The “simple” business card

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Marie

Do you proudly deposit your business card into the hand of its intended recipient – or do you hand it over with some trepidation, hoping the other person doesn’t look at it too closely because you know it isn’t as good as it should be?  Is it taken from a nice business card holder – or do you fish around in your pocket for the “one you know is in there somewhere” that is dog-eared and ragged?

Is your business card fit for purpose?  Does it have all the information it should?  Is it clear what you do or what your business provides?  Are your contact details clear?

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Big impact doesn’t have to mean big bucks

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Marie

Effective marketing campaigns don’t need big-company budgets. By being smart at the outset and taking the necessary time at the planning stage, you can coax the greatest value from your budget, regardless of its size.

Big impact doesn’t always mean big bucks!

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Get your prospect approach communication right

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Elite Edge

The key to writing an effective and compelling approach letter or email is to focus on good communication.

  • Keep your letter specific – avoid being too vague or over-generalising as you may fail to engage your audience
  • Make sure your letter is relevant – as well as being specific, you also have to be relevant Continue reading →
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The value of a good case study

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Elite Edge

Stories appeal to us, we like dramatic narratives. We can relate to them and generally find them interesting and sometimes entertaining. Since the time of the Greek playwrights of 2500 years ago we have shown an interest in stories – today we have the film and television industry, we have magazines and news publications, we have globally popular fiction writers and even online and social media tools that showcase the human experience universally.

When trying to explain the value and benefit of your products or services case studies are an ideal marketing vehicle. Continue reading →

Posted in Business Development, Communications, Copywriting, Marketing, Strategy | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What marketing department?

Posted on June 26, 2016 by Elite Edge

Most of half Japanese companies do not have a separate marketing department because they believe that everyone in the company should be involved in marketing.

This makes sense because it doesn’t matter how much work a marketing department does to drive prospects to contact a business – frighteningly this can all be wasted if the person they speak to or correspond with does not conduct themselves in a manner representing the values of the business.

Do your employees understand that marketing isn’t a department – it is something they should be doing every day?

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The squeaky wheel gets more business

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Elite Edge

We’ve all heard the old adage that ‘the squeaky wheel gets more grease’ – and, well, it makes sense doesn’t it. If you hear it squeaking, you’re more likely to put some extra grease on there to stop it.

Well, a similar thing can be said of businesses. If you hear a business ‘squeaking’ more than its competitors, you’re more likely to go check them out Continue reading →

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Write a winning sales letter

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Marie

Direct mail can be extremely effective but companies waste thousands of pounds sending out inappropriate material to their existing and potential customers.  Here are some tips to make sure that you are increasing the value of your own communications.

First and foremost you must have your list in order.  Make sure the data is clean and the audience is relevant and you have the correct contact for your product or service.

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Write a great sales proposal

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Marie

Tips for writing a good sales proposal

1. open with a situation summary – you are summarising your understanding of your prospect’s plight and demonstrating that you have a good understanding of the problems or challenges they face Continue reading →

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The only thing worse than being talked about…

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Elite Edge

…is not being talked about.

Make sure your business makes the news by following these tips.

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The reason why

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Elite Edge

Why should your prospects buy from you?  Why should they select your product over that of your competitors?  Why is it better for them?

I just don't know! Give me a reason!

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Posted in Customer Satisfaction, Pitching | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment