Every successful Guerrilla Marketing campaign is based on 3 key principles: time, energy and imagination. Jay Conrad Levinson taught us how to unleash those 3 principles by following a few simple steps:
1. Research. Focus on the market you are trying to target. What does your product and service have to offer? How is your business going to differentiate itself from the rest of the competition? A good place to start is the Internet. Search for your specific product or service and see what comes up.
2. Determine Benefits. What you consider a benefit, your customer may not even know about. Get a list of benefits from co-workers, and customers to get an outside view.
3. Select Marketing Tactics. There are hundreds of marketing tactics. The key is finding those that are best for you. Make a prioritized list. We recommend always having five in play at the same time.
4. Track Results. You need to keep track of what works and what doesn’t. Remember the saying, “if it isn’t broke don’t fix it.” If something is working, keep doing it! If you are involved in several tactics, give each one a letter grade on a monthly basis so that by the end of the year you will know which one is working the best.
Sometimes it isn’t as simple as it sounds. We can help talk you through your business goals and best strategies. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2009 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
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Guerrilla Marketers Jump on Obama-mania
Obama-mania took everyone by storm and businesses were the first to dive in. The craze leading up to President Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 22nd drummed up profits for out-of-the-box thinkers.
· Take Zingerman's Creamery of Ann Arbor, MI. Josh Miner, a gelato and cheese maker at Zingerman's Creamery, packed some "Barack-y Road" gelato into containers Tuesday at the creamery to celebrate Obama’s inauguration. "Barack-y" refers, of course, to President-elect Barack Obama. The gelato includes Miner's handmade dark chocolate chips, homemade marshmallows from Zingerman's, butter-roasted peanuts and caramel. Zingerman's was just one local business joining others around the nation in taking advantage of Obama merchandise's unprecedented selling power.
· When Marvel Comics released a Spiderman-Obama comic, the line stretched down the street at a New York comic store. The 'Spidey Meets the President' issue sold out in hours.
· DC restaurants created entrees in honor of the historic occasion, from Obama sushi rolls to Biden brunches.
· The Ritz-Carlton inauguration package sold for $99,000. The package included four nights in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Georgetown's Presidential suite, a set of Gucci luggage, two tickets to the parade and official ball. When the inauguration was over, the buyers had a four-night stay at the Ritz in Grand Cayman to warm up from the D.C. winter.
All of these examples are creative and profitable ways to boost sales when sales would otherwise be down. Take a look at what is happening in your community and figure out a way to correlate an event, day, or celebration with a catchy, yet effective product and sales idea. Customers will be intrigued by your inventiveness and will want to take a deeper look at what else you have to offer. Start brainstorming ways to put an edge on your business!
Want to turn your inventive idea into a success? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2009 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
· Take Zingerman's Creamery of Ann Arbor, MI. Josh Miner, a gelato and cheese maker at Zingerman's Creamery, packed some "Barack-y Road" gelato into containers Tuesday at the creamery to celebrate Obama’s inauguration. "Barack-y" refers, of course, to President-elect Barack Obama. The gelato includes Miner's handmade dark chocolate chips, homemade marshmallows from Zingerman's, butter-roasted peanuts and caramel. Zingerman's was just one local business joining others around the nation in taking advantage of Obama merchandise's unprecedented selling power.
· When Marvel Comics released a Spiderman-Obama comic, the line stretched down the street at a New York comic store. The 'Spidey Meets the President' issue sold out in hours.
· DC restaurants created entrees in honor of the historic occasion, from Obama sushi rolls to Biden brunches.
· The Ritz-Carlton inauguration package sold for $99,000. The package included four nights in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Georgetown's Presidential suite, a set of Gucci luggage, two tickets to the parade and official ball. When the inauguration was over, the buyers had a four-night stay at the Ritz in Grand Cayman to warm up from the D.C. winter.
All of these examples are creative and profitable ways to boost sales when sales would otherwise be down. Take a look at what is happening in your community and figure out a way to correlate an event, day, or celebration with a catchy, yet effective product and sales idea. Customers will be intrigued by your inventiveness and will want to take a deeper look at what else you have to offer. Start brainstorming ways to put an edge on your business!
Want to turn your inventive idea into a success? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2009 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, January 22, 2009
Starbucks "I'm In" Campaign
Starbucks new “I’m In” marketing campaign, launched the day after the inauguration, encourages coffee lovers to give back by volunteering in soup kitchens, schools, homeless shelters, animal shelters, you name it. Between January 21-25, Starbucks customers who promise to do five hours of community service during 2009 will get a pledge card and a free cup of coffee at their local Starbucks store.
The campaign shows how companies can develop marketing campaigns that tie into current events, garner lots of attention, and make a difference. The coffee chain hopes to reinvigorate its grassroots image while linking itself back to local communities. At the same time, consumers will be recognized and rewarded for taking action.
Good move; great challenge. We like it and give them a big thumbs up for their campaign.
Want to create your own marketing campaign that stands out? Log on to www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie to schedule your free Jumpstart Coaching call to discover where to focus your efforts for the greatest impact.
© 2009 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 campaign shows how companies can develop marketing campaigns that tie into current events, garner lots of attention, and make a difference. The coffee chain hopes to reinvigorate its grassroots image while linking itself back to local communities. At the same time, consumers will be recognized and rewarded for taking action.
Good move; great challenge. We like it and give them a big thumbs up for their campaign.
Want to create your own marketing campaign that stands out? Log on to www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie to schedule your free Jumpstart Coaching call to discover where to focus your efforts for the greatest impact.
© 2009 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, January 20, 2009
Use Customer Feedback to Your Advantage
Soliciting customer feedback is an important step for small business owners who want more business growth and success. If you have taken the leap to gather customer feedback on your products and services, you’ve already accomplished a lot! Interaction and appreciation for your customers and their opinions will benefit you a great deal.
Whenever a customer hands you a complaint, they’re also handing you an opportunity to create a stronger and more profitable relationship with him/her, and if handled properly can be converted into increased loyalty, add-on business and A+ referrals for you. Additionally, positive feedback can be used to promote your products and services.
The golden rule is this: When customers give you their valuable feedback, consider a handwritten thank-you note, a free gift, or a unique discount. Be sure to tell them that their input is valuable.
Studies show that a happy customer will tell 10 other people of their satisfaction. An unhappy customer will tell 20. Furthermore, it's nine times more expensive to get a new customer than it is to sell to an existing customer.
Want to know what your customers really think of you? We’ll show you a step-by-step process for conducting research along with the most important questions to ask. Log on to www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2009 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
Whenever a customer hands you a complaint, they’re also handing you an opportunity to create a stronger and more profitable relationship with him/her, and if handled properly can be converted into increased loyalty, add-on business and A+ referrals for you. Additionally, positive feedback can be used to promote your products and services.
The golden rule is this: When customers give you their valuable feedback, consider a handwritten thank-you note, a free gift, or a unique discount. Be sure to tell them that their input is valuable.
Studies show that a happy customer will tell 10 other people of their satisfaction. An unhappy customer will tell 20. Furthermore, it's nine times more expensive to get a new customer than it is to sell to an existing customer.
Want to know what your customers really think of you? We’ll show you a step-by-step process for conducting research along with the most important questions to ask. Log on to www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2009 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, January 15, 2009
The Oprah Factor
When Oprah talks, people listen…and take action. Last year, she gave Senator Barak Obama her stamp of approval. After the election, there were reports noting that her endorsement of Obama gave him an additional 1 million votes. This is just one example of the “O” Factor and why Oprah Winfrey is one of the most powerful and almighty “brands.”
Radio, TV, magazine, books, and websites are just a few of the ways Oprah is able to influence millions of people all over the world. Any brand lucky to be touched by the “O” is shouting hallelujia.
Remember back in 2006 when Oprah gave away a free car for each of her audience members? Well, they were all from Pontiac. Pontiac.com saw an increase in visitation of more than 600 percent after the show aired.
Consider this: If every one of her 49 million viewers and 2.4 million magazine readers bought just one Oprah-sanctioned item a month, for say $10, that would equal a whopping $6.17 billion a year pumped into America's economy. That's about how much Starbucks made last year, worldwide.
Does your brand inspire and influence others? If not, let’s talk. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call. We’ll show you how to create your unmistakable brand identity that pulls customers in like a magnet. Think big business growth!
© 2009 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
Radio, TV, magazine, books, and websites are just a few of the ways Oprah is able to influence millions of people all over the world. Any brand lucky to be touched by the “O” is shouting hallelujia.
Remember back in 2006 when Oprah gave away a free car for each of her audience members? Well, they were all from Pontiac. Pontiac.com saw an increase in visitation of more than 600 percent after the show aired.
Consider this: If every one of her 49 million viewers and 2.4 million magazine readers bought just one Oprah-sanctioned item a month, for say $10, that would equal a whopping $6.17 billion a year pumped into America's economy. That's about how much Starbucks made last year, worldwide.
Does your brand inspire and influence others? If not, let’s talk. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call. We’ll show you how to create your unmistakable brand identity that pulls customers in like a magnet. Think big business growth!
© 2009 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, January 13, 2009
Manage Your Actions for Surefire Success
We often coach small business owners who tell us they just don’t have enough hours in their day to get everything done. There is a solution! Whether working on-site, from home or remotely, we recommend creating a “to-do” list and blocking out at least one “prime-time” hour to accomplish targeted tasks that boost results.
When creating a “to do” list, jot down action items with a timeline. Once they are complete, check them off. If you weren’t able to finish a task on your master to-do list, no problem. Jot it down on the next day’s list. In the process of completing actions, realize what hour during the day you work best. That hour should be labeled your “prime-time” hour. During this hour, be focused on your action items. DO NOT read emails, listen to voicemails, or make a phone call. Set a timer if you have to – but focus on the action item at hand. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in this one hour, and how good you will feel about yourself.
True blue Guerrilla Marketers have been using action management to-do lists for years. Start incorporating these two steps now and track how much you can really accomplish.
Are you eager to discover Guerrilla Marketing time management secrets that will transform your business? We can help. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call. We’ll discuss your goals, challenges and next steps.
© 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
When creating a “to do” list, jot down action items with a timeline. Once they are complete, check them off. If you weren’t able to finish a task on your master to-do list, no problem. Jot it down on the next day’s list. In the process of completing actions, realize what hour during the day you work best. That hour should be labeled your “prime-time” hour. During this hour, be focused on your action items. DO NOT read emails, listen to voicemails, or make a phone call. Set a timer if you have to – but focus on the action item at hand. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in this one hour, and how good you will feel about yourself.
True blue Guerrilla Marketers have been using action management to-do lists for years. Start incorporating these two steps now and track how much you can really accomplish.
Are you eager to discover Guerrilla Marketing time management secrets that will transform your business? We can help. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call. We’ll discuss your goals, challenges and next steps.
© 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
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
5 Steps to Effective Business Social Networking
Have you added social networking to your marketing tactics? From launching a business to connecting with media, prospects or potential collaborators, social media can help you get the job done. This is a perfect example of how true blue Guerrilla Marketers can represent their business while on a shoe-string budget. Where to start?
1. Write a Killer Profile.
Your profile has to sell you and you have to give value and content in order to attract followers. If your profiles are structured to make your name indistinguishable with the products and services you offer, then searches for the products and services that you offer will yield more, and better, results that include your name.
2. Focus on a Quality Network Rather than Quantity Network.
You MUST make a comment -- something as simple as, ‘We were on the webinar together, I'd like to add you to my network.’ will suffice.” Additionally, people want to know the real you. Don’t forget to list activities, hobbies, and interests. The real you is encouraged to shine on your profile. Be wary: do not join a site in a race to build up a massive list of contacts to show off your "social power." If you have more than 500 "friends," take the time to sort through them and make changes where you see fit.
3. Establish a Time-Saving Routine.
Once you join these sites, you’ll want to ensure that your content is always up to date, and that your friend requests, comments, and opinions are promptly attended to. When logging on to your preferred social networking sites, set aside a designated length of time to spend on each one. Have some specific goals in mind and set limits for yourself when visiting the site so you don’t get side tracked.
4. Respect Your Friends.
You have to treat your “friends” right, and right away. Social networking works well when you think of your friends in a respectable way. As mentioned in step # 2, when adding a friend, be sure to write a professional entry that ensures your inquiry will add you to their network. Also, refrain from using “lol” or “omg” slang. You will also want to avoid “selling” by using comments that would link directly to your website or blog.
5. Start to SHARE.
Your network depends on you to filter information. You are encouraged to share valuable content, resources, and information. Don’t use direct marketing on social networking sites to try to pitch a sale. Instead, point users to a video you posted on a service like YouTube. In the description of the video, you can add a link to your blog where the direct sales pitch is located.
Want to learn how to take advantage of Social Networking as an effective, low-cost approach to marketing your business? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2009 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. Write a Killer Profile.
Your profile has to sell you and you have to give value and content in order to attract followers. If your profiles are structured to make your name indistinguishable with the products and services you offer, then searches for the products and services that you offer will yield more, and better, results that include your name.
2. Focus on a Quality Network Rather than Quantity Network.
You MUST make a comment -- something as simple as, ‘We were on the webinar together, I'd like to add you to my network.’ will suffice.” Additionally, people want to know the real you. Don’t forget to list activities, hobbies, and interests. The real you is encouraged to shine on your profile. Be wary: do not join a site in a race to build up a massive list of contacts to show off your "social power." If you have more than 500 "friends," take the time to sort through them and make changes where you see fit.
3. Establish a Time-Saving Routine.
Once you join these sites, you’ll want to ensure that your content is always up to date, and that your friend requests, comments, and opinions are promptly attended to. When logging on to your preferred social networking sites, set aside a designated length of time to spend on each one. Have some specific goals in mind and set limits for yourself when visiting the site so you don’t get side tracked.
4. Respect Your Friends.
You have to treat your “friends” right, and right away. Social networking works well when you think of your friends in a respectable way. As mentioned in step # 2, when adding a friend, be sure to write a professional entry that ensures your inquiry will add you to their network. Also, refrain from using “lol” or “omg” slang. You will also want to avoid “selling” by using comments that would link directly to your website or blog.
5. Start to SHARE.
Your network depends on you to filter information. You are encouraged to share valuable content, resources, and information. Don’t use direct marketing on social networking sites to try to pitch a sale. Instead, point users to a video you posted on a service like YouTube. In the description of the video, you can add a link to your blog where the direct sales pitch is located.
Want to learn how to take advantage of Social Networking as an effective, low-cost approach to marketing your business? We’ll show you how. Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.
© 2009 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, January 06, 2009
Start the New Year with ACTION
New Year; new beginning. Where to start? The hardest part for many small businesses is just getting started. Here are some tactics for beating procrastination:
1. Just do it. Start anywhere. Once you get going, the momentum builds.
2. Chunk it down. It's easy to get overwhelmed which often leads to, "Oh, I can't get all this done today, so I'll start it tomorrow." Then it doesn't happen. We recommend the timer approach. Simply set a timer for 10 minutes and work full out. Often when the timer goes off, you're into the groove and will continue working on that project.
3. Unplug. Unplug your phone. Turn off your cell. Don't check your email. Do whatever you need to do to limit interruptions and distractions. Self-imposed isolation is productive and profitable.
4. Get help. It's oftentimes difficult to see your big vision when you're in the midst of the day-to-day work. Every day we help small businesses vision and implement marketing strategies that get results. We can help you too. We guarantee it'll be one of the most important business decisions you'll make in 2009. Best to do it early in the year to reap the benefits.
© 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. Just do it. Start anywhere. Once you get going, the momentum builds.
2. Chunk it down. It's easy to get overwhelmed which often leads to, "Oh, I can't get all this done today, so I'll start it tomorrow." Then it doesn't happen. We recommend the timer approach. Simply set a timer for 10 minutes and work full out. Often when the timer goes off, you're into the groove and will continue working on that project.
3. Unplug. Unplug your phone. Turn off your cell. Don't check your email. Do whatever you need to do to limit interruptions and distractions. Self-imposed isolation is productive and profitable.
4. Get help. It's oftentimes difficult to see your big vision when you're in the midst of the day-to-day work. Every day we help small businesses vision and implement marketing strategies that get results. We can help you too. We guarantee it'll be one of the most important business decisions you'll make in 2009. Best to do it early in the year to reap the benefits.
© 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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