What's the Most Unique Marketing Method You've Used

[vangogh]

Erin is placing the matchbooks in the exact areas where smokers smoke so I'd think they're getting used. She also mentioned they've worked to bring business.

They obviously aren't going to work with people who have little use for matches, but I'm guessing Erin has other promotional materials in addition to the matchbooks.

I remember my parents used to collect matchbooks as keepsakes, though neither ever smoked. I wonder if people still do that.

[Steve B]

My wife does. She never smoked either.

However, even when targeting just smokers - it seems like they almost always use lighters.

[Leatherneck]

Originally Posted by ErinWrites

I had black, satin-finish matchbooks embossed with my URL. Then, I take them with me to any small-business mixers or business functions at restaurants/bars.

I leave a few on all the cocktail tables (especially outdoors, where the smokers go). I've noticed most people will pick up, keep and continue to use matches than other promo items.

This tact has worked out for me, and you're all welcome to copy. I think matches are a better remembrance to hand out at those mixers than a business card (which are a dime a dozen, there).

:-) - Erin

I think that is a great idea Erin. If it is working for you I would keep doing it. There are millions of people that still smoke even with all the warnings and beiing less acceptable in public places. It seems like the younger crowd still find it fasionable to smoke. I don't know why, but they do.

[vangogh]

Steve a lot of people still use matches, especially when they're right there in front of you.

Just to add a new idea. I spent this morning with my real estate agent. She always has great promotional items. Today she handed me some lip balm that has her name and logo on it. It's something I'll use so it won't get thrown out for awhile. It's also something that might get shared so other people will see it too. And it's not something you usually see so it's memorable.

[Blessed]

Originally Posted by Paul Elliott

Jenn, I'd love it! You girls would have me hook, line, and checkbook! Does it have the same beneficlal effect on other customers, or are some put off by it?

Paul

Out of the 100+ sales calls I made last month with the baby along I only had 1 person who seemed "put off" by it and he was the guy that told me that advertising didn't work for him.

He owns what seems to be a successful car wash - there are usually plenty of people there washing their cars - but I can't remember one ad I've ever seen for his car wash. He is just in a prime location.

Everyone else asks about her when I follow up by phone and enjoys playing with her for a few minutes when we are there or they basically ignore her.

My target market for the magazine I sell advertising in is local small business (we also reach the non-local, franchised places but most of those calls are handled by phone and if in person I leave the baby with a sitter) so it almost helps my selling point - I'm a mom, I work from home, I own a small business and I'm providing a service to other small businesses in my town. It resonates with people.

Oh and Kristine - I have a feeling I'll be able to take her with me less and less as she gets more verbal kids have a way of repeating things you didn't know they heard...

[KristineS]

Originally Posted by Blessed

Oh and Kristine - I have a feeling I'll be able to take her with me less and less as she gets more verbal kids have a way of repeating things you didn't know they heard...

I'm guessing you're probably right about that. Plus kids tend to want attention, and get more insistent about it as they get more verbal.

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by Blessed

Out of the 100+ sales calls I made last month with the baby along I only had 1 person who seemed "put off" by it and he was the guy that told me that advertising didn't work for him.

He probably did a small display ad in the newspaper one day.

Originally Posted by Blessed

He owns what seems to be a successful car wash - there are usually plenty of people there washing their cars - but I can't remember one ad I've ever seen for his car wash. He is just in a prime location.

You must not have checked your newspaper that day!

With a little marketing, he could probably double his business, but he'd have to have a plan and follow it as opposed to 1 or 2 ads in the newspaper.

Often when people are meeting their expenses and have what they consider a comfortable life, they are amazingly resistant to seeing what is actually possible with their businesses.

It seems to be either timidity or laziness. I'm not sure the rest of us can tell which from the outside.

Originally Posted by Blessed

Everyone else asks about her when I follow up by phone and enjoys playing with her for a few minutes when we are there or they basically ignore her.

Good "branding" for those customers.

Paul