The top three producing marketing activities in today’s economy

While enjoying a bit of a snow day last week, I spent a lot of time doing research and catching up on reading. I sat in on a webinar produced by Marketing Profs and they released the top three ways companies are growing sales with marketing:  seminars, webinars and client development.
 
Seminars are a great way to get many people in the room to hear what you have to sell; however, it’s a lot of work to get people in that room. Be prepared for hours of upfront work to pack the house. Once you find what works best for you, though, you have a replicable model for success.

Webinars are a little easier with the upfront time unless you’re new to the technology. There is a learning curve depending on the type of software you use and how you plan to promote the webinar, but it’s an inexpensive and far-reaching way to generate leads.

Client development is a no brainer in general, however, change your tune to what speaks to your audience TODAY. As you have heard me say before, your information must add value and that includes being relevant.

The world isn’t talking, speaking or even looking like it was a year ago. Things have changed. Make sure your message is competitive and on target for today’s atmosphere.

Happy marketing!

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One application that could save you lots; you decide what lots

I have had a lot of meetings of late and I know someone told me about Jott at one of these meetings; I just cannot remember who. So I apologize for not giving some props here. I finally took the time to visit jott.com and check it out due to an article I read (of course it was in the NY Times). Having had this software come on my radar twice within the last couple weeks I thought for sure it was time to check it out.

I'm glad I did! This service is really cool. The above mentioned article does a good job of explaining it (along with a few other phone activated software apps) and this image visually tells the story:

   

So if you've ever found yourself wanting to write down a brainstorm, send a Facebook or Twitter update or simply remind yourself of something but couldn't write it down, you may want to check this out and begin using it. My favorite feature is the Google Calendar upload. Now that's sweet.

Be even more amazing

One of the few occasions that I have the television on is when I'm working out. It's usually on CNNor a DVR of the Backyardigans if my son is with me. Tonight I decided I needed a dose of HGTV and somewhat paid attention to the show. What did catch my attention was a commercial from Electroluxwith Kelly Ripa. She told me I could be even more amazing with Electrolux. Who doesn't want to be more amazing (especially hearing this while you're working out?)?

I liked the tag line so much that I made a mental note to myself to check out this Electrolux stuff later tonight when I knew I would have to hit the laptop for lots of time docking some research. I went to the homepage of Electrolux and didn't see anything with Kelly or how to be even more amazing on it, but I did get a selection of entry points in the form of product. I was thinking I recalled the commercial to be about washers and dryers so I went to appliances. There she was. There is my home for finding the amazment.

Now to the surprising bit - I was amazed.

I did like the site very much, and I would buy the products today if I were in the market for such items. They even took the time to make the connection from the commercial spots to the design of the site, to the shots, to using Kelly's voice, to doing it all just ever so great. Kudos. This is the way to do things across multiple mediums and actually amaze your audience. Why spend the time and money to speak to them if you're going to change your voice, sound, stage, design and more once you get them to where you want them to go?

So many people have missed this not so tiny detail. The people who want to do something, anything, to just have a marketing activity. The people who don't understand that one magical elixir doesn't exist. The people who rely too much on too little effort. The people who do what's in the budget instead of doing what's right with what you can make of the budget.

Plan it all out in your next blitz. Act like Electrolux and be even more amazing.

Brand YOU and what that says...

I want to welcome Annie S. Dimitri, Life and Image Coach, to share just how important it is for you to realize you are a brand and you speak for your company by how you dress, how you talk, what you do, etc. Give Annie a buzz to get started on a new brand you.

 

What Does Your Image Say About Your Business?

Branding your business. Lots of us spend our valuable resources of time and money, tweaking this detail, and defining that nuance, of our business so that who we are and what we offer are boldly declared to our target market. However, your most important asset and advertisement, YOU, most likely hasn’t received the same amount of painstaking care and attention. What can this do for the results of all the hard work of your marketing strategy? It can flush them all right down the toilet with a loud gurgle. And quickly.

Research demonstrates that within 3 to 4 seconds, we form preliminary judgments about people based solely on their appearance. Within 30 seconds, we have calculated at least 11 different assumptions about someone, such as their ability to succeed, sense of humor, and work ethic. Again, this is based solely on appearance.  If we don’t pass muster in that first 30 seconds, then the opportunity is shot. The one and only way to change a poor first impression is through repeated exposure, and typically, that isn’t possible. So what is a business owner to do with this information? Let there be no wailing and gnashing of teeth, or excessive martini swigging, about this issue. The solutions are very simple.

Begin by defining how you want others to perceive you (and therefore, your business) when they simply see you. What messages do you want your grooming, clothing, and body language to convey so that it is consistent with your marketing? These three components are your visual vocabulary, the personal poetry of you. Once you have that, rid your closet right then and there of any item that doesn’t agree with your message. Even your exercise clothes. Any place you go, you are advertising your business. It is that simple. You never know when and where you will meet that next client. Find stores that carry the looks you desire. Buy them. Learn to wear them. Educate yourself about the importance of your body language, and how you can use it to make an even more stellar first impression. Update your hair and cosmetics. Those sweet winged bangs and that fluffy ponytail perched jauntily atop your head were so cool back in 1985, but this is 2009. Be current. If you aren’t, potential customers will assume your business isn’t either. If all this isn’t your area of expertise, seek assistance. Image consultants, personal shoppers at Nordstrom and Saks, or just very talented friends can make all the difference in the branding of your most precious commodity—you.

Giving is the new marketing

This fun snapshot of social media explains how and why embracing social media can help your business and grow sales. As us how we can help you get started.