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4 OUR YUCAIPA | AUGUST 2014 | CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mission Statement The Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting a vibrant business environment by cooperative interaction among business, government and community For more information, call (909) 790-1841 • Fax (909) 363-7373 35139 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA 92399 info@yucaipachamber.org By Michelle Lopez Summer will soon be behind us and the fall and holiday seasons are fast approaching. Are you standing on solid business ground or a slippery slope? Are you following your marketing plan or just flying by the seat of your pants? We are in this year's third quarter and maybe it's time to dust off your business or marketing plan and see if you are on track. Let's take 60 seconds out of your busy day to see why following a marketing plan is so important to the success of your business. A marketing plan is an essential tool for business. If you haven't developed one yet, this will help you focus on what makes your business unique and how to get your message to your desired clients. Get ready to count down! 0:60: A marketing plan is strategic. You have to have strategy or a game plan in business or you just spin your wheels or even worse, move backwards. Just as you plan for other aspects of your business such as inventory, production and billing, thinking ahead about your marketing efforts is key to staying competitive. By plotting your marketing strategies ahead of time, your business will run more smoothly and your efforts are more likely to pay off. 0:46: A marketing plan helps you stay focused. Your marketing plan is a map to guide you toward your goals — one that will get you there on time and with minimum stress. A plan will help you coordinate your efforts and be proactive. With it, you are more likely to be realistic about your time and energy. A plan will help you stay organized and on task throughout the year. Your marketing is more likely to get done when you take the time to identify what you want to do and when you want to do it. 0:20: Write it down. Plan your efforts by first identifying your market and then letting this market determine how to proceed. Which events and opportunities will help you accomplish your goals? Is it in your best interest to attend an association meeting with which your clients are involved? Think strategically about where you need to be. Consider what business you're in and be aware of the natural cycles of your industry. A marketing plan may include marketing objectives, strategies, brand positioning, messaging and public relations activities. 0:11: Use a calendar to keep on top of your marketing efforts. Once you have identified the events and activities to target, incorporate your marketing plan into your current time management system. Some people find it easier to use a wall calendar. Others like a desk calendar or a computerized program. 0:03: Set goals and assess your efforts. Think about the marketing ideas you want to implement. Determine how to implement ideas, assign each a date for completion, then work backward from your deadline. Also, be sure to examine your ideas to see whether any can be used to achieve more than one goal. Think about whom you want to reach, when you want to reach them and how you're going to do it. Then mark it on your calendar. When you plan your marketing efforts and merge them smoothly with your other responsibilities and commitments, they are more likely to pay off. I know just the thought of developing a marketing plan can often derail our efforts. It can sound scary but trust me, it is not that difficult and you might even enjoy it — especially after you see the effects of what the past 60 seconds brought you. Hopefully it has sparked some ideas and now you are ready to get back in the game. 60 Second Plan to Get Back in the Game 2014 Board of Directors Chairman, Jim Hammond Comfort Keepers Chair-Elect, Nancy Kenny First Choice Loan Services Finance Vice-Chair, Jason Ross Law Office of Linda Roberts-Ross Directors Dr. Cheryl Marshall Crafton Hills College Dora Ordonez Asaderos Restaurant & Supermarket Cheryl Benton NuSkin Eric Vreeman YCJUSD Jeff Dewan Edward Jones Financial Advisors Lynnette Alvarado Wildwood Canyon Villa CHAMBER STAFF Pamela Emenger, President/CEO Ellen Benefiel, Membership Development Coordinator AMBASSADOR TEAM David Avila, Retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief Cheryl Benton, NuSkin Pamela Brierley-Vengarick, Good Nite Inn Marlyn Crampton, Yucaipa Rotary Club Jeff Dewan, Edward Jones Marie Feuer, Life Path Healings Brandy Gomez, Law Office of Linda Roberts-Ross Debbie Harber, Sequoia Digital Marketing Nancy Kenny, First Choice Loan Services Michelle Lopez, AVON Dora Ordonez, Asaderos Supermarket If you would like to advertise in Our Yucaipa Magazine, please contact Stacey Parr at Image Up Advertising & Design at (909) 435-5042 or e-mail her at staceyimageup@yahoo.com. Chamber members will receive a FREE 1/8 page ad with a three month advertising commitment!