I regularly come across a number of organizations and upcoming business people that are stuck with goods and services for sale because they cannot access potential customers. This article will be of value to you in case one day you find yourself with goods and services that you are not able to sale. It is also important to note that potential customers tend to buy goods and services from sources or suppliers that either are known to them or have been recommended to them. Therefore it is difficult to sale goods and services until you make them known to the public and potential customers through business promotion. Business promotion is therefore the act of communicating with the public or potential customers with the aim of attracting them to buy your goods and services. It makes your business and its goods and services known, available and attractive to the public or potential customers. The business promotion activities may include the following among others;
Word of mouth
Word of mouth through relatives, friends and associates is the most effective way of promoting your products and services especially for new businesses.
Business profile
This is high level written summary of what is your business is about, the products and services it offers and the possible benefits accruing to the customers.
Business Website
A business website is a central location of various web pages with related information about your business that can be accessed by visiting the home page using a browser or software program. Through the website you will able to exploit the power of the internet using the email and social media platforms.
Formal communication
All formal channels of communications including letters , emails and business cards among others should have all business contacts to enable interested potential customers to revert to you.
Charity event
It is also possible to promote your business through participating in various corporate social responsibility activities that are aimed at raising funds to fund community projects.
Advertising
This is an audio or visual form of communicating with potential customers that uses non-personal communication to promote or sell goods and services.
Flyers
This is a form of paper or cloth advertisement distributed or posted in a public place or handed out to individuals or sent through the mail.
Elevator Speech
This is a brief speech about the organization, its goods and services and their benefits that can be presented to potential customers during a brief elevator or lift ride.
Launching of products and services
It is advisable if resources permit to invite the public, potential customers and the press to a launch ceremony of new products and services. The launch makes the new goods and services known to the potential customers within a short time.
Business promotion materials
The branded promotion materials that can be given to current and potential customers include pens, designer mugs, ball caps, and T-shirts among others.
Conclusion
The purpose of being in business is to sale goods and services to potential customers at a profit. There is however a challenge of linking with potential customers that a business person or organization has to confront and overcome. This is done through business promotion.
Author: John Muhaise Bikalemesa
Executive Director: Big Drum Advisory Services Limited
