Rikki Green

People chatter about marketing to your intended customers base, but how often do they tell you how to identify such a group of people? A target market refers to a market segment at which your firm directs a marketing program. In essence people tend to be too broad in their definition of a “target market”. For example if the your company is to intrigue the large transportation market the first step is to identify the market segments (or subgroups) within the larger transportation market.

Are you looking for air travelers or boat passengers or something else? If you are targeting customer to fill a cruise line then it is essential to aim for the transportation market that share similar wants, preferences and product use behaviors. Therefore you as the cruise ship marketing manager (or whatever your title) need to develop a plan that is consistent with the ideas, beliefs and wants of customers seeking to vacation on a boat. You may also want to target those individuals who want to travel to the locations you offer via the boats.

Keep in mind that a separate marketing plan should be developed for each target group to get the most effective response from your efforts.Never forget to do your research to make sure there is a demand to your product or service in your desired target market. Your view must be unique and attractive to potential customers so your product will stand out among others singling out the same market segments.

What is a VA?

We are often approached by individuals asking us to clarify the meaning of a virtual assistant (VA). Here is how we define a VA. The term virtual assistant represents an industry of professional administrative experts. In other words, it is a class of professionals that have bound closely together to form an entire industry based on years of administrative knowledge, best practices and tools to make for the most efficient workspace.

These entrepreneurs have collaborated because they identify and acknowledge the opportunity for advanced practice based on pooling of resources for the purpose of strengthening a reliable concept. Virtual assistants typically have years of involvement and qualifications in their industry as well as an extended educational background or certification.

They are generally professionals who could be found hiding behind the best work of CEOs, CFOs and other high level executives. These position have commonly landed these independent beings close to the top but never quite to the level of success they desire and deserve. Therefore, these individuals have the hunger to succeed. They pour their heart and soul into the company they have created which is a blessing among those they associate with in the business realm.

This is only one reason virtual assistants should be who you rely on when scanning for alternatives to hiring employees. As an extended advantage you will save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per year when partnering with a virtual assistant. There are no overhead costs included when building a relationship with a VA. Sure you occasionally have to pay small fees associated with costs such as office supplies or shipping, but no longer will you have to make payroll and service charges, no more unemployment charges, no additional employee and payroll insurance costs, no further paid breaks and no extra down time being paid. What would you do with that supplemental income each year?

Think of it this way. When you unearth the best VA, you will have the advantage of working with your perfect employee. One with all the skills necessary to run a business and pleased to help grow with yours. So the next time you feel engulfed by the amount of "to do's" on your list, give us a call at Time for Life Concepts, we would love to get you back to living your life through the most gainful approach.