By By Adrienne McKenzie
Kathryn Kahalley Cariglino, executive director and founder of Women's Business Center, Inc. in Mobile, spoke to local business leaders about the value of marketing at a low price Wednesday morning at the Business Before Hours meeting at Annie's Community Cup.
Emilie Mims, executive director of the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, said Cariglino presented a lot of useful information to business leaders.
"Kathryn Cariglino stated at the beginning of her presentation that the information she would be speaking about were things that retailers already know about but need to be reminded of," Mims said.
Cariglino gave many suggestions for business owners about marketing.
She discussed the company brand, stating that the company colors should be limited to one or two and that the logo should be kept simple. She said the brand of a company is the sum of all the experiences the customer has with the business.
She spoke about the value of external perception for businesses including the importance of wearing or using your own product, answering the office phone, keeping a professional email image and the use of signage to ensure people can find the business location.
Cariglino also talked about the significance of networking. She said that at meetings and events, it is imperative for business leaders to separate from their spouse or co-workers. Also, at networking events, business leaders should not be afraid to speak to people they do not know.
The last topic Cariglino spoke about was writing a marketing plan. She said it is vital to set and achieve goals, to be patient with long-term projects and to identify up to three target markets.
Mims said the meeting was useful to her work with the Chamber of Commerce.
"I myself was reminded of things of things I could do with the Chamber," Mims said.
For more marketing ideas or info about Women's Business Center, Inc., call 660-2725.