Archive View (April 2008)

A few weeks ago I wrote about the $600 tax rebate and the potential for marketing to use this 'free' money to help generate sales.  The current rise in gas prices presents a similar opportunity for marketers.  Some business such as hotels are offering fuel subsidies to lure guests to take vacations at their locations.  As gas prices continue to rise I bet people start thinking twice before just jumping into their cars.  If people need to drive to do business with you, it might be time to start thinking about providing reasons it is worth the drive to your business more...

OK so this headline is not news to anyone.... This is a sad statement of what we have come to expect when dealing with companies like Verizon who really don't care about you as a customer or the business you represent.  They don't understand Customer Life Time Value.  They care that their return policy says 30 days.  No exceptions or any attempt to help you out.  All you get is  a half baked excuse for a service person who is  half paying attention to you while she spouts corporate policy as she talks with a coworker. OK so I am not 'happy' with more...

...or to at least consider when you are planning your marketing activities for the rest of this year.  If you are trying to get your message across to your target audience you need to keep your eye on the calendar (nationally and locally if you have a local business) to see if you are going to be fighting for share of mind. This year we have some extra 'fun' to work around.  We have a contentious Olympics taking place in China, two major political conventions and a Presidential election to follow.  So here are some of the additional dates I recommend you more...

 You most likely have heard about or use Digg, Mixx, Spinn or other online community news sites.  Well, there is a new site which has joined the crowd and it is called HatedOrLoved.com.  If you enjoy social networking and pushing stories through your network this might be a place to check out.  As a new user you might be able to build up social 'power' before the site takes off and becomes  established like Digg.  The difference here appears to be that you can 'hate' a story without pushing it down out of public view (your not playing censor as is more...

So you think TV advertising is only for the big brands.  Think again.  A few months back I pointed out Spot Runner's entry into the TV advertising market with a focus on small businesses.  Recently I came across a new player in TV advertising named Spotzer who also targets the same group of advertisers.  Spotzer takes a more direct response model to marketing your business on TV. Both companies use templates to create and customize a TV ad for your business but I am told Spotzer's approach is  more holistic then the Spot Runner model.  The main difference between the two companies more...

Last week I participated in the "Personality Not Included" Exclusive Interview with Rohit Bhargava.  Unfortunately I wasn't selected as a top 12 interviewer but through the power of social media marketing I did win a signed copy of his book.  If you haven't purchased the book I recommend grabbing a copy.  From my short time following Rohit's work I have learned a thing or two and I am sure the book is full of interesting and useful marketing ideas. So now I have the copy I ordered and a signed edition coming my way.  What to do with the copy I bought.  more...

A marketing friend of mine recently celebrated a birthday. He mentioned how he was expecting a number of companies who knew (think of all those loyalty programs you signed up for)  it was his birthday to communicate appropriately on that day. He thought they would send him a card, email or offer something to acknowledge they had his info and it was an important day in his life.  Unfortunately, he was disappointed by most of the companies he does business with.  I doubt he will pull his business based on one day but just think how easy it was for some more...