Four States Small Business Blog

As a lawyer, you have many talents. You understand the law and its many nuances. You know the art of persuasion. Balancing clients and case work — you’ve got that down pat. Lawyers are known and respected for possessing skills and confidence in many areas — but there’s a good chance that marketing is one area in which you may lack experience.

Today’s recruitment landscape is completely different than it was just a decade ago. Rather than searching the local paper when they’re ready to make a move, job seekers have access to tools and technology that put them in the driver’s seat. They can take their time and research potential employers online, consult social media and review sites like Glassdoor, setup job alerts on LinkedIn, and apply with the click of a button when something good comes up.

This is a continuation of a previous post where we touched on uncovering your farm and tractor brand’s “difference maker,” where and why you should claim local listings, and how radio advertising can drive sales.

Do you feel “time poor” — like you’re never able to find enough hours in the day to get it all done? This is a challenge no matter what industry you’re in or the size of your business, but small businesses have it especially tough. They’re often stretched thin and employees tend to take on multiple tasks outside of their core job functions, sometimes out of necessity. Unfortunately, that can mean business owners who try to handle their own marketing in-house can devote little to no attention or resources to their marketing strategy.

Marketing for a medical practice already has unique challenges compared to other industries, but elective procedure marketing comes with other hurdles all its own. For one thing, these procedures are typically expensive and payment is usually out of pocket. For another, there’s often social stigma to overcome when patients are considering their options.

As a home improvement business owner, you have a lot on your plate. With the busy season right around the corner, you’re gearing up to manage multiple projects and team members, while also keeping up with the latest homeowner trends, from smart technologies to design innovations. Add the ever-changing marketing landscape to the mix, and you’re facing a real possibility of burnout.

Auto repair shops face a lot of complex marketing issues. For starters, competition is fierce, customer loyalty is critical, and winning trust takes time. On top of that, horror stories about unscrupulous mechanics have contributed to an environment of distrust — and social media has made sharing those horror stories even easier.

Dental practices have a long list of priorities, including serving current patients, navigating ever-changing insurance policies, adhering to ethical and regulatory codes, and staying on top of the latest trends and tools. Unfortunately, marketing usually isn’t very high on that list. However, it’s crucial to have a strategy in place, especially if you’re looking to expand your practice.

The number of retail options available to agricultural customers is much greater now than just a few years ago. Between the growth of local retailers and the advent of Amazon, customers now have many different places to turn for some or all of the equipment and supplies they need. Now more than ever, your tractor supply company needs to stand out. And the way to do that is with strategic, well executed marketing.

Everyone understands the power of word of mouth. Your friend recommends a great brand, a family member tells you about a horrible experience with a company, or a coworker shares an awesome — or awful — customer service call. A recommendation from a friend can make a lasting impression greater than any advertisement.