Advertisement Ideas: Proactivity Leads To More Cash!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Proactivity Leads To More Cash!!!

 

Today I received a great email offer for Tropical Serenity Massage and Spa who is offering a great special for every Monday in March and of course calling it March Madness. In sending this email out today they have planted a seed and I am considering going to the spa in a few weeks.  In being proactive and implementing a timely marketing strategy such as an email marketing campaign you will be proactive instead of reactive in the market place and as a result increase your cash flow.  I have a friend Heidi Richards Mooney who has a book Quirky Marketing Ideas that those who purchase and implement the ideas generally increase their revenue.

Here's the cover of my new book Quirky Marketing Calendar... www ...The key is to be proactive and have a strategic plan that will build your brand’s recognition and create a buzz about your business. For example look up National Hot Dog Day and revolve a campaign that incorporates that day. If you have a brick and mortar business hire a Hot Dog Cart and give out Free Hot Dogs and promote this is all your advertising. If you are a business coach find a restaurant that specializes in hot dogs and host your workshop there on National Hot Dog Day. The idea is to make a plan and work your plan so that you can increase your cash flow and strengthen your brand.  In doing something special on these unique days you enhance the customer’s experience and they will come back and refer business to you.

Advertisement Ideas: Ways To Be Proactive And Increase Cash Flow!!!

Relay For Life of Chandler Relay for Life is a huge community event that brings people together to help those touched by cancer by raising funds for research, education, advocacy, and services. This is a yearly event in many communities across America. If you visit www.relayforlife.org you can find a local Relay For Life In Your Area and you can form team, become a sponsor, or donate. The Relay For Life that I am The Fund The Mission Lead for is The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton, FL taking place on May 2, 2015 at Olympic Heights High School from 12 PM – 12 AM.  If your business knows about this event now you can plan on doing things to become involved that will give you positive exposure in the market place. People like to do business with those they perceive as being involved in the community. A few years ago Hungry Howie’s Pizza supported my efforts in Relay For Life and as a result when I want pizza I call them. Their donation of 10 large pizzas for a pizza lap paid off as they picked me up as a customer and have had an advocate for them ever since.  Think about it you own a business and you support The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and you mention that across your social media platforms, in your print advertising, in your electronic marketing, on all your print literature and all things related to your business. Attending a Relay For Life is a great way to network. By paying it forward and being proactive you will increase your cash flow.  Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Proactivity Leads To More Cash!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Watch What You Say!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Watch What You Say!!!

 

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become ... Today’s entry was inspired by a conversation I had with a woman today (2/20/2015) who helps to market people’s business as I was seeking support for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life as I have a program where a business can donate $100 and in return have a track marker that would be seen by those participating in Relay for Life for the 12 hours of the event. She told me she only had 3 clients and they were all in Miami and not interested in growing their business. This took me aback because I know if you aren’t growing your business you are dying. She explained to me that she was content with her clients and that working was for her husband as she wants to spend tie with her kids. I admire her wanting to spend time with her kids but don’t tell people you can grow their business when you aren’t growing yours.

 While on the phone today (2/20/2015) I encountered a man who told me business was slow and used many lack words in the course of our conversation. I told him when yu say business is slow the business will be slow because you create a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you use words like struggle you create more struggle. In business especially in advertising it is important to utilize the right words.  When you are engaging with potential clients or existing clients be aware of the words you are using. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Watch What You Say!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Focus On Service!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Focus On Service!!!

... lzn Its Taco Tuesday at Tijuana Flats! Two tacos,chips and drink $4.99 This blog entry is inspired by my recent trip to Tijuana Flats in Lauderhill on Commercial Boulevard just west of University Drive for Tijuana Tuesday (Taco Tuesday). I placed my order and then realized I wanted sour cream and queso I offered to pay or it and the manager said don’t worry I’ve got that. I sat down and  waited for my order and as I waited one of the waitresses asked me JDOGG how are you doing as she remembered me from a past visit. I thought wow not only do they have good food at a reasonable price but their customer service is amazing. I have been going to Tijuana Flats for a few years now and have hosted a spirit night with their Central Boca Location for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton.  My experiences with everyone from the cashier to the server to the manager to the accounting department to the marketing director have been great. Tijuana Flats not only created a loyal customer they created an advocate for them in the community.  I have  often taught people in any business that when you focus on service and give value that you will find success.  Tijuana Flats focuses on being of service and value and supports the local communities where they are located. They also have a great foundation to help the less fortunate in The Just In Queso Foundation. In fostering an environment that focuses on service they continue to thrive and grow. Ask yourself how you are focusing on service.

Advertisement Ideas: Customer Service – The Good!!!

starbucks.gif It could just be me because I frequent The Springtree Starbucks in Sunrise, FL several times a week but I have found their customer service to be fantastic every time I have visited. They have always been friendly and receptive to me. I am also pleased that they also support community events like Relay For Life and allow me to put up information about the event. They also allow me to put up my FREE Hugs Sign on occasion. In treating me nicely they have created a fan and an advocate.  In focusing on service they have created an incredible following and continue to thrive. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Focus On Service!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Lessons Learned From SNL And NBA!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Lessons Learned From SNL And NBA!

 New York truly proved that it was the city that never sleeps as it hosted not only Saturday Night Live 40 and The NBA All-Star Game on Sunday 2/15/15. As I watched both I thought what dies this teach us about the importance of marketing, media relations, and advertising? The answer was plenty as the social media universe was blazing hot as both events dominated twitter feeds and Facebook feeds. Most everywhere one went where there was a TV it was tuned to one of these events. If you were fortunate to be in a place with 2 or more tvs you were likely to be able to watch both. The common factor is that both events showed us what happens when you have a strong recognizable brand that remains relevant, entertaining, and resonating in the market place. Now some of you are saying but I don’t have the budget that an NBC or an NBA has. This maybe true however the lesson learned is that in order to have sustainability in the market place you must set aside a certain amount of money to market so as to build your followers that you can then convert into customers.  Imagine what you could have done to drive business and create more awareness and possibly more cash flow in the weeks leading up to SNL 40 and The NBA All-Star Game? If you are a life coach you could have shown how laughter is sometimes necessary to clear blockages that might be holding a client back. You could have promoted a webinar and charged everyone $40 and tied it into SNL 40.If you were a retailer you could have all items end in $.40 in honor of SNL 40.  You could have dome some basketball related promotions in your print and electronic advertising.  There are so many possibilities that you could have implemented to create a buzz about your business. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Lessons Learned From SNL And NBA!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Get Off Your Ass!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Get Off Your Ass!!!

Quote) Martin Luther King – Great quotes from a great man If you as a business leader are truly going to affect change you must get off your ass and do something. So many times I hear business people complain and I ask what are they going to about it and I am met with a blank stare and silence. If you do not have a solution to the problem and aren’t going to get off your ass and do something then keep your mouth closed. Today I saw a story about how Marco Rubio, A State Senator from my state voted against Veteran’s Benefits so I called his office and left a message about how displeased I was. Here is his number  202-224-3041. Instead of complaining get off your ass and do something.  Instead of sitting on your ass and making excuses as to why you did not vote get out and vote and encourage others to vote. Imagine if in your ads you say something like Our Company Supports Veterans Do You?  Discounts for all service personnel past and present what would happen. If you aren’t advertising it is time to get off your ass and make a plan on how you will drive business to you instead of complaining. If you don’t have an idea on what to advertise or where to advertise enlist the services of someone who has gotten off his/her ass and has assisted businesses with successful marketing programs.  If you are not advertising you are not growing and if you are not growing you are dying. I walked an area in Coral Springs, FL recently promoting a professional basketball team I announce for and I noticed many businesses that I had approached to advertise or to appear on my TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com on Tuesday at 6:30 PM EST were out of business. When I asked these people what they were doing to promote their business they all answered the same thing, we are not in a position to advertise right now, well guess what they don’t need to advertise now because they do not have a business any longer. I wonder what would have happened if they got off their ass and actually promoted the business they may still be in business and thriving. 

Take Action!If you are lacking in brand awareness or brand recognition it is time you got off your ass and created a buzz about your business.  I can not tell you how many times I have offered people excellent opportunities to build recognition for their business and they have said oh I don’t need help. Most of these people I see  a few months later and their story is the same oh things are tough or I can’t afford that or I don’t think that is a good fit for me. If you are not getting off your ass and taking action you will continue to struggle and it will be no one’s fault but your own. Ask yourself how am I going to get off my ass and promote my business today? What action will you take to build awareness?  If you do not have a daily plan it is time to implement one. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Get Off Your Ass!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Wake Up, Kick Ass, Repeat!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Wake Up, Kick Ass, Repeat!!!

wake up kick ass repeat more inspiration mondays mornings kicks ass ... In business or in volunteer work it is important to have the mindset that you will have a kick ass day everyday.  It is imperative to make sure that your name is constantly out there in a positive light. One of the key elements to building your brand and increasing cash flow is to have a kick ass attitude and not worry about what other people think because at the end of the day all that will matter is were you impeccable with your word, did you not take anything, personally, did you not make assumptions, and did you do you best?  When you get up and you begin to run your business or do your charitable work do you have  a plan and are you working that plan making the necessary adjustments?If you do not have a pan you will be going in circles. The idea is to not go in circles by kicking ass and remembering some will  some won’t, so what, some waiting, next.  One way to kick ass is to always advertise so that people know who you are, what you do, and why they should do business with you.  So many times I hear excuses why people are not promoting their businesses on a daily basis and I am reminded that there are action takers and excuse makers. Ask yourself which are you?  With a kick ass attitude you are bound to rub a few people the wrong way but that is part of doing business. I have built a reputation as the man who gets things done because he I set my mind to kick ass in all I do. In going out daily and promoting who i am and what I do I have built brand awareness while also creating a buzz. I am always surprised by those who are not doing something daily to promote themselves.

Another way to kick ass is to make videos and share them across social media platforms like You Tube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, in your blog, and on your website. I am surprised by how many times I mention the idea of having a digital footprint and people say I don’t need video and my answer is oh yes you do. It has been shown that a video will get a 15-20% higher response rate than a static advertisement. So the question is why are you not kicking ass and using video?

 

Independent Streak Magazine-- August 2014 USE THIS LINK-- This issue ...Getting featured in magazines and newspapers is another way to kick ass. What is your public relations and media relations strategy? I ask this question many times and I hear oh I don’t have one, I answer how do you expect people to find you? If you are not promoting yourself to the media at least once a week you may be leaving some money on the table because while your competition is advertising and having articles written about them they may be taking away your potential customers. Look for publications that reach your target audience and continue to connect with them about the great things happening in your business or the great things you are doing in your community. The magazine posted here did an article on me and my work with The American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Wake Up, Kick Ass, Repeat!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Be Bold!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Be Bold!!!

As I arrived at IMG Strong ARM to be interviewed by Reggie Mathis for The Ask Mathis Radio Show I noticed the production truck and the parking spaces marked for Flo Rida. I went into t he office and introduced myself. I was very early so I asked if there was a place to eat close by and they told me about Franky’s. As I walked over to Franky’s one of the coaches had a trophy from The MLK Basketball Tournament and I asked if I could see it he said yestand I went into show mode and did a quick presentation. Another  coach saw it and said do it again I want to get it on video. By being bold and putting myself out there I was able to use my talents and  create opportunities that can be monetized in the future.

... Anywhere!! 2596 W 84th St Hialeah, Florida 33016 (305) 827-5366I found Franky’s and was very pleased that I did. Again I was able to be bold and put myself out there. I was eating a sandwich when I overheard a group of people discussing their business and I went over and asked if it would be okay to give them my business card because I thought I could be of service or value to them. This opened up the door to discuss the subject of deflate gate, the situation of The Patriots deflating footballs during the AFC Championship Game. As they left they said thank you and wished me the best of luck. As I finished what I found to be a great a sandwich I thought I would offer to do a testimonial for Franky’s. They said yes and I did a testimonial. Franky the owner then handed me a card for a FREE Small Sub. I walked back to the studio and I decided to pay it forward by giving Shanika the card for the sub she was grateful. By being bold and putting myself out there I was able to forge what will become opportunities to monetize my craft.

2011 [ edit ]One way to be bold is to take pictures and make videos of that which pertains to your business. This is a photo of me with Jessica Childers, QB for The Miami Fury, the team that I am The PA Announcer for. I have been doing Miami Fury Up Close Videos to help promote the team. The reason is because in today’s market place a digital footprint is very important. The idea is when you have the opportunity to put yourself out there to do that and be bold. In my profession the more people who see my work the better the chances to secure more paying gigs.  Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Be Bold!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Standing Your Ground!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Standing Your Ground!!!

As the phone rang at 11 PM on 1/19/2015 informing that the original agreement for me to host Red Carpet Interviews at a summit was not approved after I was told that everything was in place on 1/18/2015 I knew I  stood my ground and stated that I do not work for FREE! I learned that FREE has no value and if people think that you will do it FREE  they will expect it for FREE so it is important to stand you ground and make sure that people understand the value you are giving them.  When you are advertising it is important to remember you are your brand and that people do not buy the what they buy the why. That is why your message much represent consistency and integrity. In dealing with people it is important to stand your ground when it comes to price as many consumers are now price conscious and  base many of their decisions solely on price. This lead us to standing your ground on knowing your target demographic. So many times entrepreneurs and marketing executives lose sight 0f the target demographic and as a result they try to reach everyone and  unfortunately spend hours spinning their wheels and do not reach anyone and thus their sales drop. The key is to plan your work and work your pan making good choices and aligning yourself with people who will understand that what you bring to the table is valuable.

 When you are selling your products and services it is imperative that you stand and deliver. I have always believed that it is important to be impeccable with your word. I have run into a few people who have made commitments and at the last-minute went back on their word or in the case of the people doing the summit I felt strung along.In the past I was guilty of making appointments and cancelling them however I know understand that the person’s time I made the appointment with is important and they could have  met with other people instead of me had I not blocked out their time.  I have heard all the excuses like  oh I had an out-of-town buyer come into town from a realtor. My answer so your out of town’s buyer time is more important than my studio time and my livelihood. I told that person that the next time they want to come into the studio it would be $150 prepaid.  By standing my ground and letting people know that my time and services are valuable I have gained a reputation as a professional who doesn’t just say he is going to do something but actually does it.  I have heard well I made that pledge when I was with another company and I am not there anymore. My answer you made a personal pledge please honor it. This didn’t sit well with that person so he lodged a complaint with the charity against me. Get real people you made a commitment honor the commitment. I have heard I am not interested and I don’t see why a clip of my appearance on a TV Show will help me. My answer there is that a digital footprint is important and that a clip of a TV Appearance builds credibility in the marketplace.  Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Standing Your Ground!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Going Over The Top!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Go Over The Top!!!

In football going over the top has been a way to effectively achieve the objective of getting first downs and touchdowns. In going over the top a player puts himself at risk for the best interest of the team. In business and in non-profit organizations going over the top can be very risky as the message or your actions may not resonate with the audience you are attempting to reach or may not be in line with the hierarchy of an organization.  I have  often been the one to go over the top be it break dancing at a leadership conference or asking for donations on a parade route or hanging up a FREE HUGS sign at my local Starbucks. Sometimes my over the top actions have yielded great fruits and scored me many points while at other times I have  been thrown for a loss.  The risk of being an over the top thinker and implementor is great however the rewards this thinking yields makes it all worth it on many occasions.  I was told that many people who meet me for the first time don’t know what to make of my over the top thinking or actions and that this thinking may be  creating challenges in my personal and professional life.  I believe that in order to succeed you must be an over the top thinker because sometimes it is the crazy actions that get noticed and rewarded. I remember one day I was about 14 years old volunteering at The Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon and I decided to get the audience to pledge money for the amount of push ups I could do in a minute. Some thought I was crazy but I knew exactly that doing something unique and different I could raise some much-needed funds for those with neuromuscular diseases. I grabbed the microphone and said Hello, I am Jonathan Lederman and I am asking everyone to make a pledge for the amount of push-ups I could do in a minute so we can help the kids who can’t do push-ups because of Muscular Dystrophy. I did 52 push-ups and raised over $500. I remember standing up at a Jaycees meeting when a local chapter was on the verge of cancelling their Spreading The Joy program and I said what if we ask people we do business with to donate. I was told we never did that before. I asked why not the worst they can tell us is no. I asked them to give me two weeks as we were going to meet again in two weeks they said okay. Well at the next meeting I stood up as told them I secured monetary donations in the amount of $2500 and in-kind donations of over $1000. They asked how I said I just asked. I also told them about the door blocks I set up at the local KMART where we would simply ask customers for donations. They were hesitant at first and didn’t want to do it so I said okay I’ll go on the first day and if anyone wants to join me great if not that is okay too. On that first day I collected over $500 and recruited 15 chaperones for The Holiday Shopping Spree.  That year, 1989, saw us take 64 needy children holiday shopping and feeding 30 needy families. Simply by being an over the top thinker I have  found success. The lesson here is to take a risk and go over the top. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Going Over The Top!!!

Advertisement Ideas: How to Really Effectively Market!!!

Advertisement Ideas: How To Really Effectively Market!!!

 

Content-Marketing-Strategy tangerine digitalAs I work with clients I am always asked what is the most effective way to market? I don’t think there is one methodology that is the best way I believe that an integrate approach  to marketing is necessary. I think knowing your target audience is very important. It may be true that everyone may be able to utilize your product or services, however it is vital to know who your ideal client is. I have  attended many networking events and everyone is busy trying to sell what they have to offer that they never connect on a cellular level and thus are not effectively marketing. One of the most effective ways to market is to listen and then find ways that you will be of service and value to clients/customers. Ask yourself what can I do to add value to the people I am interacting with. I sit in Starbucks and I listen to people and if their conversation relates to anything I am doing I will go over and introduce myself and give them a business card. Some may look at this as a strange way to market, however I can tell you from experience that by being in tune with others and introducing myself I have secured gigs to emcee, conduct a marketing consultation, and to do training. In putting myself out there I have  secured donations for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life by simply sharing http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jdogg2 and my reason to relay. In sharing who I am and how I can be of service to others I have  created many income producing activities that also help to strengthen my brand.

Sections-Wear-your-brandOne of the most effective things you can do to effectively market is to wear your brand. Since I do many things I pick one of my projects to wear each day. if I am promoting Relay For Life I will wear my Relay For Life Apparel and carry marketing material related to Relay. if I choose to promote The South Florida Gold, a professional basketball team I announce for  I will wear my Jersey or other apparel related tot he team and have free tickets to give away. Every client I have  worked with has provided me with shirts to wear to promote them. As a promoter of many products and services I must decide who to promote and then have a strategy that will be effective in getting results. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: How to Really Effectively Market!!!