Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Help Marketing Sbdc

Posted by Anonymous on 7/25/2005 at 1:46 PM ET 250 Points
I am in charge of creating an outreach program for the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) here in South Texas.

I am looking for efficient ways to reach small business owners and let them know about the free services we provide.

The center does not currently have a formal marketing program or budget. I am having difficulty narrowing my target market, because we help existing businesses in addition to start-ups...which is the general public.

Any help you could provide in narrowing my target market and reaching them would be appreciated.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by michael on 7/25/2005 at 1:58 PM Accepted
    It's always good to have $0 for a budget! It certainly shows a level of support.

    You could work with a local marketing firm to develop a program in exchange for them being considered the "sponsor" or "official" marketing company for SBDC companies.

    Choose wisely. Might even have to do a competition.

    Michael

  • Posted by ROIHUNTER on 7/25/2005 at 3:22 PM Accepted
    debbiem,

    I agree with the above posts, but also want to add, that 0$ budgets often produce some of the best ideas and the easiets results to measure.

    My thoughts on what you can do:

    1. Write Editorial and Business Articles in your local papers

    2. Chamber of Commerce - get on their agenda

    3. Talk up your success - really push this to the limit and get a buzz going.

    4. Local Government Office - get on their meeting agendas

    Hope that helps ....
  • Posted on 7/25/2005 at 5:02 PM Accepted
    I agree with the above posts . In addition to that contact local community colleges and see if they will let you organize a event by giving you free space that you can in turn sell to businesses in your area and split the profit with the college and in the meantime also promote yourself .
  • Posted by Jeff K. on 7/25/2005 at 5:38 PM Accepted
    Most Chamber of Commerce's have a Leads and Needs type of meeting. Our local one as two per month, where over 100 local companies go to each meeting. This would be a great place to start. You can probably be included in the Chamber's newletter or web site as well.

    Also, talk to the Chamber's marketing staff, as they usually have a hand-out folder for new business members. The may be willing to include a "slip sheet" with your infomation as a source of help for the new business.
  • Posted on 7/25/2005 at 9:19 PM Accepted
    Why not select a very narrow and specific target -- perhaps just a dozen businesses -- and call on each one to learn what they need/want most in the way of business advice/consulting.

    If they say anything that sounds like it's up your alley, you can make a short sales pitch. If not, thank them, leave them with a short write-up on what you do, and ask them to recommend any friends or acquaintences who might benefit from your services.

    After you've called on the first dozen, you can go to the next dozen. After a few months of this, you'll probably have a good feel for the exact nature of the challenge in your market.
  • Posted on 7/26/2005 at 2:46 PM Author
    So many great ideas!
    We do have an SBA office here, but I don't believe they offer the services that our SBDC offers. I believe the local SBA generally refers people seeking in depth assistance to the local SCORE chapter or us.

    Our host is a community college and I will be working closely with one of the chambers in the area. I think some of the ideas will work perfectly.

    Thanks so much for all the input so far.
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