Trial of colour.

I've changed the colour of the date box to the left to try and match the blog background. Successful or not?

Just like marketing we've got to test until we get it right, or at least a good match. Do you test? Do you send out direct mail, e-mail newsletters, place adverts or other advertising and see how successful they are if you change the heading or some of the text?

You'll be srprised what a difference it can make. Give it a try. But how can you tell which is which when you do get a response? You could put up a reference and ask respondants to quote that or you could use a different picture and ask "what picture is on the advert" or you could use a colour so the advert says "Ask for Mr Green" or Call Mr White" and you'll know immediately.

Try it and be surprised.

There is a new video on my site Recession Buster 7 My 10 top tips "Using exhibitions to make more Sales". Take a look at just click here or copy and paste http://www.marketing-basics.co.uk/. Why not hold a private exhibition. Use your showroom or convert your office. Book a hotel room or other venue. Why not make it interesting and different so visitors have something else to see. Use a museum for example. I once ran an exhibition on HMS Belfast on the Thames in London.

Find a market such as hotel owners, taxi drivers or who ever your customers will be and let them know what you are doing. Get them in and build up a relationship that can lead on to the sale. You may get sales at the exhibition. You must go for it. Why not hold a series of exhibitions so people don't have to travel too far: live in a city hold exhibitions in different parts, live in a town then hold exhibitions in surrounding towns.

Last evening I held a Local Business Networking event in Swansea at the Dylan Thomas Theatre. This was really successful where everyone gave positive input - I wonder how many other equally positive groups there are focussing on mutual help. Our members came away with a real buzz. I haven't updated the site yet but take a look and if you live locally then think about joining and if you are away then you may consider setting up your own group.

We had a great talk from Shaun Milsom of 3S Systems who opened our eyes on home and office automation. He is highly qualified and is both a bespoke designer and supplier/fitter. Looking to make your home or office easily manageable, want to save energy costs? Take a look at his website. In an office he can arrange for you to be called automatically if the alarm is set off and let you see the video of your cctv so you can see whats happening. His horizontal wind turbines are great for providing free power too. Take at look at http://www.s3systems.co.uk/ and be suprised.

If you are positive and take energetic action looking for new prospects you will prosper. Be lucky by being active.

Call me if I can help your success.