Tuesday, January 23, 2007

KISS - Before You Invest Your Money


KISS is a well known acronym for keep it simple simon (some say stupid - but that's not nice). In marketing the most effective strategy is often the simple one. Before you spend thousands of dollars on marketing services, shiny new computer programs and gurus who promise the stars, be sure that you have carefully evaluated the simple strategies that have been used to generate unlimited customers and millions of dollars.

Have you ever heard of guerilla marketing strategies? You know, the marketing ideas that you can implement for little or no cost while reaching a large audience? I remember many years ago being in awe of the creator and teacher of this method. I thought it was just genius. Jay Conrad Levinson taught us to use common sense, every day encounters and basic messages to reach the masses.
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Simple but powerful marketing that got results.

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Since that time I have learned methods, tips and strategies from many of the great gurus of our time. Though these names may not be familiar, if you have an opportunity read articles or study the programs of Robert Middleton, Armand Morin, Yanik Silver or David Frey it would be time and money well spent - or should I say invested. These men have all contributed brilliant ideas and methodologies for building your client base while leveraging your money.

To get started, here are a few ideas that any entrepreneur can implement:

1) Write a press release - Here's an opportunity to introduce your company to a very large audience at no cost!

2) Form a joint venture - Form a relationship with a company that services your target market. Example, if you are a landscaper, form a joint venture with a general contractor. If you own a daycare, form a relationship with the local uniform shop. One simple technique to jumpstarting this is to have your partner agree to write a letter to every client in his/her database recommending your services. Be sure to include a few testimonials in the letter and your contact information. You can tap into a brand new database of potential clients and do it with the endorsement of someone that they trust and all for the price of a stamp and stationary or time at the computer! Now that's leverage.

3) Sponsor a local charity event - First, choose a charity that you personally would endorse. Then choose a method that would help promote the event to the community. Examples would be paying to have flyers printed, purchase door prizes, putting together a team of volunteers to help at the event and of course cash donations are always welcome. An idea that is often over looked is offering introductory discounts to the organizations supporters. In return, your business name and services can be listed as a sponsor on all of their marketing materials, given an opportunity to display banners or be recognized at public events, not to mention, you now have access to their supporters.

4) Join your local chamber of commerce or networking organization - Members are inclined to patronize the services of other members

5) Start a blog - this is not only an article by itself --- it's a series. But if we stick to the basics. Begin by visiting blogger (dot) com or Wordpress (dot) com.

Remember, marketing isn't an exact science, what works for one business may not produce the same results for another business. The key is to be persistent, personable and passionate.

Start your new year with a commitment to always KISS - before you invest.

To your marketing success,

DaJuan Tircuit