There's nowt so funny as folk

Some local businesses are funny, and I don't mean that patronisingly.

I have been doing some tele-marketing this afternoon (I know! I apologise to all those people who hate cold-callers). I have been approaching small businesses who do not have websites at all, or whose websites are an abomination (again, with apologies to those affected!).

I am surprised by the numbers of people who seem totally disinterested in the concept of a website. That said, I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised, as the fact that they care so very little about their internet presence tells me a lot already.

I appreciate that there are some businesses who have a very steady level of existing clientele, and feel no need to try to entice in new customers. But no matter how successsful you are, customers do drop off at some time or another (The Leaky Bucket - tell me if I have lost you at this stage). These customers do need to be replaced or you end up with an empty bucket.

Having a good website is such a simple thing, and need not cost the earth. Once there, it is your invitation to new customers. It shouldn't be a financial drain if designed and built properly, but will keep your leaky bucket nicely topped up. A poorly designed website shows a lack of care, and WILL deter prospective customers from contacting you, and I know that in this day and age, very few businesses can afford to be that cavalier.

Even the mighty Tesco admits that "We can do better and we are taking action.....to improve the sharpness of our communication to customers.”

Acknowledgment - Marketing Week:
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/3025629.article?cmpid=MWE01&cmptype=newsletter&email=true

Two invitations...

Would you like to step back and have a little think about some of the methods you are using to market your business?

We have a couple of schemes that might help you:

1. We are offering a free review of your marketing activities and strategy. Nothing too complex or daunting, but a few suggestions as to additional ingredients that you can throw into the marketing pot to ensure that your profile doesn't fade into obscurity. If you would like to receive this review, all you need to do is fill in a simnple questionnaire:

http://www.argentrammedia.com/questionnaire/

2. If you would like to enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surroundings of the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent with a seminar on "Marketing in a Difficult Economy", and an opportunity to network with a few other local business people, then let us know!

We are holding a seminar on Wednesday 18th May at the Hop Farm, with breakfast included. Please contact Lorraine on 01580 761000 or email lorraine@argentrammedia.com for further details.