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Three Creative Marketing Tips
By Navina Waterman
When it comes to marketing, it’s a good idea to think inside, outside, and all around the box! Here are three ideas you might consider:
1) If you have the gift of gab, use it, but not just one on one. (If you don’t have it, perhaps someone else in your company does?). Find clubs or other organizations in your area. Most are desperately seeking speakers for their luncheons or other events. Brainstorm in your company and come up with a list of topics you think will be generally interesting. Yes, they can/should include plugs for your services, but perhaps be a little discreet – work this in indirectly if that flows better. Then contact the organizations and volunteer to speak. Take cards and perhaps flyers with a special discount offer which you can hand out one on one or en masse when you speak. You may think this is a waste of energy…but may be surprised at the networking connections you can make. Even one good long-term customer coming from this could make it all worthwhile.
2) Get involved in local or nationwide charities. Canstruction is obviously a good one that is related to our industry, but any charity will be happy for your help. Think carefully about how you can promote your business as well as do something good for those less fortunate. And by all means publicize what you are doing. One fun way is to offer a contest for something creative – perhaps artwork or a slogan. The winner gets some publicity and some kind of prize, but you also donate in his/her name some specific amount of money to the charity of his/her choice.
3) Some of you are already making vehicle wraps. How about doing one for your business? When I worked at Tiger Reprographics in San Diego back in the late 80s, we wrapped a couple of our delivery vehicles in a safari theme. A number of new customers told us they had seen our vehicles "all over the county.” San Diego is a very large place so just a couple of cars clearly really made an impact. You might consider not just advertising your company but do something somewhat ‘shocking’ to gain attention. Do you think these buses in Copenhagen advertising a new zoo exhibit were noticed? http://tinyurl.com/adnjshv
If you don’t have delivery vehicles, consider doing something in conjunction with someone who does. How about a duel advertising scheme with a local pizza delivery company for instance?
Speaking of getting creative, most of you have creative customers already. Be sure to find ways to get them involved too. Happy marketing.