News May 2009
Results from a recent business survey are now available – with some findings coming as quite a shocking surprise!
The Technology Sales and Marketing Survey for 2009 carried out by the UK’s leading Sales and Marketing coach, Terry Forsey, has discovered that small, owner-managed technology companies in England and Wales are not doing all they can to help reverse their fortunes in this challenging economic climate. “We asked companies from across the technology sector 5 questions designed to profile the impact of the recession on their businesses and how they will be marketing themselves in the year ahead,” explained Terry. “The results showed that all respondents expected a downturn in revenues and that 98% were seeking new customers – with the majority of those stating that they expected up to 25% of sales to come from this source.
“We found that ‘web service providers’ had cut most staff and were also the ones reducing marketing spend. This suggests those in this sector have felt the ‘pain’ more than most but by reducing marketing activities demonstrates great short-sightedness, as it is recognised that those who continue to actively market themselves will be the ones who will emerge from the recession in the best shape. These businesses should be doing more marketing – not less.”
Terry added that he was also alarmed to learn that these small businesses were far too reliant on the personal approach, quoting referrals as their most frequent method of attracting new business – and shying away from web and electronic forms of marketing.
“Ironically, these technology companies are not making the most of the internet!” continued Terry. “Yet this is a ‘simple fix’ and e-marketing programmes can be initiated very quickly. I’m not advocating that personal contacts should be abandoned but companies cannot afford to ignore the other marketing options open to them – especially in these difficult times.”
For more information call 01536 771440 or email terry@terryforsey.com
END
