A huge part of IT marketing is getting to know decision makers within small businesses that will be in charge of hiring you.  Your first task is to connect with your partner program representative.

The most effective way to expand your customer roster is to do even more IT marketing by going into the community to meet decision makers.  But how and where can you find these key people?

IT Marketing:  The Right Decision Makers

If you are going after small business owners and managers, you will most likely come into contact with a lot of branch managers from banks or executive directors from non-profit organizations.  These people are not necessarily the people you are looking for, nor are the big Fortune 1,000 company heads in your area.  

You need to know the exact type of decision maker you are trying to reach in order to be successful at IT marketing.  Finding the person most likely and willing to hire you will allow you to make the most of IT marketing efforts at organizations or networking functions, trade groups, meetings and seminars.  

IT Marketing:  The Importance of Partner Programs

Joining a partner program can help you be more recognized in your community.  If you join a partner program such as Microsoft Certified Partner, as a smaller firm you will have to get involved and find out the leaders of the program.

Talk to the field representative, get to know him/her, exchange business cards – do whatever you have to do to keep in touch and build your reputation as a proactive, interested member of the community.  Asking questions and brainstorming over coffee or breakfast is another great way to further your IT marketing strategy.

IT Marketing:  What Are the Problems?

You need to learn about community IT problems.  What are decision makers running into regularly, and how can you help?  Ask if there are people that are part of channel programs that might like to partner with you, for work quotes or non-competing skills.  Local channel representatives are a great source for IT marketing opportunities.

Added By:  Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit