marketing: Fishing with Honey - 01/09/09 04:43 AM
What was that thing my Mother told me?  Oh yeah.  "If you can't say something nice, it's better to say nothing at all".  As a deeply passionate person with strong convictions, I am often coaxed out to comment upon or defend a belief or something I feel wronged by.  The problem with doing that is that while it makes me feel better for having stood my ground, I am often seen out of context by readers of social media where I participate.  I'm rather transparent (though I have complex opinions) and believe the world should take me as I am.  What … (1 comments)

marketing: Don't want what I'm offering? That's OK, ...but why so rude? - 09/02/08 05:17 AM
I've continued utilizing my marketing skills through this rough market and found that many simply are not looking for the skillset I offer.  That's O.K.  I mean, that's the gamble of marketing.  You put yourself or your business on the block and offer what you do or sell to the potential client.  Sometimes, they will pick you.  Sometimes they will not.
I gave you that preface to tell you this story:
I have some long-term clients who are mortgage brokers and partners and also brothers.  They, like all of us, have seen the ups and downs of the market.  Still, whenever they have … (8 comments)

marketing: More non-traditional advertising attempts from the running man... - 08/20/08 03:11 PM
What methods of non-traditional advertising have I tried in order to promote my Notary Signing business? 
Short answer: you name it, I've probably tried it...
Long answer: Business cards, direct mail (post-cards), local publications-telephone directory, community maps with coupons, cold-calling, Website creation, email marketing, magnetic vehicle signage, vinyl window lettering, spinner signage (kids on corners), bootleg signage at offramps and major cross-streets, purchased notary listings on notary websites, joined and active member of various notary-related and real estate websites, purchased paid listings for targeted areas across Southern California, and information/free listings on every free website listing service that I can find.    … (7 comments)

marketing: Running man brings new meaning to 10k - 03/28/08 08:47 AM
     The running man?  He's my logo and a metaphor for the craziness I experience when business is good.  My best example?: My best day ever-(12) twelve sets of loan documents (across six counties) signed, sealed and delivered.  I left for my first appointment that day at 4AM.  My final appointment concluded at 2AM.
                                                                           
     ...And the 10k?  Anyone who has met me "LIVE and in-person" knows that if I walked a 10k- much less ran one, I'd be a wheezing heart-attack waiting-to-happen long before the finish line...perhaps my tax-day resolution will be to get in shape.  I can mow on … (0 comments)

marketing: An advertising suggestion that makes alot of sense (simplify....) - 03/25/08 11:32 AM
Recently, I asked for friends to review my website...(because yesterday I didn't know what a webmaster was...today I ARE ONE!!)  A comment that came from my brother was about "Branding".  He stated that he saw me shorten my business name to initials only in places throughout the site and that he thought this was a wasted opportunity to remind my customers of my company name.  I was impressed with this as constructive advice that seemed so obvious I was embarrassed I hadn't caught it myself.  What is it about being too close to the project?  I confess that my website is not … (5 comments)

marketing: Continuing the marketing effort by thinking outside the box... - 03/09/08 08:25 AM
Posters, banners, bootleg signs and blogging... because...                                  
...sometimes, word-of-mouth just isn't enough! Sometimes, you have to go above and beyond to insure you're doing enough.  Even then, you are not always sure...
I update my training, list my services and attributes in as many places as I can comfortably afford, and focus on friendly customer service to inspire repeat business...
...and I keep my marketing options open.  
Just one question...
Anybody have a hat I can borrow?
"A Quick Note"
http://www.aquicknote.net/
 
… (2 comments)