A Plan to Expand, But Not By Much

Handle the marketing that you can manage without overload For a few years I wondered when Macy’s, the world’s largest department store, would begin closing stores.

They’re perched in three malls in my area (northern New Jersey), all in close proximity, but none of them will shut down. However, nine stores in six other states will close, as reported in today’s Wall Street Journal (Louisiana, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Indiana, and Oklahoma).

The story makes me think about all of the marketing options open to solo business owners and how many we can handle before reaching a breaking point.

Our choices include:

Web sites

Blogging

Podcasting

Videos

Newsletters, print and online

Traditional mail

Article writing

How many of these options can you juggle on a consistent basis and deliver them to your audience in timely fashion? Are your choices producing the desired results, or is it time to close one door and try a different option?

I’ve never been one to give up on a marketing campaign but, like Macy’s, if the project doesn’t bring in dollars, it must go.

Another consideration is what appeals to your audience. Are they readers or listeners? Is text material delivered by traditional mail a better reminder than online contact?

These are questions I’ve asked myself, and I’m sure the same is true for you. The answers will ensure that the New Year is more fruitful and rewarding, and hopefully we won’t be closing doors without opening new ones that lead us to better marketing potential.

Try this site’s online marketing course, watch the videos, and read past articles to shed new light on your pending success.

Technorati Tags: small business marketing, solo business marketing, solo entrepreneur