Are you a Guerrilla!?

by Stuart Ayling of Marketing Nous

On numerous occasions I've heard clients describe their marketing by saying, "I do guerrilla marketing". What they often mean is - I'm not big so I don't need to plan, I'll just think of things as I need to.

In fact, the term 'Guerrilla Marketing' is the title of a book published in 1984 by Jay Conrad Levinson...and his concept was anything BUT reactive.

The book explained Jay's three secrets for great marketing results:

1) Be committed to your marketing program.

2) Think of the program as an investment.

3) Make sure your program is consistent.

"But where do I start?" I hear you ask.

To succeed, make sure you are on track with the right plan of attack. It doesn't matter how small (or large) your marketing budget is - you want to make the most of it.

Then be consistent and enthusiastic with implementing your chosen marketing activities. Customers will notice and you will benefit.

Remember, Guerrilla Marketing is more about investing your time and effort than investing your hard-earned money. So be prepared to do some legwork and watch the benefits unfold!

For more guerrilla tips see Jay Conrad Levinson's web site at http://www.gmarketing.com/.

Watch Your Customers Grow - Part 1

by Stuart Ayling of Marketing Nous

Nurturing your customers and helping them to develop into better people (who use more of what you sell) is often like raising children - but without the teenage worries! Customers need help to know how best to use your products and services. Look out for their needs and you will be rewarded in multiples.

I can hear some of you thinking "Me! Nurture customers! How can I do that?" The good news is that it's not too hard. Just give yourself some time to get into a few good habits and…before you know it...you'll find yourself wanting the best for your customers every day.

Nurturing activities come in many shapes and sizes. Try some of these for fit:

Make it super easy for your customers to select which item they need from your range.

• Give information and tips to put them on the right track.


• Give your customers a guarantee of quality. If you don't think you can do this have a serious think about how good your products are. Did you know that even for those companies offering a 100% money back guarantee, a very small percentage of customers ever use it. It's the perception that counts!


• Have a returns policy for your goods that is easy to follow and accessible to your customers.


• Make sure your staff have the 'right' attitude. Keep them up to date with regular training that is good for them and for you.


• Communicate with your customers regularly on topics that are timely and of value to them. Don't just call them when you want something done - like a sale or special offer to fill your slow periods. Email is often the tool of choice these days as it is convenient, ubiquitous, cost-effective and potentially interactive.


• Surprise them. Give them a bonus when appropriate. Give them something special to tell their friends and neighbours about. It might be a bonus product, special offer, upgraded delivery or service, fast-response time etc


• Make customers feel at ease in your store, office or service area. Are they comfortable? Is it intimidating? Consider the effect of furnishings, décor/fittings, layout or location. Find out what works best.

Continued in Part 2

More Help for Business Thanks to Online Tools

The Tax Office has released three new web-based tools to help employers understand and meet their tax and super obligations.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said that a priority for the Tax Office was to help business people meet their obligations easily and cheaply.

“Different tax and super obligations apply to workers depending on whether they are an employee or an independent contractor.

“The free interactive tools we have developed for business provide an easy way for employers to determine and calculate their obligations,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
The tools are:

• an employee/contractor decision tool, to help people work out whether their new or existing workers are contractors or employees for tax and super purposes
  
• a superannuation guarantee eligibility decision tool, to help employers work out if they have an obligation to make super contributions for their workers, and
  
• a superannuation guarantee contributions calculator that calculates how much super employers should be contributing for their eligible workers.
  

Each tool takes less than 15 minutes and guides people through a series of questions. Employers will receive an online report at the end of each session.

People who are not sure whether their workers are employees or contractors should use the employee/contractor decision tool first, before using the super tools.

The tools are available on the Tax Office website at no cost, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To use web-based decision tools and calculators, visit http://www.ato.gov.au/ and select: For Business – Employer essentials – Tax rates, calculators and tools – Other calculators and tools.

Budget Highlights: Cutting Red Tape for Small Business

From 1 July 2007:

The annual turnover thresholds for registration for the GST is increasing from $50,000 to $75,000 for businesses.

This is great news for many small business who are heavily burdened with compliance obligations and mounting late fines.

From 1 July, qualifying businesses may elect to de-register for GST and save themselves the headache. Every situation is different so it is important to speak with your accountant before making this decision.

Any clients considering this should give Alan a call first to discuss it. He will be able to advise you if deregistering is the best option for you personally at this time.

Feel free to give our office a call on (02) 4390 4156 or email alan@lewistaxation.com.au.