Most marketing strategies are about being in motion. Have a plan, be proactive, and take the necessary action steps. Although being proactive is a necessary aspect of marketing, an often overlooked and yet equally important part is your company's internal perception.

Many companies put a lot of effort into all the external aspects of what they do, yet completely overlook what is happening due to internal perception. Internal perception includes your thoughts and beliefs; the internal dialogues and thought processes you have regarding your business, your industry and your customers/clients. Often, we may not be aware of hidden thoughts. Our thoughts support or hinder our success.

To find out how what you believe take this simple test. For the next 48 hours notice what comes up when you are talking about your company, your products and services and the value you bring to the table. Do your internal thoughts match your words? Do you feel good about your interactions? Do you feel the prices you charge are fair and reasonable? Do you believe you are worth what you ask? Do you feel you are the best choice for your customers?

You can invest lots of money and time on external campaigns. Your true success will be determined when your thoughts and beliefs match your actions. Before you launch your next marketing campaign, ask yourself these important questions:

-How do you feel about your product or service?

-Do you feel the price you charge is matches the value your product/service

-brings to your customers?

-Do you appreciate your clients?

-Do you feel appreciated by your customers or clients?

-Who do you want to do business with?

-Who wants to do business with you?

Whether you are in financial planning, training, banking, the beauty industry, day spas, or technology, take the time to know what sets you apart. In the consumer's mind, Company A looks the same as Company B in many ways. The same with Salesperson A compared to Salesperson B. To stand apart your must help the consumer understand your differences.

A simple formula to clarify your differences is to write down every reason someone would want to do business with you.

-Are you an expert in your industry?

-Do you deliver in record time?

-Do you have a unique location?

-What is unique about your business compared to your competitors?

-What is most important to your prospects and customers about doing business with you? (If you don't know - ASK!)

-What can only you do that your competitors can't do?

Once you answer these questions, create a short message that incorporates these answers. When you meet with a potential customer and they ask what you do, you want to be able to concisely tell them. This process is also helpful with your current clients. Remember - they are only one call away from utilizing the services of someone else!

Before you begin to aggressively position yourself and gain visibility, think about the vision for you and your organization. Gaining a vision of what the organization stands for, the impact you want to have on your customers or clients, the quality of products and services, your contribution to your community, and where you want the organization to be in the future is essential as you move forward.

Your vision is your ideal future state and includes your values and what you desire your organization to be like. What's most important to you? An essential aspect of your vision is understanding what makes you, your company and your team unique in the marketplace. What makes your product or service different from your competitors? Once you have your vision in mind, write it down. This will help you to solidify your thoughts and stay on track with what is truly important.

Periodically revisit your overall vision. Your core values should be the main driver of your vision, yet some of the details are bound to change. As you and your customer's needs and wants change, you may find it necessary to update your vision.

Where do you want your company to be? Where do you want to be? Match your actions with your thoughts and beliefs. Create a vision for success!

Kathleen Gage

Bold, Daring and Inspirational describes the type of speaker you get when you bring Kathleen Gage on board for your next conference or in-house training workshop. Kathleen has a unique and creative approach to helping others understand the power of beliefs, thoughts and actions that promote the marketing mindset. As a marketing, promotions and success author, Kathleen Gage is a corporate trainer and keynote presenter for conferences and conventions. She is a highly results oriented marketing business advisor who designs marketing and promotions programs designed to help you achieve the results you desire in ways you may not have imagined. If you are serious about the results you desire let Kathleen Gage help you achieve your marketing, promotions and sales goals Over the last 25 years, Kathleen Gage has received numerous business awards including the 1995-1996 and 1999-2000 National Speakers Association Utah Chapter Speaker of the Year, 1999-2000 Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce Business Women's Forum Achievement award for business innovation, The Leadership and Communications 2000 Award for Toastmasters International, and the Giant Step Award for 2004 from the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for business innovation and success. Kathleen is a marketing columnist for the Enterprise newspaper, one of Utah’s most highly respected business publications and a member of the Editorial Advisory Committee for the Salt Lake Tribune, one of Utah’s most widely read daily newspapers. She has also contributes marketing, promotions and sales articles to several business publications and has hosted a weekly talk-radio broadcast.

Kathleen is the author of “101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door,” “Message of Hope, Inspirational Thoughts for Uncertain Times” and “Workplace Miracles, Inspiring Stories and Thoughts of Possibility.” She is also the author of the multimedia program entitled “Street Smarts Marketing and Promotions: Success Strategies for Marketing a Business on a Limited Budget” and “Earn More Than Ever Before, Marketing and Promotions Success Strategies for Today’s Real Estate Professional.” Kathleen has traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Europe sharing her message.