Importance of Team

In Southwest Florida, small business reigns supreme. Our local economy is built on small businesses working together, with each other, networking, and helping one another accomplish our goals. We all need each other -- for marketing support, tech support, web design, etc. In order to operate as a web design and marketing firm, I need help maintaining my offices, I need help installing and maintaining a phone system, I need support as I seek out referral business, etc. In a sense, the small business culture in the Naples area comprises a team.


As we function together and work together in Southwest Florida, RT Design Group also recognizes the value of a team environment. Our team must work together to accomplish web design and marketing projects. None of us could do it alone -- we must draw upon one another's knowledge and experience. As you work together within your own team, what are some ways that you draw upon each other's experience and skill sets? How do you work together and create a positive environment?

Not only do small businesses function together as a team in this area (whether we realize it or not) and our own individual business function as a team, our marketing efforts function as a team. It is so important to recognize that marketing is not just one effort -- it is multiple efforts across an array of platforms that all work together to promote your business and your mission. Your products and services speak for themselves, and you rely on word of mouth marketing, yes. But to make it stronger, you probably already recognize the importance of your marketing "team." It's made up of:

• Each one of your employees, who constantly speak on behalf of your business. Make sure they enjoy where they work, and they know they are valuable.

• Your website. Does your website provide an accurate picture of your business? Is it professional? And most importantly, is it unique?

• Your blog. Regularly updating your blog packs a power punch for your search engine optimization efforts. Make sure your blog is presenting unique content on a regular basis.

• Your social media. Do you have professionally designed social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter? Are you posting regularly? Are there links back to your site? Make sure any and all content is related to your business and what is happening in your industry.

Think of your marketing efforts as a team -- each member of the team relies on the other to propel your business forward. Don't just focus on one aspect. Focus on every aspect, and don't neglect any form of communication when things get busy.