Black Marketing
Nice, but VERY naughty.
Last month a pub taught me a lesson.
Their new customer loyalty program is inspired.
Unfortunately, it’s also illegal.
That aside, this story flags a wellspring of ideas from which we can draw.
Beer O’Clock
It was a cold, huddle-at-home night that required just a couple more beers.
I braved the rain to the only place open [...]
Radio. Get ‘em Where They Live!
Radio ads are cheaper than you may think.
Radio ads are so cheap and effective, I’m amazed clients don’t use them more often.
They’re particularly useful when your audience is remote, passive or oblivious to your existence.
Radio is great fun to do. And because people choose to listen, it really gets them where they live.
Here are [...]
The Power of Under Promise
Bali ain’t all bad!
And now a happy Bali tale; with a business lesson.
We’re dining at Jimbaran Bay.
A few metres away, roving musicians Take it to the Limit One More Time for enthusiastic backpackers.
Lean dogs edge close to tables, but are driven off by restaurant staff.
Ring Tones
Suddenly our table is ringed by blue shirts, [...]
Achieving the balance in business
Today we welcome back Malcolm Owens to Small Business Owner…
Working in small business can lead to feeling apart from the wider world. Time and achievement demands weigh heavily. Always frantic, balancing current workloads with the flow of new business, time at work and home. Never relaxing, always busy, trying to get ahead. A [...]
Cheesy Grin
Here’s a good-news story.
The other week I had lunch at my Dad’s.
On removing one of a trio of cheeses, I spotted a card in the bottom of the box.
It had a nice look, a classically grabby headline, a friendly tone and a sense of humour.
It told a winning, honest, educational and unusual story.
Call
I was much [...]
Little Things
Not all recruitment firms are the same.
Yeah right!
Speaking of recruitment agencies, when Andrew told me his was ‘different’, I took it with a shovel of salt.
Having dealt extensively with job consultants as a client, supplier and candidate, I’d formed the strong view that in this field:
Confidence
Expertise = Infinity
But when Andrew [...]
Magic Fauxments
Is it him, or me?
From age nine, I was called a miserable cow, so-and-so, ratbag etc.
These appellations stuck and, as a mature businessman, I’m never sure if my world view is jaded or accurate.
So I’ve prepared a simple test.
You be the judge.
Half-Yearly Jubilance
Christmas in July is nearly here! (or is it Christmas in [...]
Girls on Film
How a medium-sized enterprise
captured its audience.
We’ve lately focussed on the small in small-to-medium enterprise (SME).
Let’s look at the medium.
This report details how a hotel executed a very good client/prospect event.
The vehicle?
Sex and The City 2.
Invitation
Fonnie received a suitably sparkly invite and, when I agreed to go with her, accepted with [...]
Bible study
Do you believe your industry ‘bible’?
Most industries have a directory of suppliers and service providers.
Often, this large book is referred to as the ‘bible’ of its sector.
I’ve been in my industry bible for many years.
In that time, the listing has gleaned some website hits, few inquiries and no custom.
It’s true my entry is modest.
Almost ethereal.
Yet [...]
No means YES!
Truth is best. And good guys can finish first.
For ten years I never said ‘no’ to a client or prospect.
The other day, I did.
Contrary to my deep fears, the consequences have been wonderful.
I can’t wait to naysay again.
No dice
I was really busy with a big job for a fabulous new client.
This unusual combo saw [...]
