As you have probably experienced there is a lot of hype in the business and marketing world. New concepts, revolutionary methods and the like land in our in boxes every day. But I'm going to confirm something you probably already know - the fundamentals of marketing haven't changed for decades. Here's my summary of the marketing principles that have stood the test of time.

1. Know your customer. Know their wants and desires.

2. Offer the customer more benefits from your product or service than they would get by keeping their wallet closed, or shopping with the competition.

3. Have a unique selling proposition for your business. For example Federal Express Couriers 'Absolutely, positively overnight'.

4. Always have your marketing communicate WIIFM (What's in your product/service for me the customer).

5. Give your customers both emotional and rational reasons to buy from you.

6. Thank your customers for their business.

7. The customer is always right. In their mind they are. You better deal with this effectively because it will gain or lose business for you.

8. Loyal customers are a businesses greatest asset.

9. Customers are looking to reduce risk when they buy. The least risky option is generally the one they will take, even if this means no purchase at all.

10. The latest, hottest thing in marketing is unlikely to be all it's cracked up to be!!

So there's my 10, what do you think?