Atomic Penny

In the Wall Street Journal last week, this article appeared regarding retailers teaching improved customer service techniques to improve sales. I found it somewhat ironic that major retailers such as Macy’s and Hope Depot did not already have these processes in place. As a major retailer, wouldn’t you expect nothing less than every effort to be made to delight you, the customer? Plus, the cashiers are always willing to up-sell the extended warranty or offer you the latest credit card.

As a marketer and a small business owner, this just reinforces the fantastic opportunity you have to gain new customers. Make service the foundation of your work, keep it in front of the customers. Don’t brag about you customer satisfaction index or JD Power score. Let your customers brag about you.

If the big boys aren’t doing this, you may as well take advantage. That is one of the building block of your Confetti Project. What else can you do better than the BIG BUSINESS?

POWER ON–Mark

On Monday, the Boston  Marathon was run for the 114th time. If you watch any news coverage of the event, be sure to look closely at what the runners are wearing. Not the shoes, socks or even shorts. Look to see if they are carrying a message on their shirts. Also look to see if they are carrying a smile.

Why the shirts? It is more than a marathon, it is a cause, a hope a challenge. It is something many of them do to prove they are alive and well, other to remember or honor someone who has passed, or if fighting the good fight. I was not at the Boston Marathon, but at the Salt Lake City Marathon on Saturday and saw the contingent “Running For Michael“.  They are even highlighted in a local news story.

Think of this from a marketing perspective. These runners and those cheering for them are all spreaders.  Spreading Confetti, to all those that saw them run. What a great way to spread a message of hope or hype: “It will all work out.” How are you going to spread your message?

POWER ON–MarK

Once your countdown is complete, it is time to launch! Over the last several weeks we have seen the launch of the Apple iPad, the Microsoft Kin phone, the HP Slate and the updated Hyundai Sonata. Of these four, which one were you most aware of being launched? I would venture to say it was the iPad, not because of the amount of TV or print advertising, but because of the Confetti. Go to any search engine, news source or blog and you will see more about the iPad than any of the others. Why? Because of past performance and heightened expectations.

That’s what Apple does better than any company in the world. It creates anticipation, and launches, as promised. Even if the iPad is not something you would own, you probably had a discussion about it. The other products, possibly, but the passion probably was missing. That is the difference. Regardless of opinion, the product is discussed.

Apple is a spreader, and a darn good one. What can you do to spread your message. have people talk about it, then launch on time?

POWER ON–Mark

Full disclosure: I am not a fan of Madonna, nor do I watch the TV show Glee. However, their recent strategic alliance serves as a shining example for how you can achieve your own Confetti Project.

Source: Popcrunch.com

This week on the Fox TV show Glee, Madonna provided the rights to her entire song catalog. Madonna was exposed to a slew of potential new fans and her current fans were rewarded with new versions of her songs. Glee also made out with similar exposure. But what does that have to do with your business? 
What do you have that you can share to help everyone win?

You have customers who currently spread the word about your company. So reward their dedication! Create an opportunity to form an alliance, which will promote both your business and your “fans.” There is nothing wrong with giving or receiving an opportunity if it helps everyone involved. It is better to give something of value than it is to keep it to yourself. It is a gift both of you can use.

POWER ON-Mark

I found this real cool font that reminded me of how marketing can be anything you want it to be. The font is based on a Volvo 240 wagon, and I have a strange love for that car. My grandparents owned one, as did a couple of my aunts. I remember the comfortable seats, the space and the nice drive. It’s funny how a font can bring back those warm, fuzzy memories.

That should be the ultimate goal of your marketing. Make it so it elicits a good memory. Sense-based memories should be your focus.  Jog your customers minds with sights, smells or sounds. Remind people of a positive experience that they can correlate to your business.

Every time you do this, you spread your Confetti and build your Confetti Project. It will continue to spread as you create more interactions and memories. Take a minute to think of your customer interactions, and what kind of memory they will create.

What are you doing today to make your customers remember you?

POWER ON–Mark