<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://0.tqn.com/h/marketing/1/9/3/4/socialcoupon_smallbiz.jpg" alt="Social Coupons - Good for Small Businesses?" />As consumers we love great deals, but do the social coupon offers &#160;make sense for small businesses?</p><p>For most businesses they are tempted to buy into social coupon sites like Groupon and Living Social. I've seen so many small businesses walk away after they have bought into the "social coupon craze" realizing they may have not only lost money, but diluted their brand.</p><p>The promise behind introducing new customers to your businesses and gaining regulars that are willing to pay full price is a wonderful fantasy for business struggling to make it in today's market. The unfortunate thing is that's not the outcome majority of businesses see.</p><p>Social media coupons site attract bargain shoppers that are looking for the greatest deal and they do not build loyalty. If you were to ask 10 businesses that participated in social coupons if it was worth it, 7 of them would tell you no.</p><p>Social media coupons often don't make financial business sense and I'll show you why in <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/Social-Coupons-Good-For-The-Small-Business.htm">Social Coupons - Good for the Small Business?</a></p><p><strong>Your Turn:</strong> What's your experience with social coupon offers? &#160;Share your story.</p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/29/social-coupons-good-for-the-small-business.htm">Social Coupons - Good for the Small Business?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 23:56:42.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/29/social-coupons-good-for-the-small-business.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/29/social-coupons-good-for-the-small-business.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/29/social-coupons-good-for-the-small-business.htm&#038;zItl=Social Coupons - Good for the Small Business?">Email this</a></p>

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<p>Many businesses are trying to figure out how to use <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/strategytutorials/a/socialmediamktg.htm">social media</a> to grow their business and increase their revenue. The industries of restaurants and entertainment is no different.</p><p>I'm always surprised at how many of these businesses are not using social media marketing, but for most, it boils down to the lack of knowledge on how to use this new medium to create commerce in their businesses. Commerce won't come overnight; that I can guarantee you, but by getting involved and adopting social media as a way to engage and interact with your customers and patrons you will find that commerce will come sooner than later.</p><p>Social media works best in this industry because, as a society we attend restaurants and entertainment districts to be social and interact. Those who enjoy these venues also find enjoyment in social media. They will often look for you in these social venues and if they don't find you it can come as a disappointment; after all they'd love it if they had an easy way of finding out what was going on, want new menu times you are introducing or what events are coming up.</p><p>I understand your hesitation which is why I want to share with you <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/smdiningandentertainment.htm">ten way to use social media to market your restaurant or entertainment district</a>.</p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/25/ten-ways-restaurant-and-entertainment-industries-can-use-social-media-to-market.htm">Ten Ways Restaurant and Entertainment Industries Can Use Social Media to Market</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at 05:00:44.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/25/ten-ways-restaurant-and-entertainment-industries-can-use-social-media-to-market.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/25/ten-ways-restaurant-and-entertainment-industries-can-use-social-media-to-market.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/25/ten-ways-restaurant-and-entertainment-industries-can-use-social-media-to-market.htm&#038;zItl=Ten Ways Restaurant and Entertainment Industries Can Use Social Media to Market">Email this</a></p>

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<p>Are you using content to market your business?</p><p>Content is king. I know, you've heard it and if you haven't I'm afraid you've had your head in the sand and it's time to dig it out. It's true content is very important when it comes to marketing and I'm going to show you why.</p><p>I know that the majority of people hate to write and I have to be honest when we mention to clients that content is important they often look at us with a look that could kill. I understand, honest. We are all wearing different hats, we are all busy beyond belief and now I just added one more thing to you plate. I love to write, I know that's not everyone's passion - believe me I get it. However, with that being said I think when you understand the value in content you'll want to start writing immediately or at least outsource it so you can begin using content to market your business.</p><p>Content has the ability to leave a longer impression than any other type of marketing method. Do you know why?</p><p>If the content is relevant and valuable to the reader and it keeps their attention, it's non-interrupted marketing. It means you have their attention, and they are listening.</p><p>Consider the last article you read that held you captive, more than likely if the content was doing its job you wanted to learn more about the writer. What company did they work for? What was their experience? Where could you find more information?</p><p>Can you think of an article that made you feel that way and think that way? If so, you were just sucked into content marketing.</p><p>Like all areas of marketing there is a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/strategytutorials/a/Create-A-Content-Strategy.htm">strategy to effective content marketing</a> and if you don't do it right you could fail miserable leaving consumers with a bad taste for you company in their mouth. Take a few moments and learn the&#160;<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/strategytutorials/a/contentmarketing.htm">why and how of content marketing</a>, you'll be glad you did.</p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/21/content-marketing-understand-the-why-and-how.htm">Content Marketing - Understand the Why and How</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 at 05:00:22.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/21/content-marketing-understand-the-why-and-how.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/21/content-marketing-understand-the-why-and-how.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/21/content-marketing-understand-the-why-and-how.htm&#038;zItl=Content Marketing - Understand the Why and How">Email this</a></p>

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<p>Are you frustrated with the results that you are seeing from <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/strategytutorials/a/socialmediamktg.htm">social media marketing</a>? Did you ever stop to consider that maybe you are doing it wrong?</p><p>Over the last few years I've seen companies sign up for a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/internetmarketing/a/facebookmktg.htm">Facebook </a>account, a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/viralmarketing/a/twitter.htm">Twitter</a> account, put their profile on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/linkedinfollowfeature.htm">LinkedIn</a> and sign up for <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/18/why-businesses-should-pay-attention-to-google-plus.htm">Google+</a> and they can't figure out why the sales are not pouring in.</p><p>Social media takes work, it takes a strategy and it takes the distribution of value. Look at your last few posts, are you sharing value? Do your customers and potential prospects find your social media information valuable? Can they just not live without it? I know those are the tough questions, but they are the questions I have to ask.</p><p>This past weekend, I had the opportunity to speak to some very smart business owners and before sharing my presentation with them, which is the information I'm about to share with you - I made them repeat the following after me:</p><p>"Social media works, but it won't happen overnight."</p><p>They all looked at me, but after my presentations, they got it. Social media takes a commitment, an investment and consistency - if you aren't willing put that into your social media strategy you will find yourself frustrated.</p><p>There is value in social media, isn't it about time you started seeing it? Learn how to build a successful social media strategy that will bring value to your business. &#160; <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/5-Steps-That-Will-Give-You-A-Winning-Social-Media-Strategy.htm">Social Media Marketing - 5 Steps That Will Give You a Winning Social Media Strategy</a></p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/15/5-steps-that-will-give-you-a-winning-social-media-strategy.htm">5 Steps To a Winning Social Media Strategy</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at 23:12:15.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/15/5-steps-that-will-give-you-a-winning-social-media-strategy.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/15/5-steps-that-will-give-you-a-winning-social-media-strategy.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/15/5-steps-that-will-give-you-a-winning-social-media-strategy.htm&#038;zItl=5 Steps To a Winning Social Media Strategy">Email this</a></p>

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<p>Are you ready for Google to bring <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/search-plus-your-world.html">Your World</a> to your search results?</p><p>I hope so, because that's what they announced today. <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z9TTBxarbs&#038;feature=player_embedded#!">Your World</a> marks the third major move <span>toward</span> social search. <span>Google's</span> goal is to transform the search engine into a tool that not only understand content, understands people and relationships.</p><p>The last two major moves made by Google included:</p><ul> <li>Search results catered to individuals based on their search and browsing history. </li> <li>Search results include integration of profiles of those with similar interests. </li></ul><p>Your World will include <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/18/why-businesses-should-pay-attention-to-google-plus.htm">Google+</a> pages that are related to search terms you use in your queries. Google believes that this will put those pages in your reach easily. While Google continually reviews and asses social metrics and enhanced search, this move will make search engine results even more unique to users.</p><p>The introduction of Your World has caused major controversy, even with <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://searchengineland.com/googles-results-get-more-personal-with-search-plus-your-world-107285">search engine marketing experts</a> like Danny Sullivan.</p><p>"Until now we have not had the mixture of our personal information with our Web search results, and that makes even me a bit nervous," said Danny Sullivan, editor of Search Engine Land.</p><p>Your World could also have major drawbacks for <a href="http://marketing.about.com/od/Marketing-Using-Facebook/Marketing-Using-Facebook.htm"><span>Facebook</span></a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/viralmarketing/a/twitter.htm">Twitter</a>, who feel that <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/Google-Vs-Facebook-Whats-The-Difference.htm">Google+</a> will be favored and displayed in <span>Google's</span> search results. Want to avoid participating in Your World? You'll have to opt out.</p><p>This is just beginning, as a marketer my question is how will this affect businesses and their <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/searchenginemarketing/Search_Engine_Marketing_and_Optimization.htm">search marketing</a> efforts? More to come.</p><p>What are your thoughts? Let's put the privacy issue aside for a moment, is Google making it harder for you to get in front of consumers that are not aware of you?</p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new"><span>Facebook</span></a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new"><span>LinkedIn</span></a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/10/what-impact-will-googles-your-world-have-on-search-marketing.htm">What Impact Will Google's "Your World" Have on Search Marketing?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 at 22:21:45.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/10/what-impact-will-googles-your-world-have-on-search-marketing.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/10/what-impact-will-googles-your-world-have-on-search-marketing.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/10/what-impact-will-googles-your-world-have-on-search-marketing.htm&#038;zItl=What Impact Will Google's "Your World" Have on Search Marketing?">Email this</a></p>

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<p>There are many things that go into a marketing campaign and it's important to make sure you have done your due diligence to ensure the campaign's success.</p><p>That due diligence includes identifying your target, conducting market research, and determining the best way to reach your target. In today's world <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/positioning/a/promocampaign.htm">planning a productive and successful promotional campaign</a> is crucial, especially with the cut in marketing dollars that many of us are experiencing.</p><p>Success comes from the following components:</p><ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/knowtarget.htm">Identifying Your Target</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/statisticsandresearch/a/importanceofmarketresearch.htm">Market Research</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/solutionpost.htm">Marketing Message Development</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/pricingstrtgy.htm">Pricing Strategy</a></li></ul><p>If you have all of these things in order you've increased the odds of your campaign's success. You can follow this <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/marketingworksheets/a/Marketing-Campaign-Checklist.htm">marketing campaign checklist</a> to ensure you haven't missed anything.</p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p><br class="spacer_" /></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/08/marketing-campaign-checklist.htm">Marketing Campaign Checklist</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Sunday, January 8th, 2012 at 05:00:39.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/08/marketing-campaign-checklist.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/08/marketing-campaign-checklist.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/08/marketing-campaign-checklist.htm&#038;zItl=Marketing Campaign Checklist">Email this</a></p>

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<p>I think the biggest mistake small businesses make in marketing is making everything so difficult for consumers to understand that they don't get it.</p><p>Small businesses often make the mistake of trying to compete with the "big dog" companies that have larger marketing budgets. I daily watch small businesses try to market like big companies, when in fact they've missed the core components that will get a person to buy their products or services. My first piece of advice is stop trying to compete with the "big dogs" - find your own niche and your own market and become one of the big dogs.</p><p>Are you making mistakes that are costing you customers?</p><p>To succeed in marketing your marketing must be strong enough to move a customer from the point of just attracting their attention to inspiring them to actually take action - which is making a purchase from you. There are four steps to doing this. There are four <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/strategytutorials/a/smallbusinessmarketing.htm">small business marketing steps</a> that you can use to evaluate and put your marketing into check, today I want to share them with you.</p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/01/four-small-business-marketing-steps-you-need-to-put-into-check.htm">4 Small Business Marketing Steps You Need to Put Into Check</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Sunday, January 1st, 2012 at 05:00:57.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/01/four-small-business-marketing-steps-you-need-to-put-into-check.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/01/four-small-business-marketing-steps-you-need-to-put-into-check.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2012/01/01/four-small-business-marketing-steps-you-need-to-put-into-check.htm&#038;zItl=4 Small Business Marketing Steps You Need to Put Into Check">Email this</a></p>

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<p>I'm not psychic nor do I have a crystal ball, but I've made some marketing predictions I think you will not only find interesting, but you'll want to be aware of. I've been in marketing for the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/marketingmethods/a/marketingtrends2010.htm">past decade</a> and boy, have we seen some changes. We've gone from having our toe dipped into the interactive world while holding onto our traditional means of marketing with a death grip. I'm happy to say that is starting to change at a rapid pace.</p><p>We are getting braver when it comes to marketing. I don't know if that's because we realize that the traditional means of marketing are not as effective or that we have just started to find more of our customers online and via mobile marketing. Truth is, the reason doesn't matter - it's happening.</p><p>I've made my predictions of the marketing methods that are phasing out as well as the marketing methods that I believe will continue to grow and soar in the next year. You are welcome to hold my feet to the fire on this one; I'm that confident in my projections.</p><p>How will your business do in the upcoming year? I think that all depends on how you market and the relationships that you create and cultivate. It's time to pull those marketing dollars back that aren't working for you and begin to invest them in ways that will give you more of a return. If you are ready, what are you waiting for? I give you my <a href="http://marketing.about.com/od/marketingmethods/a/Marketing-Methods-And-Trends-Whats-New-For-2011.htm" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Marketing Predictions for 2012 </span></a>- out with the old and in with the new.</p><p><strong>Your Turn: </strong> What are your marketing predictions for the upcoming&#160; year? What do you see staying and what do you see going away?</p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/25/marketing-predictions-for-the-upcoming-year-2011.htm">Marketing Predictions for the Upcoming Year 2012</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Sunday, December 25th, 2011 at 05:00:05.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/25/marketing-predictions-for-the-upcoming-year-2011.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/25/marketing-predictions-for-the-upcoming-year-2011.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/25/marketing-predictions-for-the-upcoming-year-2011.htm&#038;zItl=Marketing Predictions for the Upcoming Year 2012">Email this</a></p>

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<p>Google+ - What's the Big Deal?</p><p>Use it. <br /> Don't use it. <br /> Dump Facebook for it.<br /> No one is going to use it.</p><p>Are these some of the comments you've heard? You are not alone.</p><p>There is a lot of confusion surrounding <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/Learn-More-About-Googles-Social-Media-Network-Google.htm"> Google Plus</a>, so I'm here to help you understand the value from a business perspective. It is certainly up to you on whether or not you decide to use Google Plus, but there are some things we cannot ignore and that is it has raised the bar when it comes to social media networking game and as businesses we need to pay attention.</p><p>In November of 2011 Google introduced Google Plus Pages for businesses. This changed the game and businesses started to scramble. Questions started to enter the minds of those in charge of marketing.</p><p>Is it important?<br /> Will it make a marketing impact?<br /> Do we give up Facebook for Google+?</p><p>Sound familiar? I'm working on an online courses that will guide you step-by-step into Google+, but in the meantime, the latest two articles will at least guide you in making a decision on whether or not Google Plus is important to your business or not.</p><ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/Why-Businesses-Should-Pay-Attention-To-Google-Plus.htm">Why Businesses Should Pay Attention to Google Plus </a><a href="http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/Google-Vs-Facebook-Whats-The-Difference.htm"></a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/od/socialmediamarketing/a/Google-Vs-Facebook-Whats-The-Difference.htm">Google Plus vs. Facebook - What's the Difference?</a> </li></ul><p>Want to learn more about the course? Sign up for the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm#rs">RSS feed</a> and you'll be one of the first to know when the course is ready for you to sign up - oh and did I mention it's going to be free like all of the marketing courses here at About?</p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/18/why-businesses-should-pay-attention-to-google-plus.htm">Why Businesses Should Pay Attention to Google Plus</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Sunday, December 18th, 2011 at 22:42:56.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/18/why-businesses-should-pay-attention-to-google-plus.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/18/why-businesses-should-pay-attention-to-google-plus.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/18/why-businesses-should-pay-attention-to-google-plus.htm&#038;zItl=Why Businesses Should Pay Attention to Google Plus">Email this</a></p>

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<p>It's so easy for the confusion to begin when you start talking about advertising, marketing and sales. Truth is most individuals don't understand the difference. The good news is there is a difference and each of these components have a part to play in the success of a company. Today, I want to clear up the confusion.</p><p>I started to see the misunderstanding of these roles when I was spending time browsing and sorting through job listings. It is not uncommon for sales jobs to be listed in the marketing jobs classifications and the same was true when it came to jobs that pertained to advertising.</p><p>I'm going to say it one more time, before getting into the details - they are not the same.</p><p>Let's take a look at the defining differences:</p><p><strong>Marketing:</strong> The systematic planning, implementation and control of a mix of business activities intended to bring together buyers and sellers for the mutually advantageous exchange or transfer of products.</p><p><strong>Advertising:</strong> The paid, public, non-personal announcement of a persuasive message by an identified sponsor; the non-personal presentation or promotion by a firm of its products to its existing and potential customers.</p><p><strong>Sales:</strong> The sales process is everything that you do to close the sale and get a signed agreement or contract. The sales process consists of interpersonal interaction. It is often done by a one-on-one meeting, cold calls, and networking. It's anything that engages you with the prospect or customer on a personal level rather than at a distance. Advertising and marketing lay the ground work to warm up the lead and prepare them for the close of the sale.</p><p>When you are looking to place job listings, be sure to list them in the right category and you will more than likely detour the chances of getting applicants that don't fit the requirements for the positions you are listing.</p><p>When it comes to the world of corporations and business structure look at the different roles and use them to help define how departments can work together with the other departments and the role that each department plays when supporting the others.</p><p>All three of these components are necessary when it comes to the success of a business, but having a deeper understanding of their purpose can help in organization and planning for that success.</p><p>For a greater understanding of the differences use the following resources:</p><p><a href="http://marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/marketvsad.htm"><strong> Marketing vs. Advertising: What's the Difference? </strong></a></p><p><a href="http://marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/mrktingvssales.htm"><strong>Marketing vs. Sales: What's the Difference?</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connect With Laura: </strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/aboutmarketing" target="_new">Facebook</a> &#124; <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/abtmarketing" target="_new">Twitter</a> &#124; <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralake" target="_new">LinkedIn</a> &#124; <a href="http://gplus.to/lauralake" target="_new">Google Plus</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border:1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/15/marketing-advertising-sales-who-does-what.htm">Marketing, Advertising, Sales - Who Does What?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/">About.com Marketing</a> on Thursday, December 15th, 2011 at 05:00:48.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/15/marketing-advertising-sales-who-does-what.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/15/marketing-advertising-sales-who-does-what.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://marketing.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://marketing.about.com/b/2011/12/15/marketing-advertising-sales-who-does-what.htm&#038;zItl=Marketing, Advertising, Sales - Who Does What?">Email this</a></p>

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