2014 is coming! Yep, it’s true we’re 60-plus a few days until the New Year. It’s that magical date when business starts new in Indianapolis–with new budgets, goals and ROI measurements. Are you prepared?
In our work with mid-market business leaders and non-profit leaders, many are thinking about what they need to continue business growth in 2014. The New Year is a time when they put plans and ideas on paper. They get excited thinking they can DIY their communications in the New Year. About 30 to 60 days in, the plan starts to fall apart. Business is brisk and communications initiatives fall to the bottom of the “to do” list by February.
It happens to all of us. Heck, it happens to me! I have prospects that confessed these truths and then turned client. It’s ok to throw up that white flag and call for marketing/communications reinforcements. It’s easy to say I can find time to do this, but often hard to admit that someone else can do it better, stronger and faster.
I recently compared this notion to home fixes with a new client. Yes, my husband and I know how to paint a wall, but we have a great painter who does it so much better than we can. This is a guy who doesn’t even need to tape his lines at the baseboards and trim. His hand is so steady the line is perfectly straight and beautiful. No way I could do it that well!
Convinced and ready to talk to a professional? I encourage you to ask yourself the following questions–think hard about them. Then call me. If we’re not a good fit, I’ve got a lot of great connections around town and would be happy to find the best fit for your business.
- How do I want to grow my business in the New Year?
- Who’s my target market? Name companies and people!
- Where will I find these business leaders or consumers? Where do these people hang out? (PR practitioners can help with this question.)
- How far out do I need to plan my prospecting on the calendar to generate business leads and phone calls?
- What’s my story? Can everyone in my company share the same story, well?
- What tools am I going to use to attract these people so they know who I am, what I stand for and to call me!?
The best first conversations I have with new clients happen when the business leader can solidly answer these questions. They know their business initiatives and see their future clearly. Why is this important to me and fellow public relations professionals? With a firm business directive, we recommend public relations strategies to communicate your image and work alongside your staff to drive business where you want it to be–together.