It seems every business is already either involved in social media or considering their options. Most of these initiatives are coming from the marketing or communications offices.
Human resources and your recruiters can also use social media. They should be able to tap into the social program being designed to help them with recruiting and to cut cost per hire.
Here are 5 reasons HR should be involved with social media:
1. Build a pipeline of potential candidates.
2. Use your social communities as referral programs to cut costs.
3. Reduce turnover when candidates are already familiar with your organization and culture.
4. Save time by pre-screening candidates online.
5. Being able to share positions quickly can help cut time to fill job.
Social media is not going to solve all your recruiting issues but you certainly want to take advantage of the positives. Like any good strategy you use different sources and choose the ones that are working to develop your plan.
If you have a strategy and know your goals, then look for metrics to determine if it’s working. It does have the potential to provide you with strong candidates to keep in your pipeline when you have positions to fill.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
You won’t see the twitter whale on a custom branded community
I wrote a blog last week talking about the 5 reasons a custom branded communities can be a good option for social media. www.marketingdaze.com/2010/09/whats-next-in-social-media-5-reasons.html
One of the points I didn’t mention came up last week when Facebook was having technical issues. They were having connecting problems and across the Internet you could almost hear the panic of people who couldn't log on. It caused more than a minor panic with some businesses that were afraid what this meant for their pages.
Not being able to access your social accounts can upset businesses and individual users. Ask anyone who has seen the Twitter whale and you will hear how annoying it can be when you are trying to access a site and then it goes down.
When you host your own social community you have a chance to build it on a platform you choose. Your site isn’t subject to other sites technical difficulties or even popularity.
Think about anyone who a few years ago started out on Myspace. As the traffic from that site moved onto Facebook and Twitter they had to move their social communities to where the traffic was heading and hope that they would be able to get their fans and followers to find them on the new sites. No one can predict when or what the next shift might be and if social traffic will start moving onto another site.
Custom communities aren’t perfect. But as social media grows and evolves people are getting used to being able to engage with organizations and if they want to talk with you then they will look for the outlet you are using. If you can introduce them to an option like your site then you can have some consistency and control. You won't need to be as concerned about which site is up in popularity if your audience has multiple ways to contact you.
One of the points I didn’t mention came up last week when Facebook was having technical issues. They were having connecting problems and across the Internet you could almost hear the panic of people who couldn't log on. It caused more than a minor panic with some businesses that were afraid what this meant for their pages.
Not being able to access your social accounts can upset businesses and individual users. Ask anyone who has seen the Twitter whale and you will hear how annoying it can be when you are trying to access a site and then it goes down.
When you host your own social community you have a chance to build it on a platform you choose. Your site isn’t subject to other sites technical difficulties or even popularity.
Think about anyone who a few years ago started out on Myspace. As the traffic from that site moved onto Facebook and Twitter they had to move their social communities to where the traffic was heading and hope that they would be able to get their fans and followers to find them on the new sites. No one can predict when or what the next shift might be and if social traffic will start moving onto another site.
Custom communities aren’t perfect. But as social media grows and evolves people are getting used to being able to engage with organizations and if they want to talk with you then they will look for the outlet you are using. If you can introduce them to an option like your site then you can have some consistency and control. You won't need to be as concerned about which site is up in popularity if your audience has multiple ways to contact you.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Do you trust your instincts or your computer?
That seems to be the question these days facing many singles. They can go out the “old fashion” way and meet other singles through church, sports, clubs, activities and bars. Yet some would rather let their computer do their choosing for them.
There are a wide variety of online dating sites from eHarmony to Match.com to name a few. If you have special requirements you can turn to dating sites such as JDate for Jewish singles to meet.
These sites promise to match you up with your perfect companion by taking your profile and using algorithms to determine who is a good fit. Once they send them your way you can go out and see if they computer was right.
In an era with so many ways to communicate, the question is why are we having such trouble actually connecting?
Could it be that everyone is so busy they would rather let the computer do the leg work so they don’t have to put the time in to spending time with a person to see if they are a good match? Or are we just so used to relying on technology that we feel it’s more qualified to know what we want better than we do?
Either way the past stigma of computer dating is fading. In the past it was perceived to be the last stop for desperate singles. Now there are many well educated, out-going and attractive singles who view this as a short cut to finding their soul mate.
Time will tell if these computer generated love connections will stand the test of time. If they do then we can look forward to more singles heading their way. If not then they might have to resort to actually going out and meeting someone in person.
There are a wide variety of online dating sites from eHarmony to Match.com to name a few. If you have special requirements you can turn to dating sites such as JDate for Jewish singles to meet.
These sites promise to match you up with your perfect companion by taking your profile and using algorithms to determine who is a good fit. Once they send them your way you can go out and see if they computer was right.
In an era with so many ways to communicate, the question is why are we having such trouble actually connecting?
Could it be that everyone is so busy they would rather let the computer do the leg work so they don’t have to put the time in to spending time with a person to see if they are a good match? Or are we just so used to relying on technology that we feel it’s more qualified to know what we want better than we do?
Either way the past stigma of computer dating is fading. In the past it was perceived to be the last stop for desperate singles. Now there are many well educated, out-going and attractive singles who view this as a short cut to finding their soul mate.
Time will tell if these computer generated love connections will stand the test of time. If they do then we can look forward to more singles heading their way. If not then they might have to resort to actually going out and meeting someone in person.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
What’s next in social media, 5 reasons custom branded communities can work
Early adapters of social media are already looking for what’s next. They have their Facebook and Twitter profiles and want to know how they can further build on these relationships.
The answer is custom branded communities. When you build your social program on Facebook or Twitter you really are on someone else’s platform. You’re required to follow their rules and if they make changes to set up or design then your site needs to comply.
Branded communities are similar to websites in the look and layout.
Branded Community advantages:
1. You have a custom URL which makes it easy to share with your audience.
2. You get detailed analytics on who is visiting your site and how they found you.
3. You have the ability to data capture contact information.
4. Branded communities let you determine the advertising that appears. You can have no ads or you can use ad revenue to cover the costs.
5. Communities allow you to form groups on the site based on specific interests or locations so you can engage with your members.
Your custom community lets you interact with your members as you would on Facebook and Twitter. But instead of going to different sites all the things you do on those sites you do here. You can also do videos as you would on YouTube and it can host your blogs.
Don’t think you have to close your other sites, instead you can still interact with members who choose to use those sites but you can also use your Facebook and Twitter as traffic drivers to direct traffic to your custom community.
If you already have your social communities and want to know what is next, a branded community can be your answer.
The answer is custom branded communities. When you build your social program on Facebook or Twitter you really are on someone else’s platform. You’re required to follow their rules and if they make changes to set up or design then your site needs to comply.
Branded communities are similar to websites in the look and layout.
Branded Community advantages:
1. You have a custom URL which makes it easy to share with your audience.
2. You get detailed analytics on who is visiting your site and how they found you.
3. You have the ability to data capture contact information.
4. Branded communities let you determine the advertising that appears. You can have no ads or you can use ad revenue to cover the costs.
5. Communities allow you to form groups on the site based on specific interests or locations so you can engage with your members.
Your custom community lets you interact with your members as you would on Facebook and Twitter. But instead of going to different sites all the things you do on those sites you do here. You can also do videos as you would on YouTube and it can host your blogs.
Don’t think you have to close your other sites, instead you can still interact with members who choose to use those sites but you can also use your Facebook and Twitter as traffic drivers to direct traffic to your custom community.
If you already have your social communities and want to know what is next, a branded community can be your answer.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Catering to increase sales for your business
Businesses looking to impress clients or potential clients are always looking for ways to do this that won’t break the bank. In the past it was an easy decision, they would take them out for fancy meals. The economy has made budgets tighter and when clients come to visit one way to try and make a good impression is by having food catered at your office.
Catering can be a way to compromise but still show you in a good light to their clients. You can have a variety of food brought to your office that goes far beyond sending out for pizza.
Wolf Street Catering http://www.wolfstreet.net/ is one that works in the Philadelphia area. They offer food for breakfast or for lunch meetings. You don’t have to worry if your offices don’t have kitchen facilities; they come to your office with everything you need to serve your staff and clients. The food ranges from gourmet sandwiches and salads to pasta options.
The food can be customized to who will be attending and take into consideration dietary restrictions. Having food brought in lets you have a working meal. It’s a chance to meet with clients and your staff in a more relaxed setting. You also don’t have to worry about crowded restaurants and the noise that can interrupt you when you are trying to make your pitch or show a presentation. It allows you to stay focused on your goal of marketing to your clients to increase sales.
These working meals are a great opportunity to conduct business in a more relaxed setting. This type of sales meeting is a way to work cost effectively and build a strong relationship with your clients.
What do you think; does catering in your office seem like an option you would consider for your next meeting?
You can follow me on Twitter.com/sandeemiller or follow me here at www.marketingdaze.com
Catering can be a way to compromise but still show you in a good light to their clients. You can have a variety of food brought to your office that goes far beyond sending out for pizza.
Wolf Street Catering http://www.wolfstreet.net/ is one that works in the Philadelphia area. They offer food for breakfast or for lunch meetings. You don’t have to worry if your offices don’t have kitchen facilities; they come to your office with everything you need to serve your staff and clients. The food ranges from gourmet sandwiches and salads to pasta options.
The food can be customized to who will be attending and take into consideration dietary restrictions. Having food brought in lets you have a working meal. It’s a chance to meet with clients and your staff in a more relaxed setting. You also don’t have to worry about crowded restaurants and the noise that can interrupt you when you are trying to make your pitch or show a presentation. It allows you to stay focused on your goal of marketing to your clients to increase sales.
These working meals are a great opportunity to conduct business in a more relaxed setting. This type of sales meeting is a way to work cost effectively and build a strong relationship with your clients.
What do you think; does catering in your office seem like an option you would consider for your next meeting?
You can follow me on Twitter.com/sandeemiller or follow me here at www.marketingdaze.com
Friday, September 17, 2010
Recruiters are part of your sales force
Recruiters tend to think of themselves as part of the staffing team or Hr. The reality is they are a huge part of the sales force. Think about it, they are the people who are hiring the workers who do the job, make the product or interact with our customers.
We rely on them to get us the best talent to make our businesses successful. How they do their job is to “sell” the company to a potential candidate. They are the ones who are actively talking to candidates and either weeding out applicants to find the best or they are going out to recruit talent who are working for competitors.
This job is as much about sales as your official sales force. Your recruiters are looking to position your company in the best light so that the candidates want to work for you and be a part of the team.
They need to focus on sourcing and the candidate experience. How they treat potential candidates during the hiring process is going to be a good indication or huge red flag to an applicant for what life on the job is really going to be like.
Your recruiters should be just as knowledgeable about your company and what you do as your sales force. You need them to have this background so they can understand what skill sets you need and who will be a good fit for your organization.
Recognizing the recruiting function and proper training are integral to your business is going to be what makes the difference.
We rely on them to get us the best talent to make our businesses successful. How they do their job is to “sell” the company to a potential candidate. They are the ones who are actively talking to candidates and either weeding out applicants to find the best or they are going out to recruit talent who are working for competitors.
This job is as much about sales as your official sales force. Your recruiters are looking to position your company in the best light so that the candidates want to work for you and be a part of the team.
They need to focus on sourcing and the candidate experience. How they treat potential candidates during the hiring process is going to be a good indication or huge red flag to an applicant for what life on the job is really going to be like.
Your recruiters should be just as knowledgeable about your company and what you do as your sales force. You need them to have this background so they can understand what skill sets you need and who will be a good fit for your organization.
Recognizing the recruiting function and proper training are integral to your business is going to be what makes the difference.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Phillie Phanatic and the city prove to be a winning marketing team
Tourists and locals have enjoyed seeing the fun artwork that decorated each statue. But now it’s all coming to a close. All 20 statues are placed by the 3rd base gate at Citizens Bank Park till the end of the month.
Anyone going to a game can stop by to see them and take pictures. This weekend they had a special opening of the park that didn’t require a ticket to see the Phanatic. In addition to the statues they had the World Series trophy and also the trophy from last years’ National League win.
There is an online auction for a few lucky winners who will have the highest bid and can take their favorite Phanatic home. You can get more information on the auction at http://www.phillies.com/.
This ongoing project has been a great marketing effort by having everyone’s favorite Phanatic around the city. It also benefitted by getting locals in on the fun by having them go to tourist spots that tend to be overlooked by those that live here. They were able to go and see if they could find the Phanatic in his hiding spots.
The Phanatic will soon be gone but the fun he provided this summer won’t soon be forgotten.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Can't miss social media conferences
Does it seem like everywhere you turn there are people talking about social media? The problem is there are people talking but not all the information is correct or useful.
That is why these two events are so valuable to anyone interested in social media. You can talk to the people who are using it every day and can share their expertise and real data that can help you. On top of that you can use a special discount code to make these two events even more valuable.
You can check out the first one in beautiful Miami Beach.
HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR RETURNS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING & ADVERTISING
Thursday 30th September
9:00am - 5:30pm
Ronald W Shane Centre
6500 Indian Creek Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33141
9:00am - 5:30pm
Ronald W Shane Centre
6500 Indian Creek Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33141
Go here to learn more about what will be covered at this special one day event, the speakers, their background and to order tickets.
When you order your tickets don’t forget your special discount code iem14
If you can’t make it to Miami you can go see:
AN ESSENTIAL EVENT FOR MARKETING, PR & SOCIAL MEDIA PROFESSIONALS
Tuesday 5th October
John Hancock Hotel & Conference Centre
40 Trinity Place at Stuart Street
Boston, MA 02116
40 Trinity Place at Stuart Street
Boston, MA 02116
You can use the same discount code for this event too iem14
These are can’t miss events and tickets are limited so order now before all the tickets are gone.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Does your small business owner really need Facebook?
This is a question facing many small business owners. They wonder do they really need Facebook and what can it really do for you.
Many of these owners look at Facebook as another task added to an already busy day. Their focus is on running their business and servicing customers. They don’t have a huge staff that gives them the opportunity to have an employee do the daily updates on a consistent basis.
So why do they need Facebook? It’s really the same reason they need any of their advertising and this is as a way to reach out to their customers to build awareness of their business.
Part of any good business plan includes some form of advertising. Usually it’s a variety of ways combined to make it easier for customers to find you. It’s why you have a website and put an ad in the yellow pages or phone directories.
Most advertising strategies don’t just focus on one outlet. They try to mix it up by using different newspapers, radio or coupons. Facebook is just another advertising opportunity. You don't have to think of it as replacing your other advertising, it’s a way to reach this segment of your customer base that is using Facebook on a regular basis. On top of thinking of this as an advertising tool it’s also a customer service component. You can get immediate feedback from customers on your products, service or other questions and use this to respond quickly.
As a small business owner you shouldn’t look at Facebook as extra work instead you should look at it as an opportunity to grow your business.
http://postrank.com/graphics/blog_claim.png?s=tf9xy74
Many of these owners look at Facebook as another task added to an already busy day. Their focus is on running their business and servicing customers. They don’t have a huge staff that gives them the opportunity to have an employee do the daily updates on a consistent basis.
So why do they need Facebook? It’s really the same reason they need any of their advertising and this is as a way to reach out to their customers to build awareness of their business.
Part of any good business plan includes some form of advertising. Usually it’s a variety of ways combined to make it easier for customers to find you. It’s why you have a website and put an ad in the yellow pages or phone directories.
Most advertising strategies don’t just focus on one outlet. They try to mix it up by using different newspapers, radio or coupons. Facebook is just another advertising opportunity. You don't have to think of it as replacing your other advertising, it’s a way to reach this segment of your customer base that is using Facebook on a regular basis. On top of thinking of this as an advertising tool it’s also a customer service component. You can get immediate feedback from customers on your products, service or other questions and use this to respond quickly.
As a small business owner you shouldn’t look at Facebook as extra work instead you should look at it as an opportunity to grow your business.
http://postrank.com/graphics/blog_claim.png?s=tf9xy74
Friday, September 10, 2010
Gaining more Customers
When it comes to marketing sometimes the simplest things get forgotten in the rush for the newest tools and strategies. One that is easily forgotten is to be nice to people.
I’m not talking about customer service. I think every business knows to be nice to its customers. Although companies don’t always train their employees on how to do that properly. I’m talking about the people we forget to be nice to and that can be vendors.
Every day companies have vendors they use who provide them with supplies and services. On top of this group are vendors who call you looking to help your organization. It’s easy to forget when you’re busy running your business that these vendors can be potential customers. Or they might know people who could use your company.
You tend to lump people into categories and your immediate customers or those you’re looking to attract are your first priority. But recognizing that vendors can be a source of income is something that many businesses can overlook.
Another point is if you feel what your business provides isn’t something that would be used by vendors; remember that people don’t stay in one job forever. Some industries people move around and if you stay in business long enough the vendor you blew off today might just be in a position to help you later.
Obviously you shouldn’t be nice just to get something in return. On the other hand realizing that a change in attitude can affect your bottom line isn’t something to be overlooked.
I’m not talking about customer service. I think every business knows to be nice to its customers. Although companies don’t always train their employees on how to do that properly. I’m talking about the people we forget to be nice to and that can be vendors.
Every day companies have vendors they use who provide them with supplies and services. On top of this group are vendors who call you looking to help your organization. It’s easy to forget when you’re busy running your business that these vendors can be potential customers. Or they might know people who could use your company.
You tend to lump people into categories and your immediate customers or those you’re looking to attract are your first priority. But recognizing that vendors can be a source of income is something that many businesses can overlook.
Another point is if you feel what your business provides isn’t something that would be used by vendors; remember that people don’t stay in one job forever. Some industries people move around and if you stay in business long enough the vendor you blew off today might just be in a position to help you later.
Obviously you shouldn’t be nice just to get something in return. On the other hand realizing that a change in attitude can affect your bottom line isn’t something to be overlooked.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
San Francisco Integrated Email and Social Media Conference
Do you ever feel like working in marketing and social media is like treading water? There is always so much going on and it seems overwhelming to keep up with all the new ideas and how you can use them in your business.
Now there is a chance to tap into a network of experts for one day. There is going to be a one day conference in San Francisco. Here you will be able to hear from experts in marketing, email companies and brands that will talk about how you can integrate email and social media for amazing marketing campaigns. I also have access to a discounted price that I can share with you.
Topics covered during the day include:
• Social Email Campaigns: What Works & What Doesn’t
• Using Social Media to Grow your Customer Base
• Rewards, Loyalty and Incentives
• Integrated Email & Social Media tools
• How Email Intelligence Enhance Social Media Engagement
• Innovations in Social CRM
• Tracking & Monitoring Social Email Campaigns
*How to use social media data to improve targeting and ROI
This isn’t just a chance to listen, this is going to be fully interactive with presentations, case studies and Q&A sessions and panel discussions. You can also visit an Exhibition Area that will focus on email media marketing tools and services.
The ticket price includes refreshments and a handbook for the day. Plus there will be a networking event at the end of the day so you can talk with event goers and experts to discuss what you learned.
If you’re still not sure, check out who is speaking:
Brian Solis http://www.briansolis.com/ Principal of FutureWorks
Mark Schmulen http://www.constantcontact.com/ G. M. of Social Media, Constant Contact
Kristin Hersant http://www.strongmail.com/ VP of Corporate Marketing- StrongMail
Kath Pay http://theemailacademy.com/ Co Founder - The Email Academy
Chris McCann http://thestartupdigest.com/ Co-Founder of StartupDigest
Chase McMichael http://www.infinigraph.com/ Co-Founder & CEO, InfiniGraph.com
Jennifer Neeley Lindsay http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jenniferlindsay
Host of The A-List on BlogTalkRadio
Mani Iyer http://www.kwanzoo.com/ CEO Kwanzoo
Jacob Morgan http://www.chessmediagroup.com/ Co-founder Chess Media Group
Murray Newlands http://www.murraynewlands.com/ Director, Influence People
Now there is a chance to tap into a network of experts for one day. There is going to be a one day conference in San Francisco. Here you will be able to hear from experts in marketing, email companies and brands that will talk about how you can integrate email and social media for amazing marketing campaigns. I also have access to a discounted price that I can share with you.
Topics covered during the day include:
• Using Social Media to Grow your Customer Base
• Rewards, Loyalty and Incentives
• Integrated Email & Social Media tools
• How Email Intelligence Enhance Social Media Engagement
• Innovations in Social CRM
• Tracking & Monitoring Social Email Campaigns
*How to use social media data to improve targeting and ROI
This isn’t just a chance to listen, this is going to be fully interactive with presentations, case studies and Q&A sessions and panel discussions. You can also visit an Exhibition Area that will focus on email media marketing tools and services.
Event Details
Friday 17th September
9:00am - 5:30pm
Hotel Nikko
The ticket price includes refreshments and a handbook for the day. Plus there will be a networking event at the end of the day so you can talk with event goers and experts to discuss what you learned.
******DISCOUNT CODE iem14*******
If you’re still not sure, check out who is speaking:
Brian Solis http://www.briansolis.com/ Principal of FutureWorks
Mark Schmulen http://www.constantcontact.com/ G. M. of Social Media, Constant Contact
Kristin Hersant http://www.strongmail.com/ VP of Corporate Marketing- StrongMail
Kath Pay http://theemailacademy.com/ Co Founder - The Email Academy
Chris McCann http://thestartupdigest.com/ Co-Founder of StartupDigest
Chase McMichael http://www.infinigraph.com/ Co-Founder & CEO, InfiniGraph.com
Jennifer Neeley Lindsay http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jenniferlindsay
Host of The A-List on BlogTalkRadio
Mani Iyer http://www.kwanzoo.com/ CEO Kwanzoo
Jacob Morgan http://www.chessmediagroup.com/ Co-founder Chess Media Group
Murray Newlands http://www.murraynewlands.com/ Director, Influence People
Don't forget tickets are limited so don't wait order your tickets today. Share this information with all of your contacts so they can go too!
Branding isn’t just for companies
Everyone and everything has a brand. Your brand is really the first thing people think about when you say the item. States, cities and towns all have brands that are entrenched with their tourists and local residents.
These brands are created to attract not only tourists but people to want to relocate and for businesses to want to come and set up shop. With the recent economic challenges, many areas have been hard hit and this is affecting their brand to the outside world.
Michigan is one state that has been hit hard with recent developments. The states’ tourism board has developed a campaign “Pure Michigan” that has not only helped with tourism but also helps make the hard hit residents feel good about their home again. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-08-09-1Astateimage09_CV_N.htm
The campaign talks about beaches and what life is like in Michigan. It’s designed to make locals feel sentimental about their home and let outsiders know that they have great things to offer. It’s a way to escape for a moment the hardships many in the state have felt especially within the hard hit auto industry.
These branding campaigns have the ability to “sell” an area to outsiders and even show locals things they might have forgotten. In Philadelphia they have created the “send it with love” postcards. They have appeared all over town and on local billboards. The lighthearted postcards are addressed to people such as “Dear Powdered Wig Lovers” or “Dear Outdoorsy People” then tells them where they can find that activity in the city and closes with xoxo Love Philadelphia.
Good branding can unite a community and instill pride in its’ residents.
Think about where you live and what is its’ brand. Do you agree with that or think your local tourism group or chamber of commerce should come up with a new idea?
These brands are created to attract not only tourists but people to want to relocate and for businesses to want to come and set up shop. With the recent economic challenges, many areas have been hard hit and this is affecting their brand to the outside world.
Michigan is one state that has been hit hard with recent developments. The states’ tourism board has developed a campaign “Pure Michigan” that has not only helped with tourism but also helps make the hard hit residents feel good about their home again. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-08-09-1Astateimage09_CV_N.htm
The campaign talks about beaches and what life is like in Michigan. It’s designed to make locals feel sentimental about their home and let outsiders know that they have great things to offer. It’s a way to escape for a moment the hardships many in the state have felt especially within the hard hit auto industry.
These branding campaigns have the ability to “sell” an area to outsiders and even show locals things they might have forgotten. In Philadelphia they have created the “send it with love” postcards. They have appeared all over town and on local billboards. The lighthearted postcards are addressed to people such as “Dear Powdered Wig Lovers” or “Dear Outdoorsy People” then tells them where they can find that activity in the city and closes with xoxo Love Philadelphia.
Good branding can unite a community and instill pride in its’ residents.
Think about where you live and what is its’ brand. Do you agree with that or think your local tourism group or chamber of commerce should come up with a new idea?
Monday, September 6, 2010
Creative ways for businesses to make money
The current economy has caused most businesses to tighten their belts. If a business wants to be able to do something new that requires cash, then many are putting those projects on hold.
Business needs to think outside the box and be more creative. One idea is to barter goods and services. Depending on your business if you have something to offer in trade then use that to get work, consultations, goods or services from other businesses. It can be a way for both companies to benefit without using cash.
This is one way that some companies are still able to participate in charities. They might not have extra cash to donate to a worthy cause, but many businesses have goods, services or even employees to donate. http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20100809/givers09_cv.art.htm
Looking for ways to trade can benefit everyone. Fundraising efforts for most charities have been hard hit. But they still have people who need their efforts. On the other hand many businesses might have goods that haven’t been sold that they could donate. In some cases companies that have employees on their payroll but are experiencing slowdowns can offer employees time off to do charity work.
It’s a great way to help out a charity and their mission. Your employees get time off of work but get a chance to give back to an organization in their community that they might have a special connection to them or their family. By giving them the time you are letting them feel good about themselves and about the company they work for every day. It can be a way to boost morale to let you retain employees during economic struggles.
Bartering might be considered old fashioned but it just might be coming back in style.
Business needs to think outside the box and be more creative. One idea is to barter goods and services. Depending on your business if you have something to offer in trade then use that to get work, consultations, goods or services from other businesses. It can be a way for both companies to benefit without using cash.
This is one way that some companies are still able to participate in charities. They might not have extra cash to donate to a worthy cause, but many businesses have goods, services or even employees to donate. http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20100809/givers09_cv.art.htm
Looking for ways to trade can benefit everyone. Fundraising efforts for most charities have been hard hit. But they still have people who need their efforts. On the other hand many businesses might have goods that haven’t been sold that they could donate. In some cases companies that have employees on their payroll but are experiencing slowdowns can offer employees time off to do charity work.
It’s a great way to help out a charity and their mission. Your employees get time off of work but get a chance to give back to an organization in their community that they might have a special connection to them or their family. By giving them the time you are letting them feel good about themselves and about the company they work for every day. It can be a way to boost morale to let you retain employees during economic struggles.
Bartering might be considered old fashioned but it just might be coming back in style.
Friday, September 3, 2010
“Lost” : a great TV show or just marketing genius
“Lost” might not have won the Emmy for best show but you wouldn’t know that by the DVD sales they are racking up. It was the top selling DVD set for the week of August 29th. http://tinyurl.com/26q5vnp
Since the series finale in May fans have been waiting for Season 6 to come out on DVD. You have a choice to buy only season 6 or you can buy a bundle pack of all the seasons.
I am a fan of Lost and have to say I am not so patiently waiting for my series bundle to arrive in the mail. But besides being a fan, I can’t stop admiring the marketing genius that has fans who have bought previous released seasons, return and purchase again.
I can appreciate that the DVD’s are now available in blu-ray which wasn’t an option for all the other seasons. Another incentive is they have added some extra scenes, an island replica, exclusive guide to the show and a game that was featured in season 6 as part of the bundle. Fans who would like these “extras” are willing to buy DVD’s that they already own to have it included.
These extras come at a price tag of close to $200 for the entire set. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a show about an island and plane crash survivors that kept us hooked and guessing for 6 years would be able to come up with a marketing package that keeps us coming back for more.
Since the series finale in May fans have been waiting for Season 6 to come out on DVD. You have a choice to buy only season 6 or you can buy a bundle pack of all the seasons.
I am a fan of Lost and have to say I am not so patiently waiting for my series bundle to arrive in the mail. But besides being a fan, I can’t stop admiring the marketing genius that has fans who have bought previous released seasons, return and purchase again.
I can appreciate that the DVD’s are now available in blu-ray which wasn’t an option for all the other seasons. Another incentive is they have added some extra scenes, an island replica, exclusive guide to the show and a game that was featured in season 6 as part of the bundle. Fans who would like these “extras” are willing to buy DVD’s that they already own to have it included.
These extras come at a price tag of close to $200 for the entire set. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a show about an island and plane crash survivors that kept us hooked and guessing for 6 years would be able to come up with a marketing package that keeps us coming back for more.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Marketing efforts that have a beat
Marketing and advertising can come in many forms. Most people think of traditional things such as brochures, TV, and other tangible tools. But there are ways to market your business that on the surface don’t seem to have a specific purpose.
Recently I was walking down Market Street in Philadelphia and passed the TD Bank http://www.tdbank.com/. Outside of the bank they had a band playing. It was in their courtyard and during lunchtime on a nice summer afternoon. People walking by stopped to listen and even have their lunch. A few took advantage of the mid day break and started to dance to the music in the courtyard.
There wasn’t anyone in the crowd handing out TD Bank brochures or talking about interest rates and services. Instead it was just a fun way to give something back to patrons and city residents in the area.
Even though this wasn’t an obvious marketing effort it did more than some efforts can accomplish. Banks aren’t known for being fun loving but this helped the banks image by showing its lighter side. You saw the bank was attentive to their customers by giving them an added benefit for free. You were constantly reminded it was TD Bank because the event was outside of their location and their signs were in sight.
It was a great way for them to show they are part of the community and let everyone participate in the fun. Next time you’re trying to come up with a new way to attract business consider looking for options that let you engage your customers by sponsoring something for your local community.
Recently I was walking down Market Street in Philadelphia and passed the TD Bank http://www.tdbank.com/. Outside of the bank they had a band playing. It was in their courtyard and during lunchtime on a nice summer afternoon. People walking by stopped to listen and even have their lunch. A few took advantage of the mid day break and started to dance to the music in the courtyard.
There wasn’t anyone in the crowd handing out TD Bank brochures or talking about interest rates and services. Instead it was just a fun way to give something back to patrons and city residents in the area.
Even though this wasn’t an obvious marketing effort it did more than some efforts can accomplish. Banks aren’t known for being fun loving but this helped the banks image by showing its lighter side. You saw the bank was attentive to their customers by giving them an added benefit for free. You were constantly reminded it was TD Bank because the event was outside of their location and their signs were in sight.
It was a great way for them to show they are part of the community and let everyone participate in the fun. Next time you’re trying to come up with a new way to attract business consider looking for options that let you engage your customers by sponsoring something for your local community.
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