The Best Marketing Technique Ever

I really believe Peter Drucker's contention that marketing is everything a company does, as seen by the customer, so I'm assuming you actually are referring to "communications" techniques. If that's the case, I'd use a blog.

A blog is a low-cost, high-reach tool that allows you to demonstrate your brand in a easily-accessible manner, generates great networking opportunities (offline and online) and allows you to communicate with people you don't even know are looking at you.

A web presence also gives you some additional credibility when prospects check up on you after networking with you!

Of course, you have to base that blog and all of its content on a solid brand foundation.

Great question and good discussion, BTW.

-Mark

My answer is simple, straight and effective - Proper Branding

Branding could communicate well and reach the right market from the very first time and in the different places.

@Vera - From all the responses it sounds like it's a case of each to their own.

I guess it makes you think. Do we choose the Right tactics for the Right situations? Or. Are we predisposed to using tactics that we're good at despite being less effective in certain sitautions?

I know a number of times when I've kept to mediums that I'm most comfortable with.

For me it's developing relationships - and I use my list and my podcast to do this. Another thing that helps me start relationships is my affiliate program.

Does this count as 3 or can I just say relationship building!

Thanks everyone for some great ideas here, I think I tend to also gravitate to what it is that I do personally do best. For me, I really enjoy meeting people face to face, I love to make personal connections with others. Even at the last seminar I attended I made some affiliate sales because of my affiliate link. From meeting me, I was obviously a trusted source for them and they acted on my recommendation. Pretty cool.

I think it's pretty subjective depending on the industry and market but I'd choose SEM.

Drive enough traffic to your site, and you'll begin to develop a picture of your customers, what the market is looking for and how to pitch to the right people.

Hands down.

Vera,
This may be cheating, but I think the one marketing technique I would use is crafting a comprehensive marketing plan.

Jay

Understanding customer wants and needs.

I would agree with Ed that networking is key. Developing business relationships will foster client loyalty, generate referrals, and transcend price competition.

Hey Patrick - I agree that having a clear vision is a must, not always easy to do though when you're bogged down with customers (which is a good thing) but it's hard to wrap your brain around moving forward when you focus so heavily on customers, satisfying them, recruiting more, and keeping them excited about your business.

Thanks Ed! Yes one technique.. hard to choose isn't it? I DO love meeting face to face and networking in person. It was a great time at the last seminar I attended but I think it's key to network also with the "right" people... sometimes that's hard to find.

ONE marketing technique, eh?

Well I would have to say networking. Local, internationally, web based and face time.

No doubt about it.

Ed

It's my firm belief that marketing begins within the company. If you don't have a clear exciting vision or your employees are not happen all other marketing will just be makeup over a sore place. Yes, I develop products for companies that help them get their word out in diverse ways from innovative web sites to business cards. Unfortunately I can't control what other companies do. I can just provide tools however as a small business myself I do try to set an example by being involved in local networking groups, treating employees even if it's just my wife and myself to training, "retreats" and other benefits. I also try to blog and speak to others about how important it is to have a postive work environment. Sometimes that involves just a one person company who must be encouraged to think positive. Some my classify this as buzz marketing, other may say "personal branding" or branding in general.

Thanks for posing this question as I am inspired to write more on "marketing from within" and I'm seriously going to look at how the products I produce for my other businesses can encourage that.