I think people on the client side of the business really need to focus on the SIX p’s when developing a marketing plan. We have all been taught that there are four P’s to any marketing equation, but I beg to differ. There are six P’s, and the companies that realize this now are the one’s that are thriving… Product - Yes, the good ‘ol product Place - Where you sell the product Price - What will the market bear for your widget? What is a widget, can I copyright that? Promotion - That’s what we do….you know, write copy and such….. PEOPLE - The 5th P. You can have the four above, but to succeed today, you need to have a well trained staff that believes in the 4 P’s above. They believe in the product and swear by it (Coke driver drinking Pepsi), They love where they work, They agree with the set price ($45,000 for a Mazda?), and they know what the promotion, or marketing support is…… Now you have one of the strongest marketing tools there is in the business. What companies have the 5th P. Well, Starbucks Coffee for one. They train all of their people the same way. They take care of their people. The people are always aware of the promotion, the marketing tools, before the public does. In return, Starbucks has a WorldWide marketing firm promoting their products everyday. Becasue they believe in the company, and they believe in providing legendary service to everyone walking through their doors. Starbuck’s has the 5th P working overtime for them….. PARTNERS - The elusive 6th P. This P is becoming more and more relevant in today’s society. Creating a marketing partner to target the audience of another is great selling tool today. In today’s media blitz World of TIVO, your target and my target is becoming ever more elusive to reach. Enter the PARTNER, the 6th P. T-mobile needed a partner for their HotSpot service, so who did they call? Starbuck of course! Now, Starbucks can provide their customers with legendary service by giving them access to High Speed Internet connections WorldWide. Now, T-Mobile can provide their users with a safe and quiet place to do their work….. JK