FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

Know Your Customer & Tell Your Story

Session Overview

Every business needs customers, but finding them starts with knowing who they are. In this first marketing session, we go back to the basics: who you are selling to, what problem you solve for them, and how to talk about your business in a way that feels true to who you are.

We will cover your brand story, your value proposition, and how to build a simple, authentic marketing message that works whether you are speaking to a client, posting online, or building your first website.

Topics Covered

• What marketing really is and what it is not
• Identifying your target customer and why “everyone” is not an answer
• Your unique value proposition, including what makes your business different
• Building your brand story using your values and identity
• Introduction to the sales pitch, including elevator pitch practice
• Business directories and free listings that work for Indigenous businesses
• Simple, low-cost marketing tools for new entrepreneurs

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define their target customer clearly
• Write a one-sentence value proposition for their business
• Deliver a confident 60-second pitch about their business
• List at least three directories or platforms to promote their business for free

Note

Session 4 is Part 1 of a two-part marketing series. Session 5 builds on this foundation with digital marketing tools and strategy.