Which Road Would You Take?

I came across another ad rep that referred to the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost.  So I decided to "google" it to see what it said. The poem ends with 

...I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. 

I have spent some time lately trying to think of new ways to market different categories of businesses.  There are some categories that seem to advertise the way they always have, yet admit they see little results from it.  This is where I like to explore new ways of reaching their potential customer or client.  That is the really fun part.  The really hard part is finding a great solution and realizing my client, is a little nervous to take the road "less traveled".  Everyone wants to have the new idea and be the first to do it, but in reality, it can be scary.  Sometimes fear can hold us back.  I will never forget what a friend said to me once...I had been offered another job and I really wanted to take it but was really nervous about it because I feared the unknown.  He said, "Have you ever met anyone that got ahead without taking a risk once in a while?"  Needless to say, I took that job!

“People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

—	John Maxwell

Mind Currency by Duane Chistensen

Have you made a deposit lately?

I'll try anything once!

"I'll try anything once." You've probably said that at some point in your life and if you haven't said it, I know you have heard it. As a small business owner it is easy to get sucked into the excitement of getting your name out there. You find yourself buying a spot on calendars, fancy magnets and phone book covers. Maybe you have purchased booth space at every show that comes to your area. Don't forget newspaper, TV, cable, radio, direct mail, door hangers. You believe in your product or service and by golly, you know everyone else will too. Bad idea. Be strategic with your marketing dollars. Who is your audience? What do they look like? What do they like to do? Why would they need you? Then ask those sales reps that are beating down your door, "how can you help me?" What demographic can they reach for you? What would your message sound like or look like? Ask for them to show you how many people will hear or see your message. Where did those numbers come from? Ask them what you can expect if you advertise with them. Ask the right questions so you can put your dollars where you will get the biggest bang for your buck.

Scan to go mobile with me!

How will you handle $4 gas?

The question whether to advertise or not to advertise during a recession has been asked over many years, and the evidence indicates that advertising during a recession is smart business.