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The target market should be a primary consideration when creating a marketing strategy, this you should make note of in your marketing plan. You will find in the next paragraphs some common marketing procedures and thoughts which will give you some ideas on how to proceed best with your plan.
Print Publications and Internet Sites
One advantage of having an advertisement in industry magazines or websites is that there is a greater chance that your business will be noticed by professional event planners and other vendors who in turn, if not hire your services themselves, may refer you to people who might. Garnering the attention of event planners does not necessarily mean that you’ll be getting that call to hire your services, but it does increase your chances of being included in the short list of bidders. When posting advertisements, you should take into consideration that event publications and websites’ target market are people in the city, and if your main customers are not in that location then the advertisements won’t make much impact on your business.

Media

Being present in prestigious affairs could also be an edge you can exploit, these affairs could be mentioned in the media and it’s one way for you to advertise your business. Giving big discounts to non-profit companies is one way to lure organizations into hiring your company to cater for their more prestigious affairs. You could now promote your business to the press as the company who had provided the excellent catering services. Having the right to give out notices to the media would help a lot in making sure that you generate media advertisement, that’s one reason that we advice that you include that clause in your regular contract with the clients; your client would also gain from this arrangement as it will put their event on the limelight. For private affairs though, this clause may be counterproductive for your client so you might be asked to delete that part of the contract.

Create a Systematic Referral System

Referrals from satisfied clients are one way to promote your business, but if you create a formal referral system then it would have a bigger impact on your business. Giving concrete incentives to your clients would further encourage them to refer your business to their friends; it would also help if your sales personnel would make it a practice to collect referrals from your customers. Make it a point to thank any client who had successfully brought in a referral, their confidence in your capabilities speak much about your business. It is not enough to just call or send an email, send them a handwritten note or a gift so that they’ll know how sincere you are.

About the author: Susan Sullivan is a researcher and author for the food calorie chart and food to avoid websites.