Thank you for reading our blog.  We do have to give a disclaimer and an apology, if necessary, for disturbing readers and customers that receive our blog posts.  I wrote this in Word, but it turns out that you cannot do that.  So as was trying to figure out why my copy was black on black, I was up and down off the blog.  Every time I sent this up you may have received another email.  The problems lie with GoDaddy NOT Bakers Marketing Group.  GoDaddy Tech has given me a new list of "rules" so, hopefully, problem solved.  Best to all and enjoy our postings.

I'll first give you the definition of “marketing” as I have determined it to be in 40 years of business. 

During these past months, I have attended meetings - morning, noon and evenings.  During those meetings and times, speakers and others have played the "marketing" card in so many different ways that it, literally, becomes confusing to most.  Listeners chime in saying, "Is that the best for me?"  When this question arises, we must be prepared to answer it.

           Just Remember - Marketing is all, marketing is everything in a business!  But, not all facets suits everyone all the time.

We must be able to quantify the very important differences in marketing approaches.  We must endeavor to make sure that marketing needs and goals to which we must address ourselves are met.   Whether an individual in a company or a person like myself who “hires out” his marketing services, we are hired (end result) to create profits.

My definition: “Marketing is the umbrella that covers all of the efforts made to sell the products and services of a company.  Everything, every effort is covered under that umbrella – that term”.

1) all advertising - print and broadcast, direct mail and billboards, etc.
2) all promotion - from imprinted products to conventions and trade shows, etc.
3) all sales efforts - from the cold call to telemarketing calls to entertainment, etc.
4) Internet presence - social networking like facebook, twitter and the like as well as websites and blogs are covered here-and more.

Again, the term marketing covers all efforts used to move products and services from the producer/distributor of those products and services to the best use of a customer.  Please note the term: best use.

That is my definition of marketing, and one that I have unfalteringly worked to communicate for all the years I have been in the business of promoting image and profits for the business community.  -J Frederick Baker-
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And on . . .

Peter Drucker, Claremont & Graduate University, talked about the business of business this way: "Because it is its purpose to create a customer, any business enterprise has two - and only two - basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing is the distinguishing, the unique function of a business." (Fred Note - The problem here is that he doesn't define marketing, but he does point up, which I want to emphasize, is that, "Marketing is the distinguishing, the unique function of a business.")  This is Step 1 toward true marketing activity.  Bear that in mind, that phrase as we continue to offer ideas to build your image and grow your profits.

Ted Leavitt, Harvard Business School, put it this way about the business of business:  "All industry begins with the customer and his or her needs, not with a patent, a raw material, or a selling skill."  (Fred Note - Here we are getting closer to the way marketing should work and what it should do - meet a customers needs.)  This is Step 2 in adjusting thinking to the true understanding of what marketing is all about.
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Definition 2 is submitted as an amalgamation of others with which I've come in contact over the years - and it is a good one:  I wrote this down years ago but not the author that I can find.  So to whom I owe the attribution - my apologies to you.  Here's how it goes: "Marketing is the profitable identification, attraction, getting, and keeping of good customers.”

Definition 3 - same disclaimer: "Marketing is the epicenter of the organization.  Marketing is responsible for creating products that fill customer needs.  When establishing marketing guidelines, the smart business person cheerfully and enthusiastically pays attention to the needs of the customer."
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Dear Reader, 
I'm sure that you have heard this old saw (but it bears repeating) about "millions of 1/4" drills were sold in the last few years - not because people wanted 1/4" drills - because they wanted 1/4" holes."

I will leave you with that thought and Thank You for reading, subscribing or coming to our blog and providing input that helps us all grow and to gain some insight into the "mechanics of marketing".

If you are a customer, I thank you doubly, and I hope that we may continue to serve your needs to "Build Your Image . . . Grow Your Profits" over these next years.

Keep lighting those candles!!!

J Frederick (Fred) Baker, Bakers Marketing Group, 315 W Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506 Phn:630-264-1200  EMail:  Info@CallBakers.com   Website: www.CallBakers.com
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Copyright: Bakers Marketing Group of PBI - 2010

Thank you for reading our blog.

I'll first give you the definition of “marketing” as I have determined it to be in 40 years of business.

During these past months, I have attended meetings - morning, noon and evenings. During those meetings and times, speakers and others have played the "marketing" card in so many different ways that it, literally, becomes confusing to most - “What's best for me”, they say. Marketing is all, marketing is everything in a business.

We must be able to quantify, however, the very important differences in marketing approaches. We must endeavor to make sure that marketing needs and goals to which we must address ourselves are met. Whether an individual in a