Small Businesses Can Survive and Thrive in 2011, Says Business Development Expert Mark LeBlanc

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This year can be a great time to start a new small business or grow a business, says small business marketing expert Mark LeBlanc, author of "Growing Your Business!"

"There has never been a better time to be in business for yourself than right now because the opportunities are endless," said LeBlanc, an in-demand small business speaker who recently completed a 15-city speaking tour sponsored by JP Morgan Chase Bank that helped small business owners focus on money and marketing plans that get results. "But," he warns, "you must be more innovative and creative than ever before."

This needn't be difficult, said LeBlanc, a small business coach who teaches these skills and shares strategies to thousands of small business owners and professional service providers across the United States and Canada in his keynote speeches and seminars including his new "24 Hour Growing Your Business Event."

"In times of change, small business owners must create two marketing tracks: execute new contact strategies and leverage their database of existing customers and prospects," he says.  

Small business owners and independent professionals must identify a mix of primary marketing strategies that can be implemented every 30 days. Possible strategies include direct mail, networking, advertising, publicity, telemarketing and social media. One key to success is to identify a number or a benchmark for measuring activities and tracking results. The lack of metrics will lead to lackluster results, low morale and kill a marketing program.  

"Small business owners need to set themselves up to succeed. Most small business owners set their sights too high and miss their expectations. Success is fueled by momentum and momentum is fueled by how a business owner feels on a daily basis," he says.  

"The secret to success lies in the phrase, 'Every thirty days!' If small business owners market their programs, products and services in good times and bad, they will create a foundation for their success," he said.

"Too many companies stopped marketing when the economy was running stronger but are suffering today because they weren't consistent in their marketing activities," he said. "As the economy recovers, these companies are a step behind while those who were consistent are beginning to thrive again."

The second marketing track is to leverage your database of existing customers and prospects.

"Small businesses must market, educate and motivate their database of customers and prospects. Sending a monthly print or electronic newsletter is a good start. But, if you segment your database by profit center and create categories within each profit center you can send pinpointed messages to specific segments of your database. Look for creative ways to serve the best of what different segments need and want," he said. "Your database of customers and prospects can be your greatest asset. Too often people take their customers for granted. Taking people for granted in today's competitive marketplace is simply entrepreneurial malpractice."  

LeBlanc is the architect of a unique business development philosophy that has been embraced by small business and major corporations. His strategies and tools are also distributed to hundreds of Chambers of Commerce across the United States and Canada by Chamber Nation.

About Mark LeBlanc

Mark LeBlanc, president of Small Business Success, has special expertise on the core issues that business owners and professionals face on a daily basis. His flagship presentation and book, "Growing Your Business!" are ideal on addressing how to sell more products and services. Attendees walk away feeling more focused, able to attract more prospects, stimulate more referrals, and ultimately, craft a plan for generating more business.

LeBlanc has been on his own virtually his entire adult life, owned several businesses, and now speaks and writes on the street-smart strategies for achieving in times of challenge and change. He is uniquely qualified to address audiences of 50 to 500, and more. He can deliver an inspirational can-do keynote, a content-rich general session, hands-on workshop, and/or a multi-day program.

Depending on your meeting objectives, he'll personalize a presentation on issues ranging from the money side of business, successful positioning strategies, developing a comprehensive marketing plan, setting up a system for staying focused, and performing at your best on a daily basis.

His comprehensive, one-of-a kind, business development philosophy contains the right blend of wisdom, strategies, insights, and ideas that can be implemented immediately. His new book, "Never Be the Same," was inspired by walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across Northern Spain.

LeBlanc is a seasoned veteran with the National Speakers Association, and served as the national president in 2007-2008. He was inducted into the Minnesota Speakers Association Hall of Fame in 2006. For information, go to http://www.SmallBusinessSuccess.com  

SOURCE Mark LeBlanc