Advertisement Ideas: Beyond Basic!!!

It was closing time at my job and I was asked to do the closing announcements. I was pleased to do the closing announcements as I enjoy them and have been told that my voice is incredible and people enjoy my announcements. I guess I went a little too far outside the box as after one of my announcements a sales manager told me I needed to keep it basic. I said okay and toned down the rest of the announcements. As I left the store and walked to my car I kept thinking that is the problem with Corporate America today as they are keeping it basic and lacking creativity. This thought kept permeating my thoughts and I started to think that it is time for companies across the world to go beyond the basic and do things that people will remember. I have come to realize that in my over 40 years of working for a variety of businesses the ones that were successful were the ones that went beyond basic. I worked for a sports memorabilia and apparel that decided to put together a street team and go to sports bars and youth sporting events to promote their business. Many scoffed and said it wouldn’t work the owner did it any way and a result his business revenue increased as he became the store that was on the top of the mind of the consumer when the sought memorabilia and apparel. Doing things that are unique and different that go beyond the basic is the way to go so that your business will be remembered in a positive way.

In a world where people are still using inserts and direct mail be the one that becomes a leader by being creative in your marketing approach. Look for new and innovative ways that will allow you to move beyond basic. Recently the store I work for did a round up fundraiser for The Pediatric Cancer Foundation where we asked customers to round up their purchase to the next dollar and that money was then donated to The Pediatric Cancer Foundation. I suggested that instead of just asking that we should give out a yellow ribbon with the company name followed by the word cares on them when a customer donated and encourage them to put the ribbon on and post a photo on social media and we would enter them into a contest to win a gift card to the store. I was told good idea but corporate handles that. Later I found out that of the local leadership team wanted to do this they could have. I was amazed but then again I realized that I had a sales manager tell me to keep it basic. If you keep it basic you are going to lose out on opportunities to strengthen your brand and increase your revenue.

Be open to new ideas as the person bring them to you may have a way to implement the idea and make it work. I recently made a suggestion to a charity that I volunteer with about doing min-helmets with their logo on them and using them as a fundraising incentive. I was told we have our own incentive program and people has shown they like apparel over anything else. I replied that in my 22 years I have accumulated enough branded apparel and that a mini helmet would be welcomed change and that I am sure there are many that would raise funds to earn the mini helmet. I did the math 144 mini helmets (The Minimum Order) at $15 plus shipping given to those who raise $200 or more would bring in a profit of $25,920. The mini helmets could then be displayed at volunteers homes or offices creating a conversation piece and thus possibly engaging more people and raising more funds. The organization still hasn’t adopted the mini helmet idea and recently reported that their donations are down. The reason is because they are keeping it basic and not being innovative or creative or listening to ideas that stretch the imagination.

I watch shows like Bar Rescue, Restaurant Impossible, and 24 Hours To Hell And Back and I wonder why many of the business owners don’t stay with the concepts that the successful business people coming to help give them. The answer is simple they are too concerned about keeping it basic that they do not change. If you do not go beyond basic you will continue to struggle. It is time to listen to people and find ways to go beyond basic.

Advertising Ideas: Going Down!!!

Retail needs sales to entice consumers!!!

In today’s retail environment where more retailers are relying on online sales than ever before they need to entice the consumer to visit their brick and mortar locations with sales. This has created an drop in overall sales as consumers are now programmed to wait to make a purchase as they know that the item will go on sale soon. There was a time in retail when a sale was special today it seems that sales are happening each day which drives business however when items are off sale they don’t move as the consumer has gotten so used to getting the sale price that the first words out of their mouth when they encounter a sales associate is can you do better on this price. I encounter this daily in my job as a retail sales associate as people will come to the register and ask can I get more off or I have more coupons can I use them? I say to them everything is programmed in the computer and if you are allowed to use other coupons it will show up then. The reason retail is going down is partly due to the over proliferation of sales and the reduction of profit margins.

Customer Service will either make you or break you in a retail environment.

In all my positions with retail stores over the years I have striven to deliver exceptional customer service as I have come to realize that all it takes is one bad encounter to ruin the 1000’s of good encounters. I have been a customer in places where I waited for what seemed forever for someone to come over and acknowledge me. I have also been an employee and witnessed other employees not engage with customers until they were approached. As an employee I will greet the customer make sure they are being helped and finding everything okay and if they aren’t being helped I will do my best to help the customer. I recently had a co-worker tell me don’t interact with customers outside our area as we don’t make any money on those sales. This co-worker has been with the company for awhile and I thought wow aren’t we taught to engage every customer. I generally greet the customer see if they are being helped if they aren’t I tell them I am from another department but I will do my best to help them and If I can not help them I will find someone that can. Unfortunately on some days it seems that the store is understaffed and as a result the customer service is lacking thus many customers may be leaving the store without making a purchase thus creating another reason for in-store retail sales going down.

In many cases the reason sales are down in-store is due to decisions that executives have made not realizing that what may work at one store may not work at another store in a different market. This biggest mistake some corporate executives make is trying to have a national program not realizing that many consumers in different areas fall into different buying patterns and various socioeconomic groups. In Florida for example what sells in Boca Raton may not sell or be appealing to the market in Plantation. Sometimes an executive makes a decision without thinking everything through and when the sales are down as a result they do their best to justify their decision. Recently a local large retailer who had an extensive selection of mattresses decided to take out many of the mattresses and put in furniture. As a result the sales in the department are down despite selling some furniture but not enough to justify taking away the large array of mattresses that they once had. Sometimes it is important for executives to listen to the sales associates who are dealing with the customers on a daily basis as what looks good on paper is not good when implemented and as a result your overall sales diminish. If you are going to be a leader in the retail market space you must have a pulse on what is happening on the local level. This can be hard if you are a large retailer with 450 stores to oversee however you must be aware that what works in Manhattan, Kansas may not work in Manhattan, New York. Many times it is important to empower and inspire those on the front lines who are in the local market place.

Another reason why your retail operation may be down is due to having too much of your capital tied up in inventory. I have observed many large retailers with excess inventory yet the buyers keep buying the products and sending the products to the stores where they sit in a store room for months. This is why inventory controls are so important. I recently had a co-worker tell me the computer may say there are 6 available but that may not be the case as the availability only updates once a week. I thought wow a big company that doesn’t do a perpetual inventory or a just in time system so that you can free up money to drive traffic and strengthen the brand. I then played this scenario, a customer calls and you check availability you say you have the item and when you check the physical inventory it isn’t there and the customer shows up anticipating that they are going to be able to pick up the product but can not because you don’t have it and they leave. Do you think they will talk positively or negatively about their experience with the store? Make sure you have the inventory for the customer but at the same time don’t have too much stock that your money is tied up in inventory. Have a tracking system and stock your stores accordingly.

Don’t let the sun go down on your retail business because you were not able to satisfy the consumer, control your inventory, deliver excellent customer service, take advice from those on the front lines daily, able to adapt to the local market place. The reason your sales are down can be attributed to many factors so take a deep look and what you are offering and create a reason for the consumer to do business with you.

Advertisement Ideas: Oh No Mr.Bill!!!!

Many year’s ago there was a character on Saturday Night Live, Mr. Bill and he would get into all types of difficulty and would exclaim oh no!!!! Today(5/21/2019) my day morphed into a Mr.Bill type day leaving me to wonder how do some businesses manage to thrive despite their management team. The day started off on a good note as I was out collecting donations for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life most everyone was nice but there were some that simply don’t understand the importance of relationship building and building strategic partnerships. I understand most places I went they didn’t know me and that I was interrupting the flow of their business however it doesn’t cost anything to be kind. I went into Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and they are very good supporters of Relay For Life and I appreciate all they do for the cause however today they dropped a few notches as The Manager said I couldn’t go table to table to collect so I asked if I could stand outside the restaurant or if we can set up a day to simply do a collection she said no which I didn’t mind. What I did mind was the manner in which she talked with me she seemed to think I was beneath her. If only she knew the reach I have and how I could be a great ally. I encountered this no soliciting allowed attitude in many places that I went and I thought wow you are cutting off your nose to spite your face. I thought this way as I would have done a live video( My last Live Video had over 1100 views) and promoted the restaurant given the restaurant a good review and strengthened a business relationship. When I went to Habit Burger I simply disobeyed the GM’S wishes and was successful as one patron gave me a $20 donation. I later called their corporate office and had a nice interaction with the marketing director who in turn sent me details to host a Give Back Night there. I told her all The GM had to do was say we don’t allow soliciting however we do offer a way for your organization to fundraise here is our flier how to set up one of our Give Back Nights. The gentleman at McCallister’s were very arrogant and condescending as they told me no. I can accept a no even if I don’t understand why anyone business would say no to someone who has a proven track record of over 20 years of fundraising for The American Cancer Society. They could always take a minute and check out www.relayforlife.org/sunrisetamaracfl and see I am The #2 fundraiser with over $4500 raised.

Had the people in leadership roles at these restaurants taken a step back and seen the big picture perhaps their sales would have increased a bit. I have come to learn that there are always going to be those are so worried about complaints that they simply have programmed themselves to say no to everything. Many times they simply don’t see the benefits that someone brings to them and are so set in the ways that they lose out on the many opportunities that are presented to them.

I know going uninvited and putting people on the spot may not be the best way however many times it works and people respond in a great way like the time the hair salon owner said sure you can make an announcement and one of the patrons donated $40 or the time the ophthalmologist asked what type of donation I was looking for and I answered whatever you are comfortable with and he wrote a check for $100. Yes I have encounters some people who made me feel like Mr. Bill however I have also encountered people who have shown respect and appreciation for what I am doing. I have come to understand that not everyone is as advanced in the sphere of cause marketing as I am and many times employees of larger corporations are not empowered or inspired to think outside the box.

So the next time someone comes into your business seeking support you should look at the benefits and be open to what they are doing for they may have a large following that can become your client/customer. Imagine if the managers and general managers of businesses were empowered to do local area cause marketing how much more profitable a business would be.

A few years ago I approached Hungry Howie’s about supporting The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and Xavier was very happy to help and donated 10 large pizzas and each year since has supported our effort to help those touched by cancer. In return Hungry Howie’s has gotten my business and promotional videos and an outstanding revenue. I share this to show you how to avoid those Oh! No! Mr. Bill moments in your business.

Advertisement Ideas:Surprise, Surprise. Surprise!!!

The other day (4/3/2019) I was meeting a friend for lunch and we decided to meet at Delvecchio’s in Plantation, FL. I showed up a bit early for our meeting only to be surprised that they were closed during what would have been regular work hours. I called another location to find out what was happening as many times things happen and the business would reopen. I was told that the owner decided to close this location permanently. The person on the phone simply said they could keep up with it anymore. I found this a bit odd as they are located near a 55 plus community, have office buildings across the street, are next to an elementary school, and down the block from a middle school, and have a high school near by this location. As I went next store to Subway to eat with my friend I started to think about Delvecchio’s and how many other businesses like Delveechio’s close because they do not market daily. I am surprised by how many business owners I encounter who are not open to receive ideas about strengthening their brand and increasing their revenue. So many times a business owner get’s so wrapped up in the other aspects of the business that they forget the importance of marketing and advertising. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise if you are not marketing you are losing a large segment of the market as they are going those that are on the top of their mind. It is imperative to know your community and how to reach the potential customers/clients in your community. Knowing you target audience and how to reach them and have them do business with you is key.

In order to avoid putting the closed for business sign up permanently you need to develop a Unique Selling Proposition. It is important to set yourself apart from every other business in your industry. Think of business and what they became known for and then follow their model in your business. When you think of McDonald’s you think of The Big Mac, when you think of NIKE you think sneakers, when you think All State you think accident forgiveness. The key is having something that you are known for that others in your industry don’t have. Ask yourself what do I have that is proprietary to my business and how can it put me on the top of the mind of the consumer. Then ask yourself how will I market this Unique Selling Proposition.

The key to marketing is to build raving fans that will share your business with others. I remember working at Sinbad Sports back in 2016 and taking fliers to all the sports bars and speaking to General Mangers who allowed me to hand the fliers out to their patrons in return I allowed them to put fliers in the store. This allowed me to share a unique selling proposition as the sports store with all teams available. Another Unique Selling Proposition was the fact that the store had me as a knowledgeable employee able to answer questions while also promoting the store on social media. I remember during football season on Thursdays I would make my NFL Picks and post them on social media. I did this using different merchandise and showing my picks via video. At Sinbad Sports we also had items that you couldn’t find anywhere else thus I made it a point to feature them as well. I share this to emphasize the importance of marketing and engaging your staff in the process.

It is important to get to know your customers and to make them feel welcomed and important. When some one does business with you give them a reason to continue to do business with you. Do unique things like finding out their favorite food and then getting a gift card to a restaurant that serves that type of food to give to them the next time they come in. When you do things for your customers and they feel appreciated they will not only continue to do business with you they will share your business with others. Surprise, Surprise, Suprise, customer service is important. Remember they chose to do business with you so give them a reason to keep doing business with you and to recommend you to others.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise without a structured advertising and marketing plan you will find yourself throwing good money after bad and eventually this takes a toll on your business as many times it leads to closing the business permanently. Sometimes there are other factors why a business closes however one of the most common reasons is lack of marketing. Marketing is very simple find the problem that your business solves and then promote your business to those seeking to solve that problem. Make sure you know your niche market and target your advertising and marketing to them so that you strengthen your brand and increase your revenue. Marketing should be done daily.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise you can not have results if you are busy making excuses. I have heard so many times that oh business is slow I can’t afford to market. My answer is instead of complaining think of affordable ways to market. If you have some down time in your business hop on social media and invite people to do business with you by offering a special. When I worked at Celebrity Sports I would do videos and send them out and post them in groups. On some of the days doing this brought in a few people who told me I didn’t plan on coming y but I saw your video. On days that I wasn’t in the store I was out in the community finding people who liked sports or knew people who liked sports as a result I picked up a few regular customers. My Unique Selling Proposition was that I could do auctions on a consignment basis with non-profit organizations which helped them raise money while putting the store in front of the consumer so that when they needed something sports or pop culture related they though of Celebrity Sports 1st.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise you need a knowledgeable marketing person who can build your brand and increase your revenue. You need someone who will be proactive and help you stay ahead of the curve so you are the leader in your industry not a follower. It is important for you to empower this person to make decisions. You will need someone who understand your business and has your best interest in mind. You will need someone that seeks and acts upon opportunities.

Avoid having to put this sign up by making marketing and advertising a priority.

Advertisement Ideas: Missing The Boat!!!

I am amazed about how people go about things in business that I think many are missing the boat. Today (3/6/2019) I went to a job fair to meet with the 2 large radio station companies in the market so I could leave them my demo cd. The first one I went to said oh we are sponsors of the event and I don’t know what to do with this. I responded it take it back to the station and give it to your program manager. She looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language then again to her maybe I was as this is South Florida after all. I walked away thinking this is a job fair and your company didn’t bring someone from human resources. I am a firm believer of you never know who is coming to your table or through your doors so be prepared for every case scenario. The other radio company had their director of traffic there who gladly took my demo tape and asked me to follow up on line. I even had the opportunity to give my demo tape to The Florida Panthers Human Resource Director. I share this as networking is a key component to being successful. When you put yourself out there you are going to meet people who can be of service and value to you while you can be of service and value to them. The key is to be prepared and have your people prepared so you don’t miss the boat.

Many times I call on businesses to support my charitable endeavors with The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and many times I encounter those that are missing the boat as they don’t understand the concept of cause marketing or they don’t want to hear how someone can be of service and value to them. Today (3/6/2019) after attending the job fair I stopped by a plaza to go business to business to promote The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and also collect donations. Most every business in the plaza was receptive however there was one that was a bit arrogant and non-receptive, Catering By Joel’s Place. This is the same business that I called a few weeks ago to get a quote for a party that I was hosting and he never returned my phone call. He stated I have been in business for 27 years and everything is by appointment. I told him then maybe he should keep his door locked and that he was leaving money on the table. He said I don’t need you telling me what I am doing. I said thank you and I left. As I walked out I thought wow here is another closed minded individual missing the boat for he didn’t even want to dialogue with me. I understand he doesn’t know me and doesn’t know about the 8000 people I reach on social media or all the events that I am involved in or people that I know that possibly could do business with him. His arrogance and lack of being open to listen now earned him a negative review and lost me as a potential customer. Remember that every conversation has opportunity and to not miss the boat by being arrogant or too busy to talk to someone.

I used to take my Grandmother, when she was alive, to Monti’s and the food was good. I was in the area yesterday (3/5/2019) promoting The American Cancer Society Relay For Life at about 10:45 AM figuring it was prep time for lunch i stopped in to see if they can help me. The 1st words out of the gentleman making pizza was I am too busy for this. Another gentleman came up and reluctantly gave me a dollar and told me to leave as they were too busy. I left thinking again another business that is making money but could be doing better if they weren’t missing the boat about being kind to anyone who comes through the doors. I share this with those who own businesses to make sure you are treating people who are coming into your place of business with respect as you never know who they might be and how they can either affect your business positively or negatively. I fully understand that I am coming into these businesses unannounced and uninvited however I have been doing fundraising this way for over 40 years and have have had much success. There is a huge value in engaging with people especially someone who knows and understand cause marketing.

If you are going to stop missing the boat you must go out and share who you are and what you do and why people should do business with you. You were born to be on the boat and have that boat reach its destination for success with you on board. Stop missing the boat and realize that everyone that you come in contact with can be of service and value to your business. Sometimes it is as easy as simple hitting the street and sharing your business or non-profit activities with others. Be bold and get on board your boat to success.

Advertisement Ideas: It Is All About The Benjamins!!!

In business it all comes down to the bottom line of how much revenue are you producing and how much of that revenue is profit. In our society today it has become all about the Benjamins. It is important to know why you went into the business you went into. Once you find your why you can begin to generate a whole lot of Benjamins. Many people I come in contact who have a business do not understand that you need to invest in a solid advertising and marketing program so as to generate the Benjamins. I have walked into many a business and been the only shopper there and I thought how is this business surviving. The other day I stopped by a store that I used to work at and in the 1 hour I was there they had 0 traffic. The fact that they are located in a busy shopping plaza behind three sports oriented bars and due to the merchandise they have they should have been busy. I asked how sales have been they said a bit on the slow side. I did notice a buy 1 get 50% promotional sign at the entrance. I thought how are they letting people know they are open and making this great offer? In a matter of minutes I had formulated a plan of action that if the owner was receptive and willing to make a small investment could work in driving traffic and being on the top of the mind of the consumer. They have incredible merchandise however if no one knows they are there and no one is shopping in the store they will not be making many Benjamins. I thought they need brand awareness so I did a quick live video which is something they should be doing daily with a featured item of the day. They should create a tag line that is easily remembered and entices people to shop there. They could implement some type of cause marketing program as consumers like to support businesses that they perceive to be giving back to the community. They had an item that I really liked and I thought why are they not advertising is sports memorabilia publications and featuring this item. They recently placed an ad for a social media marketing intern for $10 an hour. If you are serious about creating a buzz on social media and acquiring customers and turning them into loyal customers it is going to take more than paying someone $10 an hour to do social media marketing. If you want to make Benjamins you have to invest Benjamins. Make sure that when you have a retail store that your associates working the floor have top notch customer service skills and that they are creating buyers not browsers. Ask questions get to know the people coming into your store. Treat every customer as though they are the most important person walking into your store.

If you are going to attract Benjamins to your business and create a nice profit margin you need to have a plan that is proactive. Sometimes it is necessary to go back to the old school way of doing things and hit the street talking to people that are with in 3 feet of you. For example you have an eyeglass store you should go out and everyone you see wearing glasses you should hand them your 4″ x 6″ card showing who you are and what you do and why they should do business with you. Make shure that when you planning that you include your unique selling proposition or point of difference so people know what sets you apart from everyone else. Look at who you are seeking to attract and where you might find your ideal customer and then formulate a plan to bring in those Benjamins.

If you want to learn more about strengthening your brand and increasing your revenue so you have a good flow of Benjamins please attend the OLD SCHOOL MEETS NEW SCHOOL MARKETING WORKSHOP in October. Look for more details coming soon. For a $50 investment you will receive a video interview, a promotional one sheeter, and a tailor made press release to help you in your quest to strengthen your brand while increasing your revenue.

Jonathan JDOGG Lederrman has been helping businesses to grow for over 20 years and has a proven track record of success as he possesses a keen ability to find the essence of a business and come up with easily and affordable marketing programs that will build brand awareness while also increasing revenue. Businesses that have listened to JDOGG have had success. STAY POSITIVE!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Have A Heart!!!

As someone who has been involved in the non-profit and for profit sector for over 40 years I believe that I possess the ability to help many businesses to have a heart. Having a heart means being kind to everyone who comes into or calls your business for you never know how that person can be of service and value to your business. In all your advertising you should be showing people that you are a business with a heart by showing what organizations you are supporting as people like to do business with those that they perceive to be giving back to the community.

The majority of consumers want to know what you are doing to support causes. In educating them about the causes you support you build their trust and they feel like they know you. People like to business with people they know, like, and trust and one great way to get people to like you, know you, and trust you is to support the local causes in your community.

I have seen where having a heart increases business. I was The Sports Memorabilia Manager at Sinbad Sports in 2016 from May until October and I made it point to donate items to local charities when they asked. The owner had to be convinced that this was a good idea so I showed him the stats as I tracked where sales were coming from and I was able to show an increase in sales. In my final month at Sinbad Sports we did $12,000 in sales and I was responsible for $10,000 in sales as I was beginning to build a following simply from donating a few items to local charitable organizations. In using cause marketing in every position that I have held I have been able to show the community that the businesses I represent have a heart and thus the brand awareness improved and the revenue increased. The key is to have a heart and be willing to give as it opens the channels to receive.

Recently I approached Riddell Helmets about donating mini helmets to The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. They said yes and set mini helmets from The Steelers, The Giants, The Patriots, The Jets, and The Dolphins. have been using them to raise funds for research, education, advocacy, and services to hep attack cancer from every angle. As a result when I am ready to purchase mini helmets I am going to go to a store that sells them or order them directly from Riddell. When asked what regular football helmets to buy by the football teams I announce for I will be saying Riddell. I use this as an example of what can happen when you have a heart.

After a little prodding Wilson Football showed they have a heart as they sent 3 Superbowl LII Footballs to use in the fundraising efforts for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. In doing so they have received some positive publicity as well as recommendations from leagues that I announce for to purchase their official game balls through Wilson Football. In having a heart Wilson increased its visibility and revenue as people have now heard the story of how they came through to help those touched by cancer and as a result have made purchases of football related items.

One of the best ways to show that your business has a heart is by partnering with a local organization and donating a percentage of sales back to the organization. This brings people to you that normally would not patronage your business and allows you the opportunity to cultivate new customers/clients. In having a heart and showing that you care you will grow your business and word gets around that your business has a heart. Remember there is no substitute for kindness.

The National Association of Basketball Coaches and WWE sent items to use in the fundraising efforts for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. As a result they have gained some positive publicity. In giving you open up many opportunities to put your company in a positive light and reach an audience that maybe you did not think about before. In being open to say yes and finding a way to be of service and value to the community you will see that your revenue builds and your brand is strengthened.

It is time for you as a business owner to stop making excuses and find ways to say yes. Think about it there is always something your business can do to help the community and as a result you will help your business. It is when you give that you receive a return ten fold.

I am reminded about the first time I approached Hungry Howie’s for a donation and how receptive Gabe was to donating 10 pizzas. Since that day I have been a loyal customer and they make their money back just off of me not to mention the countless people I have sent t them. It is when you help others get what they want that y find success.

The other night I stopped by my local Subway and mentioned Relay For Life and they asked what they could do and I told them we can always use food items. They said they would donate 100 cookies. Guess who will be getting more of my business.

It is now time for you to find ways to show that you have heart and to show the community that not only are you taking money from the community but you are putting money back into the community.

Advertisement Ideas: More Things That Make You Go Hmmm!!!

Advertisement Ideas: More Things That Make You Go HMMM!

I was scrolling through my social media feeds and I started to think if people spent less time on what politicians were doing and concentrated more time on building their business where they might be. This was one of the things that made me go hmmm!!! Over my 40 plus years of assisting non-profit organizations and for profit businesses in building their brand and increasing revenue I have encountered many people who have made me go hmm. Just the other day I was at an event and I offered to make announcements to help create a bit of a buzz at the event. Now anyone who knows me knows how great my voice is and how I can bring any event to life and create excitement and engage a crowd. I was told oh we have that covered. This made me go hmmm as I thought you have one of the best emcees in the area offering to help you with your event and you say no. Then there was the vendor who immediately said I am not interested which really made me go hmmm as I thought here you are selling spiritual jewelry and you have someone who has a spiritual blog www.the-spiritualawakening.com and who could have helped you to reach your desired target audience and you were closed off to even listening or engaging in a conversation. This made me go hmmm because I know that by engaging people you can build your brand and increase your revenue as you never know who that person may know or how they can help you. As you do business think about the moments you may be creating where people are going hmmm and as a result are not doing business with you and going down the block to your competitor. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: More Things That Make You Go Hmmm!!!

Advertisement Ideas: One Oh Crap Ruins A Thousand Accolades!!!

Over the years I have come to learn that every interaction you have in a business is important for all it takes is one bad interaction to create unnecessary challenges for your business. I have come to learn that you never know who you may be interacting with and how they can positively or negatively impact t your business.

Yesterday (8/22/2017) I encountered a situation that got me to asking why the hate? Here I was reaching out to a business owner, Mike Artz of Collectables in Hobart, Indiana and this was his response via a Facebook. Wouldn’t it have made more sense for him to simply write thank you for reaching out to me I wish you much luck in your effort however at this time I am unable to support your project. Think about how you are responding to people and it will tell you why you may be struggling in your business. If this is how he responded to me how many other people has he responded to in this manner and how many of them have not done business with him and share their negative experience with others. In today’s marketplace it is imperative to be nice in all encounters so that people are moved to do business with you. At the end of the day the only thing that endures is your character.

I looked up his profile on Manta.com and buzzfile.com and saw he had $68,000 in annual sales so I can fully understand if he politely said no to supporting the effort to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

He obviously forgot the first adage of business that Kindness Counts. I simply did what I have been doing for over 40 years and asked a business owner for support of a charitable cause. I never expected this type of response. This only goes to show us that our marketplace needs to be taught compassion.

Mike Artz: WHY ARE YOU POSTING ON MY POST THE FOLLOWING

JDOGG: I was hoping that you could help me with an endeavor that I have undertaken to help those touched by cancer. I am The People Lead for The 2018 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sunrise. I am hosting POINTS FOR THE CURE FOOTBALL EDITION on November 12. I am doing this to honor the memory of my mother who was called home to GOD on July 5, 2012. I am seeking chance drawing items for this event. Www.relayforlife.org/sunriseflwill show you how we did in 2017. The shipping address is 9141 Sunrise Lakes Boulevard #102 Sunrise FL 33322. Thank you for supporting the effort to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Mike Artz: what a tool that you had just become !!

JDOGG: I posted because I have reached out to others to support The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and POINTS FOR THE CURE FOOTBALL EDITION in this manner and have had much success.
I have found that when you support others they support you.
Already for 2018 I have hosted a Spirit Night at Tijuana Flats that raised $157.24. I hosted a Give Back Night at Bru’s Room that raised $168.90. The money raised funds research, education, advocacy, and services.

Mike Artz:whom gives a fuck !! you commented on my post!1 create your own post v/s slamming others. no wonder why you can not find a job!! you can’t follow rules!

JDOGG:I have a few gigs which are usually on the weekend so I was looking to work during the week. What I posted was not spam it was a simple request for your assistance to help those touched by cancer. In return you would have tapped into my network and possibly moved some more merchandise.

Mike Artz:i don’t give a fuck !! remove it from my for sale posts now!

it has not a damn thing to do with what i am selling !! its called phishing & scammin!

JDOGG:You can delete it. I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise.

Mike Artz:fuck off !

get a job on your streeet corner!

you need medical help i will call 911 down in florida !

JDOGG: It is funny Mike that you have resorted to name calling and using profanity. Remember GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise.

Mike Artz: sunrise florida

JDOGG:I have work that is very rewarding. I hope you have a great rest of the week filled with much peace, love, joy, and prosperity.

Mike Artz:go to hell & stop typing you cock sucker!

JDOGG:The Sunrise PD is a supporter of Relay For Life of Sunrise. Again I wish you much success in your effort to sell your merchandise. It is unfortunate that we couldn’t be of service and value to one another.

I share this with you because it seems as though hatred and bitterness has permeated the market place and civility has gone out the window. By the way you can call Mike at 219-942-2632 and let him know that he missed out on an opportunity to be aligned with someone who has a nice social media following and who promotes those who support his efforts to help those touched by cancer.

Now think about it the next time someone approaches you for support because you never know the reach that person has and how they can impact your business. In this case all the accolades that Mike Artz may have built up are gone because he will never see my business and those that read this article may think twice about doing business with him.

Image result for marketing and public Relations

As an experienced marketing and public relations consultant the 1st thing I teach my clients is to be kind in all that they do as you never know how that kindness will be returned. Imagine if Mike Artz had been kind in saying no I may have still recommended that my colleagues who collect sports and pop culture memorabilia contact him to see what he is selling. The lesson to take from today is that all it takes is one oh crap to ruin a thousand accolades.

Advertisement Ideas: Burn The Box!!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Burn The Box!!!

It is now time not only to think outside the box but to burn the box and release the contents that may be stopping you from maximizing your brand awareness and revenue. In the 40 years that I have been working with non-profit organizations and for profit businesses I have noticed something that those who struggle have in common and that is they get stuck in their ways and do not adapt. There is no reason today for anyone to struggle. The reason you may be struggling is that you allowed yourself to be caught in a way of thinking that hasn’t allowed you to move forward in a positive direction of your goals. I have heard so many times over the years that I don’t have money to advertise or I’ve tried everything and nothing is working. This mindset is what is keeping you trapped in the box and why you are falling short of your goals. It is time to burn the box and go from limiting beliefs to limitless beliefs.

It is time to put all of your limiting beliefs into a box and burn the box then spread the ashes as compost and then begin to change the way you go about doing things. When you think you don’t have money to advertise you need to turn that into I will find affordable and effective advertising methods. I recently came into 19 boxes of books from assorted genres as a result f a death in my family. Instead of saying oh I don’t have the money to advertise theses books I found some free resources like sell and trade groups on social media and started posting photos of the books. I also decided to donate 50% of all book sales to The American Cancer Society Relay For Life Of Sunrise. As a result I sold 4 books today (7/15/17). I still have a condo that looks like a used book store but I am finding ways to let people know about the books and as a result I am moving the books and helping a cause that I believe in while also turning inventory into cash. When you burn the box and release the stinking thinking that is stopping you from manifesting the life that you want you will find that you begin to attract more peace, love, joy, and prosperity into your life. It all comes down to having the proper mindset when it comes to raising funds for charity or running your own business. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Burn The Box!!!!