5 ways to excel in offline marketing

Like many entrepreneurs in town, we all love doing business online as it gives much flexibility for us to handle things between home and business, while also able to reach out to a bigger customer segment when it can go globally through internet.

I have been wondering for long whether an online business can simply rely online marketing to push the business, but it seems difficult, at least, I seldom find it very successful in Hong Kong.

Propaganda advertising and promotion like those famous brands doing in the newspaper, television, the conventional kind of advertising.

I have discussed such topic with different business owners and we all find that unless you want to go broke fast, otherwise, simply doing online advertising would burn out all your money.

So it comes back to Offline. What it means is we still need to proactively going out to meet with vendors, clients, business partners and build the relationship! Let them know how you can help them and that’s where the business comes from!

1. Grow your network and Meet New People

Each person has their different story. There are always some areas which you might able to give out your help (may be free and treat it as an advertising cost?) and let them know you have the capability and talents in the area where they need you most.

2. Volunteer yourself

Volunteer yourself in whatever charity fund/fun raising activities as well! (I mean the real charity, there are so many “fake” ones in town). Seek for their in-kind acknowledgement like free exposure, logo, etc. 

This is the 5th year we have been supporting the Wai Yin Association (the one founded by Miss Hong Kong, Lolette Chu, now Mrs. Lo after getting married to Mr. Vincent Lo 羅康瑞, (the founder of Shui On Land Property group), with our jewelry and accessories.

3. A mix of Online and Offline Market Research

With the convenience of the social media, you can post your questions about new products/service offer at your retail/points of sales, and get the instant feedback right away. This should also bring extra traffic to your sales.

4. Barter Deal

Barter Deal always works well in difficult financial environment. Who is not struggling under such a huge global financial crisis? It’s good to offer helping hands to each other like exchanging product/service with something that you need in return. 

I always offer my free time to assist in event planning for business owners and in return they offer us the gifts/services for free that we can resell to our clients or treat our VIPs.

5. Meeting people who are like-minded

There are always times that you will fee struggle, so it’s important to get in touch with people who are like-minded and seek for ways and back on track! To keep the business strong all year long together.

Let’s explore more innovative ways to grow the business at a cost effective way!