Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:54:14 -0800WeeblyWed, 10 Mar 2010 12:49:46 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2010/03/who-needs-a-marketing-plan.htmlWhy add to your heavy workload by writing a 40 page Marketing Plan? http://www.ericgilboord.com/who-needs-a-marketing-plan.html

]]>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:48:20 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2010/03/from-seth-godin.html The Wordperfect Axiom When the platform changes, the leaders change.

Wordperfect had a virtual monopoly on word processing in big firms that used DOS. Then Windows arrived and the folks at Wordperfect didn't feel the need to hurry in porting themselves to the new platform. They had achieved lock-in after all, and why support Microsoft?

In less than a year, they were toast.

When the game machine platform of choice switches from Sony to xBox to Nintendo, etc., the list of bestselling games change and new companies become dominant.

When the platform for music shifted from record stores to iTunes, the power shifted too, and many labels were crushed.

Again and again the same rules apply. In fact, they always do. When the platform changes, the deck gets shuffled.

Think this only applies to software?

The platform for health care changed from independent doctor's offices and small practices to hospitals and HMOs.

The platform for TV changed from airwaves to wires (so HBO and ESPN win, NBC loses).

The platform for cars is changing from gas engines to alternatives.

And the platform for books is changing (fast!) to e-books and readers. Just published today: the Vook multimedia production of Unleashing the Ideavirus. The price will increase to $5 in two weeks, but right now it's 99 cents. It runs on the web and on your iphone (and the iPad on April 3rd.)

Here's the thing: Vook abridged it, built it, filmed it and distributed it in less than ninety days. They have a software application that they can use again and again for other titles. They've organized themselves to be profitable at a profit margin that few big book publishers can match.

Once again, the platform changes. Insiders become outsiders and new opportunities abound.

Seth Godin

]]>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:37:09 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2010/01/35-exclusive-and-high-quality-psd-photoshop-resource-sites.html35 Exclusive And High Quality PSD Photoshop Resource Sites: For picture to be perfect, sometimes it lacks some of ... http://bit.ly/7nakDo]]>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:49:21 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2010/01/learn-how-your-sales-marketing-efforts-can-work-together-for-better-results.html Join our workshop Feb 5, 2010 in Markham ON.

Find More Prospects and Close More Customers'

Presented by Eric 'Marketing' Gilboord and Tibor 'Sales' Shanto

We have one goal with this unique workshop. Combine our marketing and sales expertise to help Small and Medium-Sized Business achieve the success they deserve.

* Half day interactive workshop.
* Full breakfast.
* 4 conference calls for follow through.
* Free $299 credit toward your next purchase from Scott's Directories* effectively pays for the entire workshop.

Just $299 + GST for everything. Register here http://wsmm-t.eventbrite.com/

Marketing Will Find More Prospects and Sales Will Close More Customers

http://www.whensalesmetmarketing.com While most business owners underrate the need to continuously market and drive revenue through proactive sales, they usually excel at one over the other. Matching up good marketing with intelligent sales practices is an unbeatable combination, and is very doable.

Comment on this discussion and receive a special Promo Discount Code.

*For purchases made within 90 days of workshop. ]]>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:07:49 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2010/01/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit4.html Springwise Top 10 business ideas & opportunities for 2010.]]>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:16:22 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2009/12/11-marketing-tips-for-reviving-your-business.html1. Outside Help. Seek objective, outside professional help. If you do it yourself, you will likely take your eye off the day to day running of the business, cause unnecessary anxiety, and either keep your business where it is or hurt it further.

2. Rethink Your Business. Think about current customers, competition, industry changes, and technology. Even rethink the type of business you are in. Many successful businesses have managed to stay that way by moving with the times. They saw the needs of their customers changing and acted accordingly.

3. Assess Your Company's Current Status. Put everything on the table, both good and bad. Include aspects of the business you are proud of and issues you wish would just go away. Address issues relating to staff, products and services, location, profitability and new business development.

4. Keep Some Change Some. Determine what your customers like about you and what they would like to see changed. Be honest with yourself.

5. Maintain A Level Of Objectivity. Emotion has no place in this process. To achieve a successful marketing turnaround, you must do what is best for your company. This may mean letting long-term employees go or finding new suppliers.

6. Review The Past. Look carefully at your past marketing efforts. Examine past successes and failures. If you are still running a marketing program, but cannot justify the expense with an accurate accounting of incremental sales, consider canceling the program or placing it on hold. Successful marketing turnarounds stop the bleeding quickly.

7. Review Competitive Activity. Often, a new entry in a market will utilize new marketing techniques and new thinking to achieve sales that you didn't know were possible.

8. Look At The Staff. Take time to review existing staff in light of the plans you are preparing and the growth you seek. Many companies that have set out on a path for success have been thwarted by staff members who didn't agree with the new ways, or were actually afraid that the company would succeed. The last person you expect to come forward will be the first to say goodbye. People can be resistant to change. They like things to stay the way they are. If you need new people, clearly identify the skills required and begin the hiring process immediately.

9. Flexibility. Be flexible, and prepared to adjust your marketing plan as new opportunities and challenges arise.

10. Persevere. Perseverance is an absolute must. If you give up too early, you may fall short of the great success for which your business was destined.

11. Be Quick. Speed is essential in turning a company around. While you were planning and executing the marketing efforts your competitors may have been taking advantage of the opportunity and moving in on your customers.

And That's According 2 Eric
]]>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:18:43 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2009/12/for-thought.htmlA gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out. 

~ George Bernard Shaw]]>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:17:05 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2009/12/best-damn-web-marketing-checklist-period.html"Best Damn Web Marketing Checklist, Period!" - Holy Kaw!
http://bit.ly/5wtoRr
You have to see this!  Great job.]]>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:32:14 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2009/11/sixthsense-technology.htmlYou must watch this.

]]>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:56:33 -0800http://www.ericgilboord.com/5/post/2009/11/10-crucial-consumer-trends-for-2010.htmlClick on the link below to see what www.Trendwatching.com has identified as 10 Crucial Consumer Trends for 2010. Some very interesting and cool ideas and observations. Sign up for their newsletter.

http://www.trendwatching.com/briefing/]]>