An elderly relative was diagnosed with diabetes after enduring an astounding battery of tests and inaccurate diagnosis by three different specialists. After recounting her misadventure, she said “No one ever even tested me for diabetes. A General Practitioner would have figured it out on the first visit.” Her nephew who had first-hand experience, but no [...]
Marketing
What were they thinking?
I received a direct mail piece today that left me scratching my head. It’s an oversized, folded, full-color postcard for a company that I’ve never heard of. The address panel says, “Congratulations, Shari – You’re a preferred quilter!” So far – so good. They got my name right. I’m a wannabe quilter. But who’s sending [...]
Spin Marketing vs. Authenticity
I’m not a fan of “spinning a story.” Ask any of my former colleagues … the very term makes me bristle. Spin implies not telling all the facts, glossing over the things we don’t want others to know, adding fictional elements to improve how an organization, a person or a product is perceived, and outright [...]
Attention Costs Less than Advertising!
Thousands of dollars are spent on highway billboards each year by small businesses hoping to make a big impression. Sometimes it pays off. Sometimes it doesn’t. Yet 50,000 people a day drive by Acuity Insurance in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and form a positive impression of the company because of its flag pole. Granted, it’s one of [...]
Small Business Marketing Like Housework?
Over at 45n5.com, there’s a fun post and two videos about a SERIOUS problem. Go ahead and check them out. You’ll be glad you did! And on that note, let’s take a light hearted look at marketing today. I’m (right now) in the middle of cleaning house, happily putting away toys from the granddaughters’ last [...]
