Being too clever can make value a tough sell

When I put together ShopTheHood.com I decided to include quite a few features that I thought were pretty nice perks, especially given the pricing I put on it. Perhaps they were. The problem was, I'm an elevator speech kind of salesperson. I tend to do business directly with other small business owners who I know are also very busy and pressed for time. As a result, I've tried to devise marketing products that I can explain in a couple of minutes. This one didn't fit the bill. When I did try to explain it, it just sounded cumbersome and probably a bit confusing. Someone used to doing longer presentations may have made it work, but that's just not my wheelhouse.

So, I went back and tweaked the deal. (here's the new Advertiser Info page) The concept remains the same. The terms are simplified and the pricing even came down a bit. The important thing is, it's a value I can explain in a manner that makes sense for me and for the prospective customer.

Lesson learned? Make sure your value proposition is tailored, not only to your customers needs, but to your strengths as well.

Win a Holiday Gift Bag

Enter to win one of 5 Holiday Gift Bags at Easy Street Designs.
Featuring:
Kettlecorn from
Colorado Gourmet Kettlecorn
Homemade jam from
Izzie's Sweet Treats
Free 16 oz Latte from
Chick's Espresso
and lots more goodies.

Must register in person at Easy Street Designs, 109 Kiva Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
One entry per person per visit please.
Limit of one winner per household.
Drawing will be after close of business on December 22, 2011.