Traffic Building – Page 7 – Advertisement Ideas

Advertisement Ideas: Lack Or Abundance – What Mindset Are You?

As I was out collecting donations for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of West Boca Raton today (6/24/2015) I ran into many people who were coming from a lack mindset. You may ask how I knew this, the answer was in the word’s they used like I can’t afford, business is slow, or how do I know this is legit. These words only hinder us in our personal and professional life as we hold ourselves back.One encounter at The Imperial Cuts Barber Shop really made me realize that as business people we must stop using the lack words and start tapping into our ability to create abundance. In the course of my presentation the owner stated business is slow on 4 occasions to which I sated if you keep thinking things are slow it will remain slow and I did my best to explain that there is plenty of business to be had if he would get out of the shop and start to meet people and share his business. His answer was he didn’t have time. I though okay you just told me things were slow, you were given a few solutions and you made an excuse that you did not have time. It was at that time that I realized that he was coming from a lack mentality. I also have started to put people into two categories action takers and excuse makers. The action taker comes from an abundance mentality and takes action thus making things happen for their business. On the other side is the excuse maker who will come from a position of lack and find every reason not to seek opportunities. I ask you to take a look at how you are expressing yourself and evaluate if you are coming from a lack mindset or an abundance mindset. Look at the opportunities that exist and take full advantage of them by shifting from a lack mentality to an abundance mindset. Instead of being an excuse maker start to become and action taker. Instead of saying I can’t afford start finding ways to invest in yourself and your business. Imagine if Imperial Cuts would have said thank you for coming in and here is $5 for your cause. They would have gotten shout outs on my Facebook Page, on my Twitter Account, and recommendations to my friends in the area who needed a hair cut. Instead they get used as an example of a business that is coming from a position of lack.

If you are to truly succeed in your business you will want to come from a position of abundance in all you do. Everything you do in business should give the perception of success from the way you answer the phone to what you put out on social media. Instead of complaining you can take action and improve the way things are going. Ask people what they think when they see you brand or hear your business name or your name. In coming from a position of abundance as opposed to lack you will see a loyalty from your existing customers and they will be more likely to recommend you to others. If you create an atmosphere where your business is perceived as thriving people will want to do business with you. I am reminded of the story of two steak places in my community one would donate gift cards to every charitable organization that asked while the other said no. One steak house would pay $15 per hour while the other paid $8, one would allow the manager to make marketing and advertising decisions while the other did not. Guess who is still in business and who is not? Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Lack Or Abundance – What Mindset Are You?

Advertisement Ideas: Stop Being Foolish!!!

When was the last time you turned down an opportunity and instructed your customer service person or secretary to use the programmed response of we are not interested? How many opportunities have you let slip away because of a foolish mindset and a preconceived notion of that won’t work for me? How many times have you said I am not interested and then realized maybe I should have listened to the options or at least gotten to know who I was dealing with? How many times have you been presented an advertising idea only to make excuses and not strengthen your brand or increase your revenue? How many times have you decided to pass up advertising opportunities? How many times have you chosen to advertise only to realize that your choice was not the most effective choice? Sometimes it simply comes down to making a decision to stop being foolish.

Sometimes in business we play the part of a fool because we turn down opportunities that could help us to build a stronger brand or that could actually increase our revenue because we do not see the value of what someone is offering. How many times have you let someone leave your business that could of been of service and value to you? How many times have you stayed in your office or in you brick and mortar building wondering why your business is slow? Instead of being foolish and wondering why things are slow it is time to be proactive and speed things up. I like using the example of the pizza place that I spoke with about going out and getting to know his neighbors who said oh I don’t have time for that. This pizza place was in a very heavily trafficked plaza with many store that had many employees so I asked have you gone to the bigger stores and offered them a lunch or dinner special. The answer was no. I suggested he do this and he got very upset and said now you are telling me how to run my business I said no I am suggesting a way for you to increase traffic and build revenue. He wasn’t to receptive so I left. Six months later his pizza place was closed. I thought what would have happened if he stopped being foolish? My advice to all business owners, marketing executives, and non-profit leaders is to get out there and start meeting people and stop being foolish with your decisions. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Stop Being Foolish!!!

Advertisement Ideas: A Cure For The Summer Time Blues!!!

Living in South Florida for over 40 years I have heard the excuse from many business owners oh it is the summer and things slow down so I don’t advertise or sponsor things in the summer. I even heard this excuse when I worked at Forum Publishing Group as the culture was oh the summer is our slow season. I have been and still am perplexed by this attitude as the summer can be a time to capitalize on many opportunities and every business whether a brick and mortar business or home based business can thrive over the summer if they plan their work and work their plan by being proactive in the marketplace.
School is out and that means parents looking for things to do with their kids so if you have a business like a bowling center, a Gymboree, or other activities oriented programs this is when you should be advertising your mommy and me programs, daddy and me programs, Grandma and Grandpa and me programs. Think of ways you can create an experience for your clients/customers. If you are a life coach perhaps meet your client at their house so they don’t have to worry about finding someone to watch their kids of maybe you partner with someone you trust and offer a supervised activity for the kids at your office or close to the office. In being proactive you can increase your cash flow by simply doing things that your competition is not doing. If you are holding workshops include a kids component and bring in facilitators to work with the kids and you can make a family plan program. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: A Cure For The Summer Time Blues!!!

Advertisement Ideas: How To Choose The Proper Platform?

As a marketing consultant with many years of media relations and public relations experience I am asked by clients on many occasions JDOGG what platform is right for me to use to maximize my message? In today’s advertising landscape there are many choices to make and it can be quite overwhelming to business people when seeking ways to maximize their message. Navigating this landscape can be difficult especially if you do not have a marketing, media relations, or public relations strategy. As the host of The TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com on Tuesday at 6:30 PM EDT I have interviewed many business people and have found that many of them need assistance in utilizing proper platforms to maximize their message so as to create brand awareness and cultivate new clients/customers while also retaining existing clients/customers. I give all of my guests an opportunity to purchase the clip of their appearance on my show to use as a marketing tool to build credibility and edification in the market place and many turn this opportunity down. I often ask them what platforms they are using to promote their business. I get the reply I use social media. I ask them what other platforms and they look at me with a blank stare and then say I only use social media. Social Media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram are good however including other platforms like YouTube, networking events, print media, special events, and electronic media will aid in your quest to maximize your message.

I had an opportunity to interview Jaynie Smith about success in business and she purchased her clip and she put it on YouTube and it has 87 views this is in addition to the initial 50,000 viewers who saw her interview on www.wrpbitv.com. She has also used this on her website. The key is to find platforms that work for you and to ask questions as to where your clients and potential clients are and what they are seeking.

Advertisement Ideas: The Steps To make The Proper Platform Choice!!!

Just because one platform that you learned about at a seminar worked for the presenter doesn’t mean it will work for you so do your research. Ask questions as to who the platform reaches then see if they are in your target audience, how many times your company will be seen, how large the reach is, how frequent does your message appear. The key is to peel back the onion and see what platform works for you. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: How To Choose The Proper Platform?

Advertisement Ideas: Be Aware And Take Action!!!

Tomorrow, 5/21/2015, is Red Nose Day? You may be asking what this have to do with being aware and taking action? The answer is that it is one of the many days on a calendar that will go unnoticed by the majority of people however those that are familiar with it will capitalize by going to Walgreens and getting a red nose and wearing it out in public to draw attention to themselves and thus engage people. M&M’s is a sponsor as well and will be donation $1 every time #MAKEMLAUGH is used in social media. As someone who is always marketing myself and my services I am using Red Nose Day to further my purpose to help other people excel as I have made a video which is on YouTube that I am sharing across social media platforms. I have taken a selfie of me wearing the red nose and put it upon my Twitter and Facebook Pages. Some have said people may not take you serious because of that picture. My reply is that may be true but those meant to do business with me will see that I am real and authentic and thus want to do business with me. The idea is to be aware of opportunities that are available to you promote your business and build awareness while also driving traffic and increasing revenue.

Imagine you purchase bags of m&m’s and then sell them in your office and donate the money to RED NOSE DAY and publicize this through videos, social media, and press releases showing that you are an entrepreneur with heart who serves the community. Maybe you are a life coach and you choose to donate a portion of every session booked in May to RED NOSE DAY and you promote this across all your marketing platforms. The idea is to leverage RED NOSE DAY so that it helps you strengthen your customer base while increasing your revenue. People like to do business with those they perceive as being charitable and heart centered.

You can do what a local realtor, Ron Contronio, did and buy a couple of cases and organize a watch party to watch The RED NOSE DAY Special on NBC thus creating a fun way to network and help worthwhile causes. When visiting www.rednoseday.org one will see the various charities that are being supported. You could take these logos and make fliers to give out to your customers/clients to support RED NOSE DAY. You could make posters that say We Support RED NOSE DAY. Then in all your marketing material show that you support RED NOSE DAY. Leveraging support for RED NOSE DAY can increase traffic to your business and thus increase revenue.

NBC has incorporated RED NOSE DAY into several of their most popular shows like The Voice showing how important integration marketing is to the success of a business.

RED NOSE DAY is just one of several activities that you can be involved with to bring awareness to your business and thus increase your revenue. Every community now a days has a website where events are listed. Look for the events that resonate with you and fit into your marketing plan. The key is to be aware and to take action so that you are always on the top of the mind of your target audience so that when it comes time to utilize your products and services they think of you first.

Advertisement Ideas: Be Aware And take Action: A Success Story!!!

Regular visitors to this blog know my passion for helping those touched by Cancer. I recently was made aware of several food truck round ups in my area and I went to a couple to solicit donations for Relay For Life. I did very well and was able to use my service with Relay For Life as a lead into to book guest for my TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com on Tuesday at 6:30 PM EDT. By taking action and capitalizing on events like these I have been able to help a worthy cause and promote myself. As a result more and more people know who I am and are more apt to do business with me. Remember people will do business with those they know, like, and trust. When someone feels good about you they will be comfortable in giving you business or recommending you to others for business.

By getting involved in the community and being aware and taking action you may be recognized with a community service award like I was and given a great platform to promote yourself. Stay Positive!!!

Advertisement Ideas: No One Is To Blame!!!

As I was discussing some issues of the day I realized just how quick people are to blame others for their problems instead of taking responsibility and being accountable for their actions. How many times have we heard oh it is Bush’s Fault from Obama and his supporters or oh outsourcing is hurting our country or it is the economy? How many excuses will people make and how many others will they blame until they realize it is them and their actions that determine whether they will thrive or will they struggle. I wrote a piece a while back titled it is not the economy it is you to show that those who were willing to adapt and overcome were continuing to have success while those making excuses and pointing blame were struggling. I have seen people play the blame game instead of taking responsibility only to see it led to their demise. It is not the competition, it is not the government, it is not the community, it is you. Maybe you wanted to advertise but you came from a position of lack and thought you couldn’t afford to and your competitor put out fliers and went out into the community and supported charitable causes while you found reasons not to invest in your marketing. Maybe you chose to go into a magazine or a mailer without doing your due diligence while your competitor found publications and other media sources that reach his audience. Maybe you didn’t do a video and didn’t utilize social media like Facebook and your competitor did. Maybe you judged the guy who came into your business offering assistance with marketing and public relations while your competitor spent $100 on a session and received a ready-made press release, a video testimonial, and shout out across his social media platforms. Perhaps you said not to being on a TV Show and your competitor went on a TV Show. Perhaps you did the show but didn’t buy the clip for $175 but your competitor did and put it on Facebook and other social media and picked up some new clients/customers. Maybe you used someones services and tried to get out of paying and your competitor used that person’s services and paid promptly. The key is to look at how you are conducting business and stop playing the blame game.

The key is to stop playing the blame game and to break away from the norms by building brand awareness and recognition by creating a buzz about your products or services. Think about what pain do you take away.If you are a restaurant you take away the pain of hunger, if you are a dry cleaner you take away the pain of looking good and making a good impression, if you are a massage therapist you take away physical pain that may be stopping someone from reaching their full potential. Look at what pain you take away and then formulate a marketing campaign that will express this and cultivate clients/and customers. Instead of blaming the competition for taking your customers look at ways you can breakaway and get them back or cultivate new ones. If it was price that drove them away then finds ways to show the value you they are getting for your price. Find out why they went elsewhere and if you can fix that reason and bring them back. The # 1 reason people do not do business with someone is a bad experience. Think of ways you can avoid bad experiences. I remember one day at Starbucks they didn’t make my drink for about 20 minutes and I went to ask about it the manager made my drink and gave me a coupon for a FREE one the next time I came in. In acknowledging the problem and doing something about it Starbucks kept my business. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: No One Is To Blame!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Compassion, Caring, And The Bottom Line!!!

As I was going through Facebook a story was posted about a customer who fell at The Boys Farmers Market and subsequently died as a result of the fall.It was sated that this person was a long time customer and when another customer asked about them sending a platter for Shiva( a Jewish ritual of gathering to honor the deceased) the answer was we don’t do that. The poster stated their friend left the groceries he was going to purchase and was no longer going to shop at The Boys and others stated the same. This got me to thinking someone falls in your parking lot due to a medical issue and you don’t go out to check on them and knowing they were a regular customer you don’t follow the case and when they pass you don’t show compassion or caring wow you take money from the community and you don’t give back to those who are supporting you. I have never shopped at The Boys and I most likely never will hearing what I heard not only from the Facebook post but from those that know the owners. One person said all they care about is the money. My thought was wow they must be making it in spite of their attitude.

I started to think about how many encounters I have had where compassion and caring were lacking and how it is affecting the bottom line of these businesses. Sometimes business owners do not understand the value of caring and compassion or getting to know their customers. It can be a challenge for large brick and mortar operations as they serve so many people daily. Though it could be challenging think how much more income and revenue you could make by getting to know who is doing business with you. Imagine knowing the majority of people walking into your business and learning about them and how thus can increase your bottom line. I remember the Publix Manager, Jim, who got to know my family and when my mom was pregnant with my brother went out of his way to help her. The funny thing is that 15 years late my brother went to work for Jim. Jim got to know his customers and as a result he increased his sales volume as people who lived closer to the other Publix in the neighborhood would got the extra few miles to see Jim and his staff. Jim would make it a point to support charities, schools, youth sports teams, and anything that would benefit the community. As a result many of us continued to shop at his Publix. Jim is now in The Coral Springs area still working for Publix and when I am in the area I stop by to get a sandwich and drink and to say hello. In being caring and compassionate Jim created a relationship with his customers to this day which reaps many rewards. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Compassion, Caring, And The Bottom Line!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Why Community Involvement Works?

Since I was 11 years old I have been involved in some aspect of community service be it raising funds for The Muscular Dystrophy Association or today raising funds for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life. In my years of doing community service I have found that businesses that place an emphasis on supporting the community tend to out perform those who do not? Why is this? It is because the average consumer likes to do business with those they perceive as giving back to the community. A great example of why community involvement works was witnessed by me when I approached The Skyline Chili in Sunrise, Fl. The proprietors Tony and Jenny were very open to the idea of doing give back nights for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sunrise, FL . I had never eaten at Skyline Chili until the night of our first give back night and since that time I have eaten there on several occasions. They have seen an increase in their business as a result of doing these give back nights as they support many charitable causes and have gained a reputation as an establishment that supports the community. In supporting the community you receive positive advertising that you could not buy. In the case of Skyline Chili they received positive promotion on the radio show I hosted, mentions in videos done at the fundraiser, and mentions in my blog and across my social media. In helping me and my cause they gained a customer and an advocate.

I had the privilege of doing a fundraiser with Tijuana Flats recently as part of their spirit night program. The spirit night is a night where a charity receives 20% of the sales during a certain time for their organization. This gives Tijuana Flats great exposure and brings in people who may normally not have Tijuana Flats on the top of their mind. As a result of doing the fundraiser I learned about Taco Tuesday and now I am a regular customer. My spirit night raised $149 for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton. I spend an average of $11 as I get desert and sides with my Taco Tuesday Order. Do the math just from me alone they will get the money donated back. It was interesting The GM said to me that night “JDOGG I either give it to you or I give it to Uncle Sam I would rather give it to you,” I thought for a minute and it hit me by doing a give back night not only does he get positive exposure in the marketplace he also gets a nice charitable write-off that allows him to make a profit and as a result stay open and employ more people from the community. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Why Community Involvement Works?

Advertisement Ideas: Be Consistent!!!

It is said that how you do anything is how you do everything. I find this to be true especially when it comes to marketing and media relations. In December I attended a Relay For Life Leadership Summit and I soaked up a lot of information and then I implemented 2 ideas that are leading to the success of The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton. The ideas were to do a Mission Monday Video and a Fundraising Friday Video each week and post them across Social Media. In using the videos I have been able to be consistent and plant the seed for people to look for the videos on Monday and Friday, In being consistent with the videos and using hashtags like #relay2015 and tagging different groups and pages I have been able to reach a larger audience and garner support for the effort to help those touched by cancer. As of 1 PM today The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton has raised $16,913 with 45 teams and 215 participants. In posting comments updating the fundraising efforts I have been able to be on the top of the mind of the participants and they have been able to spread the message about what they are doing to help those touched by cancer. In having a consistent plan I have been able to garner results which have enabled me to engage people and let them know about other things that I do.

In advertising, marketing, and media relations the keys to success are frequency and consistency. In all that you do when you make an advertising choice you want to be consistent as a one time advertisement anywhere may not garner the results you want as it normally takes 8 touches to get someone to take action. This is why you see so many Facebook posts from me encouraging people to donate to The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton.I generally post http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jdogg2 with a reason for someone to give.I also go out into the community on a consistent basis with a plan to secure donations and as a result I have personally raised $2526.90 so far. By being consistent and including the fundraising site on my business card and also wearing Relay For Life Gear out in public I have been able to share Relay with others and open the door to further conversation about what else I do. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Be Consistent!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Make It A Positive Experience!!!

I have noticed more and more businesses bashing their competition instead of building themselves up when I see this type of marketing I usually look for another option when I need the product or service that is being offered. I have also seen a trend in brick and mortar businesses where the interaction is far from positive and when I have a bad experience with a business I generally don’t go back and I let others know so they can avoid the same experience. In today’s ever more competitive world it is imperative to make every experience a positive one. When you are dealing with the general public their will be interruptions of your daily routine which to you may seem ridiculous but to the person walking into your business or calling you on the phone it is important. If you can take the time to be courteous to all those who you come in contact with and create a positive experience you will see an increase in your sales and a strengthening of your brand. Every aspect of your business should reflect positivity from your voice mail to your advertising to your human interaction. The idea is to be positive in everything that you do so that the end-user thinks positive of you and comes to you when they seek your product or service.

There are certain businesses I frequent just because I get a positive vibe from the moment I enter until the time I leave. I also frequent businesses where they have taken the effort to get to know me. I have a big advantage as I am generally positive and thus am met with positive responses. I had someone ask me JDOGG how do you make each interaction positive? My answer was I look for the good that comes from it, for example the guy at Pucinnis Pizza in Boca Raton was not receptive to my Relay For Life. At first I was upset as I though everyone would come forward to help this great project and then I realized you know what it saves me a phone call and creates an opportunity to find people who will support the cause. Had the man been open and receptive he could have had a more positive outcome because he would have had an ally in the marketplace speaking positively about him and recommending his business. I have had people give me some excuses and I simply do my best to overcome the excuses and then if that doesn’t work I thank them for their time and wish them luck. The key is to help as many people you can through your business so that your business is seen in a positive light and so that customers and potential customers have a positive interaction with you.

The greatest thing that a business can do is to find ways to establish goodwill in the community. A local Pizza Restaurant at Boca green Plaza, Davito’s, sponsored a track marker for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of West Boca Raton and I have personally been there for lunch on 2 occasions and have given him shout out on Facebook and promoted him at committee meetings as a result of his creating a positive interaction he has gained me as a customer and I represent about $8 each time I come in. Think If I come in 40 times in the year he makes a small profit all because he spent $100 on a track marker sponsorship. I come from the tradition of supporting those who support me. I think there is enough to go around for a business to support many charities. If your business is not supporting the local community there is a strong chance that you will go out of business. If you are struggling in business look at all the areas where you interact with people and what your attitude is. I remember walking into a business years ago when I worked for Forum Publishing Group selling advertising and they said I am not interested I don’t need to advertise. I said okay and I left. There were many times I was in the neighborhood and needed their services but I didn’t use them I went to their competitor because the competitor gave me the time of day and listened to me and though did not buy an ad asked me to check back with them on a regular basis. Guess what the negative interaction business is out of business no longer selling his subs and the positive interaction business is still in business and thriving. Ask yourself which one are you going to be the positive or the negative business? Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Make It A Positive Experience!!!