Marketing a Tough Subject

[vreeland18]

I am stuck in a tough position. I have been given the task of marketing my small business, and I have no idea where to start. I work at a small architecture firm, and we are ready top expand. I am currently doing projects for commercial restaurants, and it's only getting bills paid. I have trippled in growth in a year, and we are ready to do bigger and stronger projects. The only stipulation is that I am not sure where to start. I am not sure who to target, how to present my situation, or how to go about meeting bigger fish. Kinda open for suggestions, so if anyone has a small tip or idea to get this race started I am all ears. Thank for listening.

Bryan
Norbeto Rosenstein Architechts Inc.

[wwcap1]

Bryan: The best place to start is by networking. If you really think about it, you know who is responsible for hiring architects right? The owner of the building, or prospective building. But where to they hang out? That's a question that is hard to answer, as it could be the golf course, or local bar. I have found success at times hanging out at the most prestigious libation station in a market.

I have also had architects as clients in the past who have found success by advertising in the local newspaper. I'm talking placing a nice and tasteful display ad. You can also gain some success by looking to local business publications if there are any in your area. This type of advertising is generally expensive, but can be worth it.

Hope this helps.

Kent Capener

[vreeland18]

Thanks for the advice Kent. I am kinda new to this whole marketing thing. For once my youth makes me vulernable!
I will looking into newspaper advertising, but I really should try the whole "finding where they hang out" idea.

-Bryan

[SirYellow1]

I'd recommend that you start researching the market on google.

Search for terms like Los Angeles (wherever you are) Architecture,
and other related terms... see how much competition there is...
who is bidding on terms... what their sites look like, etc.

You can also use the keyword tool at Overture.com to see how
many people are searching for your terms on a monthly basis.

What about the Yellow Pages?

Where did you get your current clients from?

[vreeland18]

Can't really call them current clients. We have been doing business with the same 3 companies for the past year, and it's getting very old. We need bigger and better, and no we are not registered with the yellow pages. I am looking to go internet marketing, it seems to be a very stable way for our name to get out there. Thanks for the help desk link SirYellow.

[jawinn]

I may be sounding like a broken record in these forums but join your local chamber of commerce. They will be packed with people to market to through networking events and functions. You could also try a BNI or NRG networking group.

There are also probably marketing coaches in your area. They along with marketing seminars can make a huge difference.

I have a client who specializes in this sort of thing and I'd be happy to put you in touch with them. PM me if you are interested.

[portalexpert]

My suggestions:

#1: Call and get testimonials from current customers, then add these testimonials to you company's web site

#2: Network, network, network at local events, tradeshows, anywhere you ca think of

#3: Check out www.clientportals.com for ideas on how to use the internet to present your company in the best light.

#4: Don't be afraid to cold call local firms...I know this is hard, but it can be very effective as few others will do this!

Good luck to you.

[WeThinc]

Originally Posted by vreeland18

I am stuck in a tough position. I have been given the task of marketing my small business, and I have no idea where to start. I work at a small architecture firm, and we are ready top expand. I am currently doing projects for commercial restaurants, and it's only getting bills paid. I have trippled in growth in a year, and we are ready to do bigger and stronger projects. The only stipulation is that I am not sure where to start. I am not sure who to target, how to present my situation, or how to go about meeting bigger fish. Kinda open for suggestions, so if anyone has a small tip or idea to get this race started I am all ears. Thank for listening.

Bryan
Norbeto Rosenstein Architechts Inc.

Start at the begining, assess your own business and find what is unique about it that gives real value to your clients. There are a number of ways of finding this but they all boil down to i)brainstorming and ii)speaking with your past and current clients.

The next step is to see which target market that you would like to work with has the most need for your unique proposition.

The final step is to contact them, ensure they have enough information, that they know and recognize the value of you as their solution and then give it to them.

If you want to keep growing in size you have to have a cohesive message(s) that speak to your target audience. "Networking" randomly, marketing to everyone and similar tactics will yield results but to be truly successful require much larger budgets -- efficiency lies in finding what you are already doing well, and any under utilized assets and working with them to craft a message and method that give optimal results.

Good Luck!