It's a pub in a provincial town, 5:55pm. Two middle-aged professional looking types nurse a couple of drinks, small talking about nothing in particular. Suddenly, one of them clicks their finger and stares intently at the other. 'Hang on. I've got a great idea for a business!' This is the start of a mini series of Marketing Meanders, but it has no name, yet. That's the point really, we are developing a proposition from scratch, and it doesn't need a name yet. We're working through an example of setting up a business, or a project from start to finish, and from multiple perspectives. We hope it will prove enlightening and provide a host of useful points to consider, whether you're setting up on your own, or needing to review your proposition and whole marketing setup. We'll be joined on this merry meandering mini series by a host of experts to provide their insights, from market research, brand development, digital marketing, copy-writing and sales. Why not come along for the ride, ask your questions, or even come on and contribute? Connect with us on LinkedIn to take part: Sally's LinkedIn Sam's LinkedInWe'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please share! Tweet us at @meanderspod, message us on Facebook, or email meanderspod@gmail.comConnect with Sam on LinkedIn.TimestampsStarting a Business Proposal [00:00:05] Discussion about the importance of starting a business proposal and the plan to cover various aspects of setting up a new business or proposition.The Wrong Place to Start: Naming the Business [00:01:07] Exploration of why starting with naming a business is the wrong approach and can waste time.The Importance of the Offer [00:03:21] Emphasis on the need to clearly define the offer to potential customers and focus on what pain point the business proposal will address.The importance of a clear offer for SEO [00:09:53] The speakers discuss how having a clear offer and uniqueness in your business proposition can improve SEO rankings.Testing and researching the proposition [00:10:22] They talk about the importance of testing and researching the proposition to ensure it survives scrutiny and market research.Caring about the business and customers [00:11:43] The speakers emphasize the need for genuine care and passion for the business and customers, as it drives motivation and success.The beginning of a proposal [00:20:13] Discussion about the importance of starting a proposal and the challenges of having an idea.Filtering the concept [00:20:37] Exploring the process of filtering the concept, considering simplicity, market fit, customer needs, and competition.Scaling and long-term goals [00:23:10] Considering the scalability of the proposal, whether it will remain a side hustle or grow into a larger venture.The importance of starting with a clear proposal [00:28:00] Discussion on why it's essential to begin a business proposal with a clear offer and target audience.Evaluating the proposal and seeking feedback [00:28:39] Exploration of the need to stand back, seek feedback from potential customers and others, and assess if the proposal holds up to scrutiny.Avoiding the risk of wasting money on a flawed idea [00:29:11] Highlighting the potential consequences of investing in an idea without thoroughly evaluating it, and the importance of a well-constructed proposal to avoid financial losses.We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please share! Tweet us at @meanderspod, message us on Facebook, or email meanderspod@gmail.comMarketing Meanders is hosted by Sally Green, Partner at YMS and Senior Marketing Consultant, and Sam Birkett, founder of Amiable Marketing and Specialist Marketing Consultant.Sally Green:I am an experienced marketing consultant who loves helping people plan and implement successful strategies, creating campaigns that both strengthen the brand impact and increase revenue streams.Working with me will give you a proper understanding of what does and doesn’t need to be done, how you can measure your success and how to get the best return on the effort you put into your marketing. Working with both large organisations and SMEs, I will help you set achievable goals, create a strategy and develop sustainable marketing plans that will show positive returns on your marketing effort.Connect with Sally on LinkedIn.Sam Birkett:I specialise in higher and executive education marketing strategy, and operational and tactical support. Specialisms include LinkedIn lead generation and conversion campaigns, Persona and Proposition development, Content strategy, Webinar, Interview, Podcast and Video creation.My consultancy works with institutions and organisations both in the UK and internationally, and over the last 16 years, I've been fortunate enough to work for world-leading organisations.Connect with Sam on LinkedIn.
