As part of creating my business and marketing plan for Tiger Team, I needed to validate my assumptions. With the goal of providing marketing services to small business owners, I clearly need to totally get their key challenges.  I have a boatload of experience marketing to small businesses, and I run two small businesses. Regardless, I need to be sure that I am packaging and marketing Tiger Team services so they truly resonate with & inspire target customers. I put into practice what I preach & did a short survey of 100 Bay Area small business owners. I was only slightly surprised with the results:
- The primary challenge for these businesses is growing sales & improving profitability.
- Only 42% indicated they have a clearly defined business plan.
- Of those with a plan only 25% are on track to meeting their business goals.
- Primarily their marketing is organic, using websites, social media & word-of-mouth.
- Not surprisingly only 35% find their marketing effective in achieving their sales goals!

Creating the Tiger Team Plan
Many of the respondents indicated that they don't have the time or aren't sure how to create & carry out a marketing plan. Almost 1/2 thought they didn't need a plan. At the same time, these respondents said they are not meeting their sales goals & need to grow revenue. 

This data plays a big part in how I package and market Tiger Team services.  So far, the results are positive.  I have a simple step-by-step process that enables a small business to kickstart an effective marketing program.  

"One Page - Two Hours - Five Steps"
It may sound a little corny, yet it totally resonates with the customers I pitch. It gives them a straightforward way to organize their planning, plus motivation to seek expert help.  This simple kickstart program, moves small business leaders beyond the perception that social media for example, is the panacea for creating sales. Tiger Team Marketing offers three levels of services built around this program and customers contract with us for some or all of the five steps depending on their needs.  And one of the best results for Tiger Team Marketing was going through this process ourselves, taking a huge step forward in our own marketing efforts.

Here's an unsolicited plug for SurveyMonkey.  Their tool is easy to use, free for basic surveys & full of helpful suggestions.  I will definitely use them again.

Let's say you own a small business, and you want to find new ways to increase sales. Do a Google search on ANY topic you care about, and you'll come up with dozens of  X-best lists. You can spend hours (days?) looking for information that MAY address your questions. Too much information, not enough help. Starting and growing a business is a huge challenge. From our own experience here's how you can get started: 
Set aside an hour or two, out a piece of (virtual) paper, and do this: 

1. List your business goals.  Get specific.  What's your revenue goal for this year?  Next year? Realistically break it down by product, service, customer type, markets (new, current).
2. Describe your ideal customer.  In detail.  Why would they care about your product? Are they local, regional, global? Where do they go to find products and services like yours? On-line, friends, business associates, on a bulletin board in your local coffee house?
3. Create a conversation about your products and services.  Imagine you have just one minute to explain it to a prospective customer. Describe it in their "language", why they should care, what makes it the best, how it benefits your customer.  You want to re-enforce your brand - what makes your business and products unique. Create a "value proposition" that is casual, compelling and exciting.
4. Develop a marketing plan based on what you have outlined above. Make a list: What kind of marketing "content" do you need and where should it be placed?  You might print and post flyers, update your web-site, start or re-ignite your blog, use Facebook and other social media for low-cost targeted advertising. Leverage your expertise by writing informative articles for relevant publications. Find ways and places to create offers and incentives for customers to buy. Develop a targeted and consistent reach in on-line communities and physical locations where your target customers congregate.
5. Work your plan.  Make sure you have a 3-6 month budget. Prioritize, create, and communicate. Get outside help and coaching where you need it. Measure results, make adjustments, and keep working it!

But of course!  
http://yogadork.com/2014/04/09/why-every-entrepreneur-and-startup-should-practice-yoga/
Namaste.