Even the smallest business can benefit from a marketing plan, if the company sets objectives they can reach and bring in the type of customers they’re looking for.

This was one of the main points of the Lunch and Learn session for January, presented by the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce on Thursday afternoon.

A panel of local marketing experts outlined some of the basics which a business of any size needs to follow; these steps include planning ahead for peak times of year and special events, as well as using all their resources to attract the kinds of customers they’re looking for

Dave Hoke from Iowa State Savings Bank tells KNIA/KRLS News another crucial step is to stick to your plan as the year progresses, while being prepared to make adjustments when necessary; doing so can help you get to where you want to be.

“It absolutely can, and it actually ends up being a lesson when you find out that less is more; especially for a small business to be able to identify objectives that are reachable and meet their needs, and be able to respond to things during the year that may get them off track,” Hoke says.

Hoke says the Chamber of Commerce has plenty of tools and advice which small businesses can use to craft their own marketing plan, and he urges members to take advantage of their services.