Monday, December 29, 2014

Planning for a Happy New Year



As 2014 approaches its end, I would like to solemnly thank all of our readers and clients for another successful year. I know many of you have also been experiencing success because of the commitment you carry for your clients and the countertop industry. In addition, I would like to say hello to all of our new readers and hope that you are all as content with the thousands of hours you have poured into your businesses over the course of the year. We hope we have helped and will continue to help you meet the demands placed before you.

That being said, the end of the year is the best time to consider where your business is going into the next. Perhaps you are content with the niche you have carved in your market, but if you are like us, you have your sights set on continued expansion. Even if you can't make a major leap forward in 2015, there are still many options available to grow your business in small ways that will put you in a better position.

The first step to expansion is to think about the possibility and attempt to predict where the market is open. You will want to take a look at the organizational structure of your business and the resources you have available to you. How will they support your plan or vision? You will also want to observe the market from a vantage point that allows you to see the big picture and the forces driving it.

The next step to take in expanding your business is to develop a marketing plan. A solid marketing strategy is the best tool you have in growing your business. When you understand your target market and your competition, you will be able to put yourself in a better position. Some companies will have the resources to accomplish the development of a plan in house, but others may want to consider hiring outside help.

After you develop a plan, it must be maintained, at a bare minimum, on an annual basis. One aspect of your plan should be to consider all of the resources available to you, and to consider how technology has affected traditional marketing. Nielsen, one of the leading research companies in the world, predicts that by 2015, Internet advertising will comprise a full quarter of the market, which is up from 16 percent just four short years ago.

If you have a decent Internet presence, then good for you! You are doing something right that will play big in the future. You should consider Internet advertising to reach your potential customers and gain trackable and measurable leads. If you do not have a strong Internet presence or no web activity at all, DO SOMETHING NOW. If you do nothing else, make sure you have a website! Even a basic site that shows your products and services, contact information and some photos of your work can make a big difference. And. If you do not use social media, START NOW. Even if you have one of your employees spend a few minutes a day posting on a few social media feeds for your company, it can (and likely will) make a difference. 

Whatever your plan is for 2015, the first step is having one. If there is anything we can do to help you expand or better your business, let us know. It is our goal to provide you with the information you need, and we also have Internet expertise on staff that may be able to assist you in getting one step closer to your ultimate vision. Good luck in 2015.

Sincerely,

Brian Jones, Editor
www.CountertopResource.com
info@countertopresource.com

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