Monday, May 14, 2007

Partnering for Profits

How many businesses in your market area offer products and services to the same clients you are targeting? When you begin to think about it there may be many.

Some of these businesses will be obvious. Others may take some creativity to create a partnership, which will be successful.

With this knowledge, what are the opportunities you may have to partner with these businesses to share marketing opportunities?

Let’s explore some possibilities. To begin, consider your target market. What are the demographic(s)? What are the needs, wants and desires of the target demographic(s)? Make a list for each of these. Once you have made your list, you can begin to find other businesses that may serve your target demographic.

Your next step would be to list those businesses in your market area. Once this list is made, you will want to narrow it down. Begin by contacting them and asking about their interest in partnering with you. You will want to be sure the business has an excellent reputation for customer service, similar business philosophy and a willingness to be an equal partner in your joint marketing.

Next, you will want to meet with the businesses you have selected to discuss the opportunities you have to work together.

Creating this type of partnership allows you and your partner to share resources and expenses in your marketing efforts. It allows you to introduce your products to each other’s clients.

Some examples of successful partnerships are floral shops and candy stores combining their products in special gift baskets, theatres and restaurants offering meal and movie packages, gardening shops and landscapers, tanning salons and hair and/or nail salons and wedding photographers, dress salons, jewelers, caterers and reception halls packaging services for brides. You get the idea.

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and initiative. If you would like more information on this topic, please contact us. We will be glad to assist you.