A powerful story leveraged through word of mouth, mouse, and mobile is the secret to connecting with customers in our time-starved and media-fragmented society. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned veteran, these easy-to-read-and-apply five-minute articles will enhance your efforts. As a sequel to Mary's first book, Five-Minute Marketing, this book includes the best of her published columns, entries from her popular blog www.fiveminutemarketing.com, and other previously unpublished work. Dip in or read it cover to cover and ramp up your marketing quickly. You will learn how to generate WOM, publicity, and media interest in your business; track trends and take advantage of marketing opportunity; use social media to your advantage; brand your business, your ideas, or your products; model winning approaches to advertising from industry leaders; leverage your story; and much, much more "Mary Charleson's 5-Minute Marketing columns consistently provide entrepreneurs with valuable advice about marketing their products, their companies and themselves. This book includes the best of her recent columns along with insights from her blog and previously unpublished work." -Timothy Renshaw, Editor, Business in Vancouver "Today positive WOM may be the single greatest influencer of a brand's future success. If you want to know how to succeed Mary's book is a great place to start." -Lance Saunders, Executive VP, Managing Director, DDB Canada "Engaging, entertaining, and a born teacher, Mary makes learning fun. From the classroom to the boardroom, she offers up great marketing insights. This book is simply an extension of her style to the written page." -Charlene Hill, Department Chair, School of Business, Capilano University

Many governments in developing nations are finding it nearly impossible to address challenges posed to their countries, including poverty, disease, and high levels of youth unemployment. Thus, social entrepreneurs are attempting to address these social challenges through the creation of social enterprises. However, further research is needed as to what social entrepreneurship is and how these enterprises can utilize and formulate marketing strategies. Strategic Marketing for Social Enterprises in Developing Nations provides innovative insights for an in-depth understanding of where marketing and social entrepreneurship interact, providing clarity as to what social entrepreneurship is as an organizational offering, what drives social entrepreneurship, and the formulation of marketing strategies for social enterprises. Highlighting topics such as income generating, marketing management, and media dependency theory, it is designed for managers, entrepreneurial advisors, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students.

Growing global competition for quality education, technology and collaboration is playing a paramount role in redefining institutions, requiring them to re-strategize to achieve a competitive advantageous international position. Cases on Innovations in Educational Marketing: Transnational and Technological Strategies addresses the prominent issues involved in marketing these new educational approaches that are revolutionizing the entire education sector. The institutions highlighted in these cases are emerging as educational corporate entities with a bouquet of academic programs as products endeavoring to augment their presence worldwide with innovative technological and transnational strategies. This book provides comparative and comprehensive analysis of technological and transnational strategies in educational marketing on various issues across the world and also the best practices and experiences from a diverse range of countries.

Years of technological advancements have made it possible for the smallest of trades to develop their companies to sell their products all over the world. Global marketing initiatives allow a business to adapt its services and products to nations outside of its origin, increasing its annual earnings and success. However, companies must first implement worldwide marketing programs that consider cultural dimensions and customs. Localizing Global Marketing Strategies: Emerging Research and Opportunities is a collection of innovative research on trends and strategies that are necessary to ensure the success of global marketing and identify the means of global market entry. While highlighting topics including branding, consumer management, and joint ventures, this book is ideally designed for administrators, marketers, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, researchers, academicians, and students seeking current research on establishing long-lasting global marketing plans for a variety of industries.

Consumer interaction and engagement are vital components to help marketers maintain a lasting relationship with their customers. To achieve this goal, companies must utilize current digital tools to create a strong online presence. Competitive Social Media Marketing Strategies presents a critical examination on the integration of social networking platforms into business tactics and the challenges presented by consumers' use of these online communities. Highlighting pivotal issues such as brand management, customer loyalty, and online services, this publication is a pivotal reference source for business managers, professionals, advanced-level students, and consultants interested in the latest research on the use of digital media tools for business opportunities.

Every one of the largest, most successful corporations were, at some point, mere startups. McKee explains what enables some companies to growbigger and better, while others stumble along year after year, running but never winning the race. The difference is that the biggest and best brands arena (TM)t slaves to conventional marketing wisdom. McKee shows by example how the same, sometimes counter-intuitive, strategies used by the biggest brands can also best serve small and mid-sized companies. Among the topics explored: How can a company grow big by thinking small? Why do the best companies sometimes avoid being better? Why do brands that create the most memorable advertising stay away from focus groups? What is the secret to an effective slogan? When can admitting a negative become a positive? A diverse selection of companies provides powerful lessons, ranging from traditional icons like Coca-Cola, McDonalda (TM)s, and General Motors, to new media models like Google and Facebook. This book appeals not only to time- starved executives, but also to middle managers and owners of small businesses who have a wide variety of marketing problems to address and who need to change the way they think about how to generate healthy, consistent growth.

Selling Is a Mind Game is a comprehensive guide for individuals entering the sales profession or for the veteran to reexamine basic sales fundamentals for successful selling.

This book provides a straightforward presentation by addressing which skill sets are necessary to achieve success. An expansive approach provides each reader with the opportunity to apply individual product and industry knowledge for personal skill development.

DECISION-MAKING IS A MENTAL PROCESS

A favorable setting and relaxed atmosphere is desirable; however, buying decisions are not made on the golf course, in restaurants, or in offices, but instead in the buyer's mind. Sales conversations and presentation material must parallel how buyers mentally process information.

DISCOVER THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Selling Is a Mind Game focuses on the buyer's decision-making process. This unique perspective provides an understanding of how buying decisions are made and demonstrates how to take advantage of that process via sales disciplines and techniques.

IDENTIFY SELLING DISCIPLINES / TECHNIQUES THAT PARALLEL THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS PLACING BUYER AND SELLER ON CORRESPONDING PATHS

Each selling discipline/technique has a specific objective and is aligned with the buyer's mental process, which guides the sales conversation, and a proposal toward a positive buying decision.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS THIS BOOK EXPLAINS AND TEACHES:

THE ART OF PERSUASION Ability to influence others

RULE OF "80"

FUD FACTOR Fear-Uncertainty-Doubt

SELLING LANDSCAPE Understand how the "game" is played

FEATURES & BENEFITS Features Tell-Benefits Sell

TAKING THE SALES STAGE>br /> Superstar vs. Average

BUYING SIGNALS Know when to close

WHY BUYERS PRESENT OBJECTIONS Learn why the no-sale sign goes up

What does it take to become a top performer in today's competitive sales field? In "Sales as a Science, " author Allan Lobeck focuses on helping salespeople understand the sales process from both the customer and sales perspective. Based on twenty-five years of experience in worldwide sales, Lobeck communicates that selling commercially is a science, not an art; it is a long-term activity that requires both a plan and a pre-defined process. He presents a logical, documented, process-based approach for activities and sub-activities in a sales cycle. He also provides flow diagrams for each phase of the sales cycle giving professional sales staff the best potential roadmap for success. "Sales as a Science" defines the many steps and roles in the sales process, from planning, to account research, customer contacts, presentation and follow-up, negotiation, and customer evaluation. It outlines the commitment necessary to begin transforming your sales techniques in order to transition to financial independence and become a consistent top performer.

ENDORSEMENTS:

"A 'must read' for every real estate agent wanting to sell more homes. Loaded with great advice and entertaining to read."

Jerry Reece

CEO - Reece & Nichols Realtors

a Partner with HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate

--

"Jonathan's results speak for themselves. He carries a listing inventory of 35 to 40 listings in the country's worst market. Take notice to that type of production "

Rich Casto

Founder of Rich Casto & Company, one of the nation's top Real Estate Trainers & Coaches, with over 35,000 clients.

"How to Sell Homes in a Tough Market is chock full of great tips not only for new agents but probably even more so for experienced agents who were used to doing things the old way. It's a fun book, easy to read, and will jump-start your real estate career. The tips are practical and spot on. Real estate today is hard work and Jonathan Goforth's book highlights the importance of desire, prioritizing, consistent prospecting and the daily attention needed to be successful in the business today."

Diane Ruggiero, RCE, CAE

CEO - Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS & Heartland Multiple Listing Service

-----

"Jonathan writes, 'Your COI (Community of Influence) is the most powerful thing you have in this business.' I agree wholeheartedly. The most powerful thing about How to Sell Homes in a Tough Market is that Jonathan IS selling homes in a tough market - who better to learn from than someone who is doing it at a high level This book is a valuable tool for every agent's toolbox "

Michael J. Maher

The Maher Team, LLC - Realty Executives of Kansas City

National Best-Selling Author of (7L) The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals

-----

"Jonathan's hard work and great follow-up systems have placed him in the top echelon of realtors. His straight forward advice is laced with hilarious stories. A 'must read' for rookie agents and also for experienced agents needing to jump start their sales."

Dianna Kinnard,

Executive Vice President, Real Estate Coach and Manager with Reece & Nichols Realtors a Partner with HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate

---

"Wonderful advice for all persons, not just realtors This book includes encouragement and self-esteem building, too. The marketing tips are priceless The humorous stories really work. Not only are they funny, but they help the reader relate and remember I read it with a smile on my face even laughing out loud many times. I had a hard time putting it down. Now I feel re-energized and ready to get out there and do even better "

Sondra F. Hagerman, Ed.D., GRI,

Multi-Million Dollar Producer with Murney & Associates

It's no secret that the old methods of mass marketing are loosing effectiveness and value. We have exploited the basic advertising tactics for so long, customers just don't seem to care anymore. We now live in a "delete" era where the customer is in charge. The time to reinvent the way we go-to-market is now Given the light speed at which your customers receive and process information, the fragmentation of media outlets, combined with a volatile macroeconomic climate - marketing genius is key. The book offers a clear roadmap toward creating sustainable and profitable brand value through a better ability to understand and delight your customer. It will prepare your company to embody your brand and live up to the promise that you portray. Today's new-world economy requires a strategy that understands how to out think the competition, not outspend them. In Customer Inspired Marketing, Aubyn Thomas, senior vice president of marketing services for Macy's, explains why these brands generate energized reactions from customers and how other brands can generate the same enduring and devoted following, even during financial crises. An eight-step plan for transforming any size organization into one of these brands, the book focuses on these themes: The customer: an examination of customers today and how demographic changes are shaping the new landscape. Customers are more informed and are looking for personal touches. Regrouping: using self-examination to discover the passionate core of the organization. Developing a proactive plan: the concrete steps organizations take to mitigate threats to brand perception and improve customer relationships. The book includes research, case studies and supporting graphs and diagrams to demonstrate the data behind the methodologies. With an accessible and supportive tone, Customer Inspired Marketing is a great tool for brand marketers on all levels

Customers and products are the heart of any business, and corporations collect more data about them every year. However, just because you have data doesn t mean you can use it effectively. If not properly integrated, data can actually encourage false conclusions that result in bad decisions and lost opportunities. Entity Resolution (ER) is a powerful tool for transforming data into accurate, value-added information. Using entity resolution methods and techniques, you can identify equivalent records from multiple sources corresponding to the same real-world person, place, or thing.

This emerging area of data management is clearly explained throughout the book. It teaches you the process of locating and linking information about the same entity - eliminating duplications - and making crucial business decisions based on the results. This book is an authoritative, vendor-independent technical reference for researchers, graduate students and practitioners, including architects, technical analysts, and solution developers. In short, Entity Resolution and Information Quality gives you the applied level know-how you need to aggregate data from disparate sources and form accurate customer and product profiles that support effective marketing and sales. It is an invaluable guide for succeeding in today s info-centric environment.
First authoritative reference explaining entity resolution and how to use it effectivelyProvides practical system design advice to help you get a competitive advantage Includes a companion site with synthetic customer data for applicatory exercises, and access to a Java-based Entity Resolution program. "

Customer-Centric Knowledge Management (CCKM) is needed in order to build good customer relations and to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty. It includes the management of processes and techniques used to collect information regarding customers' needs, wants, and expectations for the development of new and/or improved products and services. Customer-Centric Knowledge Management: Concepts and Applications is a comprehensive collection addressing managerial and technical aspects of customer-centric knowledge implementation. It seeks to expand the literature and business practices and contributes to the dynamic and emerging fields of organizational knowledge management, customer relationship management, and information and communication technologies (ICTs).