4 Steps to Improve Your Marketing Communication Plan For many small business owners and managers, marketing is one of those things you do once in awhile when sales dip or an account manager from a marketing or media channel calls on you. This leads to an inconsistent or shotgun approach and the results are less effective than a well-planned and integrated marketing program. MARCOMM PROGRAM To avoid the pitfalls of a shotgun approach, start with the mindset that it is a program that you commit to working on consistently, over time and for the long term. That commitment begins with selecting a process and following it through. We use a four-part process with our clients to develop and implement a MarComm program that includes planning, content development, execution and reporting. It’s our ready-aim-fire approach with some evaluation afterwards to guide the ongoing efforts. PART ONE: PLANNING It is critical to have a plan to effectively direct your activities. We often refer...