{"id":1273,"date":"2012-01-09T11:15:21","date_gmt":"2012-01-09T16:15:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.completemarketingsystems.com\/cms\/?p=1273"},"modified":"2012-01-06T10:15:01","modified_gmt":"2012-01-06T15:15:01","slug":"nine-proven-methods-and-tools-to-keep-your-hands-on-the-pulse-of-your-business-in-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.completemarketingsystems.com\/cms\/nine-proven-methods-and-tools-to-keep-your-hands-on-the-pulse-of-your-business-in-2012","title":{"rendered":"Nine Proven Methods and Tools To Keep Your Hands on the Pulse of Your Business In 2012"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>I\u2019ll bet you are already beginning to think about how you want your business to look in 2012.\u00a0 Yep, it\u2019s that time again.\u00a0 And if you are, that\u2019s right where you should be.<\/p>\n

One of the key elements you need to consider when planning for this year is an honest <\/span><\/em>look at what you and your team accomplished last year.\u00a0 I say honest because you don\u2019t want to fool yourself in thinking you did better than you actually did, and on the other hand you want to celebrate all of your accomplishments made in 2011.<\/p>\n

A good strategic plan is only as good as the true analysis of where you are today.\u00a0 As a reminder, a good strategic plan is built on the following three main elements:<\/p>\n

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  1. Where am I now\u2026<\/li>\n
  2. Where am I going\u2026<\/li>\n
  3. How will I get there\u2026<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In order to effectively analyze where you are now with respect to your marketing efforts, you must employ test and measurement methods and tools to help.<\/p>\n

    Here are nine of the best proven methods and tools to keep your hands on the pulse of your business.<\/p>\n

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    1. 1. <\/strong>Asking & Listening<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Most marketers know that they can learn a ton of information by simple asking and then listening intently to the answer.\u00a0 This can be done with your clients, for example, ask, \u201cHow did you hear about us?\u201d, or maybe \u201cWhat do you like about our service?\u201d. The answer to these questions can provide you valuable information.<\/p>\n

      Internal to your business, ask your team members what they think.\u00a0 What is good?, What are struggles?, What can be improved?, What are their solutions to the problems?.\u00a0 Again, valuable information can be gathered for continuous improvement.<\/p>\n

      It doesn\u2019t matter if your business is on the internet or a brick and mortar retail store.\u00a0 Use your ears\u2026Ask and Listen!<\/p>\n

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      1. 2. <\/strong>Test \u2013 Test \u2013 and Test Again<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        There are several concepts to keep in mind before you roll out any marketing campaign.\u00a0 The biggest is testing.\u00a0 Here are some tips:<\/p>\n