Small Business Marketing

By special guest Brian Vellmure of Intium

Brian Vellmure is the CEO & Founder of Initium LLC / Innovantage, and is often referred to as a Social CRM and Social Business thought leader & pioneer. He is an accomplished business leader, consultant, speaker, and award winning and syndicated blogger. For more, please visit www.brianvellmure.com

Introduction to Small Business Marketing

Small businesses comprise more than 98% of US companies, and generate approximately half of the United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However less than half of small businesses survive beyond their fifth birthday.

Several recent studies have overwhelmingly shown that the most pressing challenges facing small businesses today are growing revenue and finding new customers. It’s no wonder. Today’s small business owners are faced with increasing uncertainty as they compete in a marketplace of a more empowered, more elusive, and cash strapped customer in the worst economic environment we’ve experienced for decades.

Attracting new customers through effective marketing is arguably the most critical success factor for small businesses today. Small businesses who are able to effectively identify, understand, embrace, and communicate with their prospects and customers will thrive. Others will simply cease to exist.

Fortunately, there are several methods and techniques that have proven to be effective in the rapidly evolving landscape of the empowered customer. Learning from other’s success, and evolving and aligning these principles and techniques to your respective audience will give your small business the greatest chance of sustained growth during the next decade.