Even though winning the Epson printer and other prizes is out for yours truly (dang!), I thought I would share the best bit of marketing advice I’ve received thus far. Here it is…. wait for it….
Marketing = Relationships
Oh yeah. It’s not paper, logos or collateral that turned my head. This simple little phrase completely changed how I feel about marketing. (I’m kind of a marketing junkie now!) Marketing is about building relationships with other people: clients, media, colleagues, referral partners or whatever. It’s all about building that network around your business. You can be disciplined about it and keep spreadsheets or you can organically let it happen. Personally I like to be able to track things as they relate to the bottom line, but well, ya know. 
So, how does one start doing that? Pick up the phone, have lunch with someone, ask how you can refer business to them or get a Twitter account. Yes, you heard me right, get a Twitter account if that makes sense for your business. People want to do business with those they know and trust. So get out there and socialize and build some relationships. Be genuinely helpful to people and put out the good vibes. You might even have fun while you’re doing it! Yes, I said marketing can be fun.
What’s the best marketing tip you’ve ever received? Go share it here and enter the contest to win the fabulous prizes! (One of them is a logo designed by Randa Clay, who designed the header of my new site. She’s fabulous!)
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Marketing is fun. Do you want to come over for cupcakes? See ya on Twitter!
melissa @ the inspired rooms last blog post..Small House? 10 Big Ideas
Isn’t it amazing how we often forget the simplest rules of marketing. You are so right, I am going to head out tonight and Connect at a great function I am going to. It is about the people.
Thanks for the contest heads up. It’s all about relationships. All business is ultimately. Even in TV News I had to be on good terms and chatty with other news stations so I could get them to get video to me quickly and they would do the same for me.
Marketing junkie?? When did that happen? Nobody told me!
BlogWorld really opened my eyes to the whole relationships thing. Now I’m going to write a book on internet marketing and I met all the big guys I want to contribute to it!