Interactive marketing is gaining awareness, slowly, but surely.  Recently I had the pleasure to be interviewed on Mind Your Business Radio Talk show in a Q&A session on interactive marketing.  If your interested in the subject and have a few minutes, I encourage you to give it a listen.  Also, spread the word.  Interactive marketing is a tremendous new strategy for marketers and businesses to not only capture and convert more customers, but, to nurture existing customers.  There’s excellent value to any sales organization, especially those involved in more complex sales.

Enjoy the interview….

NOTE: This interview is a large file and may take 20 to 30 seconds to load.  Please let me know what you think!

The economy has a grip on everyone and every business.  There’s no place to hide.  As 2009 approaches, many businesses are forced to revisit their plans.  It’s likely not a matter of gaining more market share, it’s more likely of holding on to what market share they had in 2008.  I would guess that just remaining flat in 2009 would be considered success by many.

There’s two obvious behaviors in dynamic and constricted times like we now face.  One is to cut back, batten down the hatches, lay-off staff, etc.  The other behavior is to position for growth, invest or seize what appears to be opportunities that will gain market share.   Rarely are there other decisions that are so critical and difficult for business owners.  So, how do you decide which path to take?  The pressing issues are cash flow, cash reserves and time.  Assuming these can be managed, it seems the long view would dictate investment - reposition the business for growth.  Now may be a great time to re-evaluate your new business processes, look at what you’ve always done and brainstorm with your staff - and customers - ways you can innovate your business.  All too often, businesses do not include their customers in their strategic planning. In fact, for the clients I’ve consulted with, few, if any, have actually survey their customers.  And, I’m not talking about quality surveys.  I’m talking about seeking feedback as to how your product or service benefits their business in real terms and soliciting feedback as to how enhancements to your product or service can add more value to them.  This can be accomplished easily and quickly and may shed light on excellent opportunities.  At a minimum, it would be flattering to your customers to ask their opinion and it would show how much you care.  You might even get some opportunities in the process.

Now is a time to be creative, not negative.  As Peter Drucker says, businesses have only two functions - marketing and innovation.  I suggest both should be embraced and leveraged to get through this economy.  What are your thoughts?  What ideas can you share - after all, it is the giving season!

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2009!