As business owners, we all know we have to market our wares if we are going to make an income. However, most of us just do the bare minimum or copy the status quo. Nevertheless, in order to be successful you have to break out from the crowd and get noticed. We regard those whose marketing campaigns are unique to have the key to creative, innovative, out-of-the-box thinking. So, why aren't we all creating successful, attention getting promotional marketing campaigns? The answer is simple; we don't think we can.
How do you come up with ideas as to what to say or do to let others know about your business? Do you just follow the crowd? Do you always use the same mediums or words? Are your advertisements filled with facts with an image or two thrown in? If you have taken a novel approach to your marketing you probably noticed a spurt in business. Using catchy verbiage, images, or colors may be all that is standing in the way of your success. On the other hand, maybe you would benefit from trying a unique approach, something you haven't attempted before.
If you always write articles but never create incentive products to spur or challenge your audience you could be leaving the proverbial money on the table. Have you considered partnering with other likeminded business owners to hold a local or online event? Why not give it a try? You might be surprised who you will talk to who needs or knows of someone who could use your expertise or products?
For other inspirational suggestions, I often turn to the Weird & Wacky Holiday Marketing Guide (Amazon ASIN: B006T8IQZS). This resource is filled with not only the tools you need to open your mind to new and fun ways to market your business but also the templates to accomplish a few of the suggestions found within its covers.
Other sources of inspiration may just be an arm's length away. Browse through a magazine, look at what catches your eye. Is there something that attracts you in all the ads you espy or is there one that truly stands out from the rest? Why not emulate that in your next ad? If you don't find anything that stimulates your imagination, then it may just be you need to take a break, get out and get some fresh air for a new perspective. This has been proven to be an effective way to open your mind to allow fresh ideas to flow. "There is something about being outdoors that lends to a more open discussion and broadens our thinking," said Reno City Councilwoman Sharon Zadra. She dubbed it her 'Fresh Air, New Ideas' walk. (Nevada Today, http://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2009/city-councilwomen-seek-fresh-air-and-new-ideas)
Whether your inspiration comes from meditation or a trip to the bookstore. Whenever you change your surroundings, you give yourself a chance to expand your horizons, which in turn may just inspire you to greater heights.
