News April 2009
According to the Chartered Institute of Marketing, today’s economic conditions have significantly changed the long term plans and traditional ways of working and that; ‘Marketers cannot sit quietly on the side lines’ and ‘only those who really understand customer needs will survive.’
But how does the small to medium-sized technology business go about ‘understanding customer needs’?
Technology Sales and Marketing Coach, Terry Forsey has the answer and is publishing his thoughts in his latest whitepaper.
“The changes in the market place are impacting on all areas – to the extent that we cannot predict or assume anything,” Terry said. “That’s why it is essential to keep in touch with clients and make sure you know exactly what’s happening to them. It’s only in this way you can assess their needs and then tailor a solution to meet these requirements.
“But how do you find out? Simple! Just ask! A structured, well thought-out survey should bring you relevant and up-to-date information that will form the backbone of revised product or service offerings."
Terry explained that within his whitepaper he looks at how a business should undertake this sort of research – the rationale behind the survey, the questions asked and how to interpret the answers.
“It’s all very well asking for information but collating and understanding it is the catalyst to adapating your marketing activities,” he added. “Armed with these crucial survey findings, you can position yourself as an ‘expert’ in the field – afterall, you know the situation and have credible solutions that will help your customer.”
To prove his commitment to the power of surveys and research, Terry is asking his clients to complete a short questionnaire on his behalf to assess the impacts of the recession.
“I’m hoping that by being involved with the process, business managers and directors will witness for themsleves the value of a survey - it could be the single, most-advantageous marketing exercise they undertake this year.”
For more information call 01536 771440 or email, terry@terryforsey.com.
ENDS
