Abstract: Business strategy, a road map telling us how the business plans to be successful, does not guarantee success. Strategy execution requires business processes that do what the strategy calls for--and do it well. In today's automated world, these business processes rely on business systems. Therefore, a direct link exists between the success of business strategy and business systems. Poor systems are a frequent reason for the failure of a business strategy.

Abstract: It’s not enough to develop a strategy for your enterprise; real success comes from effective execution of that strategy. Prioritization, improvement, and control are the key steps involved in enterprise strategy execution. But before leaping right into deployment, you might need a few more details. Learn how planning your objectives and fixing performance gaps gives you control of improvement gains—now and in the future.

Abstract: What is vertical marketing? Vertical marketing is product and promotion efforts targeted at specific industries. Many benefits are derived from vertical marketing. These include messages that are better received, credibility, marketing budgets that go farther, less competition, etc. A common mistake is the failure to understand the verticals you choose to target. The definition of a vertical is not what the vendor thinks; it is what the prospects think.

Abstract: When marketing managers look to expand their teams, they measure individuals on a number of different attributes, including creativity and attention to detail. And it’s no different when signing on with a marketing services provider. When outsourcing a database marketing solution, you should spend time evaluating the services offerings as well as the capabilities of various marketing services providers. Find out how.

Abstract: To address evolving market demands, companies must take new approaches to marketing activities and integrate all company functions. Customer relationship management (CRM) can empower your marketing organization to support growth and demonstrate value to customers. Find out six factors that can allow your company’s marketing team to make intelligent decisions and drive effective end-to-end marketing processes.

Abstract: For years, small to medium businesses have envied the powerful marketing campaigns of their larger counterparts. But today, bigger budgets and marketing departments are no longer the only keys to marketing success. Rules-based marketing is an automated strategy involving if–then rules, resulting in communications that are more timely, relevant, and consistent across multiple communication channels, for even the smallest organization.

Abstract: Small and midsized companies may need help configuring Google Analytics installations to aid their clients in the real estate, vacation rental, and resort markets—and to measure and enhance the effectiveness of their online marketing programs. If you’re tired of being kept in the dark about the effectiveness of your Internet marketing programs, then it might be time to implement a comprehensive Google Analytics program.

Abstract: Marketing is possibly the only remaining major business function yet to revise its core processes to take advantage of IT that can cut time, costs, and improve the quality of its operation. Nevertheless with marketing automation there are huge untapped opportunities for business improvement, given marketing has a unique vantage point in any enterprise to understand the customer needs, buying behavior, and value perception.

Abstract: Because product marketing managers constantly juggle competing priorities, companies should consider implementing a formal positioning process as a way of cloning their product marketing managers. Rationale documents and message strategies become vehicles that transfer product knowledge to marketing and sales.

Abstract: You can have the best sales pitch in the world, but if you don’t know who your audience is, or what they’re looking for, your strategy is based on chance. Marketing—smart, cost-effective marketing—is about listening to what a specific person or group of people are looking for and responding to their needs or desires. Learn how to use analytics to focus your marketing efforts, for more effective and efficient results.

Abstract: The divide between strategy development and strategy execution can be overcome by creating balanced scorecards. Prioritize your objectives to determine which are most critical. Then cascade objectives and metrics down and across the organization, creating linked and related—but not identical—scorecards for each critical area. These and five other tips for scorecarding success will move you in the right direction.

Abstract: Digital marketing involves using your Web site and associated marketing tools to promote your business online. You can learn some basic skills in both search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing. But for optimal results, you’re advised to consult a professional, who can provide you with insight into what SEO services should entail, allowing you to make an informed decision when selecting a supplier.

Abstract: Oracle's vision of a complete collaborative e-Business solution requires a database strategy, an application server strategy, and an e-business strategy. Will users buy into this vision?

Abstract: SSA Global's Client Forum has reinforced our impression that the vendor's product strategy is an effective strategy that addresses the realities of today's market. However, the execution is not without challenges. Although we found confusion on the part of a few, customers appeared supportive of the SSA strategy.

Abstract: For years, Catalyst International was a leading public WMS/SCE vendor before missteps by its previous management team caused serious problems in strategy and execution. Over the past few years Catalyst's turnaround strategy has returned it to growth and profitability. As a result, it has recently been acquired by ComVest, a wealthy, private investment firm. This development may indicate private equity investors' renewed interest in this market and might validate the company's turnaround strategy that began in late 2001. Still, the question remains whether the anticipated infusion of capital from ComVest will enable Catalyst to become a consolidator and rejoin its mightier direct competitors in the industry's upper echelon.

Abstract: As marketing budgets shrink and companies in the corporate services industry aim to leverage their Web sites as less expensive alternatives to traditional marketing tools, Web-site strategy is becoming more important. Web-site strategy must focus on enhancing credibility, strengthening existing relationships, generating leads, and more. Get tips on how to create a Web-site strategy that will help you achieve these goals.

Abstract: Relationship marketing is about understanding customers’ needs and building a marketing strategy around them. The nurturing process helps businesses define the process of generating better leads through a clear set of principles, tactics, and related metrics for attracting new customers. Enterprise marketing management (EMM) has also emerged as part of this process, and is critical for marketing consistency and discipline.

Abstract: In the white paper six success factors for a best-run marketing organization, you'll learn that in order to build a successful marketing operation ...