Thinking Outside the Box with Your Marketing

It’s no secret that I’m not a huge NASCAR fan.  I watch it because it’s on every Sunday.  I know who a few drivers are and have opinions of them solely on the way that they respond to interviews and not how they drive.  But our house is littered with Mark Martin and Tony Stewart memorabilia due to the two NASCAR fans that live here.

NASCAR is a prime marketing opportunity for any big business.  You see the ads plastered on the cars and the races are called things like the Sharpie 400 and the Pepsi 500 in an effort to get publicity.  You know the bigger the ad on the car, the more money that was spent.  And then you have the Nextel Cup.  You know Nextel is spending big money for that.

As I’m listening to the radio today, the DJs start talking about NASCAR.  I attempt to listen just to know enough to carry a conversation and I hear them talking about the Your Name Here 400.  What?  The Your Name Here 400?  Who is that promoting?  So I listen more intently to the DJs on the radio and I figure out what’s going on.  Only then do I realize we’re dealing with a marketing genius.  Then I wonder why no one’s ever thought of this before.

Companies are spending beau coup bucks to sponsor a race; to get their name out there.  Pepsi and Sharpie are doing a great job because I can actually remember the names of those races at some point in time.  But what do they get in return for that money?  They are getting brand recognition.  They are getting their name and logo plastered everywhere and in front of millions of TV viewers.  Do you think people hear “It’s the kickoff of the Pepsi 400” and viewers immediately flock to their website?  I don’t think that’s the way it works.

Enter Crown Royal.  For a long time, liquor producing companies were not able to advertise on TV or in NASCAR; but the rules have changed and Crown Royal is taking advantage of it.  Crown Royal is shelling out the big bucks to sponsor a race at the Richmond International Speedway in the Spring of 2007.  One would think that the name of this race would be the Crown Royal 400 but it’s not.  Crown Royal is naming the race after a fan.  That’s right – an average Joe.  Just like you and me. 

If you know of any die hard NASCAR fans, you’ll know that as soon as they hear about this they are going to want the race named after them.  Shoot!  I halfway want the race named after me and I’m not even into NASCAR!  But think about the web traffic and the sales that will result from this marketing effort.

To be eligible to win you must visit www.CrownRoyal.com and enter your “Crown Worthy” story in 50 words or less.   What is a “Crown Worthy” story?  Their site describes it as “Describe what a moment in life that calls for the smooth taste of Crown Royal is all about.”  Think people will go out and buy Crown Royal?  I think so.

My point is this.  Any one could have thought of this and no one did.  What better way to capitalize on the promotional opportunity that you have whether you paid for it or it fell in your lap?

Everyone is marketing.  Being good isn’t good enough anymore.  Think about marketing materials, networking events, trade shows that you attend.  Don’t just show up.  If you want to get people to take notice, you have to stand out.  You have to think outside the box with your marketing.

And look for me on TV next spring on the FOX network at the Heather Jacobson 400.

Until next time…

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR WEBSITE?  You can as long as you include the following:  Heather Jacobson doesn't pay for marketing or advertising if she doesn't have to. To learn how she does it and get 10 inexpensive marketing tactics visit http://www.10freetips.com

6 Steps to Avoid Losing Summer Sales

By: Kara Kelso

Kids are out of school, families are on vacation, there's fairs to attend to, and many are just spending too much time outside to be online. For those that market mostly online, the summer months could be eating your profit. The good news is, it's easy to take your product to where your market is - offline.

While some of you may moan and groan about leaving the comfort of your home to make money, if you don't want to loose out on sales it's the only way. Also you will get a chance to meet some local people in your area, and getting out can be good for you!

So what is there to do offline in the summer time? PLENTY! There are hundreds of events going on right under your nose, just waiting for you to be a part of. State fair, county fairs, town celebrations, music events, craft fairs, expos - all renting tables and spaces for you to sell. The hard part of marketing the events has been done for you, all you have to do is show up!

Use the following 6 steps to make your offline event a success:

1. Locate the events
This isn't as hard as some make it out to be. There are many different ways to get in touch with those in charge of organizing events. Check with your local City Hall or Chamber of Commerse first.

2. Get Ready for the Event
Make a list of items you will need to take, plus take inventory of the products you have in stock. You'll need a good variety and some eye catching items to take with you

3. Set Up Your Table
Your table should be neat, but eye catching. Table clothes are a must! Don't forget to have a drawing box on the table as well, to catch leads.

4. Attend the Event
You will need to have someone at the table at all times. Don't leave - not even for a second - unless there is someone there to cover you.

5. Take Notes
Was there something you could have done differently? Take notes and do better next time!

6. Follow Up
As they always say, the money is in the follow up! Be sure to stay in touch with all those contacts you made at the event.

Avoid losing sales this summer and get involved offline!

More information and help on staying organized while attending local events can be found at: http://www.DirectSalesHelpers.com/offline-events.html
About the Authors: Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank are two busy wahms, and the owners of Direct Sales Helpers - www.DirectSalesHelpers.com . For more Direct Sales Success Tips, visit: www.directsaleshelpers.com/newsletter.html

When a young marketer met his untimely end, he was informed that he had a choice about where he would spend his eternity: Heaven or Hell. He was allowed to visit both places, and then make his decision afterwards.

"I'll see Heaven first," said the salesman, and an angel led him through the gates on a private tour. Inside it was very peaceful and serene, and all the people there were playing harps and eating grapes. It looked very nice, but the salesman was not about to make a decision that could very well condemn him to so sedate an eternity.

"Can I see Hell now?" he asked. The angel pointed him to the elevator, and he went down to the Basement where he was greeted by one of Satan's loyal followers. For the next half hour, the salesman was led through a tour of what appeared to be the best night clubs he'd ever seen. People were partying loudly, and having a, if you'll pardon the expression, Hell of a time.

When the tour ended, he was sent back up where the angel asked him if he had reached a final decision.

"Yes, I have," he replied., "As great as Heaven looks and all, I have to admit that Hell was more of my kind of place. I've decided to spend my eternity down there."

The salesman was sent to hell, where he was immediately thrown into a cave and was chained to a wall, and he was subjected to various tortures., "When I came down here for the tour," he yelled with anger and pain, "I was shown a whole bunch of bars and parties and other great stuff! What happened?!"

The devil replied, "Oh, that! That was just the marketing presentation"

If you come across marketing humor, please email it to info@valleyva.net!

To view past issues of Marketing Made Simple, visit http://www.valleyva.net/Marketing-Made-Simple/

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