OUR MANIFESTO - Why We Exist!

Research has proven that most business people try marketing ideas from many different places and just hope that some of those ideas work well enough to sustain the growth of their business.

For most, there is no real science or process to it at all ... just a "grab bag" of theories, tactics, statistical models and anecdotes that for the most part translate very poorly into consistent everyday success.

This is actually true in big and small businesses alike, but big businesses generally have budgets large enough to diversify their marketing efforts, thereby putting the law of averages to work. Although many big business marketing campaigns also fail, their deeper pockets and ability to diversify efforts still give them a reasonable rate of return on their total marketing efforts. Small businesses, however, are generally not as well funded and just one mistake can often lead to disaster.

Small businesses normally have to market on a shoestring, both in terms of money and time available. If they get it right, their marketing drives solid growth. If they guess incorrectly, they are often forced to close the business, frequently not understanding what went wrong.

Many small business owners have good ideas and viable prospects but just do not know how to get their message across effectively with a good return on investment. Our belief is that most small businesses can indeed avoid disaster and, with the right marketing know-how and processes, become extremely profitable.

We also believe that small business owners can effectively implement and manage the right tactics themselves. In fact, we believe it is crucial that they do so. If someone else does it for them, they never truly own the knowledge behind their growth!

What most small business owners lack is someone to show and guide them through the key principles of small business growth.

Ad agencies, consultants, and even media sales reps should generally not be viable options for a small business owner. Why?

• Ad agencies need to work with large marketing budgets ... which most small businesses do not have. Even if you have the advertising budget they look for, you are still not receiving a comprehensive solution that covers all the other marketing options. Plus, most small businesses are typically assigned to a junior account executive. Do you really want to put the future of your business in the hands of a relative novice?

• Consultants typically expect significant monthly fees (which most small businesses cannot afford) and hope to extend the engagement as long as possible. Although many consultants can indeed help your situation, it often takes a long time for the improved results to cover the cost of the early fee outlays. And after they have finally completed the task, the consultant still keeps most of the know-how in their possession. For lasting success, you really want to make sure you know how the answers were developed so you can become a master marketer in your own right!

• Media Sales Reps generally act as if they have your best interests in mind (and many truly care about your success), but there is one flaw in their system. If they do not sell you anything, then there is no food on their table! They have one primary goal -- to convince you to use their station or publication. And since they sell all day long, they can generally make a great case that they are the perfect solution for you. In addition, they are often marketing novices. They often make mistakes while they are learning the ropes and frequently lead business owners astray because they are not properly trained in the field of marketing.

After working with a BizTrek Mentor for just a short while, most business owners are surprised at how much more their business achieved without wasting marketing dollars and precious time. We know you need to keep an eye on the bottom line ... and our proprietary approach helps you get the best marketing value from every dollar you might spend.

OUR HISTORY

BizTrek was formed in 1994 by Gil Gerretsen.

After nearly 20 years in a career that taught him how to turn around or grow various businesses and organizations around the country, he noticed the successful impact of his 12 Marketing Triggers when he shared them with friends who owned small businesses.

At the same time, he recognized that the only way for someone to achieve sustained economic freedom in their business was for them to define and master their own marketing efforts, rather than delegate them to consultants or ad agencies.

Unfortunately, few places existed where someone could turn to become proficient in the real world of marketing a small business. Far too many people taught theory and not reality!

This insight led to the formation of BizTrek. By providing seminars, tutorials, group coaching and private mentoring, BizTrek helps small business owners master the art of competition and marketing, allowing them to take charge of their future. BizTrek helps them understand and explore all the possibilities and then develop and manage a Marketing Action Plan customized to their business.

We believe the best learning happens face-to-face, so our goal is to expand across the US and Canada. We are doing this to help an ever-increasing number of small business owners discover and find freedom in the 12 Triggers.

BIZTREK LOCATIONS

BIZTREK IN THE NEWS

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February, 2008 - BizTrek President Gil Gerretsen selected for Greenville board position at Clemson University Small Business Development Center.

August, 2007 - BizTrek President Gil Gerretsen selected to the Marquis 2008-2009 edition of Who's Who in Finance and Business.

July, 2006 - BizTrek expands to larger facilities in Greenville, SC

December, 2005 - BizTrek President Gil Gerretsen selected for two year term to chair Small Business Cabinet on Greater Greenville (SC) Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

June 10 , 2005 - BizTrek President Gil Gerretsen serves as keynote speaker for Anderson (SC) Chamber of Commerce.

January, 2005 - BizTrek is selected as one of three finalists for Greater Greenville (SC) Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.

March, 2004 - BizTrek receives Greater Greenville (SC) Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month Award.

October 6, 2003 - BizTrek President Gil Gerretsen leads discussion of "Marketing In Tough Times" for Upstate Coalition of Entrepreneurial Development (UCED).

May 5, 2003 - BizTrek President Gil Gerretsen serves as keynote speaker for Greenwood (SC) Chamber of Commerce Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon.

October, 2001 - BizTrek President Gil Gerretsen selected to Who's Who In The World directory.

July, 2000 - BizTrek receives Greater Greenville (SC) Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month Award.