Marketing Basics Workshops

Downtown Seattle SCORE 1-3pm

Starting or running a business without marketing is like building a house without a blueprint. It may just collapse. The Marketing 101 series addresses many aspects of marketing a small business, from market research to product planning and promotions. Get a leg up on the competition by learning that there's more to it than advertising and sales alone. Take one or several, and we'll show you how to avoid some classic and expensive mistakes. Only $25 for a jam-packed 2 hours + Q&A. Sign up for one or several

February 17, 2010     Market Research and Product/Service Development

Having the right product for the right market is one of the most important aspects of starting a business. Great ideas only go so far. In this workshop, you'll learn how to do the research to answer questions like, "Is there a market for my product?" We'll also be discussing ways to shape what you're offering to make it more attractive and sellable.

You'll learn:

• Market research techniques and how to apply them
• Low-cost sources and tips
• How to "package" intangible services
• What it means to "position," "message" and "brand"

April 21, 2010     Pricing for Profit

For most small businesses, pricing is a tough nut to crack. Charge too much and you risk losing a customer. Charge too little, and you leave money on the table. And you won't be in business for long if you always charge the lowest price. Learn how to earn your worth without sacrificing clients, customers or yourself.

You'll learn:

• How to set your price
• The biggest influences on what you can charge
• When to use value vs. hourly pricing
• How to use discount pricing to gain customers without giving it all away

May 19, 2010     Promote Your Business the Right Way

There are so many ways to promote that it's difficult to know which ones to choose within a tight marketing budget. At this workshop, we'll talk about all the different tools, techniques and media that make sense for a small business. You'll get strategies for making the right choices and creative techniques for stretching your marketing dollar.

You'll learn:

• Promotional strategies
• The difference between advertising, public relations, digital marketing and more
• How to set a marketing budget
• When and who to hire when you need help

September 15, 2010     Your Print Materials Say a Lot About You

Many factors go into deciding what to print, what to include and how it should look. Good or bad, what you print communicates more about your business than what you do. Learn what makes a great piece, your printing options and how to cut costs. Bring in your materials, and we'll critique them right on the spot.

October 20, 2010     Growth Strategies

You've got customers, you're making money, but you're stagnating. At this workshop, we'll take a look at what causes a business to stall and what can be done about it to take your business to the next level.

You'll learn:

• Top mistakes businesses make when it comes to marketing
• How to analyze what's going on in your own business
• Where to look for new opportunities inside and outside your business
• How to create a practical marketing action plan