Like it or loath it, marketing is an integral part of any business and business owners that grasp the basics of marketing and understand how it effects their success or failure will do far better than those that refuse to play the game.
What Are Marketing Basics?
Marketing can be an extremely detailed, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, there are university courses on marketing, but you don’t need a degree to understand the basics of marketing. In its simplest form the definition of marketing is nothing more than the action of a business promoting and selling it’s products or services.
Self-Education
The best way to learn about marketing is by attending marketing seminars, workshops, business coaching and dedicating a certain amount of time to self-education.
The amount of marketing information that can be found online is endless, so if you like to read, get stuck into blog articles and books, and if reading is not your thing you can watch YouTube videos, especially Ted Talks, or listen to audio books and podcasts.
I listen to a podcast everyday and then shoot a short video sharing the main takeaway points, so if you’re interested search for the 365 Hour Mental & Physical Challenge on Facebook or YouTube.
When it comes to seminars and workshops, once again there is an endless amount to choose from. I attend two or three events myself each year, some in Australia and some overseas, but I also speak at certain events and run my own events.
Nothing beats being in a room full of like-minded people, regardless of whether I’m an attendee or I’m a speaker. Marketing is fun and it’s even more fun when you’re learning with other people.
Beware, There’s A Sales Rep Coming To See You
Would you swim with sharks without a shark cage? Of course you would, but that’s exactly what you so when you enter the murky marketing waters for the first time. Sales Reps will start circling you like hungry sharks. However, with basic marketing knowledge you can protect yourself by creating an invisible shark cage.
This is why you should never get your marketing education from your Sales Rep, the same person selling you advertising, because their motives may be tainted. Don’t get me wrong, not every Sales Rep is out to get you, but some are, so be warned.
Where To Start
If you’re new to marketing or if you haven’t given marketing too much thought lately, here’s is a short list of marketing basics you should investigate further.
- Who is your ideal client?
- Understanding Demographics
- Niche & Sub-Niche Marketing
- Unique Selling Proposition
- Competitive Point of Difference
- Marketing Consistency (avoid Helicopter Marketing)
- Reach versus Frequency
- What is branding?
- Difference between Personal Brand v Business Brand
- Difference between your brand and your product
- Online versus Offline Marketing
- Marketing Pillars
- How timing and positioning effects results
- Loading
- Repurposing
If you think marketing is nonsense and you don’t need to market your business that’s fine, that’s exactly what my main competitor said to me. Where are they now?
If you have any questions or comments about this article please email or check out my EVENTS page for upcoming marketing events.