Editor’s Note

Hello and welcome to 2007.

This year begins with new and exciting challenges for me.

I will be writing a column for BRW (Business Review Weekly) magazine on Marketing Matters. Do check out my first opinion piece which is on newstands now.

Through a partnership with Weavers we are now able to offer clients a range of new design services. John Weaver will become involved in our strategic workshops and planning sessions for clients, and his team of graphic designers will be able to assist our clients with brand management and visual communications. Learn more about Weavers’ services and our business relationship at: www.weavers.com.au

I have also turned my energy to writing more books and developing products for niche markets. Stay tuned for details of products designed specifically to help small businesses to effectively market their goods and services to target audiences.

As you develop your own plans for the year, give yourself an immediate advantage by asking us to develop a tailored marketing strategy or conduct a strategic workshop for you. As part of the process, for no extra cost we will develop an action plan which will guide you through your marketing activities for the entire year. To discuss how our strategies can help your business, call me for a chat.

Until next time…
I wish you marketing success!

Rebecca Laskary
www.profilepublicrelations.com.au

In this issue

Getting the Most Out of the Design Process

Top 10 Business Tips

Strategic Planning

Unlike so much in today's business world, graphic design is not a commodity. It is the highly individualised result of people coming together to do something they couldn't do alone. When the collaboration is creative, the results usually are too.

The Value Proposition
Design - good design - is not cheap. You would be better served to spend your money on something else if you don't place a high value on what it can achieve. Design is a human act and, therefore, subject to many variables. When the word design is used here, it is always in the context of good design.

Numerous authors have written many famous books on the importance of design and creativity. The subject matter ranges from using design and creativity to gain a strategic advantage or make the world a more livable place - and more. The key is to make the process of design work in the business environment so that the end product lives up to its potential...[more...]

http://www.weavers.com.au

A Client's Guide to Design: How to Get the Most Out of the Process

1. Most businesses need to re-invent themselves every few years: re-brand, re-examine the logo and have a thorough spring clean. The market is so crowded these days that to stand out you need to remind people of your point of difference. It is also dangerous to become complacent when things are going well, and not make necessary changes.
2. Improvement comes from making changes and seeing what works. People avoid change because they like their comfort zone. Without change and risk, there is no improvement. You can bet your competitors are trying to improve.
3. Learning is exciting. It comes from experimenting with new things and adopting the ones that make everything better. You don’t learn anything if you don’t try anything different, which is why if you always do the same things the results will be the same. If business is not going as you would like, you need to learn new ways...[more...]

Give yourself a head start by planning your marketing strategies for 2007. If you develop your business plan, marketing plan, or action plan at the start of the year, then you will find yourself in a more competent position to handle the challenges of the year ahead. You will also feel more confident about your future business success when you have specific strategies to help you achieve your goals for the year.

http://www.profilepublicrelations.com.au