2012 Marketing Predictions

Written by Nicole Meloche

As we get settled into 2012, we are starting to implement the marketing plans we created at the end of 2011. Or at least we hope you have a plan and are executing it! Either way, let me share some past, future and present predictions.

Past Predictions:
In 2010, I told clients it would be the year of Social Media. Last year, I said 2011 would be the year of mobile technologies. What will 2012 bring? The return of the human element: knowing your clients.

Future Predictions:
Stop selling to your clients; start to know your clients. Once you truly know your clients, you will have nurtured a relationship which will grow and allow your business the ultimate: a happy client who refers you to new clients. Knowing YOUR clients allows a business to easily acquire new clients because they understand their needs and wants.

Present Predictions:
So here is my present, be there each and every month for your client. People read horoscopes to try to guess where their relationships are headed. Consider this tactical list a horoscope for building your 2012 marketing relationships with clients. The payoff is not going to happen overnight, but it will happen and the longer you wait, the further behind your business will be.

January
Understand clients needs and wants – STOP SELLING.
February
High tech versus high touch.
March
Organizing and beta testing of campaigns.
April
Validation – PR, social media, client case studies.
May 
Engagement with clients and campaigns.
June
Listen to client feedback.
July 
Change campaigns based on client feedback.
August
Build community and channels – shares and engagement will increase. 
September
Engagement with clients and campaigns – created with trust and empowerment, including transactions.
October
Loyalty – client referrals.
November
Use your metrics of success; be honest and true about meeting your client’s needs.
December
Plan your 2013 knowing you have not increased “likes” but have engaged your client and have the knowledge to acquire new clients.

Advertising Age recently did a six page spread on this topic even though the entire publication is just 20 pages a week. Take a few minutes to look at their details.

Human Element

Mark December 31, 2012 on your calendar, knowing this was the year of getting to know your client… then call me.

About Organik Consulting – Growth Marketing
Make a shift from selling every month to building customer relationships and engaging customers. Organic marketing is the act of connecting to customers through alternative techniques utilizing Social Media and Relationship Management Programs. With a strong understanding of your current clients, and a plan which integrates organic marketing within your business, current and past clients quickly become your future source of income.

Established in 2008 in Southern Calif, Organik Consulting is now located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nicole Meloche, MBA is originally from Marquette, Mich Organik Consulting has helped Cisco technologies, VMware, Microsoft and HP business partners and many local, growing Michigan businesses in understanding their clients’ needs and wants.