Marketing Idea #19: Perfect Your Powers of Persuasion

Marketing Ideas Public Speaking

Hone your public-speaking skills. Join Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org). As you move onward and upward into the business community, you will be called upon to give presentations before groups (one of the best ways to be perceived as an authority on your topic). Being proficient and persuasive in communicating ideas and stories before an … Read more

Marketing Idea #24: Volunteer for Local Nonprofit or Charity

Marketing Ideas Volunteer

Volunteer for a local nonprofit group or charity. Maybe you have something to offer by volunteering on an advisory board. Maybe you want to climb into the trenches and help on the front lines. Whatever direction you choose, be sure your efforts are a reflection of the values you hold close to … Read more

Marketing Ideas #59-66: Event-Goers Love Attention to Detail

Marketing Ideas Event Attention to Detail

Don’t skimp on the small stuff when you’re producing an event. People will always expect certain things, and if they’ve paid to be there, they have a right to expect those things. #59: If you have an event or seminar, provide beverages, a coat rack or coat check, and snacks. #60: Validate … Read more

Marketing Idea #58: Promote Your Cause with the Local News

Marketing Ideas Partner with the Local News

Contact your local TV and/or radio stations about teaming up to produce special events and programming around your issue. You and your partner stations might consider creating news stories on key issues in the community, while also sponsoring city hall forums, fairs, and other outreach events. The goal of partnering with your … Read more

Marketing Idea #46: Throw a Party

Marketing Ideas Throw a Party

Whether a holiday or a “client appreciation” party, getting your clients together in the same room and collectively thanking them for their loyal patronage can help you make clients (and friends) for life. Depending on the nature of the organization you operate, you may also have key staff members available to assist … Read more

Marketing Idea #67: Sponsor Local Programming

Marketing Ideas Sponsor Local Programming

A great way to get your organization’s name into the local community is to sponsor or underwrite a local news program, whether television or radio. Make sure the media station (and format) you select is appropriate for your target market. For instance, if you’re looking to reach an older crowd, maybe you … Read more

Marketing Idea #71: Offer Editorial Comment

Marketing Ideas Offer Editorial Comment

Often, radio stations will set aside time in their news schedules for taking public comment on important issues. Begin by calling the news directors of your local radio stations and asking for the chance to offer your editorial comment. (Make sure you have a good sense as to whether they cater to … Read more

Marketing Idea #43: Tips to Make Your Grand Opening Successful

Marketing Ideas Grand Opening

To make your grand opening successful: schedule it during high-traffic times (if your location allows for it), throw a big grand opening sale, offer food (make this appropriate to the clientele you are seeking), provide a tent for seating outside, send a direct or email mailing the local market, offer demonstrations of … Read more

Social Media Gone Bad: I’ll Like Your Page, if You Like Mine

Marketing Ideas Social Media Backliking

An interesting thing happened to me the other day. In the course of performing routine search engine marketing tasks, I received a message from someone who had just “liked” one of my Facebook fan pages, Marketing Ideas 101. The message read: “Hey, I just liked your Facebook fan page! Please like mine … Read more

Marketing Idea #104: Host a Field Trip

Marketing Ideas Field Trip

A great way to gain exposure and provide entertainment is to provide public tours of your facility. This is especially powerful for agriculture, arts and history, manufacturing; essentially, any place where something is grown, created or built. Try not to schedule such an event around any deadlines or busy periods you might … Read more

Marketing Idea #8: Selling Online (Do It)

Marketing Ideas Order Online

Make sure your customers can order from you online. If they can’t order from you online, make sure they can order by phone or by fax. You’re in the business of making it easier for your customers to do business with you! Your challenge is to analyze how easy it is for … Read more