I gave someone a bit of advice today and he said “That’s gold!”
Of course it bloody is – everything that comes out of my mouth is gold!
The advice was this:
Don’t let your personal biases and opinions stop you accepting good advice or implementing good ideas.
Obnoxious Ego Maniac Whose Mum’s Thinks He’s Funny
I think I’m a good example of this.
A bird, a plane...no, it's Super Idiot!
- Oodles of people don’t like my writing style.
- Others think I’m an obnoxious dickhead.
- Some think I’m an ego maniac.
- A few (thank you mum and dad!) think I’m funny.
- One or 2 think I know what I’m talking about when it comes to marketing.
Don’t let your personal bias toward me stop you from taking on board and implementing some good advice you might find here.
After all, with:
you’ll probably find at least 1 bit of decent advice.
Cheers
Brendon
A few years back I made a move to USM (they run the massive Noosa Triathlon) to be their web guy.
They turned me down saying they were happy with who they had.
Noosa Tri Exec Not So Happy Now!
This from an email they just sent:
“NOOSA TRIATHLON ENTRIES DELAYED
As at midday today the decision has been made to shut the system down due to our web providers not finding a resolution to the problem this morning. No entries are being accepted today. Entries have simply been postponed and the event is NOT full”
NahnahnahNahnahnahNahnahnah!
Told them they shouldn’t switched to us! ;o)
Just kidding.
And bugger – the crash would cost them many thousands of $$$.
If you have a massive site that gets a ton of visitors and sales all in a rush, you just have to make sure your servers are up to it.
And if they aren’t, then get it fixed and move on (and as pissed as the USM guys are now with the situation, shit does sometimes happen. No-one died.).
Cheers
Brendon
First the quick recap on this little web site marketing series.
Step 1 – Added Google Analytics to your web site
Step 2 – Made up a simple web site marketing plan
Step 3 – Started implementing various search engine optimisation strategies (that is, stuff to help your web site get listed higher in the search engines)
Step 4 – Added your web site to Google Maps/Local/Places
Step 5 - Gotten involved in your niche community
Step 6 – Harness the power of social media
Now most of the above relates to online type marketing of your web site.
But here’s the thing.
Offline Marketing Works – Especially PR
Offline marketing – specifically public relations – is amongst the most successful sort of marketing I’ve ever had impact on my own web sites.
PR is so effective because it’s someone/something with 2 critical things giving you an independent 3rd party endorsement – that is, they’re saying they trust you and their audience should do.
The 2 critical things the media have is:
- a huge audience
- credibility
If you can get your product/service so remarkable as to be newsworthy, then it’s a chance to get a run and generate massive publicity.
Publicity Gets Results
Publicity results in credibility, widespread awareness and sales.
Lots of sales.
So get your business/story/product remarkable and approach the media to see if they’d like to run with it.
My old publicist was the brillant Chelsea McLean (Chelsea mainly does book publicity now, but she has some terrific information over at her web site.
You’ll find an interview I did with Chelsea over here on Tailored Podcast.
You’ll also find a few bits of information on generating media interest on this site here, here and here on how to be a media star.
Cheers
Brendon
It can be hard to build a working relationship with customers or suppliers.
But there is 1 very simple step that helps a lot: Beer.
Yep, beer.
Boags Premium Beer to be precise.
My beer fridge - How the hell did soft drink & water get in there??!
You see, Dan Rippon does computer repairs in Tweed Heads and beyond.
And Dan’s been appreciate of some information and inspiration I’ve given him over the years.
So yesterday Dan called in with a carton of beer and to say thanks.
Dan Has Tapped Into A Powerful Strategy
By calling in to say “Thanks for your help” Dan has tapped into 3 very powerful techniques.
1. Rewarded behaviour gets repeated.
2. People like people who like them – Dan’s demonstrated he likes me by giving me a gift and saying thanks. (He also said “Man, you are sooooo good looking Brendon! I wish I looked like you!” (Get in the line Dan, get in the line.))
People are more like to buy from people they like.
3. Social gifts (like beer) gets shared. By me being able to share the beer makes me feel good and most of that goodwill is attributed to Dan.
It also means his generosity gets mentioned by me a few times and that helps build his brand in my head.
Dan’s Nice Touch
Now, Dan knows I’m a Tasmanian lad.
He also knows (I presume) that Tasmania has the finest beer in the world (as well as food, women, cricket teams, actors, writers and more).
If It’s Tasmanian It’s Good
Basically, if it’s Tasmanian you can bet your ass it’s good!
So that’s why he bought me a carton of Boags finest.
And I noticed he bought the Tasmanian beer and assume he put some thought into it.
And $$$ too, because Boags Premium is one of the more expensive beers.
I like Dan’s style!
More positive brand building in my perception of Dan.
Smart Marketing
Saying “Thanks” can be one of the most effective marketing strategies you can implement.
But here’s the thing – you can’t say “Thanks” and give gifts as part of your marketing campaign because people will see it for what it is – a cynical grab for your business.
Give gifts and say “Thanks” because it’s just plain good manners.
Thanks again Dan and cheers!
Brendon
P.S: And Dan gets added benefits like a blog post and the mention that he does computer repairs at Tweed Heads.
Here on the Gold Coast (and elsewhere) there has been some debate regarding the local Hooters Restaurant sponsoring a local footy club’s Under 16 team.
The Hooters restaurant chain here in Australia markets itself as a family restaurant (Hooters has traditionally been perceived as scantily clad buxom women serving food – basically a Tittie Bar with food!).
An opportunity to learn - or just a bit sleazy?
So, is Hooters restaurant an appropriate sponsor for a Gold Coast Under 16s sports team?
My answer to that is an overwhelming “Yes”.
Lessons Learned
The message the team is getting is simple: They’re being sponsored by a local business. The team is getting a simple lesson in sports sponsorship.
That’s easy enough.
Many other commentators in the debate have focused on the perceived objectification and sexualisation of women and how this sponsorship encourages that.
The effect could be quite the opposite I would have thought.
The footy players would have almost certainly received some informal mentoring from club officials regarding the appropriate behaviour with the young ladies cheering from the sidelines.
I’d venture to suggest club leaders, and that includes leaders within the team, would have stern words with someone whose inappropriate behaviour towards the sponsors team members.
Terrific Opportunity To Learn
It’s a lessons in the respectful treatment of women and it provides a terrific opportunity for the boys to learn that just because a woman wears tight clothing, doesn’t mean she should be demeaned or devalued in any way.
The opportunity is there to learn about the person behind the shorts and skimpy top – supporting these lads to see attractive women as fun, caring and supportive people.
Not objects.
I’m sure these Broadbeach boys see the Hooters team as very positive contributors to their on-field success and appreciate the value the restaurant and their hard working team bring to the club.
Better behaviour, more appropriate behaviour comes about as a result of education and demonstration.
Not addressing an issue leads to ignorance. And that’s not going to help anyone.
Cheers
Brendon
Half the battle for TV shows and celebrities is keeping their brand in the public eye.
A pro at this is Dannii Minogue. Another pro is Simon Cowell, he of American Idol fame.
A story in today’s media is a wonderful example of how these 2 have managed worldwide publicity over something that’s a non-event.
Under a heading:
Minogue could be bumped from show due to baby
The story talks about how Dannii Minogue “could face being axed as a judge on X Factor because her baby is due in the middle of auditions for the British TV talent show.”
What a great little story to get some attention.
Implying that Dannii could be axed because she is having a baby is sure to raise the hackles of every female reader. After all, that’s an outrage!
So the (non) story gets good coverage everywhere and Danni Minogue, Simon Cowell and their TV show gets more attention.
Simple PR – find an angle that will interest/outrage people and you’re away.
And Dannii Minogue has as much chance as being axed from that show as I have of winning it.
What’s your angle? How can you get yourself or your business some attention?
Cheers
Brendon
Back in December I wrote a blog post titled “Crisis Management Means Doing The Right Thing“.
I detailed the case of a drug cheat helping his team to victory and how the Club of the guy using the drugs didn’t do the right thing.
Well, looks like today finally some sense was brought to bear with the Club being stripped of the win.
About time.
How the hell the Currumbin Surf Club (which is just down the road from me) allowed this issue to get resolved by being ordered to forfeit the title, medals, etc is beyond belief for me.
Cheers
Brendon
