From Here to There

It’s been just 30 days since we officially transitioned from business planning mode to business start-up mode. As I reflect on our progress to date I couldn’t be more pleased.

In just three weeks (one week was spent in Myrtle Beach on vacation) we produced our corporate identity suite and launched our company website. We also have 15 qualified prospects in the pipeline and are making progress with each one.

We also began to immerse Milestone Marketing Associates into the local business community. Not only are we members of four organizations, we’re actively participating on committees, getting to know fellow members, and starting to make a difference.

Perhaps it just goes with the territory but the level of optimism about the economic recovery that I’ve heard from nearly everyone I’ve met is encouraging. Some folks are saying that real growth is still 12 to 18 months away, but the fact is people are getting excited about selling more products and hiring more people.

Looking forward to the balance of 2009, we have our work cut out for us. A number of internal marketing projects are currently underway. Each is designed to further establish Milestone Marketing Associates as a player in the local community and generate more interest in our services.

On the local level we’re kicking off our public relations efforts and solidifying referral relationships. Nationally we’re gearing up for a major event in the first quarter that will be our first crack at targeting small software businesses.

Once again I would like to thank each of you for your support and encouragement. I was touched last week at my Kiwanis meeting (the Mighty Siesta Key Kiwanis Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Café Baci – please join us if you’re interested – free lunch for prospective members!) when no less than half-a-dozen members mentioned they’ve been not only reading but enjoying my weekly updates!

One more plug before signing off – coming up on November 20th the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is sponsoring its first annual Car-BQ. For just $10 you’ll receive a box lunch consisting of one pulled pork or chicken sandwich, two sides and a dessert! The event is located at the Sarasota Polo Club. Tickets are required in advance so if you live or work in the LWR area and would like to support the Alliance, let me know or check out their website – www.lwrba.org.

Until next week,
Matthew Anderson, President
Milestone Marketing Associates, Inc.