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About Laurie Boyce
Expertise
I serve as a marketing consultant and focus much of my time on helping clients to discover their true brand identity, and to build a cohesive marketing strategy. I cover all aspects of marketing communications including copywriting, marketing planning, media planning, graphic design, logo design, and web design.
Experience
With more than 12 years of experience in graphic design, marketing, and publishing, I am uniquely positioned to serve as a strategic partner to individual business owners, and organizations. I worked for several years with an international publisher marketing hundreds of products, coordinating numerous events, and serving as a resource for more than 100 sales reps. I apply a big business mentality to small businesses and guide them through to the most important steps to take in establishing a brand. I don't believe in a cookie-cutter approach. Each client deserves a customized marketing plan, and a solution that meets their business need, and their marketing budget.
Organizations
American Marketing Association
Education/Credentials
AAS in Graphic Design, BS in Business Administration
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You are here: Experts > Business > Small Business Information > Marketing > Systems Management Service (SMS) Consulting/Agency
Expert: Laurie Boyce
Date: 7/10/2008
Subject: Systems Management Service (SMS) Consulting/Agency
Question
Hi my husband and I own a SMS Consulting/Agency. We're still new to this business thing and are having difficulty marketing ourselves to big corporations which is where we feel a lot our business will come from. My husband who works full time in the day as a SMS Administrator would love to eventually get SMS projects of his own to do with companies. He would also love to eventualy place skilled workers of his own into jobs that companies are looking for. Where do we start when it comes to getting consulting gigs of our own as well as contracts with companies in need of skilled workers? We've tried cold calling but it is soooo difficult ....any other ideas?Help please thanks.
Answer
Hello Bernidette,
I am not too familiar with the SMS Consulting industry, but as I advise all of my clients, I would suggest to you that you position your company as an expert in your field. Until you are seen as valuable resource, contracts could be difficult to get.
There are several ways to accomplish this, but I would start with a robust website so that interested prospects can find you. Load your site with articles, helpful tips, a q&a forum etc to get people coming back to your site for more information.
Look into writing a white paper on a hot topic. If you and your husband are not writers, gather the information and hire someone to pull it together. A useful white paper can attract a lot of attention, as well as contacts that you can market to. White papers can be downloaded from your website, or sent as a link through an email promotion.
I strongly suggest an email newsletter. If you have a list of people you can reach, you can easily start a bi-monthly newsletter to communicate with your customers, and prospects. For under $20/month you can develop a professional looking email newsletter. Use this vehicle to send news about your company or the industry, share your knowledge, and promote your website.
Also look for opportunities to put on seminars that will attract the type of customer you are looking for. There are many opportunities to put on free seminars through local chambers of commerce, and other organizations.
I am not sure what you have budgeted for marketing, but you should probably investigate some avenues for advertising as well. Research local business journals, or online forums that target your audience.
It sounds like your husband has the experience and knowledge to be the forefront our your operation, so be sure to have a professional bio, photo, etc on your website.
I hope this information is somewhat useful and gives you some ideas to throw around. If I can answer anymore specific questions, please let me know.
Best of luck!
Laurie
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