Word Marketing Blog

Thanks be Given

In light of the financial crunch and tough economic challenges we've all felt this year I wish you a multitude of thankfulness for those things money can't buy.

I am thankful for...

• Safety - that I don't live in fear of harm to myself or my family
• Happiness - that even on a bad day, I am blessed with a a great amount of joy
• Aesthetics - that I am amazed by the beauty I see every day, all around us
• Relationships - that I cherish with my husband, family, friends and clients
• Time - every moment I've already lived, and every one still to come

Happy Thanksgiving, and best wishes for much to give thanks.

Thoughts on the economy

If you've been listening to the media the last two months, you'd think there would be no reason to get out of bed in the morning since we're all basically doomed.

Let's take everything with discernment, eat the hay and spit out the sticks.

Actually, some businesses are in trouble. When national banks are failing and major corporations are in the tank, there is going to be some collateral damage. I think the thing that bothers me the most is the constant referral the media makes to The Great Depression. There are great differences in what is happening now and what happened in the Great Depression. Most analysts predict this slowdown to be swinging back toward growth the middle of 2009 at the earliest.

No matter what is going on "out there", it's still up to business owners to maintain the mindset that will enable you to keep going. Having a plan, listening to your customers, looking at your business environment.

The overall economy can be experiencing a slowdown, but what about the local economy?

Keep your chin up, your attitude positive and your eyes looking forward.

It's Just Saying "Hello"

I had the pleasure of attending an EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Columbia) event this week at Hemingway's in Columbia. If you haven't been to Hemingway's yet - go! It's lovely and the food is really good.

Typically at a Chamber event I end up meeting a couple of new people who are introduced to me through others I already know. But Tuesday, I made a point to go out of my way and introduce myself. It's really not so scary!

I enjoyed meeting Dr. Kyle Lisenby of Plaza Dental Group, Gina Mauller - Director of MBA Career Services at MU, Phil Teeple - a civil engineer for the City of Columbia and Erika Collins - Director of Sales for Staybridge Suites. I had some very pleasant conversations and really enjoyed learning about their businesses.

"Networking" can be an intimidating word for some. Walking up to a stranger, for whatever reason, seems like a hard thing to do. But once I got over the initial approach, I realized that everyone was just as eager to talk with me as I was to make the introduction.

The next time you hear about a "networking" event, think of it instead as simply saying hello to a couple of new people. It's really much easier than we tend to think, and the more you do it, the easier it gets!

Commonality

So this weekend I was shopping for a birthday card for my mom, and I read one that started, "Not everyone shares a special connection with their mom..."

It was a nice card and I considered it for a moment, but then chose something different.

When I got to the check out lane, I noticed the young woman in front of me was buying the same card I had considered, and I thought, bemused, "apparently there are a lot of people that feel that connection with their mom!"

It was a humorous moment, but it did demonstrate a truth about advertising.

As human beings there are certain life experiences we've all encountered and therefore, can all relate to. Whether it's feeling a special connection with your mom, sitting in a doctor's waiting room discretely listening to the conversation next to you or standing in  the express lane, frustrated behind the inconsiderate boor who has ignored the 10 item limit, we all share these common occurrences.

In your advertising, if you're able to tap into these commonalities, you will then be speaking to the customer in the language of the customer. You will more effectively break through the clutter and gain their attention. And your message will likely resonate as something meaningful to them. 

Think about what your business or service means to the average customer in a real life everyday world, and speak to them plainly about it. Your mom will praise your relatability!

Newspaper Circulation

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003878040

 

The marketing and advertising industry is constantly changing with new technology, new products and new methods of communicating with the consumers rather than to the consumers.  Make sure your marketing company and campaign are reaching the people you need to be reaching.

 

Do you respond better to someone yelling at you or someone having a two way conversation with you?