In a discussion with a colleague we began to talk about the importance of the way a company treats their employees and how it affects how they then treat the company's clients. He has seen the truth of this principle in the company that he works for and today that company is experiencing ultimate success.

This conversation reminded me of an article I wrote during an epiphany moment called Internal Branding. Truth is marketing starts from the inside out. It' important to realize that if you try to start on the outside first your endeavor will fail.  Branding is not only surface deep it  starts with your employees. If they are not reflecting your brand this could be diminishing your marketing efforts.  It's important to get your employees involved and behind your brand.

Your turn: What are you doing to brand from the inside out?

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There has been lots of ecommerce talk lately.  What can you do to increase your online conversion rate and in return increase your sales?

A topic that seems to be top of mind and rightly so with retail ecommerce surpassing $50 billion in the first quarter of 2013. This was a 13% increase over last year according to a recent ComScore report.

The time has come we are turning to the internet more often to buy and spending more money when doing so. More consumers are spending more money online in the following industries:

• Digital Content
• Subscriptions
• Apparel
• Sports and Fitness
• Consumer Electronics
• Consumer Packaged Goods

Now, that I have you excited it's important to realize that it's not enough to have a great website design and a shopping cart, you have to know how to merchandise your products online.   In the same way that consumers have patterns when purchasing in a brick-and-mortar store, they also have patterns when purchasing online.  Understanding consumer behavior and understanding those patterns you can increase your online sales.  Learn more about the Top 5 Best Practices When it Comes to Online Merchandising.

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The topic today isn't all about sunshine and flowers, I'm approaching a tough topic. How do you know whether it's time to revisit your marketing plan or close your business?

Heavy topic for a Saturday afternoon, yes?

But, one I felt needed to be covered. When we start out in our own businesses we are so full of hope and aspiration that sometimes we can miss things. I know, it happened to me twice and I share my story with you in today's article.

The good news is that by facing the truth, the truth being that your business is struggling you can actually become empowered and clear about your next steps. Knowledge is power; we've all heard that before. Now I'm going to help walk you through some steps that will help you gain that insight and knowledge that you need to make a decision.

Go ahead, grab a notebook and pen - you'll need them. Let's get comfortable and real and tackle this tough topic head on. when you are finished you'll have a clear path to walk down and you'll feel empowered, I promise. Marketing Failure: Re-Evaluate or Close the Business?

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Marketing. The process just sounds daunting. It can be overwhelming to those that have started a business or even just landed their first marketing gig.

There is so much to do, where do you start?

Look, you aren't the only one that has asked that question. Let's get real. When most think of marketing they think it is some kind of magic. We often look at those creative types that put marketing campaigns together in awe wondering if they really just wake up thinking those thoughts.

They don't. Many of the best marketers have learned over time what works and what doesn't. They research, they evaluate data, they breathe creativity into it and then they cross their fingers.

You did want me to be honest, right?

Now, while we may do a lot of crossing fingers truth be told we do follow a process and today I'm going to share with you the four step process when it comes to identifying fundamentals of marketing that has continued to work for me. If you feel inspired, perhaps you'll adopt this plan and start crossing your own fingers?

Step by Step Guide to the Fundamentals of Marketing

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