Blog from Maribeth Kuzmeski of Red Zone Marketing

Botox is not a permanent solution to aging and wrinkles. It is a superficial fix and after a few months the same old wrinkles reappear. There is often the urge for a similar approach to marketing efforts. Many businesses are looking for a quick fix to bring on new business fast. Don’t get me wrong – there is nothing wrong with a quick fix. But if you have a quick fix, you end up doing it over and over again instead of getting to the root of the issue and developing a longer term strategy-based solution.

We look at one main indicator to determine the health of the business, and ultimately it is quite simple.

The indicator: Are you getting as many qualified referrals as you believe you deserve?

When you evaluate your ability to generate referrals you are taking a look at the core of your business and the strength of your business relationships. Relationships tell so much about longevity and success. Marketing tactics may generate new business, but typically, the most powerful strategy for new business in a service-based firm is one that most don’t even consider a marketing tactic. Generating referrals is a marketing strategy and it is gives a clear look deep into a business.

If a business is lacking referrals, the first reaction may be to look outside of the client base to attract new clients by advertising, sending out direct mail, conducting workshops, etc.  The best plan of action may be to use some quick fix strategies, while at the same time looking more in depth at the business. Evaluate and improve the service, the communication, the interactions, the web presence, presentation of your benefits, and ultimately the ability to generate referrals. Marketing Botox alone will rarely get a business where they want to go – but it sure will keep you busy. Busy thinking of new quick fixes to your business challenges.

Thank you to the staff of Red Zone Marketing: Representing my staff of 7, on Saturday Jolene and Denise showed up at my house and completely surprised me with beautiful roses and an ice cream cake…for Bosses Day! They know the direct path to my heart! It was better than my Birthday (I didn’t have to get older to get gifts ☺), and I didn’t even know it was Bosses Day last week! Thank you, thank you!