If one does not do any planning, one is planning to fail.Written by The International Business Foundation
MARKETING STRATEGIES An enterprise may adopt different marketing strategies dependent on size and position of business in its industry. The marketing strategy adopted may prove crucial to generate sales. These marketing strategies are often result of competitive forces. The different techniques to tackle marketing opponents, or defending one's turf against competitors, are dealt with. •Market challengers In order to expand market share it will often be necessary to compete against other businesses delivering similar products and services. Such enterprises may choose to undertake one of following; -Challenge market leader by capitalising on unserved or poorly served markets; -challenge enterprises of a similar size who are performing poorly and who are underfinanced; and -challenge smaller enterprises who are poor performers and underfinanced. Before competitors are challenged, some groundwork is required on; -Who competition is; -the financial standing of competition; -the market share of competitors; -the goals and assumptions; -strengths and weaknesses; -probable reactions from competitors. Once that is taken care of and enough information assimilated, an attack strategy is to be chosen. You will notice that these strategies carry a military flavour, as they have been adopted by marketing strategists.The frontal attack is first option an enterprise may exercise. In doing this, opponent's strengths are attacked rather than weaknesses. In end, business with most strength and endurance will win. To be successful, some form of strength advantage over competition is required. This may be price or value. A second option may be flank attack. In military parlance this involves feinting an attack on strong defences to tie up defender whilst launching an attack from side or rear. Two flanking options are geographical and segmentation. Geographic means doing business in areas where competition performs poorly. Segmentation is uncovering market needs not served by competition. A bypass attack will be directed at easier markets to broaden resource base. The business may opt to diversify into unrelated products or go for new technology. Instead of imitation, challenger will develop new technology. When superiority is achieved, ensueing battle will be on its own territory. Should your resources be limited, guerilla strategy may be indicated. To do this small, intermittent probes are launched with intention of harassing and demoralising opposition. The tactics employed may consist of price cuts, hiring opposition's best staff, intense bursts of advertising and legal action.
| | Virtual Assistants... Even Santa Needs One! Written by Janet Barclay
Permission is granted to use this article, as long as "About Author" section including link to http://www.organizedassistant.com remains intact. An email letting me know which article you have used and where would be appreciated.Virtual Assistants... Even Santa Needs One! By Janet Barclay, Organized Assistant Trying to fit all planning and preparing and celebrating of holiday season into an already busy schedule can bring a lot of stress to a time of year that's supposed to be full of peace. These days, even Santa needs help making his list and checking it twice! Fortunately, help is available. Virtual Assistants, or VA's, offer a wide range of services designed to save you time and lighten your workload, which is more important than ever at this busy time of year. Here are a few ways a VA can help make your Christmas merry: 1. Research gifts online 2. Plan work for new year 3. Online Christmas shopping 4. Send e-greetings to your contacts 5. Make holiday travel arrangements 6. Plan your Christmas event or party 7. Add special holiday content to your website 8. Send out announcements of your holiday promotions 9. Send out "handwritten" Christmas or New Year cards 10. Handle some of your office staff's regular work so you can give them some time off
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