In home care the word “marketing” often means a person who performs the direct sales for the agency. And being a good sales person, is indeed, an incredible talent. Knowing how to sell, however, is vastly different from creating a strategy from which TO sell.

Marketing strategy starts with some basics, and the most basic is branding. Then messaging. Defining targets that are most receptive to the sale, and then creating a process to inform and communicate to all so the potential to MAKE the sale is spread across a wider and wider (although targeted) audience. Interested? Read more now. »

First it was the Cabbage Patch Doll. Then Tickle-Me-Elmo and Furby. Now, hold on to your hat – and your small wood shavings – because this year the must have holiday toy that really rocks the worlds of retailers comes in the form of a tiny robotic hamster. Say hello to the Zhu Zhu Pet – the starring character in the latest holiday toy craze. And say hello to innovative and integrated social media marketing that helped create this craze. Interested? Read more now. »

The coffee wars are on, and according to The Boston Globe, McDonald’s is making headway.

The fast food giant launched its “McCafé” coffee chain in Melbourne, Australia with plans to offer the coffee brand in all of its 14,000 U.S.-based stores by the end of this year. Public reception of the McCafé brand has been surprisingly positive. In fact, McDonald’s has unseated Dunkin’ Donuts from the donut chain’s Number Two slot as the most-preferred coffee retailer. No surprise that Starbucks holds the top position. Interested? Read more now. »

Strategic marketing is built upon the quantity and quality of names written down in that “little black book”. To coin an overused cliché, it’s all about who you know. That means it’s important to fill up your database file (Rolodex, Microsoft Outlook address book, ACT or SalesForce) with as many prospective clients, industry professionals, mentors and business partners as possible.

And gathering contacts is all about three things: networking, networking and networking. However, you cannot simply go to a Web site and sign up for a contact subscription list. Building relationships takes time. And most movers and shakers or designated sales/marketing targets don’t hang out at the same place.

Or do they?

Interested? Read more now. »