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Do You Have A “Niche” Market? Who are your customers? A niche market is a small group of people who have a particular interest in what you are selling. It is important to develop a description of people you feel will purchase your product or will be receptive to
services you offer. Your marketing plan is developed based on identity of your niche market. Your niche market will be composed of people buying products and service that will benefit them. Look closely at your product or service and compose a list of potential customers. Remember, people seek to buy things that will help them or make them or their loved ones feel or look better. Your goal is to have your business viewed as offering something of benefit to others. Take time to evaluate your product or service then decide what type of people will benefit most by using it. They will be your niche market.
Can You Afford a Marketing Strategy? You’ve developed your business plan, secured start up financing, identified your “niche” market and are ready to sell. Implementing a marketing strategy is an area where we all have made mistakes. Often we assume only way to get an idea, product or service recognized is to invest large sums of money, lack of which means no success. Don’t forget to think out of box. With just a little exploration in basic marketing techniques, you can get into competitive arena on a limited budget. Instead of spending an enormous amount of money, you will reinvest energy resulting in better use of quality time.
You can invest in low cost e-commerce web sites to advertise and market your product or service. It is best to research and select web site programs that allow you to prepare, edit, add and delete content and pictures at your own pace. Take time to learn how to manage your own site and save money. Publish articles on web, so that you can attract customers to your site. Establish auto responders on your web pages so that people can interact and learn more about your products. Family input is key. Let them participate in this process. Encourage them to share ideas and include them in step by step planning and development process.
Will You Be Successful? Your level of success in working at home is measured based on amount of input and time you invest in your business. It will be enhanced by quality partnerships you develop with people as close as kitchen table. If you include your family in very beginning of planning process, they will be your foundation of support,encouragement, and strength. They will be key assets for promoting and marketing strategies. They will be your first line of defense and support during those challenging and “lean” times every business experiences. Starting and running a business is a family affair. If you can determine their comfort level of involvement, you will help increase your chances for success.
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Theresa V. Wilson, M.Ed. is a freelance writer and owner of a home based business dedicated to providing products and resources for grieving families and caregivers facing health recovery related issues. In addition to her grief support site: www.meetingtheneeds.org, she has a health and nutrition site www.renewingyourhealth and is active with her online Christian Business Network discussion group http://groups.aol.com/marketplacechris.
