You cannot grow a business today by simply repeating what you did successfully in past ...or even recently.

Clever competitors and new technology are producing changes that will reduce effectiveness of your current marketing efforts. These 3 strategies enable you to overcome this threat - and continue to grow your business.

1. Keep Testing New Advertising Methods

The first impact of change is often a shrinking return on your response from proven advertising methods ...followed by a decline in sales they produce. Don't wait for this to happen before taking action.

Continually test and evaluate effectiveness of everything you use or do to promote your business. Test new marketing methods - and old ones you never tried before. Replace less effective marketing methods with more effective ones you discover with your testing.

Tip: Invest 80 percent of your advertising budget and effort in proven promotions and 20 percent in testing new variations. Most businesses using this system continue growing - even in highly competitive markets.

2. Keep Opening New Markets

Never stop looking for new markets you can serve. Every new market you open increases your sales ...and helps insulate you from impact of change.

Changing market conditions or an aggressive competitor may cause your sales to drop in one market. But impact will not be devastating if you have a variety of other markets producing results for you.

Web Sites That Stand Out

by Carol A.

The Wide World Web has information that some of us aren't aware of. Months ago, I needed help with designing my web site. One that would stand out. Well, it took awhile to find. I checked other pages by writers to get some ideas.

Some web portals will help you design your own pages in minutes (which is great for beginners).

As a writer of mostly adult fiction work, I wanted something bold and colorful. Any good search engine will take you to right sources by using certain key words. But, use ones that relate to your particular field.