Is it Politics or is it Marketing?

Recently, in order to pass Health Care Reform Legislation, President Obama met with doctors at the White House.  Are these doctors wearing white because they are at the “white” house or because it is about politics or…really about marketing?   It is a powerful visual image of these doctors meeting with President Obama at the White House with their “doctor smocks” on as opposed to business attire i.e. dark blue suits, dress, etc.   He is “pulling out all the stops” (including marketing his legislative initiatives) as he seeks passage of such legislation.

Which has more “emotional pull” on you?  A doctor in their “practice smock” or a doctor in a business suit or dress?

Well…it’s clear by this picture which one President Obama believes is most effective!   He certainly knows a lot about politics, but he, also, knows a lot about marketing!

Think about the power of visuals in your business as well!  It’s the “little things” that really do count!

MARKETING = EDUCATION

What is so important about educating your prospective clients and existing clients? Listen to this 15 minute podcast as we discuss this on “Livin’ the Dream” Radio Show…Click Here!

Jack Buck?

“I don’t believe what I just saw!”

With apologies to Jack Buck, the late, great sports broadcaster, whose famous call of Kirk Gibson’s pinch-hit home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, captures perfectly, what I feel many times about small business!  It is amazing what Small Business Owners throughout Chicago are doing!  Creativity reigns throughout!  If you don’t believe in the future of American business, take a look at Small Business Owners and you, too, will invoke Jack’s famous call!

A Real Estate Guy Giving Me A Fresh Bag of Roasted Coffee?

I recently presented the “Seven Steps to Small Business Marketing Success” to the Business Executives Association in Chicago!  Great group! We had a very lively, interesting, and relevant conversation!

Before I presented each member had to tell what they do…one gentleman, got up, and personally carried to each of the other members a fresh bag of roasted coffee!  NICE!  (I love coffee! :-))…Ironically, I did not even “catch” what he did…all I can remember is his energy, enthusiasm, and love for coffee!  Is that important given that his real business is in real estate?  YES…

I will never forget him and…because of what he did, I sought him out after the meeting because I wanted to get to know him…I already liked him and had already begun to trust him…He was not just another real estate guy, but a guy I wanted to know and a guy whom I will remember!!! GREAT DIFFERENTIATION!

The Kobe Look!

If you are a sports fan, and particularly NBA fan, I am sure you are following the NBA Finals!  There has been much discussion about the “Kobe Look”…very intense and focused!  Certainly, Kobe Bryant (of the Los Angeles Lakers) is an extremely talented player, but what sets him apart beyond that (similar to Michael Jordan) is his INTENSE FOCUS and DESIRE TO WIN! 

What does this have to do with marketing your small business?  Three things…

1. INTENSE FOCUS…Focus intensely on your clients, customers, competitors,  and prospects!

2. DESIRE TO WIN…Don’t settle for “second best” and just “being there” (a la The Finals)…you are only there to win!

3. DIFFERENTIATE…Just like Kobe:  His “look” is like none others in the league!  Everyone knows what it means…I AM HERE TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO WIN!

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