In some industries, Internet has lowered cost of entry so that entrepreneurs - many times from a home office - have entered competition. The changes in competitive environment are numerous. What have also changed are marketing strategies and marketing programs we have available to implement those strategies.

These have changed, but basic marketing has not. Superior marketing is and always has been analysis, then action. It is strategy development, then logical and thought-out tactical implementation. It is way to customer satisfaction and increasing profit. It is process of:

1) Analyzing your customers and business environment in order to

2) identify key opportunities to better and more profitably meet customer needs,

3) figuring out how to act on those opportunities, and then

4) implementing your plan.

The process doesn't have to be cumbersome. Five-year plans and novel-length documents are not required. The logic of action is what's important.

By applying basic marketing process both online and offline, your chances of success skyrocket.

Bobette Kyle draws upon 10+ years of Marketing/Executive experience, Marketing MBA, and online marketing research in her writing.

Topic specific software announce forums are also available, such as - http://www.messaging-software.com/forum - only messaging related announcements are welcome

4. Search Usenet To determine if there are recent inquiries regarding related software or your products and to post appropriate responses search Google's Forum directory (by date): http://groups.google.com/

5. Present to Local User Groups User groups are filled with technically savvy individuals who have an interest in technology and software. Consider attending and presenting software at a local user group meeting or a SIG (special interest group). The targeted audience will often share information, about software that impresses them, with friends or other user groups. To find local user groups search database located on Association of Professional User Group (APCUG) website at http://www.apcug.org or post an inquiry to user group forum on http://www.small-business-software.net/forum/

6. Partner with Other Developers Consider a developer newsletter exchange. Complimentary products often do well when presented properly. Provide a discount or affiliate exchange to sweeten offer of a mention.

The extra effort expended to make potential customers aware of products can go a long way to ensure success of a well designed application.