Lloyd Duggan's Page

It is not unusual to hear small business people say that they don’t do any marketing; that they get most of their business through referrals. Despite these claims, they continue to pass out business cards and meet with people, make changes and enhancements to their products/services, make pricing decisions and seek ways to distribute their products and services more efficiently. Doing these things independently of one another without a coordinated plan is more of an issue than assigning the name… Continue

So I go to Sears the other day to replace a part on a weed whacker. I approached what seemed to be a mildly disinterested cashier. You know the type, typical summer help, there to get through the day without any hassles. I show her the part and ask, “where can I find a replacement?”. I knew before asking that she had no idea what it was and sure enough, she replies,” I don’t know, what is it?” and proceeds to call for back up. This is when I decide to have a little fun. As the cashier and her su… Continue

Sponsorships have become an important tactic in the marketing plan. Sponsors use them to cut through the clutter and connect directly with target audiences in a number of venues through multiple media. Sponsorships also provide businesses with an effective way to marry their business purpose with their social purpose. It enables them to preserve or promote the positioning of their brand by aligning with a cause that is consistent with or reflective of the mission of the organization. Sponsorship… Continue

Many small businesses and a number of larger ones have no clue if their marketing is bringing in any new customers or generating enough sales to justify the expense. Most don't have a way to measure the effects of marketing.

Many small businesses have a hit-or-miss approach to marketing. There seems to be little rhyme or reason and no overall plan for the marketing. In fact, many small businesses conduct what I call "ego marketing". They will put up a billboard on a well traveled highway with t… Continue

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