07.2010 buzz on a budget
DESCRIPTION
Originated for M-State in Detroit Lakes, MN as a presentation to entrepreneurs; Buzz on a Budget focuses on personal branding and social media as means to boosting awareness of a company\'s image/brand/offerings.TRANSCRIPT
Buzz on a BudgetBranding and positioning in a competitive market.
A-Train Marketing Communications
~ The old ways of relying only on ad placements don’t work anymore
~ Marketing is both expensive and difficult because everyone is competing for attention
~ Setting yourself apart is critical – what makes you unique?
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
Today’s marketing is changing…
~ Stand out and distinguish yourself.
~ Build a business-generating reputation.
~ Clearly define what you do…both verbally and visually.
~ Strike a chord with your message and image.
~ Illustrate why you are the absolute best choice.
So how do you remain competitive?
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
It starts with a great “message”…
~ Determine who you are and what makes you unique.
~ What is your key differential? (why are you the absolute best choice in the market place)
~ What is it about your character that can help others remember and identify with you?
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
How do you ensure that your message
is effective?
~ Be brief and to the point.
~ Know your audience! Consider who you are selling to.
~ Try to warm the heart and convince the mind.
~ Consider what you are really providing.
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
What about creating a
winning image?
~ Differentiate yourself!
~ Your image should align with the clients you want.
~ Be professional.
~ Consider creating a personal logo.
~ Don’t skimp on style.
~ Remember that every impression
you make is part of your brand!
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
Start creating some buzz!
~ Get others to talk about you.
~ Make yourself known to the media. (Make yourself newsworthy)
~ Build a business-generating reputation
~ Stay on the radar.
~ Good PR is a long-term investment.
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
What activities can support a
business-generating reputation?
~ Sponsorship
~ Volunteerism
~ Pro bono work/in-kind donations
~ Fundraising (donations, funds, challenge grants)
~ Cause-based or cause-related marketing
~ Be the expert / critical resource
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
How can new technology support a business-generating reputation?
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
Social Media can be an asset …
How can new technology support a business-generating reputation?
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
Use technology to increase “fandom”…
~ Add Value: Stand out by providing value-added services consistent with your reputation for excellence
~ Drive loyalty: Reinforce relationships with personalized, interactive content to reinforce your brand, and ultimately make the experience “all about the client”
~ Use Consistent / appropriate communication
A winning brand…
~ Is the product of a great image and message.
~ Is memorable.
~ Is easy to understand / makes sense.
~ Is visually sophisticated and professional.
~ Is consistent in everything that you do.
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
10 ways to get attention…
Prepared by:A-Train Marketing Communications, Inc.
215 West Oak, Suite 800A ~Fort Collins, Colorado 80521970.419.3218 ~ www.atrainmarketing.com
1. Use your business as a vehicle for community involvement.
2. Launch a new product or service.
3. Hold an event or celebration.
4. Hold a contest.
5. Sponsor an award.
6. Host or sponsor a special event.
7. Create a commemorative month or day or make a holiday yours.
8. Expand your business in terms of staff, space, or knowledge.
9. Take a poll or conduct a survey and publish results.
10. Be authentic and leverage your values.