The dog days of summer seemed like they started back in June of this year, heat and weather wise. To date, Charlotte has had something like 47 days of temperatures above 90 degrees. That’s hot! And I think it affects people’s absorption and openness to marketing messages…during the dog days of Charlotte summer marketing.
So what can help bring business owners and marketing decision makers out of the dog days (besides a brisk 75 degree, humidity-free day!)? How about some different approaches to marketing? How about some different messages? That might help stir some attention to your consistent marketing drip. Our approach here is to “go personal” with your marketing and think away from email bombardments.
Dog Day Marketing Buster #1 – Write & Send a Real Letter
Try writing and sending a real letter. How often do you receive an actual letter? With an actual .44-cents postage stamp. Put some humor in it about “how hot it is.” Focus the letter just on one (1) unique aspect of your product or service. Focus on how that aspect can help the prospect solve a challenge or problem. Keep it short and simple. It’s something new. Oh, and don’t forget to stick your business card in there.
Dog Day Marketing Buster #2 – Hand Write & Mail a Post Card
What? Hand writing? A Post card? Sure, why not! How often do you receive a post card from somebody
marketing to you? Not often at all. Post cards are inexpensive to purchase and mail. Purchase some post cards about Charlotte…we have many landmarks and prominent city scenes that have been made into post cards. Then write a short, personal message on the back. “Hope you’re keeping cool during this summer’s heat wave! Can I show you the new benefit of our widget service that can change your life?” Short, sweet, and personal. Something new.
Dog Day Marketing Buster #3 – Stage a Free “Coffee & Iced Tea Meet-Up”
Create a free “learning event” on a Friday morning at a convenient coffee house. The Meet-Up is a group of 
only 5 prospects that you invite to do some close-knit networking and talk about your new product or service. (Of course, one of the 5 people is an actual customer of yours!) Make it real informal. Use hand-written invitations that outline your purpose with the Meet-Up. Keep it simple. Make it only 45 minutes. You’re going to have free coffee, iced tea, or whatever. Again, the attempt is personal and something different from the consistent marketing drip.
Just a couple of ideas for you to think about doing something new during our dog days of Charlotte summer marketing. Let me know which of these ideas works!
If you would like to learn more about growing your customer base and improving your company’s business image through web design, Internet marketing and creative graphic design, please call Jay Joyce at The Idea People at 704-398-4437 or email jay@theideapeople.com.
