Which ones are you doing?

As the new year begins, it’s natural for you to begin to reflect on the accomplishments and failures of the year past. As a small business owner this of course includes reflection on your business accomplishments and failures as well. With only a few weeks left in the year, it’s not likely that if you haven’t conquered your entire list of to-dos by now that you’ll be able to scramble around and get it done. If it were that easy you’d have done it already. But since life happens to us all, it suffices to say that you’re already looking ahead to a fresh start and a much better new year. Let me help you with that. Use these 7 tips to jump start your small business marketing just in time for the new year.

Create a 2011 marketing blueprint. But first, know the new playground rules of marketing before sitting down to write your plan. Traditional marketing, e.g. direct mail, telemarketing and advertising in the “old school” sense, are a thing of the past. Don’t waste precious dollars or precious time with the hope that your message will be heard through the noise. In order to grow your small business faster than the competition, your marketing plan needs to include marketing strategies in which your buyers choose to learn more about you i.e. inbound marketing strategies. In a very small nutshell, that means your brand, web, search content, social media and PR must all work together to be successful.

Find a mentor. This is a huge must-have. Having a more experienced person to talk to that can offer you advice that’s been tried, is how the most successful people have become the most successful. It’s always better to let someone else make the mistakes and then learn from them.

Launch a “Happy New Year” campaign. Doesn’t have to be big, just an awareness campaign.

Use a social media press release. You can use a service like Tweeparties and have a #hashtag devoted to your brand’s name, or feature product. Use this as an opportunity to share information about your brand and the face(s) behind it. Also use it as a chance to chat with like-minded people or people who may need your services or know someone who does. It’s a great list building tool also if you choose to use the RSVP feature.

Make time for professional development. There are tons of convenient and free webinars that are full of useful and relevant information. Make the time for this. Subscribe to a marketing podcast and listen to it while you’re working out or driving. Keeping up with the changes in your industry and knowing the best practices, are all part of providing the best customer service.

Evaluate your online marketing efforts. How is it working for you and how do you know?

Start taking better care of yourself. Aside from creating your 2011 marketing blueprint, develop a life plan that creates boundaries for your work-life and home life.

Give your business a makeover. The beginning of the year is a great time for a rebranding effort. This could be tied in with your Tweeparty.