Ho; ho; ho. It really is getting down to the wire for purchasing holiday gifts, and saavy businesses are tapping into the urgency. This morning I received the following from amazon.com:
Down to the Last Minute?
Give A Magazine Subscription
Dear Amazon.com Customer,
Because you've purchased books or other media from Amazon, we thought you should know that there's still time to give a thoughtful and personal gift this holiday season. Amazon offers over 90,000 subscriptions at tremendous savings, and you're sure to find a magazine for everyone on your list. Plus you can print a gift card from your browser for any magazine on our site. It's the perfect way to announce your gift.
Clever message, timely distribution and attention grabbing headline and graphics. We've seen how mastering these 3 key elements explode sales and profits for boostyourbottomline.com customers, and we're delighted and honored to have the opportunity to work with small business around around the world as they master our proven, step-by-step program that guarantees more customers, bigger profits and a business they can brag about. Looking back at 2006, we see quite clearly that we too have created a business we can brag about. And it's all based on our Fast Track to Marketing Mastery program at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track.
Being organized spitfires, there's no pressure for last-minute holiday gift purchases. We're sitting back to enjoy it all. Our wish for our loyal customers, subscribers and new boostyourbottomline.com friends is for a healthy, happy and safe holiday and a remarkable 2007!
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Friday, December 22, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Snag Attention With A Postage Stamp
Imagine sending snail mail using a postage stamp that features your logo and tagline. What a way to stand out! Make this simple yet powerful tactic part of your marketing in 2007. It's easy to do. Order personalized postage stamps at http://www.stamps.com. Why send business mail any other way?
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Holiday Networking For Fun and Profit
Tis the season for parties, gift giving AND networking. While many small business owners think December is a time to put marketing on the back burner, we think otherwise. Holiday gatherings can be a good time for service business owners to market. Why? One of your key tactics is networking, and networking is a natural during the holiday season. What a great opportunity to meet old friends and colleagues, discuss how the year went and share goals for the upcoming year. Here are some tips to help you navigate holiday events and make them work for you:
1. Go to the party prepared. Find out a little about who will be attending and their connection to the host(s). Bring business cards but hand them out by request only. If someone intrigues you, ask for their business cards so that you can follow up after the event. Remember that most holiday gatherings are festive social events. As such, make it a point to socialize with at least half dozen people -- a few you know and others you'll meet.
2. For those you know, find out how they are and how business has been this year. Sprinkle a few comments into your conversation to gauge interest. For example, when asked "What's new?" reply with a concise, yet intriguing, response such as "I just heard that my chapter will be one of 30 featured in an upcoming book." If the person's eyes glaze over, move on to another topic. But if they ask about the chapter and book, continue the conversation, making sure it's a give-and-take exchange. For those you don't know, ask questions about their holiday plans, what they'll do in their free time, and whether they'll spend any time working their business. Strive to make a connection.
3. Spend more time asking questions and listening than talking. This really is THE KEY to effective networking at parties. Think of the 80/20 rule. Listen 80% of the time; talk 20%.
4. Have a strategy for staying in touch. What good does it do if you connect with someone and they don't hear from you again until the next holiday gathering? Don't fall into the rut of suggesting you get together for lunch. Instead, and if appropriate, say, "You know, I have something I think you'd enjoy receiving. I send a monthly newsletter with red hot marketing tips. If you give me your card, I'll put you on my list."
5. Keep an open mind. If you're in the right place at the right time, you could make some very profitable business connections. If nothing happens right away, at least you've sowed some seeds for the future.
6. Have fun! Your positive, relaxed attitude may win more prospects than if you hard charge your way through the event.
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
1. Go to the party prepared. Find out a little about who will be attending and their connection to the host(s). Bring business cards but hand them out by request only. If someone intrigues you, ask for their business cards so that you can follow up after the event. Remember that most holiday gatherings are festive social events. As such, make it a point to socialize with at least half dozen people -- a few you know and others you'll meet.
2. For those you know, find out how they are and how business has been this year. Sprinkle a few comments into your conversation to gauge interest. For example, when asked "What's new?" reply with a concise, yet intriguing, response such as "I just heard that my chapter will be one of 30 featured in an upcoming book." If the person's eyes glaze over, move on to another topic. But if they ask about the chapter and book, continue the conversation, making sure it's a give-and-take exchange. For those you don't know, ask questions about their holiday plans, what they'll do in their free time, and whether they'll spend any time working their business. Strive to make a connection.
3. Spend more time asking questions and listening than talking. This really is THE KEY to effective networking at parties. Think of the 80/20 rule. Listen 80% of the time; talk 20%.
4. Have a strategy for staying in touch. What good does it do if you connect with someone and they don't hear from you again until the next holiday gathering? Don't fall into the rut of suggesting you get together for lunch. Instead, and if appropriate, say, "You know, I have something I think you'd enjoy receiving. I send a monthly newsletter with red hot marketing tips. If you give me your card, I'll put you on my list."
5. Keep an open mind. If you're in the right place at the right time, you could make some very profitable business connections. If nothing happens right away, at least you've sowed some seeds for the future.
6. Have fun! Your positive, relaxed attitude may win more prospects than if you hard charge your way through the event.
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
The Power of A Billboard
While we always pay attention to marketing messages, I was never so happy to see a billboard with the message I needed in that moment. You see, last Sunday I was driving from Chicago to Ann Arbor with my mother and sister. We stopped for gas and my sister fell and broke her wrist. Bad. As my mother and I followed the ambulance to the hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan, I noticed two billboards along the way:
Lakeland Medical Center
board certified Emergency Room physicans
Wow! I had no idea where we were going but I wanted it to be someplace with board certified doctors. That credential gave us some piece of mind as we navigated the stressful situation.
The power of billboards is to remind. They rarely do the whole selling job but they're great at reminding someone about you and your business. In our case, it did the job to ease some stress.
The secret to billboard success: fewer words are best. Remember that drivers are zooming by your billboard, and too many words are impossible to read. Stick to your core message and say it in as few words as possible.
By the way, the Lakeland Medical Center ER doc and nurses were superb in meeting our immediate needs and referring us on to an orthopedic surgeon. On Friday my sister will undergo surgery to have a plate and pins inserted in her wrist. Thank goodness for board certified physicians!
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Lakeland Medical Center
board certified Emergency Room physicans
Wow! I had no idea where we were going but I wanted it to be someplace with board certified doctors. That credential gave us some piece of mind as we navigated the stressful situation.
The power of billboards is to remind. They rarely do the whole selling job but they're great at reminding someone about you and your business. In our case, it did the job to ease some stress.
The secret to billboard success: fewer words are best. Remember that drivers are zooming by your billboard, and too many words are impossible to read. Stick to your core message and say it in as few words as possible.
By the way, the Lakeland Medical Center ER doc and nurses were superb in meeting our immediate needs and referring us on to an orthopedic surgeon. On Friday my sister will undergo surgery to have a plate and pins inserted in her wrist. Thank goodness for board certified physicians!
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Friday, December 01, 2006
Jewel-Encrusted Cheesecake, Anyone? Absolutely!
The "Neiman Marcus Christmas Book" will arrive soon. We're breaking open the piggy bank this year to order the 4-lane bowling alley, complete with professional lessons, for the office. This starts at $1.45 million dollars. It just so happens that the coupon-cutting and sale-shopping we did over the past 11 months netted us $1.4 million. We'll just dip into the company till for the remaining pocket change. It's a write-off, right? Strike!
Who buys this stuff? Not us. Who cares? We should. Anyone who markets a business should take note. Neiman Marcus gains a ton of brand awareness from this catalog - increasing overall sales.
As the years progress, SHOCK and AWE are the necessary ingredients for successful Holiday promotion. Paper, airwaves, and all things media become more cluttered with messages of Holiday cheer. It takes more creativity than ever to get attention and resulting sales.
Do you have Holiday marketing that shocks your target audience to attention and awes them to purchase?
If you're a retailer:
Place a burglar in your display window, with a sign: "Steal Your Gifts!" Give customers 25¢ for every dollar they spend right now. Customers pay the ticket price now, but get the discount certificate for use during their birthday month (thus, "stealing their birthday gift"). Not only do you get an immediate, higher ticket sale, but you get the customer back in your door.
If you're a service:
Holiday time is down time for most service businesses. Send a "Happy Holidays" message that announces a free or discounted trial of a new service.
If you're business-to-business:
Invest in a new name tag: Scrooge. Call on your clients, and see how a simple accessory can take you to a new level in your conversations. You may find that your clients hate all the Holiday hoopla, too. If you're completely energized during December, try a name like this: Blitzen.
If you're a manufacturer or wholesaler:
Mail your December invoices in a box with some mistletoe and a note: "We appreciate our relationship with you. Join us in kissing a loved one, and be thankful for family, friends and freedom this season."
Just remember: SHOCK and AWE. Jewel-encrusted cheesecake may be beyond your best customer's budget (and bad for their fillings). But it's good for your bottom line.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Who buys this stuff? Not us. Who cares? We should. Anyone who markets a business should take note. Neiman Marcus gains a ton of brand awareness from this catalog - increasing overall sales.
As the years progress, SHOCK and AWE are the necessary ingredients for successful Holiday promotion. Paper, airwaves, and all things media become more cluttered with messages of Holiday cheer. It takes more creativity than ever to get attention and resulting sales.
Do you have Holiday marketing that shocks your target audience to attention and awes them to purchase?
If you're a retailer:
Place a burglar in your display window, with a sign: "Steal Your Gifts!" Give customers 25¢ for every dollar they spend right now. Customers pay the ticket price now, but get the discount certificate for use during their birthday month (thus, "stealing their birthday gift"). Not only do you get an immediate, higher ticket sale, but you get the customer back in your door.
If you're a service:
Holiday time is down time for most service businesses. Send a "Happy Holidays" message that announces a free or discounted trial of a new service.
If you're business-to-business:
Invest in a new name tag: Scrooge. Call on your clients, and see how a simple accessory can take you to a new level in your conversations. You may find that your clients hate all the Holiday hoopla, too. If you're completely energized during December, try a name like this: Blitzen.
If you're a manufacturer or wholesaler:
Mail your December invoices in a box with some mistletoe and a note: "We appreciate our relationship with you. Join us in kissing a loved one, and be thankful for family, friends and freedom this season."
Just remember: SHOCK and AWE. Jewel-encrusted cheesecake may be beyond your best customer's budget (and bad for their fillings). But it's good for your bottom line.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
3 Stress Busters for the Holidays & Beyond
When it comes to marketing in December, many small business owners feel overwhelmed. Here's some advice I solicited for skiers preparing for the 2007 American Birkebeiner 51 kilometer cross-country ski race (http://www.birkie.com). While tailored to skiers, it applies to business owners as well. And it's advice we recommend throughout the year to help our clients stay in shape so they can achieve more in their businesses. Enjoy!
3 Stress Busters for the Holidays & Beyond
by James Lean, M.D.
December can be a tough month to maintain a workout schedule and stay healthy and centered. But if you're not working out and staying balanced, you could find yourself in the doctor's office. It was reported in the July 15, 2006 American Psychological Association journal that up to 90 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related aliments. Here are 3 tips to help you balance the holiday demands while you stay in shape and minimize stress:
1. Admit you cannot do everything.
Research shows that stress is triggered by the realization that we can't do and control everything. With the holidays parties, gift giving and heavily scheduled activities comes a tendency toward trying to "do it all" -- and that's a prescription for misery and stress. This holiday season remind yourself that everything doesn't have to be perfect, just "good enough."
2. Give yourself permission to lighten up for the holiday.
Studies have shown that humor activates our physiological systems, including the muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and skeletal. It lowers blood pressure and increases endorphins. This leads to a sense of satisfaction and well being which reduces the possibility of burnout. When we laugh, we feel physically better, lighter and more relaxed. We have the same positive physiological experience when we smile.
3. Know that a short workout is better than no workout.
Exercise has been proven to boost immunity, relieve pain, decrease anxiety and prevent depression. Yet how will you find time to fit exercise into your demanding holiday schedule? Realize that you may have to settle for a shorter workout or a non-traditional workout like shoveling the sidewalk or walking the dog. Either way, those who fit regular exercise into their holidays and beyond will likely feel the exhilarating surge of mood and energy that repetitive motion activities seem to bring.
Intense exercise stimulates the brain to release hormones called endorphins, normally for suppressing sensations of pain and producing a sense of well-being. Endorphin production usually begins about 15 to 20 minutes into an exercise session and peaks after about 45 minutes.
Repetitious movements, such as walking, skiing, swimming and aerobics also increase levels of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin are strongly linked to depression, anxiety and aggressive behavior.
Regular repetitious exercise may act much like an antidepressant drug, enhancing serotonin and bringing about a sense of well-being. Like the drug, however, exercise must be taken regularly to maintain its effect.
A randomized, controlled Duke University study in 2000 showed that exercise worked as well as Zoloff, an antidepressant, to reduce depression after 16 weeks. After eight months, however, those who had learned to “exercise their depression away” had significantly less risk of relapse than those who had previously been on medication.
Norepinephrine, another key substance in mood regulation, also is stimulated during exercise. Norepiniphrine is thought to play a direct role in the brain's stress response. Research has shown that exercise increases concentrations of norepinephrine in the locus coeruleus, a brain region that modulates the stress response.
Some researchers believe that regular exercise may adjust the responsiveness of the stress reaction system and make it more efficient and better prepared to deal with other life stressors. Ninety percent of published studies on mood and exercise have found exercise to have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
There is now considerable evidence that regular exercise is a viable, cost-effective but underused treatment for mild to moderate depression that compares favorably to individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and cognitive therapy," state Tkachuk and Martin in a June 1999 literature review published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice.
Exercise is also known to enhance sleep and reduce fatigue. A good workout leaves muscles relaxed and spirit energized. Stress is less likely to bother us. At bedtime we fall asleep more quickly, sleep more soundly and tend to feel better rested in the morning. We likely will feel less fatigued the next day.
This holiday season don't let stress overtake the simple pleasures of family, friends and physical activity. Throughout the month, maintain flexibility with your schedule, creativity with workout solutions, and resiliency in the face of excessive demands. As the snow settles after the holiday, turn your thoughts to the Birkie and Kortelopet and jump back into your workout routine with gusto!
James Lean, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist in Washburn, Wisc. He's training for his 6th Birkie and plans to be still skiing the Birkie, Kortelopet or Prince Haakon at age 70.
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
3 Stress Busters for the Holidays & Beyond
by James Lean, M.D.
December can be a tough month to maintain a workout schedule and stay healthy and centered. But if you're not working out and staying balanced, you could find yourself in the doctor's office. It was reported in the July 15, 2006 American Psychological Association journal that up to 90 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related aliments. Here are 3 tips to help you balance the holiday demands while you stay in shape and minimize stress:
1. Admit you cannot do everything.
Research shows that stress is triggered by the realization that we can't do and control everything. With the holidays parties, gift giving and heavily scheduled activities comes a tendency toward trying to "do it all" -- and that's a prescription for misery and stress. This holiday season remind yourself that everything doesn't have to be perfect, just "good enough."
2. Give yourself permission to lighten up for the holiday.
Studies have shown that humor activates our physiological systems, including the muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and skeletal. It lowers blood pressure and increases endorphins. This leads to a sense of satisfaction and well being which reduces the possibility of burnout. When we laugh, we feel physically better, lighter and more relaxed. We have the same positive physiological experience when we smile.
3. Know that a short workout is better than no workout.
Exercise has been proven to boost immunity, relieve pain, decrease anxiety and prevent depression. Yet how will you find time to fit exercise into your demanding holiday schedule? Realize that you may have to settle for a shorter workout or a non-traditional workout like shoveling the sidewalk or walking the dog. Either way, those who fit regular exercise into their holidays and beyond will likely feel the exhilarating surge of mood and energy that repetitive motion activities seem to bring.
Intense exercise stimulates the brain to release hormones called endorphins, normally for suppressing sensations of pain and producing a sense of well-being. Endorphin production usually begins about 15 to 20 minutes into an exercise session and peaks after about 45 minutes.
Repetitious movements, such as walking, skiing, swimming and aerobics also increase levels of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin are strongly linked to depression, anxiety and aggressive behavior.
Regular repetitious exercise may act much like an antidepressant drug, enhancing serotonin and bringing about a sense of well-being. Like the drug, however, exercise must be taken regularly to maintain its effect.
A randomized, controlled Duke University study in 2000 showed that exercise worked as well as Zoloff, an antidepressant, to reduce depression after 16 weeks. After eight months, however, those who had learned to “exercise their depression away” had significantly less risk of relapse than those who had previously been on medication.
Norepinephrine, another key substance in mood regulation, also is stimulated during exercise. Norepiniphrine is thought to play a direct role in the brain's stress response. Research has shown that exercise increases concentrations of norepinephrine in the locus coeruleus, a brain region that modulates the stress response.
Some researchers believe that regular exercise may adjust the responsiveness of the stress reaction system and make it more efficient and better prepared to deal with other life stressors. Ninety percent of published studies on mood and exercise have found exercise to have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
There is now considerable evidence that regular exercise is a viable, cost-effective but underused treatment for mild to moderate depression that compares favorably to individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and cognitive therapy," state Tkachuk and Martin in a June 1999 literature review published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice.
Exercise is also known to enhance sleep and reduce fatigue. A good workout leaves muscles relaxed and spirit energized. Stress is less likely to bother us. At bedtime we fall asleep more quickly, sleep more soundly and tend to feel better rested in the morning. We likely will feel less fatigued the next day.
This holiday season don't let stress overtake the simple pleasures of family, friends and physical activity. Throughout the month, maintain flexibility with your schedule, creativity with workout solutions, and resiliency in the face of excessive demands. As the snow settles after the holiday, turn your thoughts to the Birkie and Kortelopet and jump back into your workout routine with gusto!
James Lean, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist in Washburn, Wisc. He's training for his 6th Birkie and plans to be still skiing the Birkie, Kortelopet or Prince Haakon at age 70.
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Monday, November 20, 2006
Got Marketing Ideas?
We admit it. We're geeks. We can sit for hours developing marketing products, brainstorming marketing solutions, and reviewing the good, the bad and the ugly. Well here's a good one:
Nokomis, an elegant restaurant and wine bar along the shores of Lake Superior (north of Duluth), gets a gold star for creating an experience and tapping into emotional triggers. They identified the feeling they want customers to experience and the picture that comes to mind with that feeling:
Romance: dining by Lake Superior moonlight
Pampered: classic entrees and new cuisine like Lake Superior Whitefish Cake
Escape: retreat from home to a beautiful location
Fun: enjoying the company of partner and friends
Identifying feelings and pictures that come to mind helps small business owners create offerings and marketing pieces. Nokomis, for instance, gives a bookmark (featuring a passage from Longfellow's Hiawatha's Childhood) to every customer. Think about it. Every time a customer uses the bookmark, they'll see the contact info of Nokomis and remember the lovely dining experience. Talk about top of mind awareness! It'll keep customers coming back...even way up on the north shore of Lake Superior. Check it out at http://www.nokomisonthelake.com
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Nokomis, an elegant restaurant and wine bar along the shores of Lake Superior (north of Duluth), gets a gold star for creating an experience and tapping into emotional triggers. They identified the feeling they want customers to experience and the picture that comes to mind with that feeling:
Romance: dining by Lake Superior moonlight
Pampered: classic entrees and new cuisine like Lake Superior Whitefish Cake
Escape: retreat from home to a beautiful location
Fun: enjoying the company of partner and friends
Identifying feelings and pictures that come to mind helps small business owners create offerings and marketing pieces. Nokomis, for instance, gives a bookmark (featuring a passage from Longfellow's Hiawatha's Childhood) to every customer. Think about it. Every time a customer uses the bookmark, they'll see the contact info of Nokomis and remember the lovely dining experience. Talk about top of mind awareness! It'll keep customers coming back...even way up on the north shore of Lake Superior. Check it out at http://www.nokomisonthelake.com
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Monday, November 13, 2006
Is Your Website and Brand Memorable?
When I was in Chicago helping our son move to a new apartment, I noticed something that caught my attention...and made me want to chase the van down: http://www.sparklequeen.com.
The website URL was easy to remember and was definitely something I needed, so I checked it out. Talk about great branding. Hillary Thieling was a stay-at-home mother and an entrepreneur at heart. She launched Sparkle Queen Cleaning Service, which is dedicated to taking care of people AND operates according to her values: fun, connection and growth. Browse her site to see how she uses color, photos and copy to reinforce her brand. Notice how her logo represents her name and company. Notice how she taps into benefits with this short phrase: "Enjoy your free time." And notice how she lets others sing her praises through testimonials.
The Sparkle Queen has an unmistakeable brand identity. We know that most small business owners never reach this success. We know that more than 80% go out of business before they reach year three. We know most business owners don't know how to define that exclusive trait that sets them apart from the competition, let alone how to talk about their business benefits.
How frustrating! Every time we read these dismal stats or work with small business owners who are spinning their wheels, we become even more committed to share our passion and show them the difference between a highly successful business and one that closes it doors in just three years. That's the basis of our Fast Tracks. Fun stuff that truly shows others how to boost their bottom line.
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Link: http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
The website URL was easy to remember and was definitely something I needed, so I checked it out. Talk about great branding. Hillary Thieling was a stay-at-home mother and an entrepreneur at heart. She launched Sparkle Queen Cleaning Service, which is dedicated to taking care of people AND operates according to her values: fun, connection and growth. Browse her site to see how she uses color, photos and copy to reinforce her brand. Notice how her logo represents her name and company. Notice how she taps into benefits with this short phrase: "Enjoy your free time." And notice how she lets others sing her praises through testimonials.
The Sparkle Queen has an unmistakeable brand identity. We know that most small business owners never reach this success. We know that more than 80% go out of business before they reach year three. We know most business owners don't know how to define that exclusive trait that sets them apart from the competition, let alone how to talk about their business benefits.
How frustrating! Every time we read these dismal stats or work with small business owners who are spinning their wheels, we become even more committed to share our passion and show them the difference between a highly successful business and one that closes it doors in just three years. That's the basis of our Fast Tracks. Fun stuff that truly shows others how to boost their bottom line.
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Link: http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Pitch Story Ideas After the Election
I know better. Always be aware and mindful of what's going on in the news and how it impacts your media contacts. Yet today I forgot and neglected to follow my own advice. In my work zone, I sent an email to a television contact and got the following message back:
Leslie, My head is full of elections right now… I’ll try to get back to you later in the week.
My response: Oh yes, elections; how silly of me to bother you! I apologize and look forward to connecting in a few days.
Like me, you may not have gotten very far if you tried pitching ideas today because journalists are working long hours covering local, state and national elections. Pitching your ideas tomorrow or Thursday will be a much better bet. Be creative and tie into the elections. Here are a few ideas to jumpstart your thinking:
1. Are you leadership coach? If so, share your thoughts on what you've seen in the leadership arena among local, state or national candidates.
2. Are you an advertising expert? Comment on television advertising and why the mud-slinging or above-board ads worked or didn't.
3. Are you a financial guru? Share your thoughts on the economic consequences of the election.
Think about the election and how you might be able to tie into the topic to share your expertise and capture some publicity. And give your favorite media person a few hours of rest before you contact them!
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Leslie, My head is full of elections right now… I’ll try to get back to you later in the week.
My response: Oh yes, elections; how silly of me to bother you! I apologize and look forward to connecting in a few days.
Like me, you may not have gotten very far if you tried pitching ideas today because journalists are working long hours covering local, state and national elections. Pitching your ideas tomorrow or Thursday will be a much better bet. Be creative and tie into the elections. Here are a few ideas to jumpstart your thinking:
1. Are you leadership coach? If so, share your thoughts on what you've seen in the leadership arena among local, state or national candidates.
2. Are you an advertising expert? Comment on television advertising and why the mud-slinging or above-board ads worked or didn't.
3. Are you a financial guru? Share your thoughts on the economic consequences of the election.
Think about the election and how you might be able to tie into the topic to share your expertise and capture some publicity. And give your favorite media person a few hours of rest before you contact them!
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Hit Your Target "Head On"
"Head On - apply directly to the forehead... Head On - apply directly to the forehead... Head On - apply directly to the forehead."
At first, I thought the makers of this product were trying to fulfill a 2,000 word requirement for English Lit. (or they'd never raised incessantly inquisitive children). But then I rethought. This low budget, annoying advertisement is marketing genius!
In one, 15-second fell swoop the makers of "Head On" have promoted the biggest benefit to their product, created excellent brand awareness and even accomplished how to use it. This drug store brand has experienced mammoth success simply due to one Sacred Word (well, phrase): Head On. Genius!
Does your brand have a Sacred Word (or phrase)? Can you say one thing, and your brand comes to mind for many people? How about a quiz?
"BAM!" (Emeril)
"Zoom Zoom" (Mazda)
"Like, Totally!" ("Valley Girl")
Sacred Words often are used as marketing slogans; however, their distinction is in their timelessness. They outlive any marketing campaign by becoming a part of your brand. The two can't be separated.
Creating and promoting a Sacred Word for your brand can help you realize enormous profits. Learn how to create your Sacred Word - and many other elements that will give your brand the distinction you crave to leave your competitors in your wake! Click Here to learn how to get one-on-one consulting and create your ultimate Branding Plan.
There's a reason they're called "SACRED Words." What are yours?
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Marketing Blast, a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your F.R.E.E tips and Marketing Mastery Success Kit now at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Monday, October 30, 2006
What Color Is Your Marketing?
As I drove by a hospital construction site today, I chuckled at Angelo Luppino's forklift, cement trucks and other heavy equipment. Luppino has an unmistakeable brand identity: all of his equipment is painted pink. You can't miss his big, burly workers driving and working from pink trucks. And the pink trucks always elicit a response. It's part of his brand. While pink typically evokes femininity, innocence, softness and health, Luppino uses the juxtaposition as a fun element to reinforce his brand.
Color can be a powerful factor in marketing a brand...but no marketing should be attempted without first branding your business and its products. Find out how in our Fast Track to Marketing Mastery Program:
“Stand Out from the Crowd — Create Your Ultimate Branding and Marketing Plan
In the meantime, review your marketing colors to see if they represent your brand identity:
Red evokes aggressiveness, passion, strength, and vitality. In business, it is ideal for accents and boldness or to stimulate appetites.
Orange evokes fun, cheeriness, and warm exuberance. In business, use it to highlight information in graphs and on charts or as an accent color (like we do at boostyourbottomline.com)
Green evokes tranquility, health, and freshness. In business, its deep tones convey status and wealth while its pale tones are soothing.
Blue evokes authority, dignity, security, faithfulness. In business, it implies fiscal responsibility and security and is universally popular.
Purple evokes sophistication, spirituality, costliness, royalty and mystery. In business, it is right for upscale and artistic audiences.
Yellow is an optimistic color that almost always evokes a positive response. Yellow stimulates creative and intellectual energy and gets customers motivated.
Brown evokes utility, earthiness, and subtle richness. In business, it signifies less important items in documents.
White evokes purity, truthfulness, and being contemporary and refined. In business, it enlivens dark colors and can be refreshing or sterile.
Black evokes seriousness, distinctiveness, boldness and being classic. In business, it creates drama and often works well as a background color.
Gray evokes somberness, authority, practicality and a corporate mentality. In business, it is always right for conservative audiences.
What color is your marketing? This week identify whether your marketing colors convey and represent the core of your business -- your brand. As you do your fieldwork, think about those pink cement trucks.
Color can be a powerful factor in marketing a brand...but no marketing should be attempted without first branding your business and its products. Find out how in our Fast Track to Marketing Mastery Program:
“Stand Out from the Crowd — Create Your Ultimate Branding and Marketing Plan
In the meantime, review your marketing colors to see if they represent your brand identity:
Red evokes aggressiveness, passion, strength, and vitality. In business, it is ideal for accents and boldness or to stimulate appetites.
Orange evokes fun, cheeriness, and warm exuberance. In business, use it to highlight information in graphs and on charts or as an accent color (like we do at boostyourbottomline.com)
Green evokes tranquility, health, and freshness. In business, its deep tones convey status and wealth while its pale tones are soothing.
Blue evokes authority, dignity, security, faithfulness. In business, it implies fiscal responsibility and security and is universally popular.
Purple evokes sophistication, spirituality, costliness, royalty and mystery. In business, it is right for upscale and artistic audiences.
Yellow is an optimistic color that almost always evokes a positive response. Yellow stimulates creative and intellectual energy and gets customers motivated.
Brown evokes utility, earthiness, and subtle richness. In business, it signifies less important items in documents.
White evokes purity, truthfulness, and being contemporary and refined. In business, it enlivens dark colors and can be refreshing or sterile.
Black evokes seriousness, distinctiveness, boldness and being classic. In business, it creates drama and often works well as a background color.
Gray evokes somberness, authority, practicality and a corporate mentality. In business, it is always right for conservative audiences.
What color is your marketing? This week identify whether your marketing colors convey and represent the core of your business -- your brand. As you do your fieldwork, think about those pink cement trucks.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Advertising the Toyota Way
Have you seen the new Toyota television commercials -- the ones with the driver sharing frustrations and wins? It appears he/she is talking to a trusted friend. It's only at the end of the commercial that you see a driver touching the steering wheel and, after his rant, saying something like, "Let's go eat." Yep, he's talking to his car like it's his best friend.
We love it. We're always encouraging our clients to create an emotional connection with their ideal clients. Making that emotional connection sets the stage for creative copy writing, sales pitches, and all kinds of promotions. Toyota did a great job. You can too.
Start by identifying your ideal customer including gender, age, family structure (single, married, parent) and income. Now visualize just one person in your target audience to capture as much detail as possible about that person. Identify their wants, needs, fears and aspirations. Walk a mile in his/her shoes and become an expert in his/her daily life. Define a list of qualities that make you want to work with that person – your ideal customer or client. Then craft messages that snag the attention of your target audience.
Not sure how to approach it? Check out our Fast Track #3 program, Show Your Charm: Write Copy With Character and An Ezine That Works. We show you, step by step, how to identify your target audience and master proven advertising, public relations, and web copy strategies to follow up, increase credibility, and boost sales. Your copy sells you 24/7. Make sure your words and messages are remarkable and memorable.
We love it. We're always encouraging our clients to create an emotional connection with their ideal clients. Making that emotional connection sets the stage for creative copy writing, sales pitches, and all kinds of promotions. Toyota did a great job. You can too.
Start by identifying your ideal customer including gender, age, family structure (single, married, parent) and income. Now visualize just one person in your target audience to capture as much detail as possible about that person. Identify their wants, needs, fears and aspirations. Walk a mile in his/her shoes and become an expert in his/her daily life. Define a list of qualities that make you want to work with that person – your ideal customer or client. Then craft messages that snag the attention of your target audience.
Not sure how to approach it? Check out our Fast Track #3 program, Show Your Charm: Write Copy With Character and An Ezine That Works. We show you, step by step, how to identify your target audience and master proven advertising, public relations, and web copy strategies to follow up, increase credibility, and boost sales. Your copy sells you 24/7. Make sure your words and messages are remarkable and memorable.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Proven Marketing Tactics Revealed in New How-To Program
Proven Marketing Tactics Revealed in New How-To Program
Florida Business Owner Doubles Income in One Month
ASHLAND, Wis., October 2006 – As more baby boomers throw their hats into the entrepreneurial ring and quickly discover that success is much more difficult to achieve than they anticipated, many are turning to experts for proven marketing tactics to ensure success.
That’s why Marketing Experts Holly George and Leslie Hamp, co-founders of boostyourbottomline.com, created a new, how-to program that spills lucrative secrets they’ve used to bring success to small and medium business owners alike.
“The success statistics for small business owners, coaches and consultants are sadly discouraging,” Hamp said. “As more solo professionals decide to launch their own venture, the number of entrepreneurs who find themselves in failing ventures increases. They have a passion for their work but not a clue about finding customers.
“Most of them will work way too hard, earn too little, and consider going back to full-time employment within two years of starting their business. We’re out to change that.”
In their Fast Track to Marketing Mastery program, George and Hamp reveal lucrative marketing tactics in a proven step-by-step process.
“This program eliminates the key barriers to entrepreneurial success,” George said. “We show clients how to choose that one, exclusive trait that is unique to their business; how to create a focused, memorable and unmistakable message around that trait; how to communicate that message in a clear and concise way; and how to covert that communication into sales.”
Hamp said the adage "two heads are better than one" is indeed true for small business owners who want to experience more success. In the Fast Track program, they hit the ground running and carry out big visions in short order. Debra Marrs of Riverview, FL, is just one example.
“Like most entrepreneurs, I've always been an independent do-it-yourselfer,” said Marrs, editor and coach for writers. “My goal was to establish a global business within the year, and I needed help, help, help as to where to go to begin.”
The Fast Track program provided Marrs with the direction, structure and accountability to establish the Writing Together brand; narrow her niche to a tightly defined target audience, and launch a website, writingtogether.com with half a dozen e-courses, audio products, and teleclasses.
“I doubled my fees in the first month and tripled them within the year,” she said, “and I was empowered to step up to a new level in my work. My goal might have taken years if I hadn't asked for help and enlisted a top-notch coach.”
George and Hamp said participants master essential marketing content quickly, develop a plan tailored to their goals, and appreciate the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers during one-on-one coaching sessions.
To learn more about this step-by-step program, visit Fast Track to Marketing Mastery
ABOUT BOOST YOUR BOTTOM LINE
Boost Your Bottom Line, a strategic business and marketing company founded by Holly George and Leslie Hamp, supports entrepreneurs in transforming their small businesses into more streamlined and profitable ventures. Visit boostyourbottomline.com or view information on the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery program at Fast Track to Marketing Mastery
###
Florida Business Owner Doubles Income in One Month
ASHLAND, Wis., October 2006 – As more baby boomers throw their hats into the entrepreneurial ring and quickly discover that success is much more difficult to achieve than they anticipated, many are turning to experts for proven marketing tactics to ensure success.
That’s why Marketing Experts Holly George and Leslie Hamp, co-founders of boostyourbottomline.com, created a new, how-to program that spills lucrative secrets they’ve used to bring success to small and medium business owners alike.
“The success statistics for small business owners, coaches and consultants are sadly discouraging,” Hamp said. “As more solo professionals decide to launch their own venture, the number of entrepreneurs who find themselves in failing ventures increases. They have a passion for their work but not a clue about finding customers.
“Most of them will work way too hard, earn too little, and consider going back to full-time employment within two years of starting their business. We’re out to change that.”
In their Fast Track to Marketing Mastery program, George and Hamp reveal lucrative marketing tactics in a proven step-by-step process.
“This program eliminates the key barriers to entrepreneurial success,” George said. “We show clients how to choose that one, exclusive trait that is unique to their business; how to create a focused, memorable and unmistakable message around that trait; how to communicate that message in a clear and concise way; and how to covert that communication into sales.”
Hamp said the adage "two heads are better than one" is indeed true for small business owners who want to experience more success. In the Fast Track program, they hit the ground running and carry out big visions in short order. Debra Marrs of Riverview, FL, is just one example.
“Like most entrepreneurs, I've always been an independent do-it-yourselfer,” said Marrs, editor and coach for writers. “My goal was to establish a global business within the year, and I needed help, help, help as to where to go to begin.”
The Fast Track program provided Marrs with the direction, structure and accountability to establish the Writing Together brand; narrow her niche to a tightly defined target audience, and launch a website, writingtogether.com with half a dozen e-courses, audio products, and teleclasses.
“I doubled my fees in the first month and tripled them within the year,” she said, “and I was empowered to step up to a new level in my work. My goal might have taken years if I hadn't asked for help and enlisted a top-notch coach.”
George and Hamp said participants master essential marketing content quickly, develop a plan tailored to their goals, and appreciate the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers during one-on-one coaching sessions.
To learn more about this step-by-step program, visit Fast Track to Marketing Mastery
ABOUT BOOST YOUR BOTTOM LINE
Boost Your Bottom Line, a strategic business and marketing company founded by Holly George and Leslie Hamp, supports entrepreneurs in transforming their small businesses into more streamlined and profitable ventures. Visit boostyourbottomline.com or view information on the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery program at Fast Track to Marketing Mastery
###
Monday, October 09, 2006
Marketing Experts Share Business Success Secrets at Women's Marketing Telesummit
Marketing Experts Share Business Success Secrets at Women's Marketing Telesummit
Award-winning marketing experts Holly George and Leslie Hamp, co-founders of www.boostyourbottomline.com, will share business success secrets at a virtual conference to self-employed women around the globe from October 18-20, 2006.
The first annual Women’s Marketing Telesummit brings together marketing and business experts from the UK, US and Ireland and offers women business owners everywhere the opportunity to learn effective methods for promoting their business at low cost.
In 15 information-rich sessions across three days, attendees will experience live roundtable discussions from leading experts on pressing promotion and business issues. They will learn from interactive hotseat sessions where selected participants receive one-on-one coaching and feedback on their marketing, PR and website.
And they will discover how to master podcasting, direct mail and easy-to-produce information products to promote their business in a cost-effective way.
Other key topics covered during the telesummit include:
• how to set prices for profit and earn what you are worth
• how to create multiple passive streams of income
• how to overcome procrastination and make the correct decision every time with ease
• how to set up a high-impact, sales-generating business website at low cost, and
• how lesser-known principles of attraction can affect the success of your business.
Telesummit organizer Louisa Bird said women business owners will also have the opportunity to learn from and brainstorm with fellow self-employed women who understand exactly the kind of challenges they face.
"The telesummit will provide all that and more in one convenient package that can be accessed from anywhere in the world simply using the humble telephone," Bird said.
George and Hamp said they are eager to share time-tested tactics with women business owners seeking practical information on how to market their products and services.
For more information about the telesummit, click here: Women's Marketing Telesummit. To learn how to grow your small business like the pros, visit Holly George and Leslie Hamp at www.boostyourbottomline.com.
#
Award-winning marketing experts Holly George and Leslie Hamp, co-founders of www.boostyourbottomline.com, will share business success secrets at a virtual conference to self-employed women around the globe from October 18-20, 2006.
The first annual Women’s Marketing Telesummit brings together marketing and business experts from the UK, US and Ireland and offers women business owners everywhere the opportunity to learn effective methods for promoting their business at low cost.
In 15 information-rich sessions across three days, attendees will experience live roundtable discussions from leading experts on pressing promotion and business issues. They will learn from interactive hotseat sessions where selected participants receive one-on-one coaching and feedback on their marketing, PR and website.
And they will discover how to master podcasting, direct mail and easy-to-produce information products to promote their business in a cost-effective way.
Other key topics covered during the telesummit include:
• how to set prices for profit and earn what you are worth
• how to create multiple passive streams of income
• how to overcome procrastination and make the correct decision every time with ease
• how to set up a high-impact, sales-generating business website at low cost, and
• how lesser-known principles of attraction can affect the success of your business.
Telesummit organizer Louisa Bird said women business owners will also have the opportunity to learn from and brainstorm with fellow self-employed women who understand exactly the kind of challenges they face.
"The telesummit will provide all that and more in one convenient package that can be accessed from anywhere in the world simply using the humble telephone," Bird said.
George and Hamp said they are eager to share time-tested tactics with women business owners seeking practical information on how to market their products and services.
For more information about the telesummit, click here: Women's Marketing Telesummit. To learn how to grow your small business like the pros, visit Holly George and Leslie Hamp at www.boostyourbottomline.com.
#
Sunday, October 08, 2006
What's The Value of A Testimonial?
What's the value of a testimonial? Credibility. We're always encouraging our clients to give and ask for testimonials, so when Leslie returned from a great hiking trip organized by Country Walkers (http://www.countrywalkers.com), she decided to send an unsolicited endorsement. Country Walkers would be wise to include it in future marketing materials. You can do the same. When your clients or customers send you raving reviews like the following note, be sure to include all or part of their comments in future marketing:
Ok; just when I thought Country Walkers trips couldn’t get any better, I find myself in the midst of Tuscany hiking through breathtaking terrain, viewing amazing works of art and architecture, being catered to by outstanding guides, consuming the most delicious meals one could ask for, and connecting with a cohesive group of travel partners. It’s as good as it gets! I don’t know when or where, but I can’t wait for our next Country Walkers trip. If Angelica and Gianni are the guides and any of our newfound friends are among the hikers, all the better! Your trips are the best.
---
Leslie Hamp, Certified Marketing Coach & PR Whiz
715.682.5824 * leslie@forwardmomentum.biz
++++++++++++++++
Sign up for *FREE* red hot marketing tips:
http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
++++++++++++++++
Ok; just when I thought Country Walkers trips couldn’t get any better, I find myself in the midst of Tuscany hiking through breathtaking terrain, viewing amazing works of art and architecture, being catered to by outstanding guides, consuming the most delicious meals one could ask for, and connecting with a cohesive group of travel partners. It’s as good as it gets! I don’t know when or where, but I can’t wait for our next Country Walkers trip. If Angelica and Gianni are the guides and any of our newfound friends are among the hikers, all the better! Your trips are the best.
---
Leslie Hamp, Certified Marketing Coach & PR Whiz
715.682.5824 * leslie@forwardmomentum.biz
++++++++++++++++
Sign up for *FREE* red hot marketing tips:
http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
++++++++++++++++
Friday, September 15, 2006
Is Your Advertising Attention-Getting?
Quick! Identify the company that advertises the great credit card that protects you from identity theft... you know the commercials that depict, say, two old ladies on a couch - talking with strange voices about all the frivolous purchases they made with a stolen credit card.
Can't remember? That's a very common problem with advertising today. In our ovestimulating world of crowded marketing messages, it is common for companies to make the mistake of having an attention-getting creative message, but to not link this message back to their product in a memorable way.
Still not sure about that company name? It's CitiBank. Let this be a lesson that - although creativity and attention-getting can be great, you need to make sure your company gets the credit!
Can't remember? That's a very common problem with advertising today. In our ovestimulating world of crowded marketing messages, it is common for companies to make the mistake of having an attention-getting creative message, but to not link this message back to their product in a memorable way.
Still not sure about that company name? It's CitiBank. Let this be a lesson that - although creativity and attention-getting can be great, you need to make sure your company gets the credit!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Hamp Authors Chapter in Guerrilla Marketing book
Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach Leslie Hamp was recently selected to author a chapter in the upcoming Guerrilla Marketing on the Front Lines: 30 World Class Marketing Coaches Reveal Their Inside Secrets to Send Your Profits Soaring, by Jay Levinson and Mitch Meyerson
In 1984, Jay Levinson founded the brand that has become the best-selling marketing series in history. The book that started it all, Guerrilla Marketing, is published in 42 different languages and has become the marketing Bible of small business owners and entrepreneurs. With 14 million copies of Guerrilla Marketing books sold worldwide, and many university MBA programs offering it, Guerrilla Marketing has become the best-known marketing brand in history.
Co-author Mitch Meyerson joined the Guerrilla Marketing brand in 1999 to create the Guerrilla Marketing Coaching Certification Program, which has now certified more than 150 Guerrilla Marketing coaches. Many of these coaches are now Guerrilla Marketing practitioners, trainers and authors in their own right.
Now, the Father of Guerrilla Marketing and the Founder of Guerrilla Marketing Coach are ready to march onto the world stage a powerful, trained army of successful Guerrilla Marketing coaches and authors, all ready to share their inside secrets with the outside world. With compelling, personal and highly practical case studies of truly remarkable success, most accomplished on a shoestring budget, these 30 Guerrilla Marketing experts share their hottest marketing secrets for the first time anywhere.
This will be the only Guerrilla Marketing book to date that compiles case studies of Guerrilla Marketing in action, delivered by the coaches and authors who have mastered the art of Guerrilla Marketing.
Also for the first time anywhere, Levinson will tell the story, in the lead chapter, of the birth and ultimate international success of the Guerrilla Marketing brand. He will share his background working in giant and small advertising agencies, teaching marketing at the University of California in Berkeley, and the experiences that inspired him to strike out on his own.
Levinson’s story sets the stage for a treasure trove of Guerrilla Marketing success stories in the next 29 chapters. Each is written by a different Guerrilla Marketing expert, who demonstrates Guerrilla Marketing in action through one or more true case studies involving their own businesses or businesses they coached. Chapters address both cutting-edge online technologies and time-tested marketing tactics, all from the perspective of Guerrilla Marketing.
Touching on all 100 of Levinson’s Guerrilla Marketing weapons and all 16 of Meyerson’s Guerrilla Marketing Competencies; using examples from dozens of different industries; addressing every marketing venue from online to direct mail to face-to-face networking; and spanning the globe from the U.S. to the U.K. to Japan and Australia – these Guerrilla Marketing Superstars leave no stone unturned and no reader unprepared for extraordinary success.
Levinson and Meyerson have brought together real super-achievers who are not only Certified Guerrilla Marketing coaches and authors; but include successful entrepreneurs, educators, degreed professionals and public speakers, all of whom are leading superstars in their own fields. But while their authors are highly successful, they are also highly relatable to a wide audience of prospective readers who may not yet have attained the success they envision.
Audiences for this book include past readers of Guerrilla books as well as owners or marketing managers at small, medium and large sized businesses, entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs, solo professionals, marketing students, the international business community, nonprofit organizations, and authors.
In 1984, Jay Levinson founded the brand that has become the best-selling marketing series in history. The book that started it all, Guerrilla Marketing, is published in 42 different languages and has become the marketing Bible of small business owners and entrepreneurs. With 14 million copies of Guerrilla Marketing books sold worldwide, and many university MBA programs offering it, Guerrilla Marketing has become the best-known marketing brand in history.
Co-author Mitch Meyerson joined the Guerrilla Marketing brand in 1999 to create the Guerrilla Marketing Coaching Certification Program, which has now certified more than 150 Guerrilla Marketing coaches. Many of these coaches are now Guerrilla Marketing practitioners, trainers and authors in their own right.
Now, the Father of Guerrilla Marketing and the Founder of Guerrilla Marketing Coach are ready to march onto the world stage a powerful, trained army of successful Guerrilla Marketing coaches and authors, all ready to share their inside secrets with the outside world. With compelling, personal and highly practical case studies of truly remarkable success, most accomplished on a shoestring budget, these 30 Guerrilla Marketing experts share their hottest marketing secrets for the first time anywhere.
This will be the only Guerrilla Marketing book to date that compiles case studies of Guerrilla Marketing in action, delivered by the coaches and authors who have mastered the art of Guerrilla Marketing.
Also for the first time anywhere, Levinson will tell the story, in the lead chapter, of the birth and ultimate international success of the Guerrilla Marketing brand. He will share his background working in giant and small advertising agencies, teaching marketing at the University of California in Berkeley, and the experiences that inspired him to strike out on his own.
Levinson’s story sets the stage for a treasure trove of Guerrilla Marketing success stories in the next 29 chapters. Each is written by a different Guerrilla Marketing expert, who demonstrates Guerrilla Marketing in action through one or more true case studies involving their own businesses or businesses they coached. Chapters address both cutting-edge online technologies and time-tested marketing tactics, all from the perspective of Guerrilla Marketing.
Touching on all 100 of Levinson’s Guerrilla Marketing weapons and all 16 of Meyerson’s Guerrilla Marketing Competencies; using examples from dozens of different industries; addressing every marketing venue from online to direct mail to face-to-face networking; and spanning the globe from the U.S. to the U.K. to Japan and Australia – these Guerrilla Marketing Superstars leave no stone unturned and no reader unprepared for extraordinary success.
Levinson and Meyerson have brought together real super-achievers who are not only Certified Guerrilla Marketing coaches and authors; but include successful entrepreneurs, educators, degreed professionals and public speakers, all of whom are leading superstars in their own fields. But while their authors are highly successful, they are also highly relatable to a wide audience of prospective readers who may not yet have attained the success they envision.
Audiences for this book include past readers of Guerrilla books as well as owners or marketing managers at small, medium and large sized businesses, entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs, solo professionals, marketing students, the international business community, nonprofit organizations, and authors.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Question from Subscriber
Greg, a subscriber from Milwaukee, recently landed a Director of Sales and Marketing position with a small corporation. Greg writes that they have no marketing plan and a scattered sales force. He asked: "Since I need to start by addressing our sales issues, is there any way to get an affordable marketing plan in the works while I focus on training my sales force?"
Absolutely, Greg! In a small company, people are able to rely on each other more readily. Talk with your CEO, colleagues and employees about your getting started on a plan. Our Fast Track #1 promises a comprehensive and workable plan. In this self-paced Fast Track program, we give you a complete roadmap to Create Your Ultimate Branding and Marketing Plan - GUARANTEED! Includes a comprehensive eBook, fieldwork and templates; 2 in-depth audio seminars; 3 40-minute coaching sessions; and much more to ensure you get the results you want. You can sign up and then delegate a lot of the field work and assignments while managing the process (and focusing on sales training). The structured program will keep you on track, and the one-on-one help you get from us - Holly & Leslie - is really key. Check out this step-by-step program at Create Your Ultimate Branding & Marketing Plan
Absolutely, Greg! In a small company, people are able to rely on each other more readily. Talk with your CEO, colleagues and employees about your getting started on a plan. Our Fast Track #1 promises a comprehensive and workable plan. In this self-paced Fast Track program, we give you a complete roadmap to Create Your Ultimate Branding and Marketing Plan - GUARANTEED! Includes a comprehensive eBook, fieldwork and templates; 2 in-depth audio seminars; 3 40-minute coaching sessions; and much more to ensure you get the results you want. You can sign up and then delegate a lot of the field work and assignments while managing the process (and focusing on sales training). The structured program will keep you on track, and the one-on-one help you get from us - Holly & Leslie - is really key. Check out this step-by-step program at Create Your Ultimate Branding & Marketing Plan
Friday, August 11, 2006
4 Steps to Cyberspace
Millions. That's how many web sites are out there in cyberspace. The biggies likes Amazon, eBay and Google started with a spark - just like you. How did they rise to the top? By following the same rules you can!
1. Visualize your idea and its sales process. In these days of market saturation, it's not always the most innovative product that rises to the top - it's the old product with a twist. Maybe you're selling one of the most popular products known to man (like t-shirts), but you're packaging them in a fun way (in meat paper with coupons for steaks). Your entire sales process should be built around your idea and its twist (home page that's designed like a meat locker)!
2. Build a solid site. Remember that web surfers want readily available information, an easily navigable site and a quick and secure sales process. Give them that. But also make sure your site's pages are written with just enough fun sales jargon to convert visitors to buyers without too much hard sell.
3. Back up your claims. Don't forget that you are a viable business. Your web site is your ethereal (albeit important) sales tool, but your products, processes, customer service and management are your real business. Make sure all these aspects are in line with your positive web site claims.
4. Leave well enough alone. Many web-based business owners never get sales off the ground, because they're too focused on perfection. At some point, realize that your beginning systems are in place, and your web site looks good enough. Focus on Step #5 for a while. You can tweak later.
5. Get a great marketing plan. Again, the best ideas don't just rise to the top - they're put there by great marketing. Write a solid plan that addresses getting your name out there in a big way, and work that plan daily!
Happy Marketing!
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish 'Marketing Blast,' a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level of success. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your FREE tips now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
1. Visualize your idea and its sales process. In these days of market saturation, it's not always the most innovative product that rises to the top - it's the old product with a twist. Maybe you're selling one of the most popular products known to man (like t-shirts), but you're packaging them in a fun way (in meat paper with coupons for steaks). Your entire sales process should be built around your idea and its twist (home page that's designed like a meat locker)!
2. Build a solid site. Remember that web surfers want readily available information, an easily navigable site and a quick and secure sales process. Give them that. But also make sure your site's pages are written with just enough fun sales jargon to convert visitors to buyers without too much hard sell.
3. Back up your claims. Don't forget that you are a viable business. Your web site is your ethereal (albeit important) sales tool, but your products, processes, customer service and management are your real business. Make sure all these aspects are in line with your positive web site claims.
4. Leave well enough alone. Many web-based business owners never get sales off the ground, because they're too focused on perfection. At some point, realize that your beginning systems are in place, and your web site looks good enough. Focus on Step #5 for a while. You can tweak later.
5. Get a great marketing plan. Again, the best ideas don't just rise to the top - they're put there by great marketing. Write a solid plan that addresses getting your name out there in a big way, and work that plan daily!
Happy Marketing!
© 2006 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marketing Spitfires Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish 'Marketing Blast,' a monthly ezine filled with red hot strategies to blast your business to the next level of success. If you're ready to jump start your marketing, make more money, and stay on the fast track to business success, get your FREE tips now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
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