Advertisement Ideas: Be Direct!!!

We have all seen this icon at one time or another indicating we have mail or a direct message. Most people respond to their email with in 24 hours while most people respond to a direct message within a few minutes so one of the keys to reach your audience through an effecting advertising campaign is to use the direct message features on your social media. In being direct and having a message with a strong call to action you will increase your conversion rate and thus create more revenue while creating a buzz about your business. As you choose to be direct with your message remember to use this feature during peak hours when people you want to reach are on their social media pages. I have found a message at 7:30 AM or 1:30 PM or 7:30 PM gets response as you are reaching people when they expect to be reached and are dedicating time to checking social media and responding accordingly.

On Wednesday (2/25/2015) I went on my Facebook Page and I saw friends on-line and I sent a message about my involvement with Relay For Life and asked them to visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jdogg2 and to make a $5 donation. As I reached out I received 1 donation for $10 bringing my total to $2059.61. I sent out about 20 requests so to get 1 out of 20 was not bad and I received some responses that people would donate at a later time, however I know not to count on promises. I’ll take a 5% return on a marketing campaign anytime. Let’s extrapolate some number and think if 1000 direct message are sent and 5%(50) respond with a purchase of $10 each you bring in $500 and also create an awareness about your cause. The key is to have a campaign that is relevant and resonates with the recipient with a strong call to action. Remember people will buy your why fast than they buy your what..

Years ago many successful companies would bombard you with many pieces of what people affectionately called “Junk Mail” but when getting a 1% or 2% return on an investment was a good thing for these companies. Today there are several direct mail magazines that I receive in my mailbox and I physically look through them and I personally use them to recruit guest for my TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com on Tuesday at 6:30 PM EST. Today in the electronic age the way we conduct business is changing and the concept of Direct Mail as now been adapted to reach potential clients/customers electronically with social media and email campaigns. The key is to have a campaign that is relevant and give the recipient a reason to do business with you. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Be Direct!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Let’s Get Social!!!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gaspare Marturano on my Blog Talk Radio Show, Get Motivated With Jonathan JDOGG Lederman, which is currently on hiatus and we spoke about the importance of being social not only on-line but off-line. As the interview ended I began to think how many people are missing out on opportunities because they are not interacting with others? I then thought how many are stuck because they are not open to receive? I further thought how many people are not expanding and growing because they are not taking action? I have come to the realization that in our lifetime we will encounter action takers or excuse makers. The question is which category will you fall into?

Years ago AT&T implemented a campaign with the slogan of reach out and touch someone. This slogan still resonates in business today because it is imperative to reach people with your message. Social Media Advertising is great however nothing beats the personal interaction of being able to look someone face to face and showing them how you can be of service and value to them.One great way to reach out and touch people is to get booked to speak at Chamber of Commerce Events, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, Jaycees and other community events where you can deliver a message that will build your brand and put you on the top of the mind of the audience so that when they seek products and services in your industry that they call you first. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Let’s Get Social!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Proactivity Leads To More Cash!!!

Today I received a great email offer for Tropical Serenity Massage and Spa who is offering a great special for every Monday in March and of course calling it March Madness. In sending this email out today they have planted a seed and I am considering going to the spa in a few weeks. In being proactive and implementing a timely marketing strategy such as an email marketing campaign you will be proactive instead of reactive in the market place and as a result increase your cash flow. I have a friend Heidi Richards Mooney who has a book Quirky Marketing Ideas that those who purchase and implement the ideas generally increase their revenue.

The key is to be proactive and have a strategic plan that will build your brand’s recognition and create a buzz about your business. For example look up National Hot Dog Day and revolve a campaign that incorporates that day. If you have a brick and mortar business hire a Hot Dog Cart and give out Free Hot Dogs and promote this is all your advertising. If you are a business coach find a restaurant that specializes in hot dogs and host your workshop there on National Hot Dog Day. The idea is to make a plan and work your plan so that you can increase your cash flow and strengthen your brand. In doing something special on these unique days you enhance the customer’s experience and they will come back and refer business to you.

Advertisement Ideas: Ways To Be Proactive And Increase Cash Flow!!!

Relay for Life is a huge community event that brings people together to help those touched by cancer by raising funds for research, education, advocacy, and services. This is a yearly event in many communities across America. If you visit www.relayforlife.org you can find a local Relay For Life In Your Area and you can form team, become a sponsor, or donate. The Relay For Life that I am The Fund The Mission Lead for is The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton, FL taking place on May 2, 2015 at Olympic Heights High School from 12 PM – 12 AM. If your business knows about this event now you can plan on doing things to become involved that will give you positive exposure in the market place. People like to do business with those they perceive as being involved in the community. A few years ago Hungry Howie’s Pizza supported my efforts in Relay For Life and as a result when I want pizza I call them. Their donation of 10 large pizzas for a pizza lap paid off as they picked me up as a customer and have had an advocate for them ever since. Think about it you own a business and you support The American Cancer Society Relay For Life and you mention that across your social media platforms, in your print advertising, in your electronic marketing, on all your print literature and all things related to your business. Attending a Relay For Life is a great way to network. By paying it forward and being proactive you will increase your cash flow. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Proactivity Leads To More Cash!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Watch What You Say!!!

Today’s entry was inspired by a conversation I had with a woman today (2/20/2015) who helps to market people’s business as I was seeking support for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life as I have a program where a business can donate $100 and in return have a track marker that would be seen by those participating in Relay for Life for the 12 hours of the event. She told me she only had 3 clients and they were all in Miami and not interested in growing their business. This took me aback because I know if you aren’t growing your business you are dying. She explained to me that she was content with her clients and that working was for her husband as she wants to spend tie with her kids. I admire her wanting to spend time with her kids but don’t tell people you can grow their business when you aren’t growing yours.

While on the phone today (2/20/2015) I encountered a man who told me business was slow and used many lack words in the course of our conversation. I told him when yu say business is slow the business will be slow because you create a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you use words like struggle you create more struggle. In business especially in advertising it is important to utilize the right words. When you are engaging with potential clients or existing clients be aware of the words you are using. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Watch What You Say!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Focus On Service!!!

This blog entry is inspired by my recent trip to Tijuana Flats in Lauderhill on Commercial Boulevard just west of University Drive for Tijuana Tuesday (Taco Tuesday). I placed my order and then realized I wanted sour cream and queso I offered to pay or it and the manager said don’t worry I’ve got that. I sat down and waited for my order and as I waited one of the waitresses asked me JDOGG how are you doing as she remembered me from a past visit. I thought wow not only do they have good food at a reasonable price but their customer service is amazing. I have been going to Tijuana Flats for a few years now and have hosted a spirit night with their Central Boca Location for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton. My experiences with everyone from the cashier to the server to the manager to the accounting department to the marketing director have been great. Tijuana Flats not only created a loyal customer they created an advocate for them in the community. I have often taught people in any business that when you focus on service and give value that you will find success. Tijuana Flats focuses on being of service and value and supports the local communities where they are located. They also have a great foundation to help the less fortunate in The Just In Queso Foundation. In fostering an environment that focuses on service they continue to thrive and grow. Ask yourself how you are focusing on service.

Advertisement Ideas: Customer Service – The Good!!!

It could just be me because I frequent The Springtree Starbucks in Sunrise, FL several times a week but I have found their customer service to be fantastic every time I have visited. They have always been friendly and receptive to me. I am also pleased that they also support community events like Relay For Life and allow me to put up information about the event. They also allow me to put up my FREE Hugs Sign on occasion. In treating me nicely they have created a fan and an advocate. In focusing on service they have created an incredible following and continue to thrive. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Focus On Service!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Lessons Learned From SNL And NBA!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Lessons Learned From SNL And NBA!

New York truly proved that it was the city that never sleeps as it hosted not only Saturday Night Live 40 and The NBA All-Star Game on Sunday 2/15/15. As I watched both I thought what dies this teach us about the importance of marketing, media relations, and advertising? The answer was plenty as the social media universe was blazing hot as both events dominated twitter feeds and Facebook feeds. Most everywhere one went where there was a TV it was tuned to one of these events. If you were fortunate to be in a place with 2 or more tvs you were likely to be able to watch both. The common factor is that both events showed us what happens when you have a strong recognizable brand that remains relevant, entertaining, and resonating in the market place. Now some of you are saying but I don’t have the budget that an NBC or an NBA has. This maybe true however the lesson learned is that in order to have sustainability in the market place you must set aside a certain amount of money to market so as to build your followers that you can then convert into customers. Imagine what you could have done to drive business and create more awareness and possibly more cash flow in the weeks leading up to SNL 40 and The NBA All-Star Game? If you are a life coach you could have shown how laughter is sometimes necessary to clear blockages that might be holding a client back. You could have promoted a webinar and charged everyone $40 and tied it into SNL 40.If you were a retailer you could have all items end in $.40 in honor of SNL 40. You could have dome some basketball related promotions in your print and electronic advertising. There are so many possibilities that you could have implemented to create a buzz about your business. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Lessons Learned From SNL And NBA!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Get Off Your Ass!!!

If you as a business leader are truly going to affect change you must get off your ass and do something. So many times I hear business people complain and I ask what are they going to about it and I am met with a blank stare and silence. If you do not have a solution to the problem and aren’t going to get off your ass and do something then keep your mouth closed. Today I saw a story about how Marco Rubio, A State Senator from my state voted against Veteran’s Benefits so I called his office and left a message about how displeased I was. Here is his number 202-224-3041. Instead of complaining get off your ass and do something. Instead of sitting on your ass and making excuses as to why you did not vote get out and vote and encourage others to vote. Imagine if in your ads you say something like Our Company Supports Veterans Do You? Discounts for all service personnel past and present what would happen. If you aren’t advertising it is time to get off your ass and make a plan on how you will drive business to you instead of complaining. If you don’t have an idea on what to advertise or where to advertise enlist the services of someone who has gotten off his/her ass and has assisted businesses with successful marketing programs. If you are not advertising you are not growing and if you are not growing you are dying. I walked an area in Coral Springs, FL recently promoting a professional basketball team I announce for and I noticed many businesses that I had approached to advertise or to appear on my TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com on Tuesday at 6:30 PM EST were out of business. When I asked these people what they were doing to promote their business they all answered the same thing, we are not in a position to advertise right now, well guess what they don’t need to advertise now because they do not have a business any longer. I wonder what would have happened if they got off their ass and actually promoted the business they may still be in business and thriving.

If you are lacking in brand awareness or brand recognition it is time you got off your ass and created a buzz about your business. I can not tell you how many times I have offered people excellent opportunities to build recognition for their business and they have said oh I don’t need help. Most of these people I see a few months later and their story is the same oh things are tough or I can’t afford that or I don’t think that is a good fit for me. If you are not getting off your ass and taking action you will continue to struggle and it will be no one’s fault but your own. Ask yourself how am I going to get off my ass and promote my business today? What action will you take to build awareness? If you do not have a daily plan it is time to implement one. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Get Off Your Ass!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Chutzpah Pays Off!!!

I was out collecting donations for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton and I went into a nail salon to seek donations and a patron said you have a lot of chutzpah. Chutzpah is defined as personal confidence or courage that allows someone to do or say things that may seem shocking to others. I said yes I do. She pulled out a $5 bill and put it in the canister. As I left I started to think who are the most successful people in their respective industries? The answer was easy those who had a bit of Chutzpah. I looked at those who were brash and took risks and saw a pattern while others were making excuses they were taking action. I have learned that having Chutzpah can lead to success and will payoff. A few years ago I heard about The Lingerie Football League coming to my city so I sent an email introducing myself and offering my services as a public address announcer. The league wrote back asking me to call them. I called and did an audition on the phone and I was hired. I have done this on several occasions and each time I have secured paid gigs or secured donations.

In my past entry I spoke about using the phone as a tool to enhance your advertising. I was calling for donations for The American Cancer Society Relay For Life a few Fridays ago and one person said you know it takes a lot of Chutzpah to call and ask for donations. I said yes it does can I send you my link for donations and you can consider donating. The answer was yes. I emailed my link, http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jdogg2 and the person went to the site and made a $10. Sometimes it is just a matter of doing something others have not thought about. We have become so dependent on social media that we have lost the idea of using the phone and having the Chutzpah to ask for the sale or donation. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Chutzpah Pays Off!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Be Bold!!!

As I arrived at IMG Strong ARM to be interviewed by Reggie Mathis for The Ask Mathis Radio Show I noticed the production truck and the parking spaces marked for Flo Rida. I went into t he office and introduced myself. I was very early so I asked if there was a place to eat close by and they told me about Franky’s. As I walked over to Franky’s one of the coaches had a trophy from The MLK Basketball Tournament and I asked if I could see it he said yestand I went into show mode and did a quick presentation. Another coach saw it and said do it again I want to get it on video. By being bold and putting myself out there I was able to use my talents and create opportunities that can be monetized in the future.

I found Franky’s and was very pleased that I did. Again I was able to be bold and put myself out there. I was eating a sandwich when I overheard a group of people discussing their business and I went over and asked if it would be okay to give them my business card because I thought I could be of service or value to them. This opened up the door to discuss the subject of deflate gate, the situation of The Patriots deflating footballs during the AFC Championship Game. As they left they said thank you and wished me the best of luck. As I finished what I found to be a great a sandwich I thought I would offer to do a testimonial for Franky’s. They said yes and I did a testimonial. Franky the owner then handed me a card for a FREE Small Sub. I walked back to the studio and I decided to pay it forward by giving Shanika the card for the sub she was grateful. By being bold and putting myself out there I was able to forge what will become opportunities to monetize my craft.

One way to be bold is to take pictures and make videos of that which pertains to your business. This is a photo of me with Jessica Childers, QB for The Miami Fury, the team that I am The PA Announcer for. I have been doing Miami Fury Up Close Videos to help promote the team. The reason is because in today’s market place a digital footprint is very important. The idea is when you have the opportunity to put yourself out there to do that and be bold. In my profession the more people who see my work the better the chances to secure more paying gigs. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Be Bold!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Standing Your Ground!!!

As the phone rang at 11 PM on 1/19/2015 informing that the original agreement for me to host Red Carpet Interviews at a summit was not approved after I was told that everything was in place on 1/18/2015 I knew I stood my ground and stated that I do not work for FREE! I learned that FREE has no value and if people think that you will do it FREE they will expect it for FREE so it is important to stand you ground and make sure that people understand the value you are giving them. When you are advertising it is important to remember you are your brand and that people do not buy the what they buy the why. That is why your message much represent consistency and integrity. In dealing with people it is important to stand your ground when it comes to price as many consumers are now price conscious and base many of their decisions solely on price. This lead us to standing your ground on knowing your target demographic. So many times entrepreneurs and marketing executives lose sight 0f the target demographic and as a result they try to reach everyone and unfortunately spend hours spinning their wheels and do not reach anyone and thus their sales drop. The key is to plan your work and work your pan making good choices and aligning yourself with people who will understand that what you bring to the table is valuable.

When you are selling your products and services it is imperative that you stand and deliver. I have always believed that it is important to be impeccable with your word. I have run into a few people who have made commitments and at the last-minute went back on their word or in the case of the people doing the summit I felt strung along.In the past I was guilty of making appointments and cancelling them however I know understand that the person’s time I made the appointment with is important and they could have met with other people instead of me had I not blocked out their time. I have heard all the excuses like oh I had an out-of-town buyer come into town from a realtor. My answer so your out of town’s buyer time is more important than my studio time and my livelihood. I told that person that the next time they want to come into the studio it would be $150 prepaid. By standing my ground and letting people know that my time and services are valuable I have gained a reputation as a professional who doesn’t just say he is going to do something but actually does it. I have heard well I made that pledge when I was with another company and I am not there anymore. My answer you made a personal pledge please honor it. This didn’t sit well with that person so he lodged a complaint with the charity against me. Get real people you made a commitment honor the commitment. I have heard I am not interested and I don’t see why a clip of my appearance on a TV Show will help me. My answer there is that a digital footprint is important and that a clip of a TV Appearance builds credibility in the marketplace. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Standing Your Ground!!!