A Great Marketing Model – Utilizing the Power of OPM

Staying ahead of the marketing curve seems to be a never-ending quest. Marketing doesn’t have to be as complex as some people make it out to be. It’s simply a matter of understanding who you are marketing to – your ideal customers – and then coming up with a system that keeps your name in front of them. A huge part of the system is creating enough value for your customers that they want to hear from you.

Another aspect of marketing is knowing how to continually reach and increase your market in the most cost effective manner possible. One way to increase reach and do so cost effectively is to find other businesses who share a similar market. These can be complimentary businesses and even competitors. What better way to get your foot in the door of a new market than with the endorsement that comes from a joint venture?

Solo marketing efforts are no longer as effective as they were in the past. True strength lies in utilizing the power of joint ventures. It is probably one of the most compelling marketing strategies you can implement. With so many people competing in any given industry, an appropriate joint venture can stretch your marketing dollars and increase your market reach. And do so in a way that people want to do business with you. That is the power of utilizing OPM – Other People’s Markets.

Most people refer to OPM as being Other People’s Money. In reality, when you have been given permission by a person or an organization to reach their market, you are in essence using their money. However, this is also a give and take relationship. If you are using their market, you have to be willing to let them use yours. Over the years I have been involved in numerous partnerships. Some were short term and one time projects, others very long term. I wish I could say that every venture I have been involved with has been successful and without incident, but that is not the case. However, with each situation, whether good or bad, I learned a valuable lesson that I have been able to apply to current and future opportunities.

Consider some key factors before establishing a partnership. First of all, what is the reputation of the person or company you are developing this relationship with? It is important to know that the people you are connecting your name with are reputable, have similar values when it comes to the way they view business, and they treat employees and customers with the kind of respect you would expect. If you have an established customer base that trusts you and you then partner with another company, you are in essence saying, “Do business with this company. I give you my word, they are reputable.”

Additionally, is it an equitable relationship? Before making any commitments, determine what the benefit is for each party. What does each company bring to the table that will create a successful partnership? Are you creating a win/win relationship for all parties involved?

Be sure to test the waters. Do not make the mistake of blindly partnering with another company only to find out that the two companies are incompatible. Start with a small project rather than going in for a long-term commitment right away. After finding a company you want to partner with, I highly recommend putting everything in writing. A written agreement will help both parties to become clear on how their partnership will work. In many cases, you will want an attorney to review the information and even draw up an agreement. Be sure to utilize the services of someone who has everyone’s best interest in mind. When drawing up a written agreement, take into consideration the following: individual and joint roles, how new leads will be handled, and how expenses and revenues will be shared.

Think of your company vision. Who do you know that you could help to create a win/win relationship with? When you are clear on whom you can partner with you will be amazed at what can happen for you, your partners and most importantly, your customers and clients.

Kathleen Gage is an award winning keynote speaker, author and business advisor specializing in marketing and promotions. She is the recipient of the Utah 2004 Giant Step Award for business creativity and success. Access Gage’s FREE eBook Street Smarts eMarketing Tips Guaranteed to Jump Start Your Internet Presence to Put You Miles Ahead of the Competition at www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm

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Timing in the New Year
by Arthur A. Hawkins II

What was your New Year's Resolution(s)? Have you forgotten it already? What about your New You’s Resolution(s)?

Was it: getting more business, taking control of your time, starting a new business, making more money, losing weight, stopping smoking, becoming more productive, enjoying life more, investing wisely, going back to school, spending more time with family, becoming a better parent, relieving stress, saving more money, etc.?

Start smart. Don’t let this year be yet another one of unfulfilled promises. Make the decision to actively pursue and accomplish each one of your New Year’s and New You’s Resolutions.

Take control of your destiny now. Give yourself the best chance for success by freeing up your time. Eliminate those things that give you the most trouble and stay focused.

Here is a time management quick list to show you just what to look out for:

Top 10 Time Wasters

1) Procrastination & Excuses

2) Running Errands & Traveling

3) Rushing

4) Telephone, Mail & E-mail

5) Paperwork, Reports & Memos

6) Meetings

7) Computers & the Internet

8) Planning & Decision Making

9) Entertainment, Television & Radio

10) Just Say YES

Use the Top 10 Time Wasters list to help yourself and your business prosper. Set the tone for the year and the rest of your life now. Just do it!

For more time management tips visit www.TimeManagement4U.com or you can email TimeInfo@TimeManagement4U.com. 

The Top 10 Time Wasters were originally featured in "THE Self-Employment Resource Guide" by Arthur A. Hawkins II.  Streets Smarts Marketing Ezine readers can learn more about it and get a personally autographed copy online now at www.inforesearchlab.com/selfemployment.chtml

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Looking for an engaging, dynamic speaker for your next conference or convention? A speaker guaranteed to energize and pump new life into your group. When planning your next meeting, conference or convention, Kathleen Gage is just the speaker to call on.

To learn more about Kathleen’s speaking availability to speak at your conference, convention or in-house training session and fee schedule contact her at: 801.619.1514 or Kathleen@turningpointpresents.com  

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Making Money with the Internet  Success Secrets to Gain Position, Visibility and Profits for your Business featuring Kathleen Gage The Salt Lake County Business-Government Coalition is pleased to present Making Money with the Internet Discover numerous methods on how to use the Internet to build your business, increase revenues, and lower cost within your market and much more. This session is for anyone who wants a better understanding of how to use the power of the Internet to drive money making traffic to their website. Drive qualified buyers to your website Lower your cost of generating leads Keep your name fresh in prospects minds with little effort Gain expert status in your niche market with this one strategy Create a system that continually drives traffic to your site Learn how to make money using the Internet from someone who has been doing so for years! On-line registration:  www.econdev.slco.org Two Sessions Tuesday, January 17, 2006   SL County Government Center—11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  2001 So. State Street, North Building Council Chambers SL Community College, Miller Campus—4:00 - 6:00 p.m. 9750 So. 300 West—Karen Gail Miller Conference Center Room 150 A&B (Copper Room & Rose Room)

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101 No Cost & Low Cost Tips

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Samples
Most people have at some point been given an offer to try a sample of something. We’re all familiar with the type of promotion that offers you something free for a limited time or to a limited number of people. It could be anything from a cookie sample to free movie tickets promoted by a radio station. If done right, this type of promotion can work extremely well. What can you give away that introduces prospects to your business in a very cost effective manner?

We live in a “try before you by” world. It is essential to offer samplings to some prospects before they will buy.

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Keep the customer in mind

When designing any PR campaign, always keep your customer/client in mind. People buy your product or service for their reasons, not yours. If you are not sure why they would buy, ask them.
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