Home
Based Business Idea
A
D V E R T I S I N G / M A R K E T I N G:
 With
the exodus of individuals from the traditional work environment there
has been a surge in the requirement for professional marketing services
that can be garnered on either a contract or retainer basis.
Marketing experts can work from home while servicing those clients and
markets that they choose, while enjoying the flexibility and creative
opportunities that they seek.
What
does a Home-Based Advertising/Marketing Representative Do?
A marketing professional should have industry experience and preferably
a degree in a related field. This is a competitive market and the
definition of a professional is clouded. The door is open for
anyone to hang out their sign and call themselves a
"marketing/advertising" professional. Differentiate
yourself with either a portfolio of professional assignments or the
education/work experience that shows you are a true
professional.
You
will not only design the marketing campaigns for your client you can
also develop, implement, manage and evaluate it's effectiveness.
This can include anything from simple logo design, brochure development
to an entire package of media, print, articles, and/or television
commercial.
Your
Unique Skills
You
should be a master of the trade of marketing. Have you attained
success in this area already? All the better. You need
insider knowledge into the requirements of the industry. You will
need to be creative and able to express it effectively. Anyone can
produce the same old copy but it is the individual that comes along with
a "fresh" twist that consumers/potential clients take notice
of.
One
of the unique things about this business idea is that if you are really
good you should be able to do for yourself what you would potentially do
for your clients. Let the success of your business be a measure of
your talent.
Tools
of the Trade
The
number one most important tool you'll need is to have your marketing
collateral be the very best. Spend the money up front to have a
well-defined image based on the potential clients you
seek. Your own campaign can run you anywhere from
$2,000 and up. This should include, logo design, brochures,
business cards, direct mail campaign etc.
You will need the latest computer workstation you can afford to be able
to produce letters and to communicate with your clients. Software
will include word processing, billing software - possibly graphics if
you offer design services. Costs $2,000 -
$3,500.
Getting
Your Foot in the Door
I
have three words to say. Word of mouth! People just love to
spread the word when they find something or someone great. If you
have one success on your own you can either spread the news yourself or
enjoy the success from clients raving about you. If this is your
passion you must push your foot in the door and once there just do your
thing and the door will stay open!
Creative
Marketing Techniques
Well
isn't this your area? What can I tell you about how to be
creative? OK, I'll try. One thing I know for sure is that if
you come up with something truly unique that is sure to give you
recognition. You may not grab lot's of clients but you'll grab
attention. What about giving out free poppers at weddings.
You know the things that blast and the confetti string comes out.
By the way have your name and business on the string. - make sure it's biodegradable.
Have you ever seen a hot air balloon? Aren't they beautiful!
Put your symbol on a local one and sponsor the pilot. Take some
time and brainstorm with a few friends you may laugh but this is a great
way to generate unique and creative ideas.
Show
Me the Money
Don't
be afraid to charge what you are worth. I have had interior
decorators come to my house (who by the way do not even have a degree in
decorating!) and say they are going to charge me $90/hour. If you
have created a knock-out campaign for a client and you can show solid
numbers for their improvement in both exposure and better yet bottom
line sales figures - then you are worth the money - so charge it!
A
marketing/advertising consultant can charge anywhere from $30 to
$100/hour. You can also have your salary connected to a number
based on the results of a campaign. Rates will very based on your
experience and where you are geographically located so do your own
survey to establish a competitive rate.
Remember,
you are providing a unique service for someone - no one else on earth
can do exactly what you will do for them. It is your style,
innovation and ideas that they are paying for. And if you have a
group of resources in your back pocket that will allow them to attain
other high quality services then all the better.
For
More Information:
Online
Resources
American
Advertising Federation http://aaf.org
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