Do you really need a marketing plan to survive in business? Do you really need a marketing plan to thrive? You may be able to do okay without one, but having one will make your business even better. 

Last month I began sharing the nine steps in your marketing plan (be sure to check it out at www.icsmag.com). The first step was to set sales goals. The second step is to outline a “Description of Your Service.” 

Almost anyone would agree that a marketing plan is essential to success in business, yet few small businesses actually have a detailed, focused, documented marketing plan.

Last December we took a look at recession-resistant marketing. Things being what they are these days, I thought it prudent to take another look at some of the things you can do to help stabilize your business and insulated it against recessionary influences.

This is my final chapter on networking, “the least expensive life-changing and business-changing marketing strategy ever.” As I think about relationship building, I may come back to this subject in the future, but I think eight installments should give you a good picture of the world of networking.

Over the past 6 months I have shared a lot about networking: how to network, what to say, etc. But now the “meeting” is over, and it is up to you to follow up.

In the past five months I have shared what networking really is and how it can change your business and life forever. I have shared how you should dress and how to attract successful clients and employees.

This month I want to take a bit of a detour on our little road trip called networking. This month, I want to show you how becoming a master networker can bring you great employees as well.

Did you know that every person you meet makes as many as 11 immediate assumptions about you before you say a word?

Over the past two months, I have shared that networking is much more than just going to networking groups to get business, that it is a process of building powerful relationships that can be mutually beneficial to all parties involved.