Are You Marketing Like the Masses? If so, STOP!

I’ve often heard it said that if you want to be successful in any endeavor, first look at what the masses are doing and then do the opposite. More specifically, I like to look for ways to market myself and my business which set me apart from others, make me stand out, create an impact on my potential customers or current customers.

One of my favorite things to do is to send an unexpected card that lets someone know I was thinking of them and that I care, something that makes them feel special, and definitely, something that brings a smile to their face. I have found a great website www.holidayinsights.com. This website lists important dates and holidays by month. I’ve listed an example of August holidays below.

Here’s how I use this unique holiday info to reach out to people in my circle of influence. As you see, August is National Golf month. Well, I have several clients and friends who are avid golfers. So I am going to send them a fun and creative, golf-themed card. You also see that the second week of August is National Smile Week. I have a couple of really great “smile” cards that I will send out to thank a few people in my life who are always bringing a smile to my face. I will also send some cards out with the intent to bring a smile to the face of some folks I know are going through hard times. And then there is Friendship Week and Friendship Day in August. Wow! Have I been blessed with some incredible friends. You better believe they are each going to receive a card letting them know how much I value and appreciate their true friendship. On Book Lovers Day, I am going to send a card and a book to a few people that I know are avid readers. You get the point. And all of my dog loving customers and friends are sure to receive a cute and cuddly puppy dog card on Dog Day.

I hope you have fun finding creative ways to reach out to your circle of influence, customers and prospective customers. When you send out positives to people, it comes back to you ten fold. You’ll definitely make an impact and create some loyal, raving fan customers along the way.

Of course, I like to utilize greeting cards as one of my major touch points. If you’d like a fast, easy, affordable way to send cards and gifts, visit www.sendoutcards.com/mbs. You can even send a few cards for free.

Unique Holidays in August

Month:
• Admit You're Happy Month
• Family Fun Month
• National Catfish Month
• National Eye Exam Month
• National Golf Month
• Peach Month
• Romance Awareness Month
• Water Quality Month
• National Picnic Month

Weekly Events:
• Week 1 National Simplify your Life Week
• Week 2 National Smile Week
• Week 3 Friendship Week
• Week 4 Be Kind to Humankind Week

Daily:
1 National Mustard Day first Saturday
1 National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
2 National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
2 Friendship Day - First Sunday in August
2 International Forgiveness Day - First Sunday in August
2 Sisters Day - First Sunday in August
3 National Watermelon Day
4 U.S. Coast Guard Day
5 Work Like a Dog Day
6 Wiggle Your Toes Day
7 National Lighthouse Day
8 Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day - now that's nasty!
9 Book Lover's Day
10 Lazy Day
10 National S'mores Day
11 Presidential Joke Day
11 Son and Daughter Day
12 Middle Child's Day
13 Left Hander's Day
14 National Creamsicle Day
14/15 V-J Day - which dare do you mark the end of WWII?
15 Relaxation Day - now this one's for me!
16 National Tell a Joke Day
17 National Thriftshop Day
18 Bad Poetry Day
19 Aviation Day
20 Chinese Valentine's Day/Daughter's Day - 7th day of 7th Lunar Month
20 National Radio Day
21 Senior Citizen's Day
22 Be an Angel Day
22 National Tooth Fairy Day - and/or February 28
23 Ride the Wind Day
24 Vesuvius Day
25 Kiss and Make Up Day
26 National Dog Day
26 Women's Equality Day
27 Global Forgiveness Day
27 Just Because Day
28 Race Your Mouse Day -but we are not sure what kind of "mouse"
29 More Herbs, Less Salt Day
30 Frankenstein Day
30 Toasted Marshmallow Day
31 National Trail Mix Day



To Your Success,

Melissa Guthrie
MBS Development Group
Relationship Marketing Specialist
Tel: 1.800.775.0712 ext 7013


Developing Business Relationships To Last a Lifetime!

What is so Great about Word of Mouth Marketing?

I would venture to say that anyone who is in business or sales has heard that the most powerful form of marketing is “Word-of-Mouth” Marketing and I would also venture to say that nearly everyone would agree that it is true. What is so great about “Word-of-Mouth” marketing?

First of all, it is working for you without you know it. You may be at the office bogged down with paperwork, while one of your happy customers is out to lunch with three friends telling them how wonderful you and your products are. The three friends are now motivated to contact you. Your customer was working for you without you even knowing about it. That is called leveraging yourself.

Secondly, your customer is viewed as having credibility with his or her peers for two reasons. Your customer has experienced your product or service and the results that correspond and your customer is most likely trusted and respected by his or her peers. As a result you, your products and/or service have credibility in the eyes of the “friends”

Thirdly, “Word-of-Mouth” Marketing its FREE! You didn’t have to pay your customer in advance to go out and tell people about you and your products and you don’t have to pay them after the fact either. Your happy customers are a free sales force. With the hundreds and even thousands of dollars spent each month on advertising that doesn’t pan out. It is hard to beat free advertising that comes with credibility.

How can you increase your “Word-of-Mouth” Marketing? The key is to provide exceptional customer service by under promising and over delivering. Give the VIP treatment. Find creative ways to add value to your customer’s lives. Remember your customers on special occasions like holidays and most importantly, their birthdays. Stay in front of your customers often by a variety of touch points including telephone calls, email, greeting cards, and as appropriate in person. Express appreciation to your customers often – send thank you cards after they’ve made a purchase and any time they send you a referral. Finally, remember to ask for referrals. “Ask and ye shall receive…”

To Your Success,

Melissa Guthrie
MBS Development Group
Relationship Marketing Specialist
Tel: 1.800.775.0712 ext 7013


Developing Business Relationships To Last a Lifetime!