We're already hearing clients declare their 2009 New Year's Resolutions. Get Organized, Lose Weight. Spend More time with the Family, Earn More Money, Write A Book, Launch A Workshop.
Well guess what? Most resolutions just don't work. That's why we're recommending a new kind of New Year's Resolution common among coaches. In 2009 select just one word to guide your actions and your thoughts.
For instance, let’s say you were going to declare "Launch A Workshop" as one of your resolutions. With that declaration your mind spins around all of the to do's involved in making it happen. You're overwhelmed even before you start. Instead of "Launch A Workshop," focus on one word. What's the underlying goal? Is it prosperity or abundance? Wealth or growth? You get the picture. Select and keep one word in your mind as you take action or run up against unexpected barriers. It's a much gentler, supportive approach to business and life.
Let your mind spin off the following words, come up with your own, and embrace one that is PERFECT for YOU. Happy New Year!
Abundance
Prosperity
Wealth
Confidence
Growth
Success
Effortless
Gratitude
Health
Courage
Action
Trust
Mastery
Creativity
Yes
No
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Moms Launch Home-Based Businesses at Unprecedented Rate
Did you know that www.mompreneursonline.com attracts 7 million visitors a month, and women account for more than half of all new businesses. Inspiring!
Most mompreneurs start their businesses to have a career that's flexible for family life. Moms want to own a business so they don’t have to work traditional hours and so they can create schedules that support motherhood. Balancing family and work can be difficult, but rewarding if successful. Read on to discover mompreneurs’ secrets to success.
1. Flexibility. Mompreneurs are split into so many directions. It’s hard to have focus with so little time. We are a mom, wife, friend, sister, cook, housekeeper and the list goes on. If you want your business to thrive, balancing time between family and work and having a flexible schedule is a must.
2. Can-Do Attitude. Technology and changing attitudes have made it easier to create home-based businesses. If a friend or relative questions your desire to start a business; don’t give up. Some mompreneurs have said most friends and relatives thought they were crazy for starting their own business and weren’t very supportive. If YOU have a yes-yes attitude, your business will succeed.
3. Perseverance. Instead of thinking about all you didn’t accomplish in a day, recognize all that you did. Not everything will go as planned. Starting your own business is often times unpredictable, and a savvy business owner will treat these matters as a small road bump, not a road block.
Thinking about getting on the Mompreneur bandwagon? Do your homework and create an unmistakable brand identity and solid marketing plan. We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Most mompreneurs start their businesses to have a career that's flexible for family life. Moms want to own a business so they don’t have to work traditional hours and so they can create schedules that support motherhood. Balancing family and work can be difficult, but rewarding if successful. Read on to discover mompreneurs’ secrets to success.
1. Flexibility. Mompreneurs are split into so many directions. It’s hard to have focus with so little time. We are a mom, wife, friend, sister, cook, housekeeper and the list goes on. If you want your business to thrive, balancing time between family and work and having a flexible schedule is a must.
2. Can-Do Attitude. Technology and changing attitudes have made it easier to create home-based businesses. If a friend or relative questions your desire to start a business; don’t give up. Some mompreneurs have said most friends and relatives thought they were crazy for starting their own business and weren’t very supportive. If YOU have a yes-yes attitude, your business will succeed.
3. Perseverance. Instead of thinking about all you didn’t accomplish in a day, recognize all that you did. Not everything will go as planned. Starting your own business is often times unpredictable, and a savvy business owner will treat these matters as a small road bump, not a road block.
Thinking about getting on the Mompreneur bandwagon? Do your homework and create an unmistakable brand identity and solid marketing plan. We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wisconsin Cheddar Takes On A New Personality
December’s issue of Wisconsin’s Small Business Magazine Corporate Report highlights a lively love for Wisconsin Cheese ad campaign. The first series can be found in November issues of Better Homes and Gardens, Food & Wine, Gourmet, Midwest Living, and Cooking Light magazines.
The first ad in the series focused on the personality of Cheddar, with a headline reading:
“Wisconsin Cheddar – a Prima Donna he is not.” The ad goes on to say, “Cheddar. He’s reliable, hardworking, and there with a truck when you need to move a couch. Cheddar likes his beer, his burgers, and his baked potatoes. But at the same time, he’s not opposed to a glass of merlot or zinfandel if the mood should strike. Just don’t expect to see him drinking it with his pinkie sticking out.”
The creators of the ad campaign thought outside the box by expanding the generic “cheesehead” perception to a unique, intimate relationship with Wisconsin Cheese. In the process they got some buzz from the Wisconsin’s Small Business Magazine. Good Guerrillas.
Want to boost your ad campaign and generate some serious buzz? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
The first ad in the series focused on the personality of Cheddar, with a headline reading:
“Wisconsin Cheddar – a Prima Donna he is not.” The ad goes on to say, “Cheddar. He’s reliable, hardworking, and there with a truck when you need to move a couch. Cheddar likes his beer, his burgers, and his baked potatoes. But at the same time, he’s not opposed to a glass of merlot or zinfandel if the mood should strike. Just don’t expect to see him drinking it with his pinkie sticking out.”
The creators of the ad campaign thought outside the box by expanding the generic “cheesehead” perception to a unique, intimate relationship with Wisconsin Cheese. In the process they got some buzz from the Wisconsin’s Small Business Magazine. Good Guerrillas.
Want to boost your ad campaign and generate some serious buzz? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Monday, December 15, 2008
Guerrilla Marketing in Today's Economy
Last Monday we posted a blog about pitching interview ideas to the media. Today, thanks to that pitching, we did an interview on Business for Breakfast with KFNN 1510, Financial News Radio in Phoenix. The topic: Guerrilla Marketing in Today's Economy.
We LOVE doing interviews. Millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the United States listen to talk radio every day...and they're hungry for low-cost, high-impact marketing strategies to help them survive today's tough economy. Here are the 6 steps that we shared today on Business for Breakfast... the very steps we walk every one of
our clients through to success.
Step 1: Develop a memorable and unmistakable brand identity.
We guarantee that there is one thing you do better than your competitors. Identify it. Protect it. And shout it out. For example, at Boost Your Bottom Line, 100% of our clients grow their business. We don’t know of many competitors who can make that powerful statement. But if they did, at this point, they’d just sound like copycats.
Step 2: Connect deeply with your target audience.
Not every Tom, Dick & Harry wants your stuff. Rather, a small but very well-defined group of loyal customers brings in 80% of your sales. Define your core target audience right down to the foods they eat. Focus on these customers… and finding more just like them. They are your key to success.
Step 3: Dream big and tell your friends.
Set realistic goals for your business... detailed and quantified, considering every sales category you offer. Doing this numbers exercise alone will shine a spotlight on where your biggest growth can occur. And then, share your sales goals with your friends… like Leslie and Holly. Throwing this information “out there” can be a scary leap, but it’s the only way you can be held accountable to reaching your goals.
Step 4: Create compelling offers that pull customers in like a magnet.
What can you offer that makes you special? What will convince your loyal customers to stick with you forever… and tell their friends about you? Prospects need to hear from you 7-10 times before they’ll take action. Get a simple sales process that involves non-pushy messages that inspire buyers. Check out one cool tool we use every day at www.boostyourbottomline.com/cooltool
Step 5: Implement strategies that are just right for you & your budget.
You must take different action for different results. Doing the same old thing will bring the same lackluster results. If you truly want to realize different results, embracing new and different ideas is a must. Think big ideas, not big spending. And be consistent in design and message. This includes considering everything from newspaper ads to events to web marketing to real Guerrilla Marketing-style, out-of-the-box thinking.
Step 6: Take Action!
It’s a crucial first step to write a solid, actionable marketing plan to tackle all your challenges head-on. Your plan should address everything we talked about in detail… and be your roadmap to success… with the step-by-steps built right in.
Dare to take off some hats. Don’t do it all yourself. Decide what you can “farm out” to others for a small payment. This frees up your time to focus on growing your business… even in this economy. This includes getting help with your marketing.
We’ll give you laser focus right now… in a free consult when you jet us an e-mail us at info@boostyourbottomline.com or sign
up at www.boostyourbottomline.com.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box™. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
We LOVE doing interviews. Millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the United States listen to talk radio every day...and they're hungry for low-cost, high-impact marketing strategies to help them survive today's tough economy. Here are the 6 steps that we shared today on Business for Breakfast... the very steps we walk every one of
our clients through to success.
Step 1: Develop a memorable and unmistakable brand identity.
We guarantee that there is one thing you do better than your competitors. Identify it. Protect it. And shout it out. For example, at Boost Your Bottom Line, 100% of our clients grow their business. We don’t know of many competitors who can make that powerful statement. But if they did, at this point, they’d just sound like copycats.
Step 2: Connect deeply with your target audience.
Not every Tom, Dick & Harry wants your stuff. Rather, a small but very well-defined group of loyal customers brings in 80% of your sales. Define your core target audience right down to the foods they eat. Focus on these customers… and finding more just like them. They are your key to success.
Step 3: Dream big and tell your friends.
Set realistic goals for your business... detailed and quantified, considering every sales category you offer. Doing this numbers exercise alone will shine a spotlight on where your biggest growth can occur. And then, share your sales goals with your friends… like Leslie and Holly. Throwing this information “out there” can be a scary leap, but it’s the only way you can be held accountable to reaching your goals.
Step 4: Create compelling offers that pull customers in like a magnet.
What can you offer that makes you special? What will convince your loyal customers to stick with you forever… and tell their friends about you? Prospects need to hear from you 7-10 times before they’ll take action. Get a simple sales process that involves non-pushy messages that inspire buyers. Check out one cool tool we use every day at www.boostyourbottomline.com/cooltool
Step 5: Implement strategies that are just right for you & your budget.
You must take different action for different results. Doing the same old thing will bring the same lackluster results. If you truly want to realize different results, embracing new and different ideas is a must. Think big ideas, not big spending. And be consistent in design and message. This includes considering everything from newspaper ads to events to web marketing to real Guerrilla Marketing-style, out-of-the-box thinking.
Step 6: Take Action!
It’s a crucial first step to write a solid, actionable marketing plan to tackle all your challenges head-on. Your plan should address everything we talked about in detail… and be your roadmap to success… with the step-by-steps built right in.
Dare to take off some hats. Don’t do it all yourself. Decide what you can “farm out” to others for a small payment. This frees up your time to focus on growing your business… even in this economy. This includes getting help with your marketing.
We’ll give you laser focus right now… in a free consult when you jet us an e-mail us at info@boostyourbottomline.com or sign
up at www.boostyourbottomline.com.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box™. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Cheap Business is Big Business
You wouldn't think anybody would have to spell out the benefit of having more money, yet it's an unexpectedly important brand promise. Wal-Mart has upped its original campaign from the yellow smiley face knocking down prices, to literally showing the amounts of money average families can save by spending. The slogan: “Save Money. Live Better.” It is direct, to the point, and shows the benefit of saving money on everyday items that consumers need.
The economy is the number one issue for Americans these days, and Wal-Mart’s has tapped into that consumers challenge. One advertisement suggests the average Wal-Mart shopper can save nearly $2,500 per year and asks, “What will you do with the money you save?”
Can a consumer really save $2,500 over the course of 365 days at Wal-Mart? One study suggests the average consumer can expect to save around $100-$250 per year. The important point is how Wal-Mart is tapping into consumer needs.
Wal-Mart U.S. CEO Eduardo Castro-Wright remarked, “We understand their concerns and it’s clear they are relying on Wal-Mart more than ever. We’ve been our customers’ advocate for more than 40 years and this new advertising campaign reinforces that we will continue to be there for them.”
Wal-Mart was smart to launch this ‘hits-home-hard’ campaign that shows price conscience shoppers they will save money – to spend elsewhere. Smart messaging that will pull their core target marketing in like a magnet.
Want to increase profits while showing your valued customers how to save time and money? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
The economy is the number one issue for Americans these days, and Wal-Mart’s has tapped into that consumers challenge. One advertisement suggests the average Wal-Mart shopper can save nearly $2,500 per year and asks, “What will you do with the money you save?”
Can a consumer really save $2,500 over the course of 365 days at Wal-Mart? One study suggests the average consumer can expect to save around $100-$250 per year. The important point is how Wal-Mart is tapping into consumer needs.
Wal-Mart U.S. CEO Eduardo Castro-Wright remarked, “We understand their concerns and it’s clear they are relying on Wal-Mart more than ever. We’ve been our customers’ advocate for more than 40 years and this new advertising campaign reinforces that we will continue to be there for them.”
Wal-Mart was smart to launch this ‘hits-home-hard’ campaign that shows price conscience shoppers they will save money – to spend elsewhere. Smart messaging that will pull their core target marketing in like a magnet.
Want to increase profits while showing your valued customers how to save time and money? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
The Guerrilla Marketing Advantage
During an economic downturn, there will always be businesses that still excel. How? By adopting the right mindset and the right strategies.
Guerrilla Marketers are able to focus on getting twice the amount of work done in half the time. With the ability to obtain pertinent information about the current market, they can create a solid marketing plan to meet their business needs.
With an eye on results, guerrilla business owners can identify competitor gaps in the market. When the market and their competition is weak, they are able to concentrate on the void with heavy product and service advantages.
Additionally, business owners who want to grow do not put all of their eggs into one basket. They are flexible and reserve funds for new marketing tactics. Successful companies are subtle about their success, which helps to reduce the number of businesses that will copy their efforts. Surprisingly, they are often able to put in fewer hours by forgetting about their efforts and focusing on their results.
Want to learn how to strategize like a Guerrilla Marketer? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Guerrilla Marketers are able to focus on getting twice the amount of work done in half the time. With the ability to obtain pertinent information about the current market, they can create a solid marketing plan to meet their business needs.
With an eye on results, guerrilla business owners can identify competitor gaps in the market. When the market and their competition is weak, they are able to concentrate on the void with heavy product and service advantages.
Additionally, business owners who want to grow do not put all of their eggs into one basket. They are flexible and reserve funds for new marketing tactics. Successful companies are subtle about their success, which helps to reduce the number of businesses that will copy their efforts. Surprisingly, they are often able to put in fewer hours by forgetting about their efforts and focusing on their results.
Want to learn how to strategize like a Guerrilla Marketer? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Monday, December 08, 2008
Pre-Holidays Are the Time for Media Pitches
It's not only Monday, it's one of the most hectic times of the year. Yet I know this is an ideal time to pitch story ideas to the media. Why? There are plenty of opportunities as journalists, bloggers and web editors search for material. Many businesses, schools and colleges close for the holiday season. Many people are traveling, shopping and attending holiday gatherings. December pitching is usually put on hold until the New Year, so make hay while everyone is away!
-- Know the media you are contacting.
-- When you pitch, suggest a specific idea for a talk radio program, a TV show or a print publication.
-- Provide additional ideas and sources to round out the story.
-- Focus on building a relationship with the reporter or editor.
As we mention again and again in Shout it Out: Power PR to Create A Buzz & Get In the News, your top priority is to help editors and reporters as much as possible. You'll provide newsworthy ideas on a silver platter. You'll establish yourself as the person to turn to in a pinch. You'll provide well-written pitches and releases that can be used as written. And you'll set yourself up for consistent publicity.
It is Monday, It is a hectic time of the year. And it is time to start pitching to the media. Good thing we have a targeted list, a strong idea and the mindset to make hay while everyone is away.
Want to learn how to pitch ideas to media? Sign up for your free Jumpstart Call to brainstorm ideas.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
-- Know the media you are contacting.
-- When you pitch, suggest a specific idea for a talk radio program, a TV show or a print publication.
-- Provide additional ideas and sources to round out the story.
-- Focus on building a relationship with the reporter or editor.
As we mention again and again in Shout it Out: Power PR to Create A Buzz & Get In the News, your top priority is to help editors and reporters as much as possible. You'll provide newsworthy ideas on a silver platter. You'll establish yourself as the person to turn to in a pinch. You'll provide well-written pitches and releases that can be used as written. And you'll set yourself up for consistent publicity.
It is Monday, It is a hectic time of the year. And it is time to start pitching to the media. Good thing we have a targeted list, a strong idea and the mindset to make hay while everyone is away.
Want to learn how to pitch ideas to media? Sign up for your free Jumpstart Call to brainstorm ideas.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, December 04, 2008
7 Steps to Simple Holiday Marketing
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. The holiday gatherings can be a good time for small business owners to market. Why? A key Guerrilla Marketing tactic is networking, and networking is a natural during the holiday season. A few suggestions:
1. Be prepared. Before attending a holiday event, find out who will be there and how they are connected to the host(s). Mentally prepare some questions that you can rely on to create an interactive conversation.
2. Skip the elevator pitch and hand out business cards only when requested. Keep in mind that holiday gatherings are different from business networking meetings. While a guest may be from a company you’d love to work with, pitching him or her in the midst of the holiday gathering may not be in your best interest. Instead, greet your contact warmly and sincerely, using eye contact.
3. Spend more time asking questions and listening than talking. Ask relevant questions, and listen carefully to the answers. Maybe you’ll strike up a conversation with, "How has business been going?” or “Who are your ideal clients/customers these days?” or “Any new business plans for the New Year?” Spending more time listening than talking is a key Guerrilla Marketing concept we encourage all of our clients to master.
4. Be prepared with your own reply to "What's new?" -- something concise but intriguing, such as "Our graphic designer just knocked our socks off with another outstanding logo design and visual identity for a new client.” If the person's eyes glaze over, move on to another topic. But if they ask questions, continue the conversation with short bits of information, keeping it a give-and-take exchange. You’re sharing your expertise and how you work with others.
5. Develop a strategy to stay in touch after the holidays. If appropriate say, “I'm planning a new workshop with red hot marketing tips for small businesses. If you’d like, give me your card and I'll put you on our list and send some information."
6. Take advantage of automation to remain top of mind. We encourage small business owners to adopt a simple, effective, online system to make follow up a snap: www.boosyourbottomline.com/resources/tools.shtml
7. Have fun! Being with someone who is enthusiastic and interesting is a powerful draw. If you're at the right place at the right time, you’ll not only enjoy the holiday gathering; you could also make some very profitable business connections for the New Year.
Want to learn how to maximize your networking during the holiday season and beyond? Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
1. Be prepared. Before attending a holiday event, find out who will be there and how they are connected to the host(s). Mentally prepare some questions that you can rely on to create an interactive conversation.
2. Skip the elevator pitch and hand out business cards only when requested. Keep in mind that holiday gatherings are different from business networking meetings. While a guest may be from a company you’d love to work with, pitching him or her in the midst of the holiday gathering may not be in your best interest. Instead, greet your contact warmly and sincerely, using eye contact.
3. Spend more time asking questions and listening than talking. Ask relevant questions, and listen carefully to the answers. Maybe you’ll strike up a conversation with, "How has business been going?” or “Who are your ideal clients/customers these days?” or “Any new business plans for the New Year?” Spending more time listening than talking is a key Guerrilla Marketing concept we encourage all of our clients to master.
4. Be prepared with your own reply to "What's new?" -- something concise but intriguing, such as "Our graphic designer just knocked our socks off with another outstanding logo design and visual identity for a new client.” If the person's eyes glaze over, move on to another topic. But if they ask questions, continue the conversation with short bits of information, keeping it a give-and-take exchange. You’re sharing your expertise and how you work with others.
5. Develop a strategy to stay in touch after the holidays. If appropriate say, “I'm planning a new workshop with red hot marketing tips for small businesses. If you’d like, give me your card and I'll put you on our list and send some information."
6. Take advantage of automation to remain top of mind. We encourage small business owners to adopt a simple, effective, online system to make follow up a snap: www.boosyourbottomline.com/resources/tools.shtml
7. Have fun! Being with someone who is enthusiastic and interesting is a powerful draw. If you're at the right place at the right time, you’ll not only enjoy the holiday gathering; you could also make some very profitable business connections for the New Year.
Want to learn how to maximize your networking during the holiday season and beyond? Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Where Guerrillas Market for Free
We just got a note from our mentor Jay Conrad Levinson, the Father of Guerrilla Marketing. He reminded us of places where savvy Guerrillas market for free. We want to pass it on to remind small business owners there are free and low-cost marketing solutions to keep you front and center in today's tough economy.
Guerrillas post signs in places where there is high visibility and no cost:
• In front of their own business
• In front of neighboring businesses
• Subway stations
• School offices
• Senior recreational facilities and retirement homes
• College dormitories -- in the community area, hallways and bathrooms)
• Fraternities and Sororities
• Churches
• Other local community clubs and organizations
• Apartment buildings -- in laundry rooms)
• Community activity centers
• Grocery stores
• Shopping malls
• Car washes
• Laundromats
• Condominium complex party centers
• Hotel and motel lobbies
• Utility poles
• Military cafeterias and recreation centers
• Counters of public places
• Meeting convention centers and rooms
• Construction walls
• Libraries
• Union halls
• Chambers of Commerce
• Medical or professional offices
• Roller rinks and bowling alleys
• Waiting rooms at auto repair and tire shops
• Liquor and convenience stores
• Company bulletin boards of friends and family
• Tourist information centers
• Highway rest stops
• Banks
• Factories
• Their cars -- featuring a compelling sign, parked in a conspicuous place
• On the fences outside a construction site
That's where guerrillas market for free. Where they market close to free?
• College and high school newspapers and yearbooks
• Classified services on the World Wide Web -- many are free
• Classified services on commercial online services -- many are free
• Local entertainment and tourist magazines
• Community group and association newsletters
• Small, local newspapers
• Chamber of Commerce publications
• Radio talk shows -- by appearing as a guest or calling in
• A lingerie store owner stenciled small messages onto the sidewalks of New York, with provocative sayings like, "From here it looks like you could use some new underwear."
• Projected at night onto the side of a building.
• On your voice-mail message, but please keep it brief
Want to brainstorm low-cost marketing solutions for your business? Sign up for your free Jumpstart coaching call today at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie/
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Guerrillas post signs in places where there is high visibility and no cost:
• In front of their own business
• In front of neighboring businesses
• Subway stations
• School offices
• Senior recreational facilities and retirement homes
• College dormitories -- in the community area, hallways and bathrooms)
• Fraternities and Sororities
• Churches
• Other local community clubs and organizations
• Apartment buildings -- in laundry rooms)
• Community activity centers
• Grocery stores
• Shopping malls
• Car washes
• Laundromats
• Condominium complex party centers
• Hotel and motel lobbies
• Utility poles
• Military cafeterias and recreation centers
• Counters of public places
• Meeting convention centers and rooms
• Construction walls
• Libraries
• Union halls
• Chambers of Commerce
• Medical or professional offices
• Roller rinks and bowling alleys
• Waiting rooms at auto repair and tire shops
• Liquor and convenience stores
• Company bulletin boards of friends and family
• Tourist information centers
• Highway rest stops
• Banks
• Factories
• Their cars -- featuring a compelling sign, parked in a conspicuous place
• On the fences outside a construction site
That's where guerrillas market for free. Where they market close to free?
• College and high school newspapers and yearbooks
• Classified services on the World Wide Web -- many are free
• Classified services on commercial online services -- many are free
• Local entertainment and tourist magazines
• Community group and association newsletters
• Small, local newspapers
• Chamber of Commerce publications
• Radio talk shows -- by appearing as a guest or calling in
• A lingerie store owner stenciled small messages onto the sidewalks of New York, with provocative sayings like, "From here it looks like you could use some new underwear."
• Projected at night onto the side of a building.
• On your voice-mail message, but please keep it brief
Want to brainstorm low-cost marketing solutions for your business? Sign up for your free Jumpstart coaching call today at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie/
© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
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