Saturday, December 23, 2006

A Winning Marketing Strategy Internet Strategy

On a scale of one to ten, having a good marketing strategy, internet strategy, in business rates about a fifteen!

No matter what kind of business you have -- whether you sell products or a service, as the saying goes, "if you fail to plan, then you're really planning to fail."

Creating a business with no internet marketing strategy, or worse yet no strategy at all, can mean you working 60 to 80 hours a week all year long -- and losing money in the process.

On the other hand, you can be a smart and successful entrepreneur by planning out your marketing strategy. Internet strategy is what separates the losers from the winners. Those who have a business strategy (plan) work fewer hours and make lot's more money -- and they usually attribute their success to having a strategic plan and following it like a blueprint.

So what is a good marketing strategic business plan?

Very simply, it's the process of defining the goals and objectives for your business, creating a plan of action so you can reach your goals, and then following the plan.

How To Create A Marketing StrategyInternet Strategy Blueprint

How do you create a winning internet marketing strategy plan for you business?

1) First, know what your vision for your company is. If there were no barriers, nothing stopping you from taking your company as far as you can -- what would that look like?

2) Next, what are your company's core operating values? What are its guiding principles? In other words, why are you in business and how do you do business?

3) Now create a 3 to 5 year plan. Your long-term plan is based on the broad objectives that will help you get from where you are now, to where you want to be.

4) Develop a plan for this year. These are the specific objectives you plan to accomplish this year that will lead you closer to your long-term goals.

Remember to be "SMART" when setting your annual goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-oriented). Include a list of the barriers that are stopping you from getting where you want to go.

Figure out what resources you've already got, and what resources you need to get you past those barriers. These include specific internet marketing strategies you'll use for your business.

Then create an action plan that clearly lays out how you will achieve your goals. Involve key employees or business partners with this part of the planning process.

5) Create a set of milestones or benchmarks. This is very important, so that you can measure your progress. Treat yourself to something special as you reach each milestone. (this makes it  much more fun and enjoyable as you reach each goal)

6) Share the plan with your employees, business partners, or anyone else who will be involved in the process. Your annual strategy is the roadmap that will make sure everyone ends up at the same destination -- but to be effective, everyone needs the same map!

7) Put the plan into action! Now that you have the roadmap, it's time to begin the journey. This is where most people fail. You must take action!

8) Check your progress. Just like any trip, you need to check the map every now and then; to be sure you're still on the right road. If something isn't working, the sooner you figure it out and make the necessary adjustments, the sooner you'll be back on track.

Keep in mind sometimes you'll need to tweak your marketing strategy. Internet strategy success is measured by testing and tracking your successes and failures. Keep the good and throw away the bad.

9) Follow the same cycle next year. (Dream, Plan, Act, Check).

Creating a business strategy and following it will ensure that you enjoy the journey as much as getting to your final destination.

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