04.30.12
Stop the Power Plant & Five Dollar Pizza
My normally uneventful drive through our neighborhood was interrupted by protesters on the corner holding hand-made signs screaming “Stop the power plant!” I wasn’t aware we had a power plant issue in our area. A couple of miles later, the local pizza restaurant had hired an enthusiastic person to stand on the corner with a sign advertising “Hot, Fresh $5.00 pizza!” while he twirled the sign ,danced, sang and waved to all the passersby. I wasn’t really hungry for pizza so I chuckled and continued on.
I’m not a big fan of most protest movements and sign twirlers amuse me. However, both of these encounters caused me to think about something I had previously not known about or considered. As much as I hate to admit it, I now feel the need to investigate and find out what this power plant issue is all about- I still don’t want pizza. That is the power of getting your message out. If a company relies only on word of mouth or sales representatives to take the company message to the customer, it may be possible that a large percentage of customers are not aware of the full product offering or other services the business may offer.
It is important to expand your message by using alternative forms of marketing including social marketing, email campaigns, mailers, regular promotions and incentive programs. Think of ways to get the customer to stop that extra second and want to learn more about your company or product.
For your next sales promotion hiring protesters and sign twirlers probably won’t work but it might be better than doing nothing. Have a great and successful week.
Regards,
Brian Boek
