One of the organisations I recently starting working with has happily been producing communications and marketing material about which feedback suggested was doing a good job. The problem was that no-one had ever really analysed where the feedback was coming from.

As part of a funding audit, I prepared and conducted some market research amongst all the groups that could or did utilise the service and the results were very illuminating. You see, the feedback had always came from larger groups who often used the service and consequently there were more involved and their opinions were  regularly taken on board.

My client assumed that everyone felt the same way.

The research however, showed that there was a large group of people who felt totally disenfranchised and new little about what was going on. We discovered that there  was a growing feeling of resentmant amongst the very groups my client was supposed to support.

Needless to say that this has resulted in a complete overhall of the communication methods and processes ensuring that everyone has a chance to be heard.

This example is based around a support service but applies to any business and organisation. Stand back and ask yourself if you actually know what your customer wants or are you really only assuming you know. Simple market research can make a tremendous difference in helping you get more business.

Get in touch by calling or texting your name to 07790 012893

Alternatively email me david@dlhmarketing.co.uk  

This morning it was reported that Apple Corp. had made £3billion during the past three months. This was despite teething problems and some negative press on the iPhone 4. It got me thinking about how this was achieved and how easily could other, smaller organisations replicate it.

Obviously there are several reasons but what Apple do better than almost anyone else is not provide products we want but products we are willing to pay for.

We all want a mobile phone that works, is user friendly, gives us freedom and looks good. However, with hundreds of models on the market Apple have created a product that many people will pay 2, 3, 4 times as much for to own.

Take a look at your product and  talk to your customers and prospective customers, decide what makes it stand out. We can all provide want the customer wants but are you providing what they will pay for?

www.dlhmarketing.co.uk

Marketing tip for Friday

If you keep your staff happy, they will keep your customers happy and your customers will come back.

Your own marketing dept. from £350.00 per month

The more SME owners I speak to, the more it becomes obvious that a lack or fear of marketing planning means that many will be left behind as the UK emerges from recession.

In order to help dlh Visual Communications is offering to provide 6 months marketing support from as little as £350.00 per month*.

We will

• conduct a complete review of your organisation
• branding
• internal and external communication
• speak to your customers
• look at where you want to be in 12 months time
• look at the most cost effective methods available at achieving the set goals
• prepare and manage a marketing plan

Contact me for an informal chat and make sure you are ready for the next 12 months.

No long-term commitment

It’s a safe way to try without making a huge commitment. dlh Visual Communications only has a minimum six month contract, after which you can leave any time with just 30 days’ notice.

Payment must have cleared by the start of each month and can be made by BACS bank account transfer or cheque.

*£350.00 per month covers a full 7 hour day. Additional time and expenses would be agreed beforhand.

Sign up for news on special offers by sending your email details to

info@dlhvisualcommunications.co.uk