3 Things I Learned about Marketing while on Spring Break in Arizona — #3

 

#3 ELEMENTS at THE SANCTUARY  

We shared an exquisite dining experience with a good friend from Paradise Valley in the Phoenix Area.  He treated us to an incredible night at Elements Restaurant at The Sanctuary!

I ordered a side item  thinking it was one thing and it turned out to be another thing!  Has that ever happened to you?  

The waitress asked how I liked it and I told her directly that it was not at all what I thought it was…she apologized and later came back “out of the blue” to inform us that there would be “no charge” for the side item.  This was totally unexpected from my viewpoint, but as a result, here I am now telling this very positive story and experience about them!  

So…as a small business owner, always look to surprise your clients and customers in some way!  We will remember and tell others!!!

3 Things I Learned about Marketing while on Spring Break in Arizona — #2

#2 MARRIOTT VACATION CLUB

As an owner for a number of years now, we thoroughly enjoy our time at the Marriott Vacation Club in Phoenix!

What did I learn from Marriott about marketing?  A lot…but simply put…they take care of you and always want to know how they are doing and what else they can do for you!

So…as a small business, it is important to continue to ask your clients and customers how you are doing and what else can you do for them!

Create both a formal and informal on-going feedback system of some kind!

Stay tuned for #3!!!

3 Things I Learned about Marketing while on Spring Break in Arizona — #1

#1 IN-N-OUT BURGER

One of our favorite stops is IN-N-OUT BURGER!  

Why? Great burgers and great fries!  

What makes them so great? Fresh beef  and fresh cut fries!  

But is it that simple…what makes it so attractive from a marketing standpoint is they offer only 3 items: BURGERS, FRIES and DRINKS!   That’s it!  

SO…they specialize!  They have created a niche for themselves by narrowing their focus and offering the “best in burgers and fries!”

Stay tuned for #2 and #3!!!

ARIZONA GOLF & MARKETING?

I recently had the good fortune of a “quick trip” to Arizona for three days of golf!  What fantastic weather and fantastic friendship and fantastic golf!  Of course, not my playing, but the golf courses which are some of my favorites. 

I have been making annual “treks” to Arizona for over a decade now and it is interesting to witness “firsthand” the change in the marketing of golf there.  For years, like much of the national economy, it was booming and all one needed to do was to design and build a golf course, and “they would show!”

Given the latest round of economic  “stuff,” the courses are now emphasizing service and packaging of services more than ever!  For example, one course, offered a substantial discount off of  a golf cap or golf shirt as part of the greens fees.  Never seen that before!  Another included lunch as part of the greens fees.  Never seen that before either!  And..another included a bucket of range balls, free cart, and free lunch!   Never seen that before, either!

My, how the times have changed!  The prices have not necessarily changed, but “these add-ons” enhance the value of the package…I highly recommend that for small business owners…don’t necessarily raise the price, but “expand the package!”  I love working with Small Business Owners in the Chicago area to assist them with “packaging their services” as a part of their Small Business Marketing System!