Advertisement Ideas: Pounding It Hard!!!

In basketball when we say someone is pounding the paint it is a compliment. The mentality to go hard to the basket should translate to you in business as you need to be pounding the paint, your area to cultivate new clients/customers. In basketball we refer to the ball as the rock and when that rock goes in it is a success. Getting the rock in the paint and scoring baskets doesn’t come easy it comes with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to be better every time you take to the court. In business clients/customers just don’t appear you need a plan of action to get them and keep them.

In basketball a slam dunk excites the home crowd and energizes the team. In business sometimes you have to go above the rim and throw down a monstrous dunk to excite your clients/customers and energize your brand. Ask yourself how can I pound it hard and create a slam dunk? One way is to look at your resources like your phone. When was the last time you connected with a past client/customer to see if they needed your product or service or if they knew someone who could benefit from doing business with you. I was recently in a jewelry store and the gentleman behind the counter who identified himself as the owner was complaining how bad things were and how his sales were off. I asked what are you doing to promote your business? His answer nothing. There is your answer you can not score points and garner clients/customers or retain clients/customers if you do nothing. I suggested he take out his phone and every day call 10 clients/customers that he hasn’t seen in a while and ask them if they have gold to sell or know anyone who is looking to sell gold. His answer was I don’t have time for that. I thought wow you just told me your business is off and you don’t have time to build it. I told him my theory about pounding it hard, which is to go out and hit the streets and find the people who are in your target audience and hand them information about who you are, what you, do and why they should be doing business with you. He said no people will come I have been here for 20 years. I said thank you and wished him luck. I went down the street to another jewelry store and the owner who I knew through some of my sales/marketing jobs said to me JDOGG things are doing well I have those calendars you like. I thanked him and asked him what he was doing and he say like you always say pounding it hard, I have my street team out everyday flooding the area with fliers announcing my specials, I have people calling past clients/customers to update records, I am sending out mailers to a target specific audience, I am attending networking events, and supporting charities. I left thinking that is why one business struggles while another thrives. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Pounding It Hard!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Overcoming People Who Suck!!!

In the course of doing business and promoting Relay For Life I have come across some people who really suck. These people will be the first to complain about anything and try to debate you. The best thing to do is to ignore them and then sage your car, your home, your office and remove the negative toxins that they brought into your environment. When you encounter these people who suck take a deep breath and then surround yourself with love from GOD and pray that he will guide you toward more positive people. In some cases you have to just make a decision to not interact with those who bring negativity into your life even if this means turning down their business.

The best way to avoid those people who suck is to make a commitment to avoid negativity. When negativity enters into your work place do the best you can to breath and take it as a learning experience. Recently all the political ads have taken on a negative tone so I just change the channel when they come on or I do not watch TV. In not allowing negativity to pervade your life you will find that personally and professionally your life is enhanced. In understanding that many people will find fault with what you are doing because they are unhappy with their life. I run into this all the time as I approach people to appear on my TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com on Tuesday at 6:30 PM EST. as they will tell me all the reasons they don’t think it will work for them or how they don’t have time to come to the studio or how they can not afford to buy the clip. These excuses breed negativity so I adopt the idea that some will, some won’t, so what, some waiting, next. I have taken the no’s a s a positive to get me closer to a yes. In many cases I have come to the conclusion that many people aren’t aware that they suck and are making money despite this. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Overcoming People Who Suck!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Put Out Or Get Out!!!

In the ever evolving market place where social media seems to be taking over it is still important to get out from behind the computer and put yourself out into the market. I have written many times about the 3 feet rule and the importance of getting out into the community. You can have all the social media sites in the world but if people don’t know about them they do not serve you well so it is important to get out and let people know who you are, what you do, and how they can connect with you. One key when putting yourself out there is to answer the question how you can be of service and value to the people you come in contact with.

Advertisement Ideas: Ways To Put Out Instead of Getting Out!!!

When attending networking events it is imperative to get to know a few people at the event. Do not try to get to know everyone build relationships one event at a time and each time you go to the event greet the people you meet and then set a goal to meet 3 new people so that you build your data base and also strengthen relationships. Think of the one thing you want to offer those you meet and then how you will follow up. The idea is to pick a lane and stick to it. As you build relationships through networking you will find that you are able to convert people into clients as you continue to be of service and value. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Put Out Or Get Out!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Focus, Discipline, And Execution!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Focus, Discipline, And Execution:

I am asked JDOGG how is it that you are successful with your marketing and media relations? My answer comes down to three elements Focus, Discipline, and Execution. Having an idea is great but until you implement the idea and allow it to come to fruition it will sit dormant and not serve your business. It is said what you focus on expands. This is so true when running a business or doing work in the non-profit sector. If you focus on the challenges and the negativity surrounding something you will encounter more challenges and more negativity. If you focus on the positive aspects of the project and approach it with joy you will attract more positivity and joy to the project. One element that a business needs is brand awareness and this should be a focus in all you do. I am very involved with The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca and my focus is on raising funds for research, education, advocacy, and services. I have set a goal of raising $2500. Each day that I am out in the community I wear Relay For Life apparel to draw attention to what I am doing and I also have my literature with me. By planning out the day and picking a lane and wearing my brand I am able to create a buzz and brand recognition for Relay For Life. The key is to focus on a plan, plan the work, work the plan, and make adjustments. When you are focused with the end in mind you will be able to take action to bring the plan to fruition. Ask yourself what you want from your advertising, marketing, and media relations and then focus on the desired results and take action to bring everything to fruition.

Knowing what you want and then taking the steps to get it will take discipline. If you know that you are most productive when you do a morning ritual be disciplined to do that ritual everyday. I personally get up and do a gratitude prayer, then after I shower and get dressed I tale out Rev, Dr. Dee Adio- Moses Book Heal your life with daily affirmations and prayer, then I read Marianne Morrisey’s Miracle Minute, then I write in my gratitude journal. I also play uplifting music to get me centered and grounded. In being disciplined in doing this I put in motion elements to have a successful day.

I also plan out my day and set daily goals so that I can move forward in a positive direction of my goals. In being disciplined I am able to accomplish great things and continue on my mission to help other people excel by being of service and value. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Focus, Discipline, And Execution!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Why Doctors And Big Pharma Piss Me Off!!!

As I sat in my cardiologists office debating why I did not want to take Lipitor and would do a natural holistic approach I realized just then why doctors and big pharma piss me off. Doctors piss me off because of their holier than though attitude and the belief that they are the only ones that know what is best for your treatment. Big Pharma pisses me off because of all the advertising and side effects. I asked my doctor why would I take one prescription drug that can cause other issues. It also pisses me off that even with insurance my echo-cardiogram will cost me $250 out of my pocket. The idea of affordable health care sounded great on paper but on practice it has done exactly the opposite of what was promised. Doctors also piss me off because they hide behind their degrees and try to justify the high rates they charge. It all comes down to the idea that there must be a better way. Why is is you can buy a bottle of Tylenol in a CVS for $5.99 and the hospital wants to charge you $7 per pill come on hospital administrators give me a break. Hospitals, doctors, big pharma, and insurance companies have become greedy money grabbers who have no regard for their patients.

Here are more reasons why big pharma pisses me off, the side effects of Lipitor.

Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Why Doctors And Big Pharma Piss Me Off!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Get Up Off Of That Thang!!!

It was August of 1989 when I attended my first ever Florida Jaycees Conference, where I won The First Timers Competition, that I first heard the cheer GET UP OFF OF THAT THANG!!! I thought what did that cheer represent and it represented a call to action encouraging people to get up off their ass and do something. As I got to know the members of The Coconut Grove Jaycees throughout the years of my involvement with The Jaycees as a local chapter president, a district director, a regional director, state director of training, and state-wide vice-president i began to realize that what makes them successful as an organization is their leadership and their marketing strategies. The Coconut Grove Jaycees started The Coconut Grove Bed Race as fundraiser for The Muscular Dystrophy Association. Today that is one of the biggest events in South Florida. Today The Coconut Grove Jaycees have a very recognizable brand and have built a reputation as a top non-profit providing leadership training through community service. The Coconut Grove Jaycees have helped many people to advance in their chosen fields of endeavor and have seen many members become successful entrepreneurs.

To put together The Coconut Grove Bed Race The Coconut Grove Jaycees utilized a tool known as The Chairman’s Planning Guide that should be used by every business to plan, implement, and evaluate projects.
Jaycees CPG, this link will give you the format that you can then adapt to your business or non-profit projects.

Advertisement Ideas: Get Up Off Of That Thang – A Case Study!!!

In all my years of involvement with the Jaycees the one thing I learned from The Coconut Grove Jaycees is that you have to take action. When you have an idea take action to implement and make sure after implementation you let people know about it. In my workshops I teach people about obtaining media coverage as I have gotten up off of that thang and secured media coverage for myself and causes I support. below is an article done last year about POINTS FOR THE CURE AND SHOUT OUTS FOR THE CURE, which I will be doing again this year for THE 2015 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF WEST BOCA RATON. Yesterday(8/30/14) I ran SHOUT OUTS FOR THE CURE during The Parkland Rangers VS. Lauderhill Broncos Pop Warner Football Games and raised $62. This was done by getting up off of that thang and using my position as a PA Announcer to do something good to help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. It is in taking action that you get results. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Get Up Off Of That Thang!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Who Is Walking Through Your Door?

Today’s entry is inspired by some encounters I had while out promoting and collecting for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and seeking guests for my TV Show, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com at 6:30 PM EDT. The first stop I made was to Best Friends Animal Hospital, where I was greeted by someone who was anything but friendly. I stated I understood that I was catching them at a bad time and asked if I could leave my business card as I am inviting people to be guests on my TV Show. In was told no and to get out of the office. I left and I wondered does this person realize the opportunity that he missed today as I would have written something positive, tweeted out a positive tweet with a link to their site, posted a posted review on Facebook, mentioned them in a positive light in this blog. He probably didn’t understand the idea that a solicitor today may be a customer/client tomorrow. So think about it you never know who is walking through your door and how they can be of service and value to you. Everyone who contacts your business can be of some help or may know people who can use your products and services. I did call The Animal Hospital and left a lengthy message explaining all the ties I have to people with pets and how people trust my recommendations and if he wanted to make amends I would like to speak to him. I don’t anticipate a return call but I know that it is important to walk in your truth and close the book on issues of the day that may have upset you.

The Animal Hospital wasn’t the only one who needs to learn who is walking through the door. I stopped by Thaler’s Printing and was greeted by the owner who said that he couldn’t give today to which I stated sir I am only asking for $1 or $2 to help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. He said if he did that he would have to close his business. I then said no problem I would like to leave you my business card as I host a TV Show and help businesses to maximize their message. He said he didn’t need my card or need my help. I said wow you just complained how you were struggling and I am giving you a chance to overcome that struggle. he said I just told you that to get you to leave. To which I said so you lied to me and I left. I find it amazing that someone can be in business for 35 years with the attitude of this business owner. The sad part is he missed an opportunity as I need business cards, post cards, banners, and other printed materials and I know many people who could use his services Guess what he loses out and will continue to struggle. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Who Is Walking Through Your Door?

Advertisement Ideas: No Time For Assholes!!!

In his book The No Asshole Rule Robert I. Sutton shows one how to deal with assholes and the damage that they do and ways to overcome their negativity. He deals with work place assholes. I have encountered non-work place assholes and decided that there is no time for assholes. Recently I was at The City of Sunrise 4th Of July Concert and fireworks collecting donations for The American Cancer Society. I did very well collecting $248 to help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. I stood at the exit asking people to donate to the cause. One young person about 26 years old asked how do I know you aren’t going to take the money and buy beer. I should have ignored him but I allowed my pride to get in the way and I became a bit confrontational and this created a scene and I became the asshole to the point where his girlfriend put her elbow to my throat. At that point I backed off wished them Namaste and knelt in prayer. It was at that point that I realized I have no time for assholes as I stooped to a lower level that doesn’t serve me or the charity well. I learned that next time, don’t even dignify this person’s comment with a reply and to continue to do what I do. I realized that there is no time for assholes because there are many people who will support the cause and will appreciate what I am doing. I have come to realize that what I teach others about some will, some won’t , so what, some waiting, next. I have come to realize that the less time I spend dealing with assholes the more successful I become. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: No Time For Assholes!!!

Advertisement Ideas: How To Reverse A Negative Trend!!!

As I skimmed the business news today and saw that Darden Restaurants had reported a downward trend in earnings and dividends for The Olive Garden Operations I immediately thought what would I do if I was a marketing director to reverse this trend? The answer came easily step up the marketing and advertising so as to drive traffic and increase the amount of visits a patron will make to the restaurant. This thinking is the opposite of what most companies do and as a result of cutting the marketing and advertising budget the downward earnings trend continues. The key to being successful and making your share holders happy is to constantly be in front of the consumer and give them a reason to patronize your business. It is imperative to look at why your sales are off and why the dividend payouts are dropping. One key factor is inconsistency in the operational process of the business. In a chain like The Olive Garden it is important to empower the General Managers of the individual restaurants to make marketing decisions. A good general manager will know who his customers are where they are coming from and how to get them coming back. I recently had the pleasure of having The Olive Garden in Boca Raton, FL sponsor the survivors/caregiver dinner at The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Boca Raton. The district manager was very supportive and is now sponsoring the survivors/caregivers dinner at many of The Relay For Life Events in South Palm Beach County. As a result of their support this particular Olive Garden is hosting The Relay For Life Wrap-Up Party that is being supported through other sponsorships. This Olive Garden will also see more business as every participant in Relay For Life is being promoted to patronize this Olive Garden. In sponsoring community events you have the chance to reverse a negative trend.

Starbucks recently announced a price increase, which is one way to reverse a negative trend as people will pay for something they desire and perceive to have value. In increasing prices though you risk a loss of customers who may go to a competitor whose price is cheaper. It is very important to keep the perceived value in your product so that you can reverse any negative trends. Starbucks while raising some prices also maintained the perception that it was worth it. Starbucks also is running many special promotions so that the price increases will not be perceived as that bad by their customers. For Example you get a Starbucks Gold Card which allows for $.50 refills on ice tea and coffee so you pay the $.10 more for your first drink but you do a refill so you still save a substantial amount of money. In promoting The Gold Card Starbucks maintains their customer base as Starbucks customers tend to be very loyal to the brand. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: How To Reverse A Negative Trend!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Street Walking As A Marketing Strategy!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Street Walking As A Marketing Strategy!

In marketing sometimes you have to use the direct approach and be like the street-walker who searches for her clients by putting herself out there. I am not saying to use sex to sell, I am saying use a direct approach to find clients/customers. Many years ago I introduced a philosophy of The 3 Foot Rule, where if someone is with in 3 feet of you talk to them and see if they may be of service and value to you and if you will be able to be of service and value to you. Like the street-walker you must have your package and your price structure in place. The street-walker displays her wares openly and draws attention to her self. This leads me to the question as to how are you directly marketing yourself.

I use street walking as a marketing strategy by always having my business cards with me as you never know when an opportunity to network and share who you are and what you do with others will arise. In talking directly to people you open up new opportunities to cultivate clients/customers. In being sales oriented and always closing you begin to build brand recognition while also creating a buzz about who you are and what you do and why people should be doing business with you. Like the street-walker who is constantly show herself off you should be in the market place showing yourself off. Though a street-walker may have many one time clients/customers she may also have steady clients/customers. The key is to attract steady customers by delivering excellent service and giving added value. The question to ask is how am I going to keep people coming back? Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Street Walking As A Marketing Strategy!!!