marketing 101
Shit My Dad Says
I arrived home last week to see a UPS package sitting on the porch. "Hmm from Amazon, but the addressee information said, 'Mike The Animal Johnson'".
I was pounding my head trying to think who this would come from. I had a lot of nicknames in my past but this one had me pondering. I opened the package to see this. . .
I was tickled to see this book (by Justin Halpern) because I had run across it but would of never bought it. Also inside the package I found out that an old friend of mine (Dan Rooney) from Tacoma, WA had sent me this. Dan like myself was raised Catholic and we bonded pretty well because of our similar upbringings (except he is 5 years younger). He used to laugh when I told him stories about my father "Keithy". It was definitely an unexpected gift that tells me there is something about myself that stuck with Dan to have him think about me. I think that people remember me because of the crazy personality that I have. To make people laugh is a great gift.
I saw that they are making a sitcom out of the book next fall (and originally from blog by Justin Halpern). The father, Sam Halpern, is going to be played by William Shatner (which is a perfect fit). My only critism is that because it is on syndicated television swearing is at a minimum and it will lose some of its effect.
I spent most of last weekend reading it. It was hilarious and I could see myself sounding like this in my old age. I just hope & pray that my cute little daughter doesn't get the great idea to move back in with us. Oh Gawd!
© 2010 Michael Johnson - Inkspot Graphics. All rights reserved.
Ugly Signage - Poor Typography
I have an apprentice (Chris R.) that works for me on a part time basis that is attending Portland State University's graphic design program here in Portland, OR. Occasionally we would go out on field trips to see some of my vendors/strategic partners. When driving around town she would point out to me and say, "Have you ever noticed that there are alot of crappy signs out there?"
It made me thing that in the last five years I take it upon myself to really notice the environment that I am in and the branding/marketing of clients in those areas. When working as a prepress operator I never really took the time to notice what was going on around me.
She is currently taking a typography course and has a heighten awareness of branding and typography. I reminded her that our primary focus is to help our clients represent their brand in a professional manner. But I also pointed out that I have had clients that I couldn't convince otherwise (no matter how much I hit my head against the wall). If I can just convince them to tweak just one part of their brand then maybe I can continually work on them for change. It is always part of my responsibility to sell a better concept/idea. My client always will have their say in the end but my company's value is my experience and education. That is why I will take the time to research my client's business, who their competitors are and who is their target market. Alot of this information will aid me in designing a quality product that will help them grow.
Have you noticed any "crappy" signs lately? Take a photo and send me the best ones.
© 2010 Michael Johnson - Inkspot Graphics. All rights reserved.
Small Businesses can learn from Umpires Apology
Recently, local Portland native (and Major League Baseball umpire) Jim Joyce made a questionable call at first base which resulted in disqualifying pitcher, Armando Galarraga's perfect game in Detroit vs. Cleveland.
He went to the dressing room and asked to see the replay. After reviewing, Jim the play he decided that he had made the wrong call. He went the the press conference after the game and apologized in tears, saying, "I just cost that kid a perfect game, I blew that call."
MLB offered him the opportunity to take the next day off (because they knew that the Detroit fans could create all kinds of havoc with him). Jim told them that he was going to work that game and confront everyone head on with his head held high.
Jim went out to the pregame meeting the next day and the Detroit Tigers had "the almost perfect game pitcher" Armando Galarraga come out to represent the Tigers. The two men shook hands and Jim told Armando how sorry he was. Jim was in tears again and to the surprise of all the media, the crowd was supportive to both umpire and pitcher. Jim not only got the respect of the Detroit fans, but also of Galarraga and the majority of baseball supporters because he immediately came out to tell everyone that he was sorry. He didn't wait to come up with some excuse, nor did he need anyone to cover-up for him.
Moral of the story: Make the apology immediately after you have discovered your error. You will be respected and given another opportunity to prove yourself.
Besides this story having the marketing connection I have some interest because I used to umpire softball for twenty five years and know some of the feelings that was going through Umpire Joyce. I found out that I got more respect when I came forward and said "Sorry, I missed that one" rather than sticking my chest out and denying any wrong doing.
© 2010 Michael Johnson - Inkspot Graphics. All rights reserved.
