Virgil Winston:Marketing Guru
It seems that all anyone can talk about this summer is the high price of gas. Watching the prices rise to unprecedented and heretofore unimaginable highs is about as much fun as a trip to the dentist sans Novocain, but it has become somewhat of a national past time. Most people see this state of affairs as the glass being half empty, but I like to look for the upside in every situation, and this one is no exception. For example, the price of fuel caused my mother-in-law to rethink her annual cross-country visit. I thank my lucky stars everyday that the woman decided on a Caddy. See what I mean?
Politicians know how to look for the upside better than anyone. Remember McCain’s proposed gas tax holiday? Many thought it was a hair-brained idea meant to win votes, rather than actually help the economy. I don’t like to get too political (there are other blogs for that) but I do think his idea could have been helped by better promotion. Rush Imprint has a huge variety of handcrafted polyurethane foam stress balls. The 55 Gallon Drum, shaped like an oil drum, would have been a fantastic way to promote his plan in congress. I can just imagine all those politicians sitting around, debating issues while squeezing their stress away. I think stress balls are always a fun gift and right now is an ideal time to promote any business with the promise of eliminating or reducing stress.
Some of you may have a little trouble finding the silver lining and my advice is, well to be honest it’s my Great Grandmother Winston’s advice but it’s still relevant, “If you can’t find the good in a bad situation, make your own.” It’s time to start getting creative about promoting your business, so stop whining and start thinking. Do you have an on-line store? How about finding away to remind customers about the benefits of buying while sitting at their computer? Not only is faster, more efficient and, let’s face it, fun, but buying online saves you a fortune in gas. Try adding an incentive, and promoting your business, by giving away shopping totes with every major purchase. A Give-Away Tote imprinted with your company logo is always a winning promotion, especially now that many stores are charging for plastic bags.
Look, there are a multitude of ways to market your company, even when the economy is in a down turn, you just have think a little more creatively. So, the lesson for today is simple, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade…or Limoncello…or lemon bars…or lemon cupcakes. You get the idea.