This is the most appropriate time for the owners and managers of both small and medium-sized business to make a pledge to develop a Strategic Business and Marketing Plan and not wait for this economy or their market to turn around.
Large companies dive headfirst into the planning process, but it's usually the complete opposite for small business.
At their own peril, a lot of small enterprise owners are too busy running the business, but pay no attention to the credo, "failing to plan is planning to fail." Many of these small business people deem this process to be unattainable, too lengthy and truly the territory of the larger more formal organization.
There is an especially compelling reason for these owners to start their business and advertising planning process. Their B2B consumer has changed forever. Obviously these changes have taken place owing to the recession, but these owners must pay careful attention as to the way the B2B purchaser is buying in terms of how they do research, evaluate vendors, select and make their decisions.
In order for the small B2B business to effectively compete now and in the future, the plan must be built upon a total turnaround policy to basically redefine the business model, mission and competitive strategies to turn their business around and grow to the next level.
Producing up to date advertising plans for business growth, developing niche markets, increasing revenue stream, improving ROI (return on investment), providing greater customer value and increasing market share are all skills small business owners must learn.