Long-time readers know I read lots of business books. Over the years I've written reviews, shared "money quotes," and done kooky dramatic readings of interesting business books. In 2011, we're resurrecting the money quotes method of sharing worthwhile snippets.
First up are marketing-related money quotes from the recently published, NOW... BUILD A GREAT BUSINESS from Mark Thompson & Brain Tracy. Nothing in this book is groundbreaking. However, it serves as solid refresher material for owners and managers of emerging/enduring businesses.
For example, on page 21 the authors list vital questions businesses must ask to achieve ongoing success...
Leadership: "What results are expected of you, and what do your people need form you to contribute their full potential to you business?"
Strategic Plan: "What is your plan to generate sales and profitability, and how is it working? Could there be a better way?"
Team Building: "How do you attract and keep great people and inspire them to perform at their best in achieving business results?"
Product: "What are great at building, who are your ideal customers, and what product or service qualities will attract more of them?"
Marketing: "What is your competitive advantage--that factor that makes your product or service superior to anything else available, and how do you convey this message to your potential customers?"
Sales: "What must your potential customers be convinced of so that they want to buy from you rather than your competitor?" [SOURCE]
There are more knowledge nuggets from the book, including some marketing-related advice shared in this slideshare prezo ... enjoy.
[NOTE: I often receive free copies of biz books from publishers and publicists. I was sent a free copy of NOW... BUILD A GREAT BUSINESS to riffle, read, blog about, or use as kindling. The embedded amazon links are NOT affiliate links. That ain't how I roll, dig?]
Thanks for the post and I agree, from what you have posted here, the authors bring up solid reminders. They may be basic, but they are easy to lose track of in the day-to-day.
Especially with easier-than-ever access to competitors via the internet, the Sales question you quote above ("What must your potential customers be convinced of so that they want to buy from you rather than your competitor?") should be on the minds of business owners now more than ever. Price and quality may be so similar that you need something else to sway them to your company's side. Simple things like quality customer service, shipping discounts and rewards for buying from you again in the future are all things that may sway them your way.
Thank you for the thoughtful reviews and reminders!
Posted by: Tracy | January 21, 2011 at 11:06 AM
A very informative page. These easy tips to build a business needs to be given to every aspiring business owners. It is a must for every one of them to know their goals and to know the basic methods of building a great business.
Posted by: Brad Fallon | January 22, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Most entrepreneurs even find that they need to shift to a simpler lifestyle as all their resources are channeled into the business. Even time for leisure will be dramatically cut. Be careful in protecting the trust and support that you have earned along the way too.
Posted by: Nick Buick | February 24, 2011 at 04:55 AM