On the fence about social media?
April 7, 2011 by Barbara · 4 Comments
Perhaps I’m feeling more social now that we have daylight savings time and warmer days. Or maybe it reflects the conversations I have been having about social media with Puget Sound AEC firms.
I see a definite shift from two years ago when I moderated a panel on social media for SMPS and most people replied to the question, “How is your firm engaging in social media?” with answers like “We’re too busy, and don’t know how we’d add anything to our plates;” and “I’m not sure how social media applies to what we do.” Read more
I’m not sure I should tell you this
February 28, 2011 by Barbara · 6 Comments
I struggle with my own marketing. I agonize over finding the right words for my own marketing message. All the objectivity and inspiration that I love bringing to my clients . . . POOF! Suddenly my head is going in circles.
Finally I realized that I need to get OUT of my head to make progress. And I need another human being to interact with who can hold an objective, outside perspective.
Why is this so important? There are a few reasons.
Now more than ever we are required to be crystal clear in our marketing communications, and that all boils down to our core message: the bedrock of how you promote your business. Read more
Living & breathing your plan
February 16, 2011 by Barbara · 13 Comments
“If you don’t set goals, you can’t regret not reaching them.” Yogi Berra
Some of us would rather plan than do. Others hate to plan, and just want to be out in the world doing Stuff. Many of us fall in the middle, loving some parts of planning and doing, and avoiding others.
There is a lot of evidence that planning our business and marketing is a good idea. Sound like bad-tasting medicine? It doesn’t have to be. Planning has us take an overview, which helps us see patterns or trends, and connect the dots in new ways. A plan gives us a way to be consistent about activities that are essential for a sustainable, profitable business. Planning can be creative and fun — and it can really pay off. Read more
Marketing toolkit
February 8, 2011 by Barbara · 6 Comments
Don’t get overwhelmed. This is a menu of options, and you can’t possibly do everything at once. Pick things that fit you, your business, and your audience. Start by focusing on what you want to make happen, and let that guide your next steps and the details. Read more
Do-it-yourself marketing audit
February 3, 2011 by Barbara · 8 Comments
Ongoing marketing is essential for a viable business, especially during a slow economy. With increased competition it is more important than ever to be clear about who you are targeting, what they care about, and how your business can meet their needs. Your clear messages tell your potential clients about you, and help them decide whether they want to work with you. For more about target audiences, try this blog post.
Ideally, we have an ongoing marketing program that brings a steady flow of clients and projects maintain our momentum. But what if we don’t? Read more
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As a 25-year veteran of marketing professional services, Barbara Breckenfeld is a strategist and a storyteller. She helps helps businesses grow as a consultant, marketing coach, and seminar leader.
