The document provides insights on utilizing marketing strategies to enhance business growth, with a focus on defining the total value proposition and understanding customer needs. It emphasizes the importance of clear messaging, market research, and building an online presence to attract and retain customers. Additionally, the document highlights the significance of networking and preparation in securing business meetings and presenting company offerings effectively.

1. Enterprising Donegal Business Week 2011 Getting noticed – using marketing to win business

2. Suzanne Hill – Handel Export 16 year’s experience international sales, marketing and business development Formerly worked for Randox & Brett Martin Experience in scaling companies globally Worked on the ground in 55 markets – Europe, N & S. America, S. Africa. 80% of time spent working directly in those markets Speak fluent French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, English Honorary Consul for Slovenia in Northern Ireland Regional Chair for Ireland Poland Business Association

3. Content summary Where do you start? What are you selling? What do you need to find out? Where can you find it? What do you do with the information when you do find it? Raising your company profile

4. Where do you start? Business development, sales & marketing

5. Push – Pull strategy PUSH PULL SALES MARKETING TOTAL VALUE PROPOSITION

6. What are you selling??

7. Total value proposition should articulate: From the customer’s perspective: What are you selling?? How will I benefit? Why should I buy from you?

8. Total Value Proposition Target audience Benefits (measureable) Differentiators / USPs

9. How does your Total Value Proposition deliver VALUE to your customer?

10. Reasons why customers buy To save money To save time To make money To make their life easier Reduce labour costs Reduce staff numbers Improve labour efficiency Meet legislation and comply with regulations To provide an enhanced product portfolio to customers To provide a better service to customers

11. Clear messaging is essential Features v benefits A feature is what it is A benefit is how it improves the user’s/customer’s experience What are your Unique Selling Points?

12. Communicating benefits Know what your customer will see as a benefit Learn what your customer is looking for Make sure you sell what the customer wants NOT what you have.. Know what the customer is currently doing to solve this problem Don’t communicate irrelevant benefits – tedious Understand VALUE of the benefits Ensure customers understand this value

13. Communicating benefits Show – demonstrate (e.g. At exhibitions), trial period, free sample, sale or return Explain clearly Compare life with and without Endorsements /references Guarantee period Case study showing return on investment

14. Communicating service benefits Case studies showing return on investment Client list – well-known, recognised Client testimonials Must present well and be able to sell your experience

15. Who are your competitors?

16. What next? Research your market before going anywhere! Information is power Who are your customers? E.g. Kitchen market Is there a demand for your product / service? How will the recession affect your prospects? Run a credit check on potential customers

17. Where do you start? What are the trends in the market? Where is your product in its life cycle? If you invest time & money developing the market will you get sufficient Return On Investment? And how quickly?

18. Where can you find it out? Google search Yell.com / Goldenpages.ie Europages.com Kompass.com LEAs / County Enterprise Boards Chamber of Commerce Directories

19. Where can you find it out? Published reports: Mintel.co.uk Plimsoll.co.uk – top 100 analysis Datamonitor.com IGD Retail analysis

20. Specific business opportunities http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/cpd - Northern Ireland public sector procurement http://www.etenders.gov.ie/ ROI public sector procurement www.ukti.gov.uk – register for email bulletins for business opportunities by sector / country

21. What does business development involve?

22. Sales prospecting Target correct customers according to segments What is the purpose of the phone call? Communicate TVP Gauge initial interest To set up meeting Be succinct Email follow up information Not time to communicate entire company history

23. Sales prospecting Need a hook to get customers interested – TVP Send follow up email outlining 3-4 points max. Ask for meeting, give specific date Would Tuesday or Thursday suit you? Be clear on objective for meeting How do you secure the meeting? Call, call, call, call, call.........

24. The meeting Golden opportunity to present company and create a good first impression VITAL to be well prepared Many variables can influence how meeting goes, preparation can help mitigate against this Time available, other work pressures, culture, business etiquette, company philosophy, personality of person you meet with....

25. Importance of networking LEA / CEB events Local Council events Chamber of Commerce events Irish Exporters Sales Institute of Ireland Women in Business Institute of Directors CBI Industry associations e.g. Construction Employers Federation Trade organisations e.g. Ireland Poland Business Association

26. Online presence Essential to have a good website It will create the first impression of your company with new potential customers Website is your “shop window” to the world Available 24/7 – important sales asset Make sure text clearly articulates your Total Value Proposition

27. Online presence Register company details on online directories www.kompass.com www.europages.com www.touchlocal.com www.hotfrog.co.uk Trade association directories for your industry Etc.

28. Online presence Facebook – www.facebook.com Twitter – www.twitter.com LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com

29. Thank you for your attention!

30. Suzanne Hill Handel Export Consulting www.handelexport.com Follow me on Twitter @handelexport