The first stage is to re-examine and assess your current marketing expenditure, focusing on the following key factors;

Three questions will determine your success in any aspect of your business such as launching a blog, a product or a marketing campaign

You need to know exactly:

• Who is your target market?
• What do they want?
• Why should they buy it from you?

Knowing these three factors will enable you to develop a clear 'positioning' that helps you stand out from the competition.

If you drive a BMW and it breaks down, you'd probably want it fixed by a mechanic who is a BMW expert. When we're ill, most of us want advice from someone who is an expert in the problem we're suffering from. Yet when people set up in business why do they usually aim to satisfy everyone?

Failing to do proper market research is one of the biggest causes of disappointing business results.

However, it's too easy to cut corners with research and then end up with disappointing results.

Taking time for research now will prove highly valuable in future.

It will not only stop you wasting time and money going into the wrong market, it will make it easier for you to develop and sell profitable products and services.

Recession, depression, slow economy - it doesn't matter what excuse you make or call it, it all boils down to "Besieged Buyer Syndrome." This condition will manifest itself in a stalled opportunity. Sales executives and sales people realize that stalls are for horses, not for selling!

Research by American Express revealed that businesses should improve customer service as they will enjoy a significant increase in their profits as 52 per cent of people said they would spend significantly more for an excellent consumer experience.

The study found that consumers would be willing to spend an average of seven per cent more on exceptional customer service, which could lead to billions of pounds being pumped into British businesses and the nation's economy.

Gartner analysts have examined the way social networks shape consumer buying behaviour. They concluded the majority of consumers rely to some extent on social networks to guide them in their purchase decisions. These social networks often include individuals who fulfil different roles or functions in recommending products to people they are connected with.