Can SMEs achieve effective marketing?

For many SMEs, these challenging economic times can have a major impact on the sustainability of their businesses. Today, more than ever, they require tailored marketing strategies which match what they want to achieve with their unique resources.  

To prove its point, Launchpad will take on board one selected local Malaysian SME as a client and provide it with up to RM300,000 of free consulting and marketing services.

A good marketing plan is vital to the business success of any SME, yet marketing is often overlooked and in some cases SMEs just don't know how to go about doing it. Marketing is often the last thing on most entrepreneurs' minds when they are striving for the success of their business. It is, however, one of the most important components of a good business plan and could mean the difference between an okay and a great bottom line.

Malaysia's big name brands such as Maybank, Petronas, and Air Asia know the power of branding and the value it brings to the company. On the other hand, Launchpad market research carried out between August and November of 2009 reveals that there are significant gaps in branding knowledge and understanding amongst many Malaysian SME companies. The majority seems to perceive brand building purely as a cost and do not see the importance of branding as a valuable asset which needs to be invested in. 

From Launchpad's perspective, marketing can be an affordable solution for SME clients who lack the staff and expertise and need a full service marketing group to take them to the next level. 

The criteria
SMEs will be required to submit, in 300 words or less or via 3 minute video, why they think they should be selected to win the RM300,000 worth of free marketing and communication advice.

Submissions must be sent to Launchpad between 12 March and 12 April, 2010. 

To enter, SMEs must fulfill a set of selection criteria including:

• Local, Malaysian company (Not MNC subsidiary)
• Currently not working with any brand consultant or consultancy
• Staff size between 50 and 100
• Has sufficient funds to execute the go-to-market plan

 A Full set of criteria will be made available upon request. 

Steering committee 
During the selection process, a steering committee will evaluate and select the candidate for this project:

Marcus Chhan - Editor, Advertising + Marketing 
Freda Lui - Producer, BFM 
Stefan Pertz - Group Managing Director, Launchpad Sdn Bhd 
Nicole Fong - Business Development Manager, Launchpad Sdn Bhd 
Mike Fromowitz - Chief Brand Officer, Launchpad Sdn Bhd 
Rob Hill - Chief Technology Officer, Launchpad Sdn Bhd 
Doug Dean - Strategy Director, Launchpad Limited

Final decision for the applicant chosen rests with the committee.

Contact and timeline 
Companies interested in this project should contact Launchpad via: info@launchpad.com.my or visit http://buildmybrand.launchpad.com.my/

The evaluation process will start 15 April and is set to close on 30 April 2010. Once the SME candidate has been confirmed, the work will start with immediate effect.