Let Them Eat Cookies!

Archive for the ‘Ummm Marketing’ Category

Let Them Eat Cookies!

Nov
2008

Just when I had some of the worst rash of customer service experiences occur over the last week, I return from a trip to California to find a package containing my recently-ordered ClothMoth t-shirt, a tribute to Mother’s Cookies. Okay, so the packaging wasn’t any great shakes, but they did send it USPS Priority Mail, making it here to me only about two days after I ordered. LOVE that. Enclosed, the shirt was packed in a plastic wrapper and my shirt was neatly inside. The big unexpected WOW? A snack pack size of Circus Animal cookies, which as you already know, I believe are little nuggets of delishiosity. (my word, you can borrow it…) I got a little nervous by the “Best by date”, but somewhere I read these have a very long shelf life. I’m not sure that will be an issue, as I’ll probably promptly inhale them after this next cup of java.

So, to the folks at Cloth Moth, thank you for restoring my faith in customer service with your small token in this purchase. If only all companies I ordered from would make similar gestures. Small giveaways are sometimes the simplest and most appreciated things you can offer your customers, in addition to your terrific service and great product. Just think of all the praise that would come your way if you implemented something like this small business did.

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The Cammi Brand

Oct
2008

My Daugher with Cammi Granato

This past weekend, Cammi Granato was inducted into the USA Hockey Hall of Fame, along with Mike Richter, Brian Leetch and Brett Hull. If you don’t follow hockey, these names might mean little to you, but that’s okay, I’ll cut you a break and get right to the meat of this post. During her whirlwind tour around the Denver Metro this past week, Cammi took part in a hockey event at the Apex, home to the Arvada Girls Hockey program. In attendance were numerous girls from all over the metro, skating, eating, and laughing. One would not really be thinking of marketing in such a setting, but the business person in me could not help but think about it.

Imagery that Doesn’t Work

Oct
2008

Putting this out on Twitter, I was suprised at the number of people who thought typical, “safe” images were just fine for their website marketing, and even their other collateral. This blogpost by Jacob Cass does a superb job of exposing the reason why they really aren’t a great choice, and in fact, why they really might be a complete waste of your marketing dollar.

Boring...

Ingenuity At Play

Oct
2008

Does this beer make me look fat?

This morning I was reading an article about a couple of University of Colorado at Boulder graduates who invented a contraption called the, “Booze Belly.” At first glance, it seemed like a dorky toy for frat boys and tailgaters, but what occurred to me (and likely them) is what a cross-section of customers they could really reach. Imagine how many applications something this simple could have and not only that, what types of things could be developed from this idea? Kids with “Juice Bellies”, runners with “Water Bellies”, and so on. What has been made isn’t a revolutionary idea, but it’s one that has taken things a couple steps further than the ordinary “Camel Back” you see hikers running around with. It’s also less conspicuous and than the traditional flask or the not so traditional refillable binoculars. (google it, they exist.)

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Getting Your News Through Twitter

Sep
2008

A few nights ago, I was in a workshop at Boulder Digital Arts, with terrific instruction being provided by Brett Borders. The topic? Social Media Marketing. One question asked was, “What is one reason you use Twitter?” The expected answers of “for networking” and “keeping in touch with friends” were there, but the first thing out of my mouth was “news”. When I came back and looked at my “follows”, it dawned on me just how much I must like the news. Well, that’s part of it.

Whittling Down All The News Into Bite-size Nuggets

Whittle Down All The News Into Bite-size Nuggets

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Twitter Me This

Aug
2008

This week for some reason has brought this topic of discussion up time and again among my clients, and being an advocate of social networking, I thought I’d add some resources today for people still on the fence. This is a short article by Lisa Cruz on the subject, but it really sums things up nicely: If the big players are doing it, why on earth wouldn’t the smaller players follow suit and maybe even be the frontrunners? It doesn’t get any more level a playing field than free and easy. Early adopters have spotted the value, and Business week also has a nice blog on the subject, with plenty of feedback from readers.

The point is not whether it works (it does, even if you’re not using it yourself for fear, thoughts of it being a kiddy tool, or you think you’re too busy to market in this way), but whether it will work for you. The answer is, “if you work it, it will work” Really.

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Sample This

May
2008

Every 6 weeks or so, I receive a catalog from a company that offers different types of skin and makeup products -they’re called DHC. Some items actually have olive oil in them and remarkably don’t cause breakouts, but instead leave your face completely clean and smooth. However, this is not a testimony to the product line (which seems fabulous IMHO) but more to their way of marketing.

Outside of pen, calendar and other promotional product companies, these folks are the only ones I can think of that send real samples of their items, usually their best sellers (simply genius move!) and they also include samples of your choosing in your order. The samples are small for sure, but they do give you a micro-glimpse of the power of their products. It’s the ultimate “try before you buy” example and for me, one reason I continue to do business with them. As a business, what kind of “trial offer” can you provide your potential or even current customers?

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Archive for the ‘Ummm Marketing’ Category