Key Elements of the Marketing Plan: Setting and Allocating the Budget

In order to create a comprehensive marketing plan, you need to incorporate certain key elements. Once you have determined your goals and objectives, you then develop strategies to achieve them. Having done this, you can assign responsibility and set time lines for tasks to be completed. The next step of the process is setting and allocating a budget.This allows you to align your financial resources with your overall plan.

There are several ways to determine an appropriate budget that provides a cost effective way to market your business. One way is to allocate a certain percent of your sales towards your media and promotional plan. This method allows for increased spending as your overall sales volume grows. As long as there is profitable sales growth, this approach makes sense. Another way is to institute a “cents per unit sold” budget. For example, if you sell 100,000 boxes of product, and you allocate .10 per box, you would have a $10,000 marketing budget. If you have a set margin per unit, this is a good approach to use. For smaller companies another way to determine a budget is to use a monthly figure based on available cash flow. This will give you better control of your spending, however you must still allocate enough money to support the marketing effort.
Whatever method you use to set the budget, it is important that you allocate a realistic amount that enables proper execution of the plan’s strategies.

Once you have a total budget, you need to determine how much is going to be spent on media (i.e. print, radio, direct mail) and how much on promotion (i.e. samplings, special events, customer entertainment). This will largely depend on the particular business you are in. The main idea is to develop a mix that allows you to allocate resources for the activities that will be most effective in growing your sales. Understanding your product and the marketplace you compete in will make this process easier to implement.

An important part of the budget process, is to build in ways to maximize the money spent. If you are buying radio, negotiate additional promotional value that ties your product or service into their on-air activities. Form “trade for mention” opportunities with all your media partners. Develop cross promotional programs with complimentary products and services. There are numerous ways to leverage the money you currently spend. By doing this on a consistent basis you will stretch your marketing dollars.

Setting and properly allocating a budget gives you the best chance to utilize the financial resources you have to grow your business. While this process will take some time and effort, it will provide a solid return on your investment.

Effectively Manage your Accounts Payable

In today's economy it is vital that all your business processes are as efficient as possible. Many times there are hidden cost savings in analyzing how you are currently running your business and finding better ways to perform many of the basic functions that are involved on a day to day basis.

One area that is often over looked are your accounts payable. We are sometimes all to aware of our receivables and the problems they can cause, but have you ever stopped to think about over payments and erroneous billing? Chances are you are losing money through your current payment procedures and not even aware of it.

APEX Analytix is a company that specializes in developing audit software that can effectively manage your accounts payable process. It is designed to detect over payments, billing errors, and potential billing fraud. With APEX Analytix audit software you can have the piece of mind knowing that every payment you make is being closely monitored for accuracy. As one of the fastest growing companies providing accounts payable audit software, APEX Analytix is on the cutting edge of the latest technology designed for error prevention and fraud detection.

The best part of their audit software is that in a relatively short period of time it can actually pay for itself by detecting existing errors and through continuous monitoring, preventing future ones. For more information on this dynamic cost savings tool, please visit; APEX Analytix. They can provide everything you need to know on how to provide peace of mind that your accounts payable are accurate and safe.

Getting Your Message Across in a Big Way

There are many facets to advertising your company and the products or services you provide. Traditional means often include a strategy that incorporates print, radio, or television. You can also use the Internet through your website or various forms of social media like Linked In or Facebook. One area that is often over looked is your actual place of business. Are you actively promoting yourself through the use of in-store signage? If you have customers that regularly visit your place of business, in house signage is a great way to communicate with them.

A great example of this type of advertising are wall calendars. They come in a number of sizes and can easily be installed just about anywhere. The are usually made out of a dry erase material so you can constantly change your message. One company who is leading the way is wallcalendar.us. They have developed a number of impact full applications designed to attract and educate customers on what you have to offer.

One particular application that has been extremely successful are
large restaurant calendars. They are an eye catching piece that can let customers know what is going on in your place. A large restaurant calendar is the perfect way to communicate nightly specials, new menu items, and special events. Placed in central location they are sure to catch the eye of anyone coming in and out of your place. It has been shown that people will remember what they see much better than what they hear. Your large restaurant calendar can become a primary source of keeping your customers informed and bringing them back time after time.

WallCalendars.us has developed portable signage products for a number of applications. The main focus is getting your message into the mind of everyone who sees it. This is a great way to remain "top of mind" with your employees, your guests and visitors, and most importantly your customers.

Targeted Information is Key to your Marketing Efforts

A crucial part of any marketing plan and business development strategy is prospecting for new business. In order to effectively grow you need to always continue to build your customer base. While there are many ways to do this one of the most widely used strategies is the use of marketing lists. No matter what kind of business you are in there are companies that can generate a mailing lead list that will effectively target your designated audience. The most important thing to remember when utilizing this strategy, is your results completely depend on the quality of the information you receive.

One company that has a long history of providing quality lists is
America Heritage Data Corporation. Their databases are among the best in the industry and consistently produce results that move the dial. American Heritage Data has built their reputation on some basic core values such as quality, integrity, reliability, and customer service. The most important aspect of this company is that they stand behind their product, which is something hard to find in the
marketing list industry.

America Heritage Data can provide consumer, general and specialty business, and mortgage mailing lists. They constantly update their database to ensure you are receiving the most current information that is possible.

Before you embark on your next direct mail campaign, take a hard look at your current information provider as your primary goal should be to maximize your investment by gaining the highest return rate possible. If they cannot guarantee the results you are looking for, chances are American Heritage Data can.

Searching for Your Next Car?

I think that most everyone would agree that the Internet has become the best tool for conducting searches. Anything and everything can be found on the net just by entering in some key words and clicking your mouse. The problem is finding websites that can provide all the information you are looking for in a clear and concise manner. When it comes to researching cars I have found that perfect site.

Car Connection provides every bit of information you could possibly need when researching your next automobile. The information is laid out in a very organized fashion and the site is very easy to navigate.

Perhaps you are interested in GMC models, there is a whole section on anything you would want to know. Everything about the latest and greatest models is included, as Car Connection leaves no stone unturned.

The other day I saw a commercial for the new Honda Fit and it peaked my curiosity. I found that Car Connection had the most thorough Honda Fit review as well as provided pricing and links to other sites' reviews as well.

Car Connection is also able to provide the most up to date information for new models. Take for instance the Audi S5, they compiled information from a number of sources and put into one comprehensive review. You end up having everything you need to know right at your finger tips.

I decided to give this site a test drive and research my dream car the BMW M5. At a list price of $85,000 you can understand why it is a dream, but the Car Connection did not disappoint. One of their best features is the "bottom line" where they pull no punches and provide both the plus and minus of every car. Believe or not, even an $85,000 car as a minus or two.

So they next time you are in the market for a new car or just feel like going to a virtual car show, check out Car Connection and I'll think you'll agree it raises the bar for Internet research.

Tips and Techniques for your Trade Show Display

If you have the type of business that is involved in setting up displays at trade shows, expos, or any other type of special event you want to make sure you have the proper display equipment. Not only do you need display equipment that will present your company in a professional manner, you need it to be practical as well. I have found a company Camelback Displays that can provide everything you need to stand out from the crowd and attract more visitors to your trade show booth.

Since 1999, Camelback Displays, Inc. has been the leader in providing real options for companies needing trade show booths. They have one of the widest array of products in the industry. Here are few of their most popular products.

Banner Stands:

The company offers all types of banner stands that are used for a variety of uses at trade fairs, retail outlets, entry ways, informational areas. They come complete with full printing and graphic design. Banner stand styles include indoor, outdoor, retractable (works like a projector screen), rod-tension style, adjustable, flying banners, and more.

Pipe and Drape:

Is used at trade shows or trade fairs to make trade show booths. They are made of aluminum pipes and fire retardant fabrics that can make 10x10, 10x20 or 20x20 booths. Schools, universities, churches, hotels, and the hospitality industry uses pipe and drape to make rooms or partition off areas.

Table Skirts:

There is a supply of full assortment of different types of blank or printed table skirts which can be used for tables, back drops, stage skirting and more. Full color printing or silk screening can be used to apply logos, artwork, marketing messages or anything else that needs be displayed. Fabric is also fire retardant and comes with a certificate from a testing organization.

Other applications include everything from hanging signs to unique exhibits, flooring and furniture. So the next time your are planning an exhibit and are looking for some innovative ideas think of Camelback Displays as you one stop source for all your display needs.