Memorial Day proof that Branding works!

Let's just say you're branding your business. You've consistently been on the air telling me about who you are, what you do and what's in it for me. You were talking with me 6 months ago. You were talking with me last week. You talked with me on Memorial Day weekend. You'll talk with me on Thursday, as well.

You're consistent, frequent & you're Saying Something Important to me. I like that, you're treating me with respect & one of these days, I'll shop you because you've earned my trust.

Or you could be the store having a "Memorial Week Sale", ramming it down my throat. Wait...say that again..."Memorial WEEK?" Yes, it's being done right now. Can't you just see it...they're in a conference room & the boss says "We need to increase sales" and the marketing guy says "Well, Memorial Day is just one day" and someone else chimes in "But we need to have a longer sale"...ta daaaaaaaa...."Memorial Week" was born.

I'm sure our country's veterans and families of those who've paid the ultimate price for our freedom appreciate that.

Here's my advice to you: assess your "marketing efforts" honestly. If they peg your customers Bull$#!t Meter, don't use them. This isn't hard gang...so why do so many folks get it wrong?

Stick with BigMouthAudio...you'll be okay ;)

What's your strategy?

Later this afternoon is the Ribbon Cutting ceremony for a new...

Insurance Agency.

Why would I even bother talking about the opening of a new insurance office? Because they've caught my eye & cut through the clutter of ad messages that assault me everyday.

First off, what do you think of these days when I say "insurance?" These days it's Aflac & Geico. They've spent millions of dollars to get their characters into your head...but do you really know what they're all about? I'll give Geico a bit of credit, they USUALLY say "Give us 15 minutes & we'll save you up to 15% on your car insurance" in their ads...but not always (I don't get that!) Nor do they always use the Gecko. Then there's the spot with the cavemen. Funny spot, but no connection with the rest of their campaign. The Aflac duck is even worse because while we may know their name, we don't know what they actually DO.

Back to my local insurance company who's opening an office this afternoon (3pm in Mooresville, NC if you'd like to stop by for a piece of cake). Vonda & Derwin (yep, I'm down south now!) run this office...ready for their slogan?!

"No Ducks. No Lizards. Just great insurance."

I like it. I understand it. It got past my brain's gatekeeper & I paid attention to it. It's a great twist on what we sometimes call the "un-strategy" where you say what you're NOT to describe what you ARE. You know what...I need new car insurance. Perhaps I'll give them a call.

Does your advertising do that for your potential customers? Want it to? That's what we do at BigMouthAudio.

Is your dilligence...due?

I had a wonderful teleconference with a client in South Bend today. Their plan is to begin taking on Chicago and they're considering several advertising options.

While they're in a relatively unique market, they do have competition in Chicago. Actually, that competition is loosely affiliated with them (the Chicago company is a distributor for some of their product). So, I asked them the question...

Why should I spend my money with you instead of them?

I applaud them for taking the time to investigate. Due dilligence is unfortunately too uncommon even though it's basic business theory...these folks will do just fine, I'm sure. They have big dreams, but most importantly, they're making the proper investment (and not just financially) to make their dreams reality.

It's all about strategy my friends. What's yours?