In late 2011, Project REV participants gathered for a kick-off event in Kansas City where they met their Deluxe marketing mentors and advisors. At the event, each participant conducted a strategic analysis of their business and identified key challenges to tackle during Project REV 2012. Participants left the event armed with a preliminary marketing plan using the $15K they are receiving from Deluxe.
Next, each participant will finalize the 2012 marketing plan for their small business, and begin implementation.
It was great to meet the Deluxeand SCORE staff at the kick-off event – they were professional, approachable and understand the full spectrum of marketing. I feel that we have the Deluxe team behind us and will be able to get support on specific matters if needed.
I was not expecting to learn that most of the small businesses have similar challenges and struggles, with similar ways to address them- they just use different terminology. For example, I would not have thought that some of our challenges are the same or similar to those of a security service company or a barbecue sauce provider.
The experience was very team-oriented and interactive, with Deluxe team members coaching and working alongside participants rather than lecturing. I appreciated the feeling that the participants will make this journey alongside the Deluxe team rather than on our own with Deluxe telling us what to do.
It’s a great feeling to have our business supported by Deluxe and SCORE!
In your small business, who are your biggest supporters or mentors? Do you follow any industry professionals?