Advertisement Ideas: Get Up And Get Out!!!

Many time entrepreneurs will struggle because they forget the fundamental rule that engagement with people is a key element to success. Many entrepreneurs will sit behind their computers and not see why they aren’t as widely known as they should be or why their sales are not higher than they are. Many entrepreneurs get caught up in the symptom I like to refer to as paralysis by over analysis. They will sit and wonder why sales are down and dictate to their team that they must increase sales but won’t show them how to increase sales. The easiest way to increase sales is to reach more people and to be of service and value. One great way to reach people with you message is to simply get our in the community. When was the last time you got up from behind the computer and went out to introduce yourself to your neighboring businesses? I have often subscribed to the belief that if you walk the neighborhood where you have an office and get to know your neighbors that you will be on the top of their mind when they are seeking your products or services or they will recommend you when someone else that they know is seeking your products and services. I remember a day I was working at The Happy Herald when I told the owner/publisher I will be back in a couple of hours I am going to visit all of our neighbors and share the newspaper with them. She asked why and I said because they may want to advertise or know someone that wants to advertise. This was very effective as I signed up a few advertisers and generated a few more leads.One would think the owner and sales manager would have been happy instead of thanking me for taking the initiative they pointed out that it was not my job to go solicit business. A few months later I left the company. Remember if you have employees it is important for them to get up and get out and share the company with others. This practice should become second nature as it can lead to increased brand awareness and cash flow. The bottom line is at the end of the day a big component is cash flow. If your sales are down look at how you are sharing your business with others and how many times you are out in the community letting people know who you are and what you do. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Get Up And Get Out!!!

Advertisement Ideas: All You Have To Do Is Ask!!!

I have been teaching and preaching the concept of all you have to do is ask for many years. I have so many positive stories of where I just made the ask that resulted in obtaining donations for my charitable endeavors like The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Boca Raton. getting paying gigs, and booking guests for my TV Show, The Anything Bucket, which airs on www.wrpbitv.com on Tuesday at 6:30 PM EST. The key is that I made the ask with the mindset of what is the worst that will happen; they will say no? When you advertise you are making an ask for people to do business with you. When making this ask you must have a message that resonates with the target audience you are attempting to attract so that they will take action and do business with you. When you are making your advertising choices as to where you will make the ask look at who the advertising platform reaches so that the reach includes your desired target audience. When advertising and making the ask make sure people know who you are and what you do. In all your marketing make sure you have a call to action. In making the ask be aware that you want to create a buzz by being creative, relevant, resonating, and entertaining. Once you procure a customer/client make sure you are asking them questions that will allow you to continue to be of service and value to them so that you can create customer loyalty. make it a priority to train those who work for you to make the ask in a tactful and pleasant way that when a customer is asked about their experience with you they say positive things.

I have witnessed many business people not close a deal because they did not ask for the order. When I was a Jaycees member we had a saying Get The Check, meaning to get the member signed up. Many times I would go out and share Jaycees with people with chapter members and I noticed the chapter members were not signing people up to be Jaycees because they were not asking for the check. That is when I developed a system that can translate to any business:

1: Introduce Yourself

2: Ask questions to find out about the person you are speaking with

3: Share how what you have to offer can benefit the potential client/customer

4: Ask if they would like to do business with you

5: Get their payment Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: All You Have To Do Is Ask!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Persistence Breaks Down Resistance!!!

I was working with Forum Publishing Group selling advertising in a territory that many said was not fertile and that the businesses were resistant to advertising when I coined the concept that persistence breaks down resistance. I made it a point to visit businesses on a weekly basis to just drop of a newspaper and give them one benefit of advertising with the papers I represented. We had a program where they could do a 4 week program with a business card size ad for $99 for 4 weeks. Do you believe I still had businesses turn this opportunity down? However I was persistent and kept going back to those who said no as I learned a no today is not a no forever. In many cases I came across businesses that were coming from a lack mentality and making excuses not to advertise and then wondered why their business continued to be slow. I heard all the excuses like I tried that paper before and it didn’t work or I can’t afford to advertise business is slow. I would counter with what type of advertisement did you run did it have a tracking mechanism or a strong call to action or regardless if your business is busy or slow it is imperative to advertise. So many people do not understand that advertising is imperative because the more people who know about you the better chances of picking up more clients/customers.

I remember talking to an owner of a hair salon and she kept saying no then one week I went by with an advertisement I designed that simply said haircuts $15 normally $20 with an expiration date of 15 days from the publishing of the newspaper. The owner said okay I’ll try the Business card special of $99 for 4 weeks. The owner did this program and had success and renewed several times. The key is to be persistent and have something that is perceived a s a value to offer when selling products or services.

Today (3/4/2015) I decided to send direct messages to my friends on face book asking them to please visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/jdogg2 and make a donation. I had done this before and had some success and today was no different as I resent posts to those who hadn’t responded yet and one person visited the site and donated $25 proving that having a strategy and being persistent and consistent works. In advertising it is important to be in publications on a frequent and consistent basis so that when some is ready to take action and do business with you that they know how to connect with you. People ask me all the time JDOGG why do you continue to post about Relay For Life? I always say because you never know who will see the post and who will be ready to take action and make a donation. In posting about Relay I create brand awareness and recognition while creating a buzz. As of today I am at $2094.61 raised because I continue to ask people for their support. By being persistent I break down resistance and thus help those touched by cancer while also promoting myself. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Persistence Breaks Down Resistance!!!

Advertisement Ideas: Brother Can You Spare A Dime?

Advertisement Ideas: Brother Can You Spare A Dime!!!

Years ago I initiated a fundraising campaign, Brother Can You Spare a Dime, the idea was to ask everyone I came in contact with for a dime that would be used to take underprivileged children on a holiday shopping spree. As I introduced the program I made up donation jars with that slogan and placed them in many businesses. Every business that participated in the program was recognized in all the marketing materials for The Spreading The Joy Program run by The Coral Springs Jaycees, which provided a holiday shopping spree to underprivileged children. The donation jars were one part of the fundraising process we also solicited businesses to sponsor children and they received much publicity. The Jaycees also set up collection days in front of high trafficked retail stores publicizing those stores. As a result of businesses supporting this effort the businesses received publicity which put them on top of the consumers mind.

Charitable giving should be an integral part of your marketing strategy. When you include your charitable giving in your advertising you show that you care about the community you increase the chance to procure new customers and retain existing customers as people like to do business with those they perceive to be giving back to the community. In every business where I have had a management position or was the owner I always stressed the importance of charitable giving and how to leverage it to build a brand and increase cash flow. As a result I always saw an increase in business after I publicized my community involvement.

Advertisement Ideas: Brother Can You Spare A Dime!!! Success Stories!!!

I announce for The South Florida Gold and they have helped several charities with donations at their games including Veteran’s Outreach, Homeless Shelters, Nature Centers, and The American Cancer Society. As a result of charitable giving and sparing several dimes The South Florida Gold has donated over $2000 to charitable causes and continue to strengthen their fan base by strengthening the community. Continue reading Advertisement Ideas: Brother Can You Spare A Dime?

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: 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!!!