Let's Talk Business

Blog Worthy: Market

Marketing and public relations have a funny reputation among folks. Just like most people, this industry is either loved, hated or misunderstood. However recently, I found myself confused about why businesses (mostly small) market very little, inconsistently or not at all. Some wonder why they might be struggling with penetrating the market or increasing sales, however are afraid to spend money on marketing or simply do not see the importance. Now, I am not just saying all of this because it is my current field, MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS IS INTEGRAL TO THE OVERALL BUSINESS PLAN. One of my favorite people in life and business just does not get it. She thinks it is a bunch of crap. How funny is that? I would have to agree with her, there is a lot of crap in the market place- from bad design, to stupid ads, to poorly executed media relations. Regardless of all of the unpretty marketing and the exploitation from the media, we all still need to market and do so consistently. Here are four must do's when thinking about your marketing plan:

1. Create a plan by looking at your overall business plan (vision and goals)
2. Develop a realistic budget (should be between 10% -20% of your sales)
3. Be consistent, Be consistent, Be consistent- always market
4. Take risks, evaluate and adapt what is not working and know that it is okay to make mistakes

Stay tuned for more and feel free to ask questions: andrea@levelsixpr.com.
Thanks and market your pants off!

Keep it Simple

“Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work."

H. L. Hunt

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I often say that intellectually speaking business isn’t all that difficult.  However, changing human behavior is extremely tough.

Sometimes, you need to simplify your approach and that’s why I really enjoy this quote.

Stop making everything so complicated and just do it.

Change is the Only Constant

The illiterate of the 21^st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

Alvin Toffler

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As I consider the future I am certain of one thing – I can predict very little.

Today, I feel as though as soon as I have my arms around a concept – something changes.

This trend will not only continue - the pace of change will speed up.

As a result, it is critical that we all become masters of adaptation.  Be prepared to embrace change and leave behind your comfort zone.

Who can you trust???

Who Can You Trust?

New data has come to light that shows how important it is to put the right controls in place when providing third-parties with access to your data and resources and when letting your IT staff go:

·         One study http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/aug08/6652 shows that trusted third parties are responsible for 44% of break-ins (both intentional and unintentional). This number is rapidly approaching the number of hacker-related break-ins.

·         Another study finds that 88% of exiting IT employees will steal confidential data. And, one-third use administrator privileges to access sensitive personal and salary information and confidential company financial and strategic information. http://www.cio.com/article/446669/Firing_or_Laying_Off_IT_Workers_Can_Cost_You_Big_So_Watch_Out_?contentId=446669&slug=&source=nlt_cioresearch

WWhat is your company doing to protect company, client, and staff data/information??

Where is your IT Staff?

Do You Know Where Your IT Team Is?

Many IT service companies are starting to outsource their clients’ network support to engineers in other countries—without notifying their clients. These off-shore engineers (who might be half a globe away) often have full access to servers, data and files without the client’s knowledge or approval.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the use of off-shore resources for IT management.  Do IT Service companies need to tell their clients who is performing the services??

Virus alert

Antivirus XP 2008, also known as Antivirus 2009, is also listed under several similar names and has been infecting computers at a VERY rapid rate. 

This malicious software is installed in error and takes control of the computers it infects. 

You will know this has happened by the following symptoms.

1)      System performance degradation - severe slowing of computer performance - very noticeable

2)      Pop-up messages within the browser start popping up uncontrollably

3)      An infected PC will try sending out e-mails to infect other PCs by sending BULK e-mails to your contact lists without you knowing it.

The cost of resolution to a company can be quite salty.

1)      Bulk e-mails being sent without your knowledge will cause the Internet Service Providers to Blacklist your company as a spammer and no longer allows you to send ANY e-mails from your company. Effectively shutting down your e-mail system.

2)      Blacklisting will take DAYS, and many hours to remediate.

3)      The infected computer will have to be completely rebuilt to eliminate the malicious software. (Costs: Four to Six hours of labor, and lost productivity)

ACTIONS, if infected:

TURN OFF the SYSTEM ASAP - an off computer can't send e-mails and spread.  Call a professional to repair the system.

Utilize your employees to grow profits.

While I like to think that employees are an investment rather than an expense, it can often be difficult to not think about how much they cost you as a business owner. However that should not be the case. Your investment into your employees is no different than investing in a piece of capital equipment. But if you buy a piece of equipment and don't know how to work it properly it will never be effective. Same with employees. Find out what motivates your team and use that motivator to reward success and spend time coaching them when they have made a mistake. Employees should be valued and it is worth your investment of time because with that investment you will soon see results.

Dr. Laina Molaski

C & S Consulting, LLC

317 403 6568