Can you honestly agree with each of the statements below:

• I have ONE master, complete database of all clients and potential clients
• I have a complete database of all referral partners
• I stay in contact with ALL my clients/potential clients and referral partners monthly
• I mine my database for new business and referrals
• I can instantly pull up all my notes and information on each contact
• I personally manage my database

So how did you do?  Can you agree with all or most of the above statements? If not why?

No matter what your business your database is the foundation.  Every person you come in contact with is a potential client and if not them someone they know is.  It is critical to have all your contacts in one easy to access place so you are not searching through file cabinets, email systems, your cell phone, etc. trying to find out what you "know" about them.

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I was asked today why the first thing I always ask new clients is "Do you have a business plan?".  

I will admit that a business plan and especially a marketing plan is something I harp on, but with out one people are running their businesses by the seat of their pants with no written thoughts to hold them selves accountable.

You do not have to have a formal 15 page business plan; it does not even have to be typed out.  JUST write it down!  By nature if we each have something to strive for (a goal) that we can keep top of mind we will try our hardest to accomplish it because we do not want to let ourselves down.

Just take a few minutes to outline where you are today, where you want to be by the end of the year and 5 things you need to do to get there.  Than, take that piece of paper and make 3 copies.  File the original for your records, post one at the office, one at home and put one in you briefcase so you always have it with you.

If you keep you sketched plan and goals in sight you will not loose track of what you are supposed to be doing.  Also, your plan can change.  If you need to adjust the plan throughout the year for the better or worse just do it and remember to replace the copies at home, work and in your briefcase (always keep the originals for your reference).

Blog topics for week 3.  Now lets strive to post 3 times in the next week!

1. Why not?
2. I know I need to
3. Market Updates
4. Story of the week
5. Home of the week
6. I must say
7. What blogging does for me
8. Great article/book I read
9. You need to know
   

Here is some topics for week 2 of blogging.  Now lets strive to post 3 times in the next week!

1. Story of the week
2. Just Because
3. Home of the week
4. What I learned today
5. It really does work
6. My son/daughter said/did
7. My goal for the next week/month
8. I wrote a business plan
9. I made a change

Social media can have a MAJOR impact on brand awareness, website traffic, reputation building and business visibility.  Just think about it, social media is where you customers are; they live plan and even work in the social media environment every day. 
The goal with social media is get closer, engage and build a "relationship" with these customers building brand and personal advocates. 

Social media will build awareness of your website(s), services and products through platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, blogging and even industry specific mediums.


For more assistance with social media just ask.

So many of you have asked who I am and who is behind Completing The Marketing Puzzle and why don't you publish it?

I have not disclosed the identity of myself or any of my partners as I do not want this to distract from what is available here.  This platform has been brought together with years of experience, knowledge and education.  The general backgrounds of those involve vary a bit by industry but are business focused.  

I am happy to talk with you one-on-one to let you know who I am and who are those behind me on Completing The Marketing Puzzle.

Connect with me now to learn more

Here is your first week of blog topic ideas.  Now lets strive to post 3 times in the next week!

1. I am here (talk about your city or state)
   
2. I want to brag
   
3. Story of the week (you will never believe this)
   
4. This book I am reading/read
   
5. How I use my website
   
6. Last month in summary
   
7. I should write a book on
   
8. Empowering others
   
9. Home of the week (real estate agents)

So, yes there is a TON of information and tools on this site and you don't know what to do first.  The answer to the question is a bit different for each situation.  I think the better questions are:  Where are you at right now? and Where do you want to be?  Once those are answered we can put a plan together that will get you step by step from the beginning onward to your goal.

For further help fill out the help form for more one-on-one assistance.