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!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Kicking Butt And Taking Names!!!!

Advertising Ideas: Kicking Butt And Taking Names!!!!

One of the key ingredients in being effective with your advertising campaign is tracking the campaign . How you track results is very important when you are planning and implementing advertisement ideas. The idea is to have a kick butt campaign that will allow you to track customers and thus engage them on a regular basis. The appeal must be entertaining, relevant, and resonating so that it achieves the objectives that you have set in place. Your advertising program should include a great headline, a great offer, and a tracking system.

Do you recognize this? It is a QR Code where a client scans it on their phone and it takes them to your website. Once they visit your website you want to have a way to capture their information. One way to do this is to make your site a FREE Membership Site, where the visitor has to give you name, age, and email. This will give them a used code and allow you to then track their visits and thus create a program to target them to buy your product or services. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Kicking Butt And Taking Names!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Using Charitable Involvement To Improve Your Bottom Line!!!

Advertisement Ideas:

Using Charitable Involvement To Improve Your Bottom Line!

On April 8, 2014 I had the pleasure of hosting a give back night for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Boca Raton at Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries. That evening we raised $66.32 our percentage of sales. This made me think why are more people not approaching businesses to do this and why are more businesses not doing this. I normally would not have gone to Five Guys if it were not for the fundraiser, however that night I received my business. About a week later I was meeting with The owner of The South Florida Gold of The American Basketball Association. Guess where I chose to meet? You guessed it Five Guys. Why because of there involvement with The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Boca Raton. The point is that this is one way you can use your charitable involvement to increase your bottom line. In aligning yourself with a charitable cause and advertising the event you will attract people who may not have ever done business with and have an opportunity to make them regular customers.

After the event you can invite the charity to come and accept the check, take photos of them accepting the check, and then send out a media release to all media outlets about what you did for the charity. People may read the article and as a result want to set up a fundraiser with you or do business with you. In doing this not only do you increase your brand awareness but you also increase your bottom line. The more you promote your charitable giving the more recognition you receive. I am from the old school where I support the businesses that support me.

Dick’s Sporting Goods is a sponsor of The Lauderhill Broncos, a Pop Warner Football Team that I announce for. Guess where I shop when I need sporting goods and sports wear? You got it Dick’s Sporting Goods. In sponsoring local sports teams your business gains exposure in the market place and thus creates a buzz that puts you on the top of the mind of your target audience. As a result of your community involvement you increase your bottom line. Again you can leverage your team sponsorship by taking photos of the plaques on the wall in your location, doing a video, and having a representative at games thus strengthening customer relationships. The Lauderhill Broncos has 8 teams with an average of 26 players per team and each player will need cleats, practice shorts and practice jersey’s so if you are a sporting goods provider like Dick’s it makes sense to become a sponsor. The games are played on Saturday and after the games the players, coaches, and families need a place to eat so if you are a restaurant owner sponsoring the team has the potential to increase your bottom line. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Using Charitable Involvement To Improve Your Bottom Line!!!

Advertisement Ideas: How To Use Social Media Effectively!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: How To Use Social Media Effectively!!!

Are you on Facebook and are you using it effectively? This is a question I ask all that I work with as many are just posting and spinning their wheels going in circles. The fact is that your post could be great and very engaging but only 20% of your friends are going to see it. The question is how do you combat this? The answer use the events pages and send invites, direct message those that you want to receive your message, tag as many people in posts as you can.

Advertisement Ideas: A Social Media Success Story!!!

If you are an avid reader of this blog you know that I am passionate about my involvement with Relay For Life. I have tried all types of fundraising and doing general posts on Facebook to no avail. Today (5/21/2014) I decided to use a different approach and I went on my page and began to click on my friends and sent them this message:

I hope this email finds you having a great and prosperous day. I was hoping you could help me with an endeavor I have undertaken to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. In 16 days I will be participating in and emceeing The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton. I am walking in memory of my mother, Judith Miller, who GOD called home on July 5, 2012. She passed due to complications of a major heart attack while battling non-operable metastatic lung cancer. Over the years I have lost many friends and relatives to cancer and thus my way to honor them is to collect donations to support research, education, advocacy, and services. I have set up a page at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jdogg1 where people can make a secure tax-deductible credit card donation. 100% of the monies raised are given to The American Cancer Society to help finish the fight while assisting those affected by cancer. As of today I have raised $1666.32 and sit as The #1 fundraiser for this relay. I thank you for your support.

It worked as I went from $1662.32 raised to now raising $1797.00. That is a jump of $130.68 simply by using direct messaging. Now direct messaging all 2574 friends would take some time however if I choose to do 50 a day in the course of time I can reach those I desire to reach.

Advertisement Ideas: Using Other Social Media Outlets Effectively!!!!

Navigating the social media maze can become very arduous and time consuming thus it is important to pick the top 4 or 5 platforms that work for you. In social media these are things you should know.

Engage your audience make more about them and less about you.

Make sure your message is relevant, entertaining, and resonating. The key is to grab your audience, keep your audience, and leave the audience wanting more. If you can give your audience information that relates to your industry to help them in their buying decision that builds credibility and confidence in you and when they are ready to purchase they will come to you before they go to your competitors. If you are involved in a charity you want to have a story that rips at the heart strings so the audience is compelled to take action.

Knowing what you want the audience to do is a big part of using social media effectively. Do you want them to visit a website and give you an email address so you can send them more information. The idea is to have social media interactions lead to a conversion rate. As I stated in the example with Relay For Life if you can engage and directly engage the audience with a strong call to action you will meet with success. It is important to reach people at a cellular level so that they will support your business and your charitable endeavors. People will support those they know, like, and trust so it is important to utilize social media to establish these 3 elements. For example people know my dedication to Relay For Life and they see that across the social media platforms and they also see the articles that have been written about the event that I was responsible for and thus when they seek a publicity person they connect with me.

The biggest way to make social media work is to be real. People like to deal with those who they can relate to. Share stories of success and lessons learned. Ask others to share their stories. In creating a good social media profile and being consistent across all platforms you will effectively use social media. Stay Positive.

Advertisement Ideas: Return The Darn Phone Call!!!

Hello Mr. or Mrs. Business Person,

Do you know what this is? It is a phone and it is an integral tool that can either enhance your business or derail it. How many times have you said oh business is slow and made excuses as to why you are not as successful as you would like to be? One reason is that you may not be returning calls to those who can be of service and value to you. I have that the lack of returning calls is very prevalent in business today.

As I sat at Starbucks today (5/14/14) working on blog entries and Relay For Life one of my colleagues, Vanessa who is building a new home, sat down and told me how hard it has been to find a shower door person and a pool person and how she has called several and none returned her calls. I said this didn’t surprise me as it has become the norm. We then got to talking about how the same people who didn’t return calls are the same people who complain about how their business is struggling. I would recommend to every business owner or organization that they print a sign and put it prominently in their office that reads RETURN THE DAWN CALL!!!! as a reminder that not returning the call can be costing them business and thus they may be leaving money on the table. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Return The Darn Phone Call!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Do They Know Who You Are?

Can you identify these 3? Why is that? The answer is because they have kept a high-profile and become noticeable figures in the media. Some exude a positive while others are seen in a negative image. The key is that many people know who they are which leads to the question do those you are seeking to do business with know who you are and what you do? The idea is to build recognition in your industry and amongst your target audience so that when someone sees your photo or your logo they will immediately think of you and connect with you to use your products and services. The question is what are you doing to get yourself known?

This logo is perhaps the most recognizable logo in the world. Would you believe that at one time the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. Then Phil Knight came to the rescue with a strategic marketing plan and a whole lot of venture capital along with the willingness to take risks that others would not. Phil Knight signed Michael Jordan and the company began making The Air Jordan Sneakers. The company put a lot of money into the campaign and it began to pay large dividends as Air Jordan Sneakers quickly became a high demand sneaker. Even today when a new Air Jordan is released it sells in mass quantities. After Jordan the company began to sign more and more athletes to represent it. In 2013 this company had 47% of the global market. Now you may be thinking but I don’t have the budget that this company has. You do not need a budget the size of this company to get people to know you all you have to do is find ways to be creative and proactive ways to get recognized. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Do They Know Who You Are?

Advertisement Ideas: Okay America It Is Time To Wake Up!

This is a call for all Americans to Wake Up especially business owners and non-profit leaders who are making excuses and not thriving. It is time to understand that until you all get together and work toward a common goal nothing will change. I met with a business owner today in a shopping plaza and he said my business is off because of the high price of gas? I recalled the scene from Animal House where Hoover covers his mouth and says B.S. I was tempted to do the same thing as it was just another excuse that business owners like to make. I didn’t I asked when was the last time you did an intensive advertising campaign with a specific strategy geared to not only drive business but to increase revenue? His answer I haven’t I do everything via word of mouth. Hello, time to wake up Mr. business owner. It isn’t the price of gas it is the fact that you don’t have a current advertising campaign. I pointed out that he was in walking distance to the town houses and single family homes around the plaza. His answer so. The point was if he did a targeted campaign to those people and gave them a reason to come to his business he may see an increase in business. Again it is time to stop making excuses and to take action and stop blaming gas prices and other outside issues.

I called on a business this week to invite them to come on my TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com on Tuesday at 6:30 PM. Their initial response was you are catching us at our busy time of the year. I answered well I thought you might be able to find 30 minutes to come up to the studio and tape an 8 minute segment to make sure you were busy all year round as my show reaches over 50,000 viewers each week of which 77% are in your immediate service area. He then said he might want to come in. I said okay sound great when would you like to come do a taping. His answer I have your number I’ll get back to you. I stated okay. As I hung up the phone I thought wow another business that needs to wake up. Here a business had a chance to be on TV for 8 minutes and they had to think about it? Again another person to wake up.

The reason your business or non-profit isn’t flourishing has nothing to do with the economy, gas prices, competition, or other factors it has everything to do with you and you’re not taking advantage of opportunities. It is time to wake up America and be proactive with your marketing. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Okay America It Is Time To Wake Up!

Advertisement Ideas: Going The Extra Mile!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Going The Extra Mile!!!

Last night (2/23/14) on my way home after Announcing The Palm Beach Pelicans Basketball Game I had my right rear tire blow out. I didn’t have any numbers for a tow truck service but I quickly Googled local towing services Boca Raton. I called Westway Towing and they were very nice but had no one available to come help put on the spare but suggested I call The State Farm Road Ranger and I did. The Road Ranger came out and put on the spare tire and helped me put everything back into my trunk. I gave him a tip and I went on my way. I made it home safely and today (3/24/14) I went to Gold Coast Tire and Auto Centers in Tamarac, FL. The staff there were great and they actually came in under their initial quote. As I reflected on the situation I began to think how going the extra mile and being of value and service to everyone who calls or comes into your business is an integral part of the advertising process. Though I no longer have State Farm as my car insurance carrier it was nice to see that they had this Road Ranger Service. In having this service they created good will and showed that advertising in the proper market place pays off. Think about it I now have a good feeling about State Farm and have a number to call if I experience another blow out. Westway receives a big JDOGG Shout Out here on this blog and as a result has some positive public relations. Gold Coast Tire and Auto Centers has now earned my business and will receive good positive recommendations from me as a result. When you are doing business and considering advertising keep in mind the importance of going the extra mile.

When looking at this sign think about ways you can help your clients/customers and promote that in your advertising. Seek charitable alliances that are synergistic with your business. Show compassion to all that call or come into your place of business or interact with you. If you search for what truly puts you above everyone else and promote it accordingly you will start to see an increase in brand awareness and revenue. People like to do business with those they know, like, and trust. Through an effective advertising program you can show your already existing customers/clients why they should continue to use your products or services while at the same time attracting new customers. Think about what problem you solve and then go the extra mile to solve it. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Going The Extra Mile!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Customer Service Is The Key!!!!

As I sit in The Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet dealership in Coconut Creek, FL waiting for the repairs to be completed as a result of receiving recall notices I begin to think about the experience with Lou Bachrodt. When I came in last week I was told they couldn’t get to my car as the repairs required and I would have to come back. Today I arrived at 9:30 AM and waited until nearly 10 AM to be taken in. I told the service person that I only need the recall notices taken care of and his reply okay I guess we are not making any money on you today. If The recall repairs weren’t very necessary I would have left as a result. I am one who believes regardless if you are making money on me or not you should treat me with dignity and respect. This particular service rep is very good at what he does, however he could use some training in dealing with customers. I have always taught smile at the customer, engage the customer, and leave the customer happy so they will share that good experience with others. As I have stated in the past one oh crap ruins 1000 at a boys. The key is to do as Dale Carnegie says is to win friends and influence people. The fact that I knew I was going to be at the dealership all day enabled me to plan my work for the day and thus remain productive. I made plans to deliver what I promised and thus began my day at the dealership with an attitude to be of service and value to all those I come in contact with. As I sit in the waiting area I have seen many of the employees walk by and many seem to be unhappy. This energy does not serve the dealership well an can explain why some of the customers seem unhappy as well.

One of the employees at the dealership actually made me feel welcome as he interacted me and answered my inquiry about a power source in a very cheerful way. he was someone who gets it. He understood that what he does made a difference. Your employees can be a great form of advertising if they carry a positive attitude and interact positively with your clients. In advertising your business make it a point to mention your customer satisfaction rate if it is high and how you do your best to make your customers happy. The key is to deliver outstanding customer service so that when people recognize you brand it creates a buzz where people say I do business with that company and they always deliver. In creating an atmosphere focused on excellent customer service you will begin to create customer loyalty and thus enhance the customer experience. Ask yourself when you awake in the morning how can I be of service and value to those I will come in contact with today. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Customer Service Is The Key!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Video Killed The Radio Star!!!

As I was sitting down to write today’s blog entry I thought of a new buzz word that I heard this week, Digital Footprint. It was at this moment that the song from The Buggles, Video Killed The Radio Star popped into my head. As I listened to the song I began to think of the transition advertising has made over the last few years. People used to look for information in the print media and now the majority of the consumers that may be looking for your products or services are seeking the information via the internet. Radio used to produce great results for musicians now it is video and internet streaming. In today’s market if you do not have videos in your marketing arsenal you will be like the radio star mentioned in this song.

On August 1, 1981 MTV launched and revolutionized the way music was presented to the world. MTV is definitely leaving a digital imprint on the world as they now celebrate 33 years on the air. MTV took the lead and over the years others have followed suite such as VH1, and The Country Music Channel. Being a pioneer in your field and leaving a digital important are two important components that will lead to success in your business. The old adage if you are not growing you are dying comes to mind when understanding the importance that video plays in your marketing mix. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Video Killed The Radio Star!!!