so what on Earth is marketing anyway?

"Marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably."
The Chartered Institute of Marketing

Well that's settled that then... Next time anyone asks, "So what exactly is marketing then?" we will know what to say. Of course, marketing means more than just the definition given by the CIM. Many people just think of Promotion, one of the 7 Ps of the Marketing Mix - but it also encompasses the other 6. See about the Marketing Mix for more information.

Marketing can be seen as something of a mystery. Traditionally, cynics have seen it as a waste of time and money - a black hole where cash and effort disappear with no measurable return. However, this needn't be the case.

The key to successful marketing is creating an effective marketing plan. The traditional marketing plan takes you through the process and makes the visible things (brochures, websites, PR etc.) obvious. It also puts in monitoring controls so that a business can see it's return on investment.

Half of the problem for marketers is the waffle that they speak - buzzwords and phrases that mean little to anybody else. We believe in plain talking - but if you want to know what a buzzword means, there are a few to start with in our Glossary of Marketing .

We will be adding to this list over time, so please keep checking back - if you have any requests please send them in too!

That leaves the final issue - why would you want to use a marketing agency like Simon Brandon Marketing? There are a few reasons, but the main ones are:

• Using an agency that you can trust means that you can get on with meeting clients' needs without having to worry about liaising with printers or writing the nest press release.

• We utilise a network of partners in specialist fields who can deliver the right solution for our clients but without hidden costs. These specialists include graphic designers, marketing planners, copywriters, website creators, telemarketers and PR experts.

• We maintain a small number of long-term clients. We do this for two reasons: firstly it allows us to really get to know our clients' businesses and secondly we can ensure them our time whenever they need it.