Now that the dust has settled and emotions have died down a bit, it's time to take an objective look at some of the more high profile campaigns and see what we can learn from a marketing perspective. This is not about the issues, but rather about the tactics and strategies. What worked? What backfired?
Meg Whitman in California and Christine O'Donnell in Delaware both made similar strategic blunders. You may be able to list off a few, but I think the main mistake was taking a victim stance. Whitman had the housekeeper thing and the "whore" comment to deal with and O'Donnell was facing a vote of no-confidence from leaders of her own party. I don't think voters were moved so much by the substance of any of it as by their demeanor in responding to it. Both took a kind of "tell them to stop picking on me" stance. The lesson? You wont be perceived as a leader if you're busy playing the victim. Voters want leaders, especially in tough times. It may be cliche, but it's still true: The best defense is a good offense.
Sharon Angle started dropping in the polls when she started running some anti-illegal immigration ads that depicted illegals as violent and dangerous. While most of the country wants much stronger border enforcement and even stricter enforcement against illegals already here, I don't think they blame Raul for not wanting to spend another day in Mexico. She could easily have run ads that were anti-illegal immigration without seeming to attack the character of the illegal immigrant. The marketing take-away? It's okay to attack your competitor's product, or even your competitor, but don't insult your competitor's customers in the process.
Jack Conway tried to raise "reasonable doubt" about Rand Paul by bringing up some alleged going's on from 20+ years earlier and it cost him dearly. He might have done okay if he had stopped at "mocked the Bible", but when he went into "why did he tie a woman up and..." it became clear to any listener over the age of 25 that he was referring to a fraternity house hazing type of situation. Instead of raising doubts about his opponent, he made himself look silly and desperate. The race was never close after that. The lesson? Planting a seed of doubt can be effective. Burying it 10 feet underground will just wear you out.
These are just a few of the free educational case studies that play out every election season. Even if you aren't an activist or a party hack, political campaigns can be worth paying attention to. After all they are aimed at influencing a single decision at a single point in time that only comes around every two years or less. What a challenge!
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Monday, December 21, 2009
Airlines fall victim to their own arrogance
The federal government recently passed new regulations aimed at eliminating the practice of stranding passengers on runways for hours at a time. The new regulations impose steep fines of up to $27,500 per passenger if passengers are delayed on the tarmac for more than three hours.
I'm not a big fan of government regulation, and this will likely cost the airlines dearly in canceled flights and longer delays. However, this is not a new problem. The airlines have exhibited the same brand of arrogance that doctors had before they started losing lawsuits. Namely, that their time is solid gold, and your time isn't worth squat. Airlines and airports could have researched and addressed this problem on their own. Maybe they could have arranged stand-by "hospitality RV's" or something, so that passengers could at least get off the plane, stretch their legs, get a snack and check their email for a while, rather than being held hostage in an uncomfortable chair for who knows how long.
The fact that they didn't come up with their own solution shows just how disconnected they have become from their customers. Evidently, they expected the flying public to simply accept that spending 7, 8, 10 hours sitting on a tarmac with no idea when they might take off, was just a part of flying. The powers that be within the industry found that acceptable because it was more convenient for them.
Consider this a wake-up call for the "too big to care".
I'm not a big fan of government regulation, and this will likely cost the airlines dearly in canceled flights and longer delays. However, this is not a new problem. The airlines have exhibited the same brand of arrogance that doctors had before they started losing lawsuits. Namely, that their time is solid gold, and your time isn't worth squat. Airlines and airports could have researched and addressed this problem on their own. Maybe they could have arranged stand-by "hospitality RV's" or something, so that passengers could at least get off the plane, stretch their legs, get a snack and check their email for a while, rather than being held hostage in an uncomfortable chair for who knows how long.
The fact that they didn't come up with their own solution shows just how disconnected they have become from their customers. Evidently, they expected the flying public to simply accept that spending 7, 8, 10 hours sitting on a tarmac with no idea when they might take off, was just a part of flying. The powers that be within the industry found that acceptable because it was more convenient for them.
Consider this a wake-up call for the "too big to care".
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tax increase marketing lessons
The City of Fountain’s recent sales tax increase of .75% to pay for certain infrastructure projects, took a lot of people by surprise when it passed. After all, we’re in the midst of a major recession and tax increase proposals generally don’t sell well around here. So how were proponents able to eek out a victory on this one?
I should point out, in the interest of full disclosure, that Easy Street Designs, the publishers of this paper, did the printing for Moving Fountain Forward, the group that was advocating for the tax increase. However, we were neither advocates for or opponents of the measure.
I believe this was a case where proponents put together an effective marketing strategy early, and opponents simply didn’t believe citizens would vote in favor of a tax increase. First, proponents put together the organization; Moving Fountain Forward. They hired a PR firm; Gain-Stovall. Mayor Jeri Howells submitted an article, which we published, several months ago supporting the measure. A public hearing was held. Signs were posted at intersections and railroad crossings (items on the wish list) and flyers were passed out door to door.
I think more importantly, the campaign didn’t contain the threatening tone of similar proposals by municipalities such as Colorado Springs. There was no implication that police or fire or other public safety spending would be cut if the tax increase did not pass. There was a “wish-list” of intersection and street improvements that the tax increase was specifically requested for. It gave the impression that you were getting something for your extra money, rather than threatening to give you less if you didn’t pay up.
There was also a total lack of organized resistance. Again, I believe opponents just took for granted that most people would vote no. Then Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce president, Scott Turner, did submit an article, which we published, which didn’t take sides on the issue, but did point out to local business people that this was an issue that will directly effect them and their customers and something they should be aware of and be involved in. We did not receive any submissions opposing the measure.
Some have questioned the fact that TV reports showed the measure failing by 7 votes initially, showing 100% of precincts reporting, but when the final tally was reported the next morning, it had passed. Liz Olson of El Paso County explained that the results reported at closing included all ballots which had been counted by 5pm. Results were updated again at 9:30pm and again at 3:10 am. When the additional 488 mail-in ballots and 9 in-person ballots were added, the measure had passed. Any ballots received within 8 days after the election which were post marked by election day and received no later than 8 days after the election from uniformed services electors serving overseas were also counted. Results were not official until cerified by the canvassing board, in this case, on Monday, 11/16. For more details on the election results, see http://www.elpasoelections.com/2009coordinated/results.htm.
Lessons learned? If you’re a ballot initiative proponent, a positive message is more effective than threats. If you’re an opponent, take nothing for granted.
I should point out, in the interest of full disclosure, that Easy Street Designs, the publishers of this paper, did the printing for Moving Fountain Forward, the group that was advocating for the tax increase. However, we were neither advocates for or opponents of the measure.
I believe this was a case where proponents put together an effective marketing strategy early, and opponents simply didn’t believe citizens would vote in favor of a tax increase. First, proponents put together the organization; Moving Fountain Forward. They hired a PR firm; Gain-Stovall. Mayor Jeri Howells submitted an article, which we published, several months ago supporting the measure. A public hearing was held. Signs were posted at intersections and railroad crossings (items on the wish list) and flyers were passed out door to door.
I think more importantly, the campaign didn’t contain the threatening tone of similar proposals by municipalities such as Colorado Springs. There was no implication that police or fire or other public safety spending would be cut if the tax increase did not pass. There was a “wish-list” of intersection and street improvements that the tax increase was specifically requested for. It gave the impression that you were getting something for your extra money, rather than threatening to give you less if you didn’t pay up.
There was also a total lack of organized resistance. Again, I believe opponents just took for granted that most people would vote no. Then Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce president, Scott Turner, did submit an article, which we published, which didn’t take sides on the issue, but did point out to local business people that this was an issue that will directly effect them and their customers and something they should be aware of and be involved in. We did not receive any submissions opposing the measure.
Some have questioned the fact that TV reports showed the measure failing by 7 votes initially, showing 100% of precincts reporting, but when the final tally was reported the next morning, it had passed. Liz Olson of El Paso County explained that the results reported at closing included all ballots which had been counted by 5pm. Results were updated again at 9:30pm and again at 3:10 am. When the additional 488 mail-in ballots and 9 in-person ballots were added, the measure had passed. Any ballots received within 8 days after the election which were post marked by election day and received no later than 8 days after the election from uniformed services electors serving overseas were also counted. Results were not official until cerified by the canvassing board, in this case, on Monday, 11/16. For more details on the election results, see http://www.elpasoelections.com/2009coordinated/results.htm.
Lessons learned? If you’re a ballot initiative proponent, a positive message is more effective than threats. If you’re an opponent, take nothing for granted.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sometimes, the economy isn't the problem
I recently had the opportunity to patronize not one, but two local computer stores. Both owners mentioned to me that times were tough, business was slow and they hoped things would pick up very soon. If my experience with them was typical, they'd be in trouble in any economy.
All I wanted to do is bump up the RAM in my old PC. I could have just bought the chips online, but I wanted to do my little bit to support local businesses. I started with the closest one, about 5 miles away and an occasional customer of mine. I went to his shop, picked up a couple of 1 gig sticks that he assured me would work fine. They didn't. I went back, got some different ones. They didn't work either. Finally I brought the computer in. He decided that it was a speed issue and he ordered some different ones for me. When I got back to my shop I started thinking that I'd already wasted a lot of time on what was supposed to be a 20 minute errand. I called the computer store again and asked him if he needed the complete model number of my motherboard so he could ensure he was getting compatible RAM. "Oh no," he said "I know these ones will be fine." Five days later, the RAM arrived. It didn't work. Finally, I did some research on my own (it took all of about 5 minutes on the web) and discovered that this particular motherboard required single sided RAM and all the ones he had ordered were double sided. Not only did he not have a supplier for the RAM I needed he informed me that there would be a 15% "restocking fee" for the RAM HE HAD INCORRECTLY ORDERED!
I probably sent this genius 6 or 7 customers over the previous 12 months. Rather than make a great big deal over the $12 he wanted to steal from me, I simply told him how I felt about it and that he should make good use of it, because he'll never see me or anyone I can stop from going there again.
Okay, it wasn't an emergency upgrade, so it was a couple of weeks before I called another computer store. I had been introduced to the owner of that store when they first opened. He too was now worried about being able to keep his doors open. I told him I had a small order, but I guess it's better than nothing. This time I handed him a paper with the complete motherboard specs and told him to make absolutely sure that the RAM they got was compatible with it. After not hearing from them for several days, I called to check on my RAM order. The associate who answered was pleased to inform me that they had the RAM in stock. I told him about my previous experience and again asked if he was sure this was the right RAM. "Oh yes" he said "But bring your computer in and, if it's not, you wont have to pay a restocking fee." I pressed him on the issue again, because the time it would take to disconnect my PC and make the 15 mile round trip, through heavy traffic, was not insignificant to me. He was certain he had the right product. Just to be sure, I again got on the web and looked up the specs. This time I found what I was looking for in two minutes. I called the shop back and asked him if the RAM he was ready to have me drive up and install was one sided or two sided. "Two-sided" he said.
I'm pretty sure a computer repair shop has internet access. Further, the "experts" there should already know where to get the information they need to ensure compatibility. Yet, in their mind, it was better to waste an hour of my time, as well as a gallon of gas, than to spend a minute or so of their own time looking up the information they needed to ensure they were selling me the right product.
Ultimately, I ordered my RAM online...again. It was cheaper, it works, and in purchasing it elsewhere, I'm not supporting bad business practices in the local market.
All I wanted to do is bump up the RAM in my old PC. I could have just bought the chips online, but I wanted to do my little bit to support local businesses. I started with the closest one, about 5 miles away and an occasional customer of mine. I went to his shop, picked up a couple of 1 gig sticks that he assured me would work fine. They didn't. I went back, got some different ones. They didn't work either. Finally I brought the computer in. He decided that it was a speed issue and he ordered some different ones for me. When I got back to my shop I started thinking that I'd already wasted a lot of time on what was supposed to be a 20 minute errand. I called the computer store again and asked him if he needed the complete model number of my motherboard so he could ensure he was getting compatible RAM. "Oh no," he said "I know these ones will be fine." Five days later, the RAM arrived. It didn't work. Finally, I did some research on my own (it took all of about 5 minutes on the web) and discovered that this particular motherboard required single sided RAM and all the ones he had ordered were double sided. Not only did he not have a supplier for the RAM I needed he informed me that there would be a 15% "restocking fee" for the RAM HE HAD INCORRECTLY ORDERED!
I probably sent this genius 6 or 7 customers over the previous 12 months. Rather than make a great big deal over the $12 he wanted to steal from me, I simply told him how I felt about it and that he should make good use of it, because he'll never see me or anyone I can stop from going there again.
Okay, it wasn't an emergency upgrade, so it was a couple of weeks before I called another computer store. I had been introduced to the owner of that store when they first opened. He too was now worried about being able to keep his doors open. I told him I had a small order, but I guess it's better than nothing. This time I handed him a paper with the complete motherboard specs and told him to make absolutely sure that the RAM they got was compatible with it. After not hearing from them for several days, I called to check on my RAM order. The associate who answered was pleased to inform me that they had the RAM in stock. I told him about my previous experience and again asked if he was sure this was the right RAM. "Oh yes" he said "But bring your computer in and, if it's not, you wont have to pay a restocking fee." I pressed him on the issue again, because the time it would take to disconnect my PC and make the 15 mile round trip, through heavy traffic, was not insignificant to me. He was certain he had the right product. Just to be sure, I again got on the web and looked up the specs. This time I found what I was looking for in two minutes. I called the shop back and asked him if the RAM he was ready to have me drive up and install was one sided or two sided. "Two-sided" he said.
I'm pretty sure a computer repair shop has internet access. Further, the "experts" there should already know where to get the information they need to ensure compatibility. Yet, in their mind, it was better to waste an hour of my time, as well as a gallon of gas, than to spend a minute or so of their own time looking up the information they needed to ensure they were selling me the right product.
Ultimately, I ordered my RAM online...again. It was cheaper, it works, and in purchasing it elsewhere, I'm not supporting bad business practices in the local market.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Easy Street Designs now carries MacVan maps
Easy Street Designs at 109 Kiva Rd in Security, CO is pleased to announce we now carry MacVan street maps of Colorado Springs, as well as their Colorado map book.
Regular maps retail for just $4.95, the laminated version is $7.95 and the big map book is just $24.85. Other MacVan maps also available upon request.
Regular maps retail for just $4.95, the laminated version is $7.95 and the big map book is just $24.85. Other MacVan maps also available upon request.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
20 Cent Color Copies or Prints
Easy Street Designs' 20 cent color copy sale starts Monday! Two-sided, 39 cents. Upgrade to gloss just 3 cents more!
Customer provided file or hard copy, no full bleed.
$7.50 flat rate shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.
Customer provided file or hard copy, no full bleed.
$7.50 flat rate shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Traditional Values can Make For Happy Holidays
Many businesses count on the fourth quarter holiday season to make their year. With unemployment nearing 10% nationwide and an uncertain economy still with us, this holiday season will likely not be a blockbuster. However, that doesn't mean you can’t make it a jolly one.
Owning and operating a successful small business is not all about piling up cash. It’s about freedom, rising to challenges, meeting and exceeding people’s needs and expectations and generally making people’s day a little brighter and having fun doing it.
Whether you’re a religious person or not, the holidays are a time to focus on the real values in your life; family, friends, remembering good times past and creating new ones. Perhaps it’s because the days are shorter and the weather is colder that we have come to see this season as a time to concentrate on the warm and the bright side of life. Whatever the motivation, this is a good year to really take it to heart.
How does this relate to your holiday business strategy? Well, money may be tight for consumers this year, but they still want to reinforce personal connections and traditions. If you don’t currently carry greeting cards, maybe you should start. Unique, custom cards are particularly popular, but if you aren't the artsy-crafty type, a service like Leanin’ Tree can provide both the displays and the stock.
You may carry fewer of any given high end item, but don’t bail on them entirely. Many families will still choose to make high end purchases, just not as many of them. On the other end, you’ll want to offer low priced alternatives, but don’t go low quality. An inexpensive gift that lasts can be appreciated for years to come. A cheap trinket that breaks within a week might just foster disdain. Ornaments make a great low cost gift item. Whether it be a wreath, a wall hanging or something for the tree, it’s something that most everyone can afford and may even be passed along to future generations.
Don’t be afraid to deck the halls. Despite what you may have heard on the news, a festive atmosphere is not going to offend enough people to worry about, unless your business model is strategically targeted at killjoys. You don’t have to be a born again Christian to appreciate a good light show, even if it does involve a manger. You can also include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Santa Claus...go nuts.
A great in-store promotion, especially in tough economic times, is drawing for free gifts or stuffed stockings for the kids. This year, rather than one big one, consider several smaller ones. Make the drawing at least a week in advance of Christmas. Kid’s love to unwrap surprises. It doesn’t have to be a new car or a PlayStation. Just something fun. A gift card or certificate to a local restaurant can provide an evening of family fun for your customers while also helping out a fellow local business owner.
In uncertain times, people often look to the past for comfort and for grounding. Think nostalgia. Traditional holiday books, albums and the toys and games you grew up with could be good sellers this year. On the “new stuff” end, think communication. While you may not want to go head to head in the cell phone sales arena, you could offer accessories like colorful cases and head phones. Flash drives are inexpensive and handy items as well. Speaking of comfort, maybe an assortment of chocolates on display near the register?
None of these things are going to lead you to record breaking sales this year. There will be some businesses that achieve that, but they will be the exception, not the rule. Adding some inexpensive, thoughtful items to your inventory may help at the margins however. More importantly you want to show your customers, and yourself, that a tough year is not going to bring you down. Remember what’s really important to you. It’s the fundamentals that will bring us through this economic fog, ready to move ahead in the right direction. Now is the time to reflect upon and celebrate them.
Owning and operating a successful small business is not all about piling up cash. It’s about freedom, rising to challenges, meeting and exceeding people’s needs and expectations and generally making people’s day a little brighter and having fun doing it.
Whether you’re a religious person or not, the holidays are a time to focus on the real values in your life; family, friends, remembering good times past and creating new ones. Perhaps it’s because the days are shorter and the weather is colder that we have come to see this season as a time to concentrate on the warm and the bright side of life. Whatever the motivation, this is a good year to really take it to heart.
How does this relate to your holiday business strategy? Well, money may be tight for consumers this year, but they still want to reinforce personal connections and traditions. If you don’t currently carry greeting cards, maybe you should start. Unique, custom cards are particularly popular, but if you aren't the artsy-crafty type, a service like Leanin’ Tree can provide both the displays and the stock.
You may carry fewer of any given high end item, but don’t bail on them entirely. Many families will still choose to make high end purchases, just not as many of them. On the other end, you’ll want to offer low priced alternatives, but don’t go low quality. An inexpensive gift that lasts can be appreciated for years to come. A cheap trinket that breaks within a week might just foster disdain. Ornaments make a great low cost gift item. Whether it be a wreath, a wall hanging or something for the tree, it’s something that most everyone can afford and may even be passed along to future generations.
Don’t be afraid to deck the halls. Despite what you may have heard on the news, a festive atmosphere is not going to offend enough people to worry about, unless your business model is strategically targeted at killjoys. You don’t have to be a born again Christian to appreciate a good light show, even if it does involve a manger. You can also include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Santa Claus...go nuts.
A great in-store promotion, especially in tough economic times, is drawing for free gifts or stuffed stockings for the kids. This year, rather than one big one, consider several smaller ones. Make the drawing at least a week in advance of Christmas. Kid’s love to unwrap surprises. It doesn’t have to be a new car or a PlayStation. Just something fun. A gift card or certificate to a local restaurant can provide an evening of family fun for your customers while also helping out a fellow local business owner.
In uncertain times, people often look to the past for comfort and for grounding. Think nostalgia. Traditional holiday books, albums and the toys and games you grew up with could be good sellers this year. On the “new stuff” end, think communication. While you may not want to go head to head in the cell phone sales arena, you could offer accessories like colorful cases and head phones. Flash drives are inexpensive and handy items as well. Speaking of comfort, maybe an assortment of chocolates on display near the register?
None of these things are going to lead you to record breaking sales this year. There will be some businesses that achieve that, but they will be the exception, not the rule. Adding some inexpensive, thoughtful items to your inventory may help at the margins however. More importantly you want to show your customers, and yourself, that a tough year is not going to bring you down. Remember what’s really important to you. It’s the fundamentals that will bring us through this economic fog, ready to move ahead in the right direction. Now is the time to reflect upon and celebrate them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)