When in doubt, throw a party!

When in Doubt, Throw a Party!
By Dave Tester

As a marketing and sales expert (I would rather be referred to as a lead generator) the most common question I get is: “What’s the best form of advertising?” My simple reply is: “The one that works!” It sounds simple but most business owners looking for advertising aren’t really sure what or how to use the medium they select. An over-zealous sales person may be pushing something on you and not explaining how it works. Or you may have heard the web is the way to go and without the proper strategy and tactics the mission of generating new leads for your business will fail.

Here are my favorite five tips when it comes to marketing your business or product:

• Tell a great story! We all love to hear how people got where they are and how they decided to start the business.
• Find a need. All the marketing in the world won’t help you sell a widget that people don’t want. My advice is to ask customers what they want to buy from you.
• Focus, focus, and focus. Who is it you want to tell your story to and what do you want them to know about your product.
• You’re brand is a promise to a customer. Make sure you keep your promise every time.
• Price, quality and convenience. Not necessarily in that order, but good notes to remember in your marketing message. You have to prove your value when they come in the door.

Here’s my million dollar, top-secret marketing weapon. When in doubt throw a party. It sounds simple, but people forget to do it and do it often. Invite prospects in to try your product and make it fun for them to use and, of course, purchase. The price of admittance for your party: bring a friend along.

So now it’s your turn to tell a great story when someone asks you what the best form of advertising is.