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Section Two: Marketing

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A. Introduction: What is Marketing?
Everything you do, say, write, mail out or put online that deals with potential or current clients is marketing. Why? Because it’s all about image: your image, the company’s image and the image of your product or service.

Fortune 500 companies call it branding, which is the development of a company or product image. Through branding, all messages become consistent and targeted for the company’s market segments. You can see great examples of branding by watching TV commercials; for example, think about the Ford Motor Company. From their ads to their website, you know the brand. Another way to think of branding is product positioning.

Here are your local Chamber resources:

• Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce Members

Also visit:

• Entrepreneur - volumes of material on marketing

For a discussion on branding, review this site:

• Small Business Marketing

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Business Start-Up and Growth Guide Menu:

  Select a Guide Section GUIDE COVER INTRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION ONE: SERVICE/PRODUCT STRATEGY A. Introduction B. Developing Your Product/Service Description C. Developing Your Competive Comparison D. Developing Your Equipment Description E. Developing Your Technology Description F. Developing a "Fulfillment" Description G. Developing a Pricing Strategy H. Developing a Description of Future Products and/or Services I. Sample Business Plans ------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION TWO: MARKETING A. Introduction: What's Marketing? B. Starting Your Marketing Program...Before You Hit the Pavement C. Researching Your Marketing Strategy D. Identifying Your Marketing Strategy E. Develop Your Marketing Plan -- Market Segmentation F. Improving Your "ROI" on Your Marketing Dollars G. Understanding Marketing Tools H. Understanding Market Segmentation I. Marketing to Consumers J. Marketing Through the Prince william Region's Chamber K. Marketing to Local Governments L. Marketing to the Commonwealth of Virginia M. Marketing to the Federal Government N. Writing Proposals O. Creating Your Marketing Materials P. Benefiting from the Small Business Administration Q. Receiving Assistance from Retired Business Executives Additional Reference Websites ------------------------------------------------------------- III. SALES A. Introduction: Sales Plan B. Targeting Customers C. Earning Consumer Satisfaction and Loyalty D. Dividing Sales Responsibilities E. Setting Sales Goals and Measurements F. Forecasting Sales G. Sales and Customer Relationship Managment Software ------------------------------------------------------------- IV. BUSINESS, PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE A. Introduction B. Registering a Trade Name or General Partnership C. Registering a Corporation or Limited Partnership D. Complying with Zoning and Building Requirements E. Application Checklist F. Information for Contractors G. Special Trade Contractor H. Worker's Compensation I. Federal Taxes J. State Sales Taxes K. Food Establishments L. Alcoholic Beverage Importation and Sale M. Peddlers and Itinerent Vendors N. Pawn Shop Owners and Dealers of Special Metals and Gems O. Professional Registration License ------------------------------------------------------------- V. OPERATIONS A. Introduction B. Building Management Team and Staffing C. Choosing a Business Location D. Minimizing Utilities Costs E. Insuring Your Business F. Doing Business on the Internet ------------------------------------------------------------- VI. FINANCIAL A. Preparing a Financial Statement B. Business Structures C. Taxes ------------------------------------------------------------- VII. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES A. Introduction