Would you become a walking Billboard? - Tattoo Advertising

Sporting a tattoo in the 'not so new millenium' isn't really unique anymore but, having a solid, block lettered billboard tattoo across your forehead sure is! ...seems like a huge price to pay for cold, hard cash...doesn't it?

The lady below known as Kari Smith, sold her precious skin space as ad space for $10,000 dollars to the Golden Palace. They achieved strides with a Guerilla Marketing technique that still brings them advertising bang for their buck. While she earns some money to better her sons education, a win win! Although, she's now committed to being a walking, talking, living, breathing advertisment for life!!

Or the guy shown below, who either forgot his spectacles or received some extra dough ;) ...'cause he's now the proud owner of a Hello Kitty tattoo upon his charming, mystical? forehead. I wonder if he thought it was a skull, lol?

Would you tattoo a web address, logo, symbol or brand name on your body? And if so, for how much?

Learn more about Guerrilla Marketing here (a previous post) or view some other tattoo blunders n' wonders over on my What wrinkles? blog.

Humour in Advertising - Ally Bank's marketing tactics make me laugh!

Here's another marketing campaign that has me giggling from Ally Bank, formally GMAC. This financial institution uses humour, honesty and children to 'attract' customers to their financial resources. Some say (based on YouTube comments) that it exploits or encourages verbal taunting or teasing but, I don't see it that way. I see them using a humouristic yet realistic twist that actually makes me laugh!?!...Is that wrong?

Check out the three videos posted below and you'll see what I mean (or not ;) These Ally commercials show how we, as consumers, get ripped off by companies because we don't pay attention, we're not asking the right questions and are simply put, arrogant! Ally's ads reassures us with humour that they would never do such a thing to their clients and the kids that Ally Bank's marketing department have chosen (as actors and actresses) are simply priceless. So, while there is humour the morale of the story or ad, is loud and clear without being boring and serious which in my opinion is what makes it a success.      







Note: Always read the fine print ;) ...and, remember that in real life, it's just plain wrong to take advantage of someone's innocence or lack of knowledge, regardless of their age!...and, even though these marketing campaigns depict such happenings it also exposes them which leads you to believe they are an honest establishment, doesn't it?

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment, thanks and have an awesome day!

Travel Industry - Marketing online; are you out of the loop if you don't?

Marketing comes in many forms with the purpose being increased recognition and thus money. It works like that of an 'it takes money to make money' concept that certainly works but, what about the small businesses who have little or no advertising budget to play with? Are they going to be so out of the loop they'll become unnecessary and forgotten?...swallowed up by companies who've taken the initiative to at least create an online presence, if even with only a simple, basic website?

I'd say that even though you may have a good reputation and/or be in a great location, it's always best to cover all the bases especially the free ones! Promoting your business online is highly favourable and it's economical if, you don't mind doing some leg work first.

For example...

Since getting my laptop I do research and then book my flights online. My two fav's are travelocity.ca and/or westjet.ca, depending on what I'm looking for. Both of these companies have created advertising campaigns in a manner that appeals to me, my funny bone and my pocketbook which is a great combination.

Travelocity's gnome who mumble hums...'I wanna get outta here' makes me smile and while no specific WestJet ads come to mind, the word of mouth chatter regarding their cheap flights sang in my ear.

Post vacation: So, I've just returned from the Okanagan valley with Penticton, BC being the farthest point travelled. The only thing planned was my flight in and out all else was winged as each day came or the night before (see Babblicious blog for more details and pics)...then poof back in TO!

Kalamalka Lake, Vernon BC

But, I don't book hotel rooms that way, not unless necessary. That's because I've learnt that cheap, clean hotel/motel type inns etc. aren't necessarily advertised online. How did I learn this? Well, while searching and pre-booking rooms (itinerary was required) to travel through Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick we'd aimed for Halifax first. Unknown to us though, mid August in Halifax is also the annual Busker's Festival so, most hotel rooms were already booked. Which left us with somewhat clean yet overpriced, off the beaten path in seedy location types of lodging (pssst, that weren't in the brochure ;) ...and for a room we pretty much just sleep and shower in, we felt a little rooked. Thus, I stopped booking and instead researched towns and cities separately to discover where the majority of hotels were located. One thing to remember though is that festivals, tournaments and conventions book up rooms quickly within smaller areas!

So no, not everyone is in the loop of advertising online. Too bad though because in today's world, with technology at our fingertips I don't understand why everyone wouldn't have at least one free basic yet informative website?!

p.s. I'd recommend not to leave 'getting a room' until too late into the evening because once night falls it's a lot trickier finding your way around an unknown city.

Driving through the Rockies in BC, Canada

Digital Marketing = Website promotion & increased Traffic ...you are utilizing it, right?!

An essential goal for online marketers is to tackle website marketing and increase traffic to their website. A popular method in 2010 is to utilize various digital marketing mediums for advertising that also enhance website design all while upping your social status on the web.

Today's marketing techniques require entrepreneurs to move out of their comfort zone and go after their desired audience rather than waiting for the audience to find them!! So, before the competition chases up our figurative skirts we need to step into the next decade embracing both technology and change.

What is Digital Marketing...

Digital marketing is the advertising process used to promote brands, products and services using extremely influential platforms we literally 'plug in' such as the internet, television, radio and mobile communication devices. Digital marketing uses various distribution channels to market to the masses like today's youth for example; they are plugged into their hi-tech toys as though they were umbilical cords and adults of all ages, even seniors, are following suit making them all potential end users.

Digital marketing is interactive, to-the-minute and social (therefore personal) like Twitter and Facebook. Whether you've chosen to create a blog for your website, add a how to video or created a new social profile the content is long lasting. Once published on the world wide web the content is either left alone to be discovered organically, pushed directly onto a specific audience with demographics or a bit of both.

However, due to freedom of choice, we as consumers ourselves control most forms of digital marketing by way of choosing what we watch, listen to, ignore, read or toss and turn on or off...it's an opt-in or opt-out society. Therefore, one must create useful, functional, informative, enjoyable, entertaining visuals and text that grab and retain viewers before the moment and the user are gone.

In the days of old, advertising was printed and went via word of mouth by a newsboy ...'newspaper, get your newspaper, read all about it, newspaper...'. Nowadays, it's 'visit me on Facebook', 'follow me on Twitter', 'embed my video' , 'check out my live podcast', 'text me', 'subscribe to newsletter', 'opt in for updates' or 'have you seen my YouTube video'! ...a myriad of cost effective mixed media resources at our fingertips!!

Digital marketing tips...

- Self created visual designs ought to begin with basics, using the KISS method (keep it simple stupid) then work up to excellence as you learn. Focus on quality not quantity.

- Become 'sticky' by creating unique content and a pleasant, useful user experience that stands out and above the others in your field. Aim for dynamic functionality, even if you're at the barely tolerable but still slightly interesting stage.

- Create your marketing pitch, page, ad, video, ad, microblog into an easy to understand format that navigates with ease. Pictures are worth a thousand words yet too many become filler fluff. Finding an engaging balance that grabs attention on all levels, is a great goal. 

- Know and understand the ideas and concepts you're conjuring up with your chosen text and images. Does it make sense, is it necessary and is it cohesive to all other related material?

Expanding into social media for the first time? Consider it an adventure and take baby steps if necessary ;) What is Network Marketing? & What is Twitter? There was a time when I thought I'd never be on Twitter and yet now I find myself tweeting daily, funny eh, how things change? I'm a follow me, follow you type of girl @ tmcmarketing!  

Do I need Business Cards ...and mugs, pens, magnets, staplers, calendars...?!?

I've fallen prey to emails, flyers, brochures, print ads, phone calls, faxes and face to face calls to action from sales people wanting me to glam up my business with printed office supplies. I'm thinking is this for kicks or is it a necessity because however tempting, I don't need logo slathered pens, buttons, staplers and mugs? Do I?

Well, the answer is actually yes but, only in moderation (like with food) and within a logical budget! The business card is a bare minimum must have for any entrepreneur, including those of us who are online (even though we don't get out much ;) get motivated, get out of the house!). Many entrepreneurs don't need all the bells and whistles of a full on printed marketing campaign.

Getting your logo across America doesn't guarantee success but may invite bankruptcy if you get hooked on 'the look' of a wicked speil & sales rep! I finally ordered my business cards from Vista Print (see my review posted within the right sidebar). My shopping cart was immediately loaded with bobbles and trinkets sporting my Babblicious brand but by order time it was picked clean.

No, you generally don't go bankrupt buying office supplies but it can be the first foot in the grave in a string of poor business decisions.

You need business cards because...

- they leave a gentle reminder of who you are, what you do and where to find to you.

- when left behind as a calling card, they speak for you when you cannot.

- they are an affordable, face to face marketing method that also enables you to sell yourself.

- the common exchange of business information will be simplified and easily remembered by both parties.

- they give your business the initial heir of professionalism (now you need to maintain it ;)

Anthony Morrison's TV Infomercial - Am I the newest Hidden Millionaire? ...tee hee

Anyone who knows me also knows, I love TV! If I'm awake the 'idiot box' keeps me entertained with background noise from dawn til dusk. When I'm up too late though my TV gets littered with  cheesy infomercials selling crap products and get rich quick gimmics.

This morning for example it was an infomercial for Anthony Morrison the author of The Hidden Millionaire. The spot ran like a professional news interview on the Hansen Report. Anthony answers questions and discusses how his program is going to relieve all of 'your' financial burdens if...?

That's the big ?, the big if!? What if I spend my already hard earned money on yet another 'program' and a) I don't get rich and b) I'm out the original money...keep asking ?'s and... 

Does it sound too good to be true?

Have you done your own research?

Have your seen other people's reviews on the product?

Have you checked with the BBB?

Can you find the same information cheaper?

Do you really believe you will learn multi-million dollar secrets for just $19.95?!

What magical information does he have that requires thousands of dollars after the fact (refer to last?)?

...from what I've read you're apparently preened, poked and then prodded with personal questions, high pressure sales tactics and semi-useless information with the end result being, they just simply want more money!!?!

In my slumbered, dreamy haze Anthony Morrison and his little infomercial sounded believable. He markets himself very well ;) and his good boy looks and charm aide in his sales approach. But, his bag of tricks just didn't do it for me.

Anthony Morrison - Scam or Not a Scam?

I couldn't say for sure because I'm not willing to risk it; I've googled him etc. and done my homework and so far the answer is a big fat ...nah!!


The book entitled, The Hidden Millionaire is available via Amazon for $3 bucks'ish' plus shipping. I'd recommend getting that, first. Or, see if you can find a copy at the library. Anthony Morrison has a wealth of knowledge and there is no denying he makes money. His program, the books, cd's, dvd's, seminars, speaking engagements etc. make him his money but will that make us money too? ...nah!!  

The last 'seen on TV' product that came into our home...You're Gonna Love my Nuts!

Marketing campaigns gone wrong! 'New' Coke, Gerber...what were they thinking?

When putting together your next marketing campaign consider what history has already proven, you can never do enough research and some ideas are just plain lousy! Advertising blunders are in most cases discovered after they've been unleashed to the public. So, although they were created with the best of intentions the end result was disastrous. Imagine spending thousands of dollars just to realize you've managed to generate a campaign that confused and/or insulted your end user causing mass loss of appeal!

Whether your campaign is regional or international research is imperative and ought to be done thoroughly. Ads that work well in North America may be a total failure if launched elsewhere for many reasons. Text and illustrations have their own meanings based on where you live. What we see, understand and interpret such as pictures, logos, words, statements, cliches, puns or sayings can  be easily misunderstood elsewhere.

Imagine investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to fully implement an advertising disaster such as the Gerber baby food campaign many years ago in Africa. Their ad used the exact same picture successfully utilized here in North America...the adorable caucasian baby, only it crashed due to lack of sales. Upon further research Gerber's discovered that due to literacy issues in Africa (many people not able to read) companies use pictures to depict what's inside the container! ...imagine that, it's kind of funny in a gross way ;) but I'm sure glad the initial research wasn't my job ikes and ewww!

Botched marketing extends over to Coke and Calvin Klein...remember in 1985 when they released 'New' Coke? I do because I was an original Coke fan and was crushed! I did go back temporarily to Coke Classic but by that time they'd already lost me to Pepsi. I'm still a proud Pepsi girl! The Calvin Klein ad although short made me immediately question the whole concept and was almost uncomfortable, what were they thinking!?

 

Marketing and Promotion Techniques for Small Businesses on a Budget

As a small business owner cutting costs whenever and wherever possible is more than financially beneficial, it's often done out of necessity. Yet, the requirements of marketing and promotion don't disappear! You still require a cost effective marketing plan with a small budget or an exceptional no budget plan. So, how does a frugal entrepreneur ensure they are doing the most for their business while  increasing their bottom line?

In order to accomplish successful, self promotion you need to consider numerous tasks that ought to be  utilized to the best of your ability regardless of the nature or type of business you have. Marketing involves a healthy component of skill, talent, familiarity and passion. You will need to work at some techniques while others you will come more easily, naturally.

It's important to entwine all of the following marketing techniques at some point but initially begin with just a few then incorporate others as you learn, grow and gain confidence in your abilities. You'll be surprised at how simple personality traits such as your smile draw in potential customers, you are now your own walking billboard!

Promotion and Marketing Techniques for Small Businesses on a Budget...

- Public Speaking may make your toes curl but don't panic. Begin with baby steps like introducing yourself first, in a two on two conversation, that's a good start ;) Face to face marketing multiplied x 2...offer a firm handshake, a smile and speak. Get into some generic small talk with potential customers and be aware of your behavior, demeanor, personality and don't forget to listen and be confident you are being gauged. When you think you're ready for full on public speaking practise in front of the mirror first. Pace yourself, listen to your tone of voice, breathing patterns and pauses as well, know what you are talking about! Prepare an interesting, informative speech rather than a omg, is this ever going to end speech.

- Network marketing is like public speaking only way better because it has more of a social vibe and it isn't or needn't be so formal, staunchy or uptight. Nowadays, online social media marketing sites like Twitter and Facebook are huge marketing tools that generate traffic while you stay in your pajamas chatting about your greatest new gadget...

- Create brochures and newsletters, not one or the other ;) but both at some point. Newsletters are generally sent via opt-in emails on a monthly basis and contain current and future business operations such as upcoming sales, what's new and what's coming etc. While brochures contain all pertinent business information in a glance for a long term period and they are designed to get someone's attention, be informative and memorable.

- Low cost advertising takes on many forms such as placing an ad in the newspaper or posting signage on bulletin boards or even having you child wear a sandwich board in lieu of chores. I went through a drive thru one time and when it was my turn to order and pay the lady she said it was already paid for by the guy in front of me. Hmmm, nice! I check around and see his vehicle pulling onto the street and across the back is a 1-800 # and the name of his handy man business. I never needed him but certainly would have called him, if I did! Be sure to have a website, blog or some form of social media marketing platform or landing page. In today's day and age there is no excuse not to have one.

- Create a reason to draw attention to yourselves then prepare a press release to make the who's who aware of what you are doing. It could be a fund raiser for charity, the community or even the school. If you know someone famous that helps but if not just do something spectacular that shows your potential customers who you are, what you stand for and what you offer. Motivations shine with this one so be careful not to make it all about you!

- Cold calling potential customers and clients isn't easy but from a girl who's sold carpet cleaning, duct cleaning and raised funds via the phone, it does get easier. Prepare a general script to follow along with some common questions and answers you think they may ask. Have them both beside you along with a notepad. Grab the old phonebook and tear out page one in your contact area and begin making your cold calls. Keep general notes and specific notes if you have an interested client. Just jot down their name, contact info and what they're interested in or why they couldn't commit at this time etc. Familiarity on the second call makes things easier especially if you've confirmed it's okay to call back.

- Volunteer some of your 'extra' time by helping others in the community either at the school, church or selfless project you believe in. If you do this for no other reason than just because it feels good networking will occur naturally, all on it's own.

- Group your talents with other business owners and entrepreneurs to create a project based on your combined efforts. Choose a business/es that compliments what you have to offer for a win win scenario. Skills and talents are meant to be shared and learned; by grouping together you accomplish all sorts of short and long term tasks. It's also a great way to save time, money all while networking. 

8 Marketing Techniques to Grow your Business

The following tips, once applied, will assist your business to grow by offering reasons for current customers to stay interested while also attracting new, potential customers. 

Ask yourself these two questions first:

What makes our business special?
What is our unique advantage against the competition?

Then apply these 8 Marketing Techniques to your Business... 

- Continuously add new products and services to your website. 
- Become an invaluable resource, the 'go to' place for your niche market.
- Assist your customer base by providing a seamless, easy to use web interface.
- Provide free information and resources pertinent to your site, your customers needs and wants.
- Remain competitive in all aspects of your business. Offer incentives to purchase with you!
- Maintain a high level of customer service, sometimes that's all that sets you apart from the others.
- Learn to adapt to changing needs within society, your customers and potential, future customers.
- Promote the benefits and end result of doing business with you ie; your guarantee, discounts, customer support, faster service, easier transactions, cheaper costs etc.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate Marketing uses one website to drive traffic to another website and is a widespread form of online advertising and promotion along with a form of generating online income. One person (known as the Affiliate or Publisher) promotes both services and products to potential customers in exchange for commission or revenue sharing. By driving more traffic, sending referrals, signing up subscribers and/or customers etc; your earning potential increases.

Affiliates use various techniques such as search engine optimization (SEO), network marketing, social networking, paid search engine marketing, e-mail marketing, display advertising, publishing reviews, offering comparison shopping and directories. Popular, active sectors of affiliate marketing include adult, gambling, retail industries, mobile phones, finance, travel and entertainment along with unique, niche sites in all sectors.

Regardless of which market you choose understand that it takes time to see the results of your work. Once your website has been established and made available for online viewing it also needs to be indexed by the search engines which can take weeks, if not longer.

In the meantime you need to start getting people to your site so they can in turn click on those affiliate ads you have placed. No traffic =  no clicks = no money! There is no magic code available for driving traffic to your site however, which means you have to revert back to the basics of marketing by asking yourself. What does my customer want? and How can I give it to them?

I've found that focusing on a favourite hobby or passion is a popular way to begin because you yourself have a high level of interest in the topic therefore know what others may also enjoy. For example; if you love Halloween like I do then you could set up a blog that shares your ideas. You now have to ask yourself...What do my viewers (a.k.a potential customer) want to see, know, read about, learn, watch and buy that is has to do with Halloween? Then give it to them!

Offer content that is unique, original and of quality to your viewers whether it is in the articles your write and in the affiliate ads you place on the site. You want to give your customers/viewers the information they are searching for not irrelevant drivel or copy/pasted, plagiarised fluff. As you create more valuable, wanted content the viewers will find your site based on the information you are providing. The more you write about a specific topic the more keywords you generate around the topic. The 'topic' keywords, as they are repeated by both you in the articles and those searching with the search engines will then prove to the search engines that your site offers what it says and is worth checking out! Posting affiliate ads on your sight ought to pertain to Halloween in some way, as this would be one of the ways you would be generating your income.

Marketing - Face to Face

E-commerce, as a 'business frame', is growing by leaps and bounds and yet one can go on for days without seeing or talking to an actual, real live person. Many situations still arise however, where customers want to know the people they will be doing business with. In these cases, the best tool in your marketing arsenal is the old fashioned, face to face approach. Opportunities are always presenting themselves in regular, day to day life, at special events, trade shows and meetings. Hone in on your own social skills and begin building a good rapport with your potential customers all while maintaining your established relationship with current customers.

I personally love a challenge and there is nothing like interacting with potential customers face to face, especially when a crucial sale is about to be made. Utilitizing your face to face interactions and keeping them positive creates a solid base for future endeavours, online and off. Consumers are riveted with face to face marketing techniques, many times without even realizing it. The lady who made your coffee, the receptionist who greeted you, the valet who parked your car and the doorman who said 'good mornng'. They all speak volumes for their employers and that business while leaving a lasting impression with you.  

A unique example of an old fashioned, not so recommed, face to face interaction takes place at the carnival. There are hoards of people, hundreds even thousands all with money to spend. They are just trickling past booth after booth of games, food, sunglasses, junk and more junk dying to spend their money. By the end of the day they will most likely be flat busted, have upset stomachs and the proud owner of a cheesy pair of faux Crocs or an undersized stuffed animal. In a situation like the carnival you know the consumer is going to spend their money, it's just a matter of where. Down the game aisle carnival workers use an in your face, loud, harsh approach to lure you. Often embarassing, and sometimes even bordering on insulting you as a form of encouraging you to spend your money. Would this face to face sales approach be acceptable when shopping at the jewellery store? 

Face to face interactions occur in our daily life and in business, and can happen at any time of day in any location. Which do you prefer, a smile and friendly welcome or a boistrous, heckling shoutfrom ten feet away? Both work, however the lasting impression you create will haver a much sweater effect after the fact.

Just remember that regardless of whom you are speaking with, they may already be your customer or they are a potential customer so treat them as such. Try not to be a canary, stay professional, polite and sincere all while developing your listening skills. You may meet someone today who ten years down the road is giving you a job interview. Will he remember you? When he does,will he wish he hadn't? This goes beyond first impressions to lasting impressions. I don't even go down the game aisles anymore but I sure pay repeat visits to the cutie who smiles all the time and doesn't even say a word other than 'thank you'.

Body Language

Para-verbal

Para-verbal is not what you say but how you say it. It is the tone, pace, tempo, speed, and/or volume of your voice. People listen then create impressions based on what they hear and how they hear it.

Non-verbal

Judging by appearance, we are all guilty of it. Dress for success is truely a meaningful statement. It needn't be designer brands but clean, polished and reflective of the enviroment. A tux at a bqq is a little much.

Para-verbal and non-verbal traits will need to be adjusted to match the person you are with but never change your level of enthusiasm for your product or service. If a customer approaches and their body language says 'tired and irritable', you need to adjust your para-verbal and non-verbal to closely reflect theirs while still remaining passionate and enthusiastic. This does take practise but certainly worth the effort, just rememer it's not just what you say, or how you say it but also how look saying it!