Starting a business can be difficult for a new owner. The thoughts of marketing your new company can seem a bit overwhelming. However, developing a solid marketing plan and taking action is vital to the success and continued growth of your company.


First, you need to know who your customers are and how you plan to reach them. By establishing close business relationships with them, you’ll be able to anticipate their wants, needs and requirements. With this knowledge, you can then communicate exactly why they should use your business. You want to convey the message to them that your business can provide exactly what they need.


To understand your business’s place in the market, you’ll need to be aware of your competitor’s strengths and weaknesses as well. Ask yourself, what makes my business unique? It’s important to offer something special and of value which will make your business “stand out” from the competition.


Allow yourself flexibility so that your services can meet your customer’s needs.


Select effective advertising and distribution methods to promote your services.


Revisit your marketing plan frequently to make sure you’re staying on task. Monitor progress of your business and make any changes necessary which will help meet your goals in regards to building and growing your company.


While developing our business years ago, we ordered hats, mugs, calendars, key chains and jackets which included our company logo on each item. While making sales visits to potential and current customers, we would give these items away. Most often, these items remained on the desk or in the office for years to come. These handy and useful giveaway items keep your company in front of clients and they will remember you the next time they need a shipment.


I once had a good customer who kept our company “coffee mug” on his desk and used it every morning as he arrived into the office. He would get angry when anyone moved it from his desk as this was his favorite mug. He drank his coffee right before making calls to schedule shipments for the following day. Therefore, we were the first carrier he thought of every morning! This is what you want to achieve when giving away these items to promote your company.



 

Comments (5)

Henry Albert

Henry Albert is the owner of Albert Transport, Inc., based in Statesville, NC. Before participating in the "Slice of Life" program, Albert drove a 2001 Freightliner Century Class S/Tâ„¢, and will use his Cascadia for general freight and a dry van trailer. Albert, who has been a trucker since 1983, was recognized by Overdrive as its 2007 Trucker of the Year.

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All great marketing ideas!

March 05, 2014 15:47:20 PM

Great idea Henry.

March 04, 2014 7:00:15 AM

I have hats and T-shirts. I haven't gotten so far as to have coffee mugs and coats made up but the thought has crossed my mind. All great ideas and if it helps keep your business in peoples minds then it's worth it.

March 03, 2014 8:24:33 AM

I want one of those coffee mugs.

March 03, 2014 3:38:12 AM

We had friends several years ago that left their carrier and went to another carrier that used agents. They made up brochures on themselves that included a picture of their truck, themselves, and all of their qualifications and in no time they were busy with agents that needed what they had. I thought they had a fantastic idea and like yours it kept their customers thinking of them and what they could do.

March 02, 2014 4:39:23 AM