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Entries in Referral Marketing (3)

Wednesday
Jun022010

Business Awards: An Overlooked Tool in Your Marketing Tool Kit

"Aw, nuts." We have to get that award entry in tomorrow. Why bother?  We won't win."

Perhaps you've had a similar conversation at your office. There are lots of corporate award programs -- from your local chamber awards program to specialty awards within your industry.

Most award entry forms take a little time complete. Depending on the scope of the award they can be tedious, time consuming and there may be a science to getting your entry noticed by the judges. But it could be time well spent if you consider the effort part of your marketing strategy.

But we won't win

There is often a very small pool for awards programs, so your chances to win are probably greater than you think. Even if you don't win, being a finalist can still get your company attention. Just connecting with the judging panel can make an impact. I have served as a judge for numerous business awards, and I have frequently talked about the most compelling entries with colleagues, or even referred that company to them. That's great word-of-mouth marketing.

Visibility

When you do win, or you're named as a finalist, it creates a buzz. Everybody likes a winner. Even your competitors take notice. Many award events list all the entrants in their program. Your name listed there leaves the impression that you're a player. You can often buy ad space in the program, enhancing your reputation as a good corporate citizen for a pretty low cost.  Tie your ad message to your submitted product or service.  Go ahead, brag.

Impress customers and motivate employees

When you win an award, leverage it. Put the trophy or plaque in the lobby. Customers will take notice. Announce it in the employee newsletter and credit employees for their efforts.  You'll inspire workplace pride and boost morale. Some companies make winning an award a part of their business strategy. David Tripoli of Austin's Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House focuses on winning the Greater Austin Chamber's Business Award for Customer Service. And it has paid off.  He posted a badge on his website about the 2009 victory, and in an interview on News8 Austin (where he got more free publicity), David said, "When you walk into Trulucks, you see those awards displayed.  And they (our employees) know they did the hard work to earn that.  It really gives them a good feeling and we believe it helps us build our brand in the marketplace."

So go on enter!  And if you're in Austin, the deadline to enter the Greater Austin Business Award is June 11.  Check it out.

DateWednesday, June 2, 2010 at 7:23AM tagged , , in
AuthorRick Comment1 Comment
Friday
Apr232010

The Five Realities of Referral Marketing

I'm reading John Jantsch's new book, The Referral Engine, and once again, as he did with his first book Duct Tape Marketing,  John makes something as complex as marketing very simple to understand.

In the first chapter of the book, which hits bookstore shelves on May 13, John talks about how a tiny part of our brain, the hypothalamus, triggers a need for us to make referrals.  John writes,

The hypothalamus likes validation -- it registers pleasure in doing good and being recognized for it, and it's the home to the need to belong to something greater than ourselves.

John says there are five realities of referral marketing:

  1. People make referrals because they need to
  2. All business involves risk
  3. Nobody talks about boring businesses
  4. Consistency builds trust
  5. Marketing is a system

Want to learn more about these five realities? Download a sneak preview of Chapter One of The Referral Engine.  Your hypothalamus will be glad you did.

Want to stimulate your brain with more great referral marketing ideas?  John will be at St. Edward's Professional Education Center in Austin on May 5 to talk about his new book.  Visit smallbizmarketingpro.com to learn more and register.  We're giving away John's new book free to the first 100 people to register online.

Enter the discount code "getmoxie" to save $5 on your ticket.

DateFriday, April 23, 2010 at 8:24AM tagged , in ,
AuthorRick Comment1 Comment
Monday
Mar082010

Make a Referral Week. I challenge you to make a referral!

 

I’m pledging to make a referral to a business I want to help as part of a national campaign to make 1000 referrals March 8-12. What a great small business stimulus plan – won’t you join me?


Make a Referral Week is an entrepreneurial approach to stimulating the small business economy one referred business at a time. The goal for the week is to generate 1000 referred leads to 1000 deserving small businesses in an effort to highlight the impact of a simple action that could blossom into millions of dollars in new business. Small business is the lifeblood and job-creating engine of the economy and merits the positive attention so often saved for corporate bailout stories.

The  goal of the week long event – in its second year – is simple: To provide 1,000 referrals to 1,000 deserving small businesses across the country. And yes, the event hit its goal last year.

Do your part to stimulate the economy by telling your world about making referrals and Make a Referral Week – you’ll be in good company.  

Here's the cool part.  Tell the world about your referral, and be sure the company you're referring does the same for you.

Check out the latest edition of the Marketing Maxims Newsletter for more tips and resources.  

DateMonday, March 8, 2010 at 7:13AM tagged ,
AuthorRick Comment1 Comment