How are your client's going to remember you?
I have a friend of mine that asked about creating a logo and web site for a new company that has a eco-friendly cleaning service for both residents and small businesses. Jean and her sister, Colleen, joined forces to build a business where they could reap the rewards of running a successful company.
We had a couple of meetings to discuss their strategy and business model. I was very honest with them about there being a lot of competition in that industry with a community (Portland, OR) that is very concerned about our environment. We began pounding out ideas for their business name and finding a good (memorable URL for their website). I kept telling them that there are tons of "GREEN businesses" that have the same generic names that people will forget. "You need to do something defferent that will stick in your potential client's head."
Then all of a sudden, Jean said, "Well you know, we were thinking about having all our employees wear custom toolbelts that are made of green leather." We could call it "Greenbelt Cleaning Services".
"What? Wait a minute, that is great idea". We started brainstorming and found that the URL was available. They want to get electric cars or hybrids and get them covered with auto wraps so that they are recognized around the city. We discussed their competition and how their websites are not interactive. There potential client base is going to want to identify with the people that they let into their homes & businesses. There needs to be a high level of trust. They can only begin this communication by getting in front of their clients and the way to do that is to use video on their website. They were excited and I sent them the website of a strategic partner that creates professional videos for a reasonable price.
We discussed other marketing ideas for their new business. As the meeting progressed they discussed the green products that they would be using and this amazing vacuum cleaner that does a million and one things. WOW, now it is clicking. . .
Colleen said, "But you really know, it is
© 2010 Michael Johnson - Inkspot Graphics. All rights reserved.
Quote from Harvey MacKay about Sales People
This was sent me from another good friend of mine (Rob) that works in a marketing department for a local business.
"Anyone, any salesperson, can get one order, but the mark of true salesmanship is not to get one order but to get and keep an account. You can exaggerate or actually make misrepresentations and you can get an order. That takes no talent whatsoever. It takes an enormous talent to be able to keep a customer."
Something to ponder. . .
© 2010 Michael Johnson - Inkspot Graphics. All rights reserved.
Using Brand to attract impulse buyers
Starbucks has done it again . . .
I found this Starbuck gum package in my wife's car. It is crazy! Must have cost ten times as much to make the packaging as the actual gum itself. I do have to give their marketing department a little credit, it does say "recyclable where available" on back of metal container. But who in their right mind knows where that is!
I haven't been into a Starbucks lately, trying to support that local communty businesses. I am sure that they have quite a collection of products next to the cash register for the impulsive buyer.
Unfortunately, my wife doesn't look at the price! Only $1.95.
© 2010 Michael Johnson - Inkspot Graphics. All rights reserved.
Oregon Arts Summit 2010
New Tools, New Ideas & Tested Practices . . .
will be this year's theme put on by Oregon Arts Commission. I am definitely pumped up for this one day conference on Thursday, October 7th, 2010 at the Nike campus in Beaverton, OR.
I attended last year with my studio partner (Jeff White of Radiant Imagery) and we heard some very inspirational people. I cannot think of money better spent. It is brainstorming for artists & to better our society.
It starts as a powerful think tank of professionals in the artistic arena that want to push the next generation into collaborating ideas to better our society. I will keep you posted on the motivational speakers that share their stories of helping future generations collaborate with the arts.
How to be Creative by John Cleese
My thanks to Mitch Ditkoff & his blog, The Heart of Innovation, for finding this great video of John Cleese (Monty Python) on Creativity.
Starbucks vs. McDonalds - Sometimes bigger isn't better
I subscribe to Simon Sinek's Blog "Re:Focus". Great marketing perspective.
This post is why big corporate companies fail in their marketing efforts. I really enjoy pushing the small community "mom & pop" businesses.
I would encourage you to soak up this great article.
