I. Capture the Moment. Timing is everything. As your competitors rein in their marketing efforts, seize the opportunity to increase your company's stature. Announce company developments, whether they are new products, services, locations or staff. Create a buzz about existing products, using unique sampling or product demo events to showcase your competitive advantage. II. Engage Your Customer Base. Your current customer base represents a powerful opportunity. Engage this group and build stronger relationships. And consider how you can become an even stronger resource for them. Establish a referral program, and be sure to recognize customers who send new business your way. III. Increase Your Presence Online. More and more customers are going online to gather information before making a decision to purchase. Start a blog to provide an insider's view of company activity, as well as perspectives on trends and news that may be useful to your customers. Create an online newsroom and keep it current. Or, consider an interactive social networking element to allow your customers to connect and share ideas. IV. Reconnect with the Community. Communities enjoy witnessing the success of their local businesses. Think about how you can become more involved in the communities where you operate. Contact local non-profits and see if you can support them with product or service donations, or with a commitment to volunteer hours. Reaching out to your neighbors will emphasize how much you value their support. V. Maintain Employee Communications. In all of your efforts, be mindful of your first line of brand ambassadors: your employees. Keeping employees updated and involved with company developments will get them excited about the business and more likely to share their positive experiences with others. Word of mouth remains a powerful tool, and open communication with employees can ensure their support both inside and outside the workplace."A challenging market environment is one of opportunity," said Lane. "With strategic thinking and a little ingenuity, marketing teams can build on existing tools and initiatives to create unparalleled experiences for their customers while enhancing market presence and profitability for their companies." About LANE PR LANE PR is an independent firm specializing in public relations-driven marketing strategies with offices in New York and Portland, Ore. Founded in 1990 by Wendy Lane, LANE PR provides integrated marketing communications and public relations for a host of industries, including technology, business, consumer and non-profit clients. The agency has won several awards during its 18 years, including the 2008 PRSA Bronze Anvil Award for outstanding public relations tactics and the 2008 Gold Bulldog Award for Excellence in Media Relations. For more information about LANE PR, visit www.lanepr.com.
Contact Information: Media Contact: Wendy Lane 503-221-0480 wendy@lanepr.com