Marketing Services for Barter?

Before the advent of money, products and services were exchanged using the barter system. Even though ancient Mesopotamians where among the first to use a variation of money, the barter system is still strong today. It is a great way for small businesses to gain marketing help, with out having a budget. There are small firms across the country that are more than willing to exchange services or goods, in exchange for their marketing experise. There are even media companies that are willing to exchange advertising space to assist small businesses get off the ground.

Using the barter method takes much of the stress off of an entreprenuer as he/she struggles with the multitude of pieces that need to be placed in the puzzle called "Their New Business". Pick up the phone and call some of the smaller firms in your area, and don't get discouraged if they are not up for the idea because there are many more firms out there.

A nice caveate to using the barter system is that he helps you build solid relationships with other buinesses that can lead to referral business and cross branding. Be creative and just ask. The worst that can happen is that they say NO.

Adventure Marketing....

When I sat down yesterday to come up with a marketing stunt that would give us maximum exposure and be entertaining (remember, we are branding ourselves to the masses in order to build a household name) at the same time, I realized that it would take a lot of planning and massive amounts of national coverage...and that's before we consider the man power that it is going to take in order to get entire communities involved.

The goal of the event will be to drive traffic to local businesses around the country and build brand recognition for a media company with the masses. It is challenging due to the fact that there are no marketing or ad firms out there that have become a house hold name, which is exactly what we are striving for. The questions that I have been asking myself are: Can I get the buyin of small businesses around the country? How far out should we plan? What type of event or stunt will grab the masses attention (I am reminded of Volvo's stunt of burying a car and leaving clues) What type of giveaway will be enticing enough as an end prize for each market? Will the typical consumer allows us to create a national database of email addresses (to deliver details and instructions) that will be shared with the participating businesses in their home market?

As I answer each of these questions, and more, you will see the results posted to the right of this blog as an educational guide to building a major branding event/stunt.

The Adventure STARTS now.....

Should Apple be worried with Sprint's Instinct?

Instinct is no longer something just some of us have, now that you can purchase it at Sprint. I have been awaiting the arrival of the first true competitor for Apple's iPhone which much anticipation. The Hollywood style marketing was genius, right down to the design of the box. When the salesman finally handed me the box, it was like I was being given a gorgeous gift. I couldn't wait to get home.

The minute I walked in the door I started to play with the phone and was nicely surprised at how easy it was to get through the various applications. There was no need for me to even open the book. The speed is great and so far the only draw back I can find is that the battery life is a short 3 hours (but they do give you an extra one).

As a marketing professional I always look at the marketing, design and advertising aspects of a product before I test it out. I then look to see how that product is going to benefit me as a busy professional with a business to run. The Instinct allows me to actually go on appointments with out a laptop (since most of my files are housed in cyberspace) and that is tremendous since I need ready access to our companies portfolio at all times. About the only thing I can not do with the phone is actual design work, but I am working with my developers to give me a web based program to meet that need as well.

Where do you stand? What would it take to get your attention for a new business?

I have been sitting around looking at the foundation of our firm and how we got here. Mid sip of my luke warm coffee I realized that the model we strove so hard to build would not be enough for all new ventures. So I would like to hear from you on what type of event, ad, stunt etc would it take to get you to call about a product or service from a company you have never heard of. All comments will be shared as an open forum and the data received will be provided to entreprenuers across the country. No matter where you are in the world or what your expertise is in, I want to hear from you.

Who's Image Should Appear on Custom Postage?

It's amazing who gets personal when it comes to marketing attempts. I asked a fairly simple question regarding a person's image on a postage stamp as a means to get attention and the answers so far have been on both sides of the issue.

I think it is amazing that forums such as http://www.linkedin.com/ exist for the professional adult. I tend to use it as a research tool by asking questions either to gain knowledge, share expertise or use them as a test market with out going to necessary expenses. I urge readers to utilize such resources and follow along and see how interesting a simple question can become.

Economy says...It's Time to Wake Up!

At times the most obvious idea has been starring at us all along. I was working on a mailing this morning and it dawned on me that we had not thought of every aspect of the project. We had a great letter and flyer and of course the business cards and envelopes...but what about the postage. I knew that messages and logos could be used with postage machines but I realized that I could probably have cutome stamps produces for the full effect. A simple Google search produced a multitude of companies like Zazzle.com and the cost is great!

Now my challenge is what type of image do we want it to reflect. Ideally we want to have it target specific. My initial thought plays on the idea that it takes 6 image impressions to get a message across so what not order the smallest batches available and have the persons photo (to whom you are mailing) as the stamp. Most people have photos available on the web.

Would you be more inclined to call a marketing or ad firm that caught your attention in that way? I would, even if it was to ask where they got the photo.

Another great idea is for Realtors since they tend to use their photo on all marketing and branding pieces. With one traditional mailing they can get their image in 3 times...the stamp, the business card and the letterhead.

Cool Promotional Service With A Personal Touch

Over the years I have delt with and/or looked at many promotional companies. It's amazing how many promotional item and apparel companies there are. The larger companies all provide about the same product offerings and have somewhat negotiable pricing, so how do you choose? For me it comes down to personal service and the ability to meet tight deadlines. When you are working on a budget and have no idea what do do to keep your company or product in the forefront of the consumers mind, you need to make sure you are dealing with a compony that has the highest level of integrety and customer service available. It makes your job that much easier.

For the past few years I have worked with a regional firm out of Ohio called B Squared Printing and Marketing Solutions, they have just launched a new website and are looking at the national market. I am very excited for Brent and his team, as they make plans to grow their business and reputation. Not only do they provide great pricing and optimal service but they make you feel like you are their ONLY customer. Brent Belles (Owner) even has the habit of stopping by to visit with his clients and let them know how much he appreciates their business.

In an age when information tends to take precedence over customer service, finding a firm like B Squared to work with is a pleasure. I would recommend that anyone, no matter the company size, that needs promotional items, apparel or printing to give them a call at 330-899-9111 or send an email and introduce yourself. They will be more than happy to work with you and fill your needs.

News Flash***Ardynn Media Launches Affiliate Program Geared Towards Small Businesses

Pay per click programs can deplete a small business’ limited marketing budget and Ardynn Media has developed a program that believes in giving a helping hand to small businesses, no matter what their size, product or service.

With the multitude of Affiliate Programs being offered, Ardynn Media decided to look at both sides of the program before it sat down to develop a model that truly benefited all participants. “We wanted to find a way to help small businesses not only brand themselves effectively, but add more than mere pennies to their revenue streams” said Walter Arzon, National Director of Sales. This program gives small businesses national exposure through the companies websites and magazine along with a hefty percentage of gross revenue for all closed business. “With the economy in a virtual recession, it is a great way for small business owners to keep themselves afloat or even add a completely new revenue stream to their bottom line” according to Michael D. Harris Jr, the company’s President.

Any business that would like more details or has questions can contact them @ 717.592.0106, info@ardynnmedia.com or visit one of their sites www.ArdynnMedia.com and www.MarketingWithArdynnMedia.com.

Luxury Marketing at its WORST..

Now that summer has arrived we like to entertain and so we had our first dinner party last night. It was an intimate gathering of close friends and neighbors where we showcased our new home, to some of them for the first time. As we were having coffee and drinks we started discussing a particular person that we all know and his latest idiotic idea. He owns a number of buildings in the area and one of them happens to be a beautiful, old world, building with a premier address. You would be amazed at the interior detail, formal garden and constant upgrading of the building (as tenants vacate). The problem with this "Luxury" building is multi-fold.

When I see an advertisement for a luxury apartment, I think of things like marble counters, maple cabinets, beautiful floors etc. NOT linoleum tiles and 40's metal cabinets with 20 coats of paint on them. I would also expect to see a dishwasher and washer/dryer not directions to the laundry mat a block away. Granted... on entry to the building, you are greeted by a grand foyer with gorgeous wall coverings and chandelier that leads up a formal stairwell.

The other side of the problem is the landlord himself and his controlling, money grubbing nature. He literally tells the tenants that they can't open the window blinds, have candles in the home, not to run the window unit as a fan with the door open and so much more. I understand that he owns the building, but such clauses should be written into the lease not be delivered as addendum notices on a quad-monthly basis.

When you own a building with one of the most prominent addresses in the city, you have to remember that people talk and most potential tenants will ask questions of the neighbors BEFORE making a decision on the apartment. So if you are going to bill it as "Luxury" then make sure that the reputation proceeds the listing.