilboord.com/top-40-free-motivational-audio-and-video.html
 
 
The US government has made it possible for banks to lend you funds risk free to themselves. The loans are 100% SBA backed. You just need to be credit worthy and apply properly prepared. The money is there waiting for you.

If you run a business in the United States check out www.QTEnterprises.net a BBB registered and approved business. Get the benefit of former bank loan officers and underwriters, business plan and marketing plan writers working with you to be fully prepared and correct before you walk into the bank. This is not a get rich quick scheme. Check it out you owe it to yourself, your employees and your family.

And That's According to Eric
 
 
I will be a guest speaker at an event put on by the State of Michigan Small Business Administration September 28, 2009 in Detroit. Come out and meet  Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan. Details to come.

And That's According to Eric
 
 
I guess, like many people, deep down I've known who I am. Those quiet moments of reflection and introspection waiting for a plane, sitting at the beach, meditating or just watching the rain all provide the time to think.  How many times have I said I wish I could...and how many times have I said I probably can't.

It's tough being honest with yourself. You are typically your biggest cheerleader and toughest critic. I know I am. All the self help gurus in the world, the books, tapes, seminars and workshops, counseling and coaching will not really change who you truly are. The secret is separating your positive from your negative. Recognizing that all positives are not good and all perceived negatives are not bad. Make the most of your good traits and work to eliminate the bad. Yes I am well aware that sounds trite and way over simplified. But do read on for more depth. I hope. :)

What I thought for years were flaws turned out to be some of my greatest strengths.  A little while ago I decided to only do what I truly love. Since then I have been running around saying I want to speak to audiences and write. My passion is to help people identify their passion and show them how to turn it into a very, very successful business. Ok enough of a plug for now.

Interestingly today I realized that I have lot's of other things I love and never seriously considered making a living from them. Yes I still want to do the speaking and writing but what about, architecture and history, screenplays and novels, travel, and helping those less fortunate? They have always been hovering in the background and now I believe it is time to come out.

All for now, more later. EG
And That's According to Eric
 
 
I will be running a mini Mad Hatter Speed Networking event for the Casa Loma Network group, sponsored by Kiwanis of Casa Loma. Thursday August 20, 2009 at 6:00pm. Mouth watering 3 course dinner and a mini Mad Hatter Speed Networking all for: Members $30, Non-Members $35. You can't beat a deal like this.     Visit www.CasaLomaNetwork.com to reserve your seat.

And That's According to Eric
 
 
A quick thought.

With the need for marketing/business building advice growing, we are witnessing an information explosion via blogs, article marketing and the plethora of social networking sites like LinkedIn. Due to the ease of distribution of this abundance of information I am starting to see 2 things happen:

   1. SMBs are overwhelmed and therefore seeking guidance from a single source or at least a few trusted resources. Not all information is accurate or particularly well written. Just because you have a keyboard doesn’t make you Hemingway.

   2. There is a big movement toward live face to face social networking. Whether it is for networking or buying and selling services people are aching for live contact.

Experts say we should identify an audience, figure out their need and then satisfy it. I have a solution that does that and a whole lot more.

Comments or interest anyone?

And That's According to Eric
 
 
Lists like this one are usually made up of financial reasons for the failure of a small business. There are also many sales & marketing reasons why a small business can fail. Fortunately there is a positive step to be taken for each one that will increase your chances for success.
 
 
Just found out that the Governor of Michigan will be attending my September 28, 2009 Detroit speaking engagement. It is being organized by the State of Michigan SBA. More details to come. If you live in the Detroit area I will be available for a limited number of in person one on one or group coaching sessions for a few days before and after. Just let me know. Check my schedule online and book a coaching session.

And That's According to Eric