Free Up Time for Running Your Business.

Most people who own a business do their own marketing. Thankfully marketing is one of few things in a business that you can do far in advance. By scheduling your holiday promotions ahead of time you will make yourself available to wear all of other hats that you do around your business.

Scheduling promotions can seem like a huge task, but some things are just worth extra thought. It really isn’t that daunting. Once it is done, then you’ll have time to put your ideas and energy on other areas that need your attention so that you maximize your efforts toward expansion.

Check Mate!

So how do you figure out what your budget should be? Here is an easy method to help you find a number that is going to work for you and your business. Some might say that it is a good rule of thumb, but I personally judge things on whether or not they work and get results. That’s all.

Moving on... Start with amount of income that your company generated last month and multiply it by .14 (or 14%). That means that if you had $50,000 in Gross Income last month you should budget to spend $7000 on marketing in next month. Wait... I know, it sounds painful but it is just like a shot at doctor. It might hurt for a minute (or in this case a month) but down road you are going to be glad that you went through it. Putting that much toward right marketing will bump up your income next month and start you on a cycle of steady growth.

I know that some businesses run tighter than others and it is possible that you won't be comfortable with that amount in beginning. Don't misunderstand me, any marketing is better than no marketing. Don't get discouraged if your budget is lower than 14%. But use 14% as ideal to strive for because, for me as well as many other growing businesses, it has proven to give best rate of growth possible. How do I know, you ask? My company has expanded 400% in past 2 years. Now picture your business at 4 times its current size... There's that smile I was looking for!

The growth of your business is based on three factors; quality products, great customer service and proper amount of marketing. If you know you have first two taken care and you still aren't experiencing healthy growth then you need to take a serious look at your marketing budget.

So sharpen your pencils, start calculating and decide how rapidly you want your business to grow.

Please take a moment this week to sit down and decide on your goals for New Year. Even if it is past New Year and even well into year, set your goals for rest of year.

Everything is easier when are working towards a goal. My goal is your success and I assume that is your goal as well.