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social for success?

Posted by Think Tank on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, In : onlne marketing 
I have been an advocate of the use of social media and other guerrilla marketing tactics by businesses for years now, often preferring these avenues over more conventional channels of promotion.  While Super Bowl ads and gigantic Interstate billboards may sound appealing, the return just isn't there for most local retailers.
Social media, on the other hand, can get your message out to a targeted group of customers and prospects for a nominal cost.  In fact, not having a presence on facebook, t...
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my sentiments exactly

Posted by Think Tank on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, In : brand building 
Naming your business is much like naming your child. There should be as much thought put into the moniker that you'll eventually register and forever be known as, as you would your precious offspring. This is a commitment--make it count. Start by making a list, and remember that while being unique in business is great, your name shouldn't be complicated, already trademarked, or easily confused with another company.


How to Name a Business

By David Waring

In the last article in our series on how t...


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a little THANX goes a long way!

Posted by Think Tank on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, In : promotions 
'Tis the season for holiday cheer.  We are all abundantly aware of this.  Retail traffic skyrockets, holiday music invades our world, twinkling lights appear in the most unexpected places, and wannabe Santa's are on every street corner.  Many businesses take advantage of the season's spirit by inundating us with 'sincerest wishes' that we do business with them, or 'invite' us to participate in their 'holiday sales', thinly veiled attempts to tug at our heartstrings and our pocketbooks at the ...
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Holidazed and Confused

Posted by Think Tank on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, In : promotions 
'Tis the season when many businesses see a surge in sales [and profits] but many seem to lose sight of their own image in the process.  You have spent countless hours on graphic design and merchandising for your business over the years, choosing a very specific 'look' that represents your image and brands you as a unique operation.  Then the holidays come along and it all flies out the door [or up the chimney].
In an effort to fit in with the spirit of the season many entrepreneurs and busines...
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You Oughta Be in [moving] Pictures

Posted by Think Tank on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, In : onlne marketing 
Everyone is on the internet these days.  Activity on the 'www' has skyrocketed.  Smartphones and tablets connect the customer on the go with their friends, families and businesses.  For all intents and purposes, the world operates on a virtual platform.
Savvy business owners have known this for some time now, and many of them have undertaken great efforts to ensure they have an effective and informative website.  In fact, it has gotten to the point that many consumers are taken aback by anyone...
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Jelly Beans & Gibberish

Posted by Think Tank on Monday, October 21, 2013, In : onlne marketing 
Expressing your true feelings and genuine thoughts is an integral part of blogging and, indeed, all social media interactions.  Being true to yourself [and your brand] is what builds your brand image and strengthens your bond with your audience.  There's really not much point in feigning affection for a cause or a concept if your real-world interactions will speak to the contrary.
This idea flies out the window, however, if you happen to be a well-known stand up comic with a reputation for the...
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Some Realtors Do It Online!

Posted by Think Tank on Friday, October 4, 2013, In : onlne marketing 
There are a lot of ways to gain recognition and build a following in the professional world.  Getting known is an important step on the ladder of success in many fields.  Real estate is certainly no exception.  And there are a multitude of paths one can take to get noticed by their audience. 
Having a starring role on a hit television show is certainly one way, but not an easy one to accomplish.  Fortunately for Josh Flagg he was tagged by Bravo to appear in Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles ...

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Marketing ... Just Cause

Posted by Think Tank on Friday, September 27, 2013, In : guerrilla marketing 
There are as many ways to get your name in front of your audience as there are people and products on the planet.  Some are time-consuming, expensive and ineffective.  Others are simple, affordable and extremely effective.  Most fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.
One insurance company has found a way to get their name in front of millions of customers and prospects while tugging at the heart strings of all who see their message.  I'm not talking about the Progressive SUV's tha...
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The 21st Century Book Trailer

Posted by Think Tank on Wednesday, September 18, 2013, In : onlne marketing 
In days gone by, when someone said 'book trailer', the image of a well-worn RV with a vinyl banner plastered on the side came to mind.  Its dingy paneled interior featured shabbily-constructed cheap bookcases stacked with hundreds of used and abused books about history, aliens and cooking.  A frumpy woman in an oversized pink cardigan stood watch at the door, and the lanky, stubble-faced driver glared creepily at the crowd. 
Those days are long gone. Enter the new breed of literati, embracing ...
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Keep It Clean, People ... Dirty Doesn't Sell!

Posted by Think Tank on Thursday, September 12, 2013, In : promotions 
Getting the word out about your business is a great way to attract new customers and retain old ones.  If your shop is located on a busy thoroughfare, a vehicle emblazoned with your message and bold graphics can serve as an effective mobile [or stationary] billboard. Drive it around town when you pick up supplies or deliver your products ... or park it curbside in view of passersby and you could attract the attention of countless drivers and passengers in your own neighborhood.
However, just l...
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I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for ... Jake's

Posted by Think Tank on Saturday, September 7, 2013, In : promotions 
Promoting a small business isn't about placing ads in the local paper and offering a BOGO coupon or free appetizer with purchase.  It's about building a following and standing out from the crowd.  It's about creating a memorable identity and doing things that people remember and talk about, whether they were there or not.
Located in Atlanta's eclectic Fourth Ward district, Jake's Ice Cream & Sorbets knows all about this strategy.  The shop doesn't have a million-dollar facade or flashy Hollywo...
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LOGO 101: Building Your Brand Effectively

Posted by Think Tank on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, In : brand building 
I have often discussed the topic of brand identity with friends, colleagues and clients alike.  Surprisingly, the most common thought is that this is relevant only to big business.  Yet nothing could be further from the truth.  Indeed, major national and international brands have a lot riding on their image, but small businesses and even individuals can benefit greatly from a well-engineered brand strategy.

In one of my 'Ramblings' [www.theARTofHYPE.com/ramblings.php] entitled Branding Irons I...
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What's at the End of the Rainbow? SalonLGBTQ, of course!

Posted by Think Tank on Sunday, August 18, 2013, In : onlne marketing 

According to their website, "Salon LGBTQ is the first national LGBTQ social media conference, a long-awaited open event for leading voices in the social media world and newcomers alike. Get ready for a catalyzing dialogue between media producers, writers, editors, bloggers, videographers, photographers, designers, curators and marketers. It's us, the real us, together, in real time, for sessions, experiences and conversations that change everything."

And it's about time!  With all that's going...
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A Very Personal Brand

Posted by Think Tank on Friday, August 16, 2013, In : brand building 
Building a brand is about a lot more than selling carbonated beverages around the world or making your company name a household word.  It's about creating a consistent and identifiable image for your product or service.  Although most people don't equate the term 'brand identity' with the local mom-and-pop market or their neighborhood handyman, anyone who has a business or craft is well-advised to consider the benefits of branding.
Let's briefly examine the situation of artist Clay Hood.  Once...
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A Sign of [Bad] Things to Come

Posted by Think Tank on Friday, August 9, 2013, In : brand building 
Every business owner on the planet knows the value of a good sign.  Properly placed and visible to passersby, a good sign can make the difference between survival and success.  Often this is one of the first investments a business owner makes when starting out on a new venture.  Nothing new to report there.
However, a bad sign can have the exact opposite effect.  Dingy, poorly lit, hidden signs can be the death of a new business ... or an existing one.  Every time I pass a retail establishment...
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Brand Building Gone Batty!

Posted by Think Tank on Friday, August 9, 2013, In : brand building 
I have mentioned many times that the building of a strong and consistent brand identity is critical to the success of any venture, no matter how big or how small.  Without a solid image it's easy for a rival to come along and steal your glory ... and your profits.
Over the decades, businesses across the globe have spent endless hours [and countless millions of dollars] perfecting their logos, color schemes and brand personalities.  Consumers identify with the brand, become confident in the int...
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Wonders of the Web

Posted by Think Tank on Monday, August 5, 2013, In : onlne marketing 
Wonders of the Web

Even the smallest of businesses can benefit from a well-managed web presence.  These days, the internet replaces the phone book for a lot of shoppers.  Every day,hundreds [if not thousands] of potential clients and customers in your area are looking for a business like yours online.  If you're not there, they won't find you.

Your website doesn't have to be an elaborate multi-media manifestation of your brick and mortar location, but it should offer some basic info:  location,...

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Simple ... Subtle ... Subliminal

Posted by Think Tank on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, In : guerrilla marketing 
There are a lot of ways to spread the word about your business, and they don't always involve huge billboards and gigantic flashing signs.  Walking around Atlanta's midtown neighborhood, I recently spotted these signs [pictured below].  They were placed in numerous yards along a main thoroughfare, warning drivers to proceed cautiously through the area.  Undoubtedly the homeowners who placed them streetside have a connection to the cause.

As you can see, the signs are simple and relatively inex...
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Best Crack on Ponce

Posted by Think Tank on Monday, July 29, 2013, In : guerrilla marketing 
Sometimes you just need a little humor to get some attention.  While many medical professionals use somber images and serious headlines, one Atlanta chiropractor has been pushing the envelope for years.
 Dr. Patrick Greco of Midtown Place Chiropractic, in Atlanta Georgia has been using an edgy catch-phrase to turn the heads of passersby at his Midtown Place office.  The sandwich board [pictured] outside his clinic is practically a landmark in the Midtown area.  And his success is a testament t...

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Gay is the new Green

Posted by ARTofHYPE on Saturday, July 13, 2013, In : onlne marketing 
Within the last five or ten years, eco-friendly marketing has become a staple in mainstream media.  Companies the world over rallied to the cause, added recycling messages to their containers and used the word 'green' until the new politically-correct meaning practically supplanted its reference to the chromatic hue.

Similarly, over the last 12 months or so, corporate recognition [and endorsement] of the mighty gay dollar has increased dramatically.  Nike publicly offered a very lucrative endo...

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Short & Sweet: Videos That Work!

Posted by Think Tank on Thursday, July 11, 2013, In : onlne marketing 
Movement catches the eye.  Everyone knows this.  It's the driving force behind sleight of hand.  It's the reason movies are so much more popular [and lucrative] than books.  And it works in advertising, too.

Animated banners, video ads and moving text all serve to increase awareness of your message.  Until recently, however, this was a realm reserved for geeks and big-budget advertisers.  Today, virtually every business can [and should] have some sort of animation in their online messages.  Th...
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Reciprocal Connectification

Posted by Think Tank on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, In : guerrilla marketing 

Day in and day out I am looking at how professionals and small business owners interact online.  Most of the people I have discussed this with think they are doing a ‘pretty good’ job of managing their social media presence.  Some even think they are doing a much better job at it than their competition.  But the vast majority still insists that they get little to no measurable results from their efforts.

Yet, media sources and marketing experts tell us that a strong internet presence i...


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Mastering the Subliminal Ad

Posted by ARTofHYPE on Monday, April 15, 2013, In : onlne marketing 

Mastering the Subliminal Ad

As with many other endeavors, in the world of marketing there is more than one way to skin the proverbial cat.  All too often, small businesses and professional practitioners focus too much on the direct message, the in-your-face advertisement.

Postcards, social media posts and follow-up letters frequently include a blatant ‘buy now’ message and little else of value.  Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for call to action messages in your marketin...


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Font Memories

Posted by Think Tank on Monday, April 15, 2013, In : brand building 

Font memories and a brand new you

It never ceases to amaze me how many professionals [doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc.] have totally neglected the concept of personal/professional branding.  Believe it or not, there is a multitude of ways to create an indelible image of your professional practice without compromising your integrity. In fact, building a brand image for your practice can result in increased business and professional recognition.

Let’s start with the font you choose to re...


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Promotional Warfare

Posted by Think Tank on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, In : promotions 

Choosing the right promotional items to fulfill your marketing needs can be a daunting task.  There are literally millions of options in the marketplace.  Some of today’s most popular giveaways are koozies, pens and travel mugs.  If you’re going to use these products to reach your audience, make sure they are distinctive and memorable. 

Consider these suggestions before embarking on your next mission:

 Identify your target.  The more you know about the audience you are trying to rea...


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Codes to Live By

Posted by Think Tank on Friday, March 1, 2013, In : onlne marketing 

 Generating curiosity has always been a good way to get the attention of your prospects and customers.  Never before has this been so easily incorporated into your marketing plan than now, thanks to a decade-old 'invention' by Toyota's Denso Wave subsidiary.  So
on to celebrate its 20th birthday, the QR code is still somewhat of a novelty here in the United States.


WHO can use this technology?
Anyone who wants to generate interest or pique the curiosity of random passersby or specific prospects....

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Gorilla Marketing 101

Posted by Think Tank on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, In : guerrilla marketing 

GUERRILLAS IN THE MIDST

 

ENDANGERED SPECIES

Small business owners who haven’t familiarized themselves with 21st century technology are quickly moving toward extinction.  While they spend all their profits running exorbitantly expensive advertisements in multiple media [print, radio, cable], their more creative competitors are gaining fame and fortune using the much more effective [and fun] tactics espoused by such advertising giants as Coca-Cola, Nike, Yahoo!, Adidas, Subaru, Google, Ch...


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The Weakest Link

Posted by Think Tank on Friday, February 15, 2013, In : onlne marketing 
Thanks to the popularity of the recent television game show, the phrase "you are the weakest link" has gained renewed notoriety.  Once slated for the depths of obsolescence, it is now much more frequently encountered in both professional and personal conversations.
Today, however, my point is not to discuss the value of trite colloquialisms, but rather to illustrate the value of social networking profiles as a business tool.  More specifically, how a well-developed LinkedIn profile can enhance...
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BIG IDEAS come in small packages

Posted by Think Tank on Thursday, February 7, 2013, In : brand building 
I've always been known to friends and family as an astute observer of my environment.  Often, when recounting a story from years gone by, I will make a remark about the most minute detail [someone's colorful shoelaces, or the word they mispronounced or the appetizer they ordered at dinner that night] much to the amazement [or amusement] of my audience. But in real life, most people seem to notice and remember the BIG things: the red Rolls Royce limo that delivered the Prom Queen, the day JFK ...
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Lucky '13

Posted by Think Tank on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, In : resolutions 
The new year has begun and it's time for some [business] resolutions.  I personally believe '13 is going to be a very lucky year, for me and for those who have the right attitude about their professional lives.  2012 was a challenging year in many ways, but challenges only make us stronger and more determined.
I have relocated to the dynamic city of Atlanta GA, home of Coca-Cola, Ted Turner and the 1996 Olympics.  The energy here is amazing!  Old neighborhoods are being revitalized, new busine...
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BE THERE AND BE 'SQUARE'

Posted by Think Tank on Sunday, September 16, 2012, In : onlne marketing 
One of the most exciting apps available to consumers today is FOURsquare.  Millions of tech-savvy individuals and businesses around the world have already discovered this brilliant blend of GPS-, Google Maps- and Facebook-like features ... Recording and commenting on their daily travels, leaving tips for future customers, and downloading pictures.  

I could ramble on for hours about what it os all about, but if you haven't tried it yet I would be wasting my time and yours.  Suffice it to say t...
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5 ways to market your business online for free

Posted by artrageous on Sunday, September 27, 2009, In : onlne marketing 
  1. Craig's List
    Create a Craigslist account for your business and post something there several times a week under a variety of categories. Always include an eye-catching graphic, exciting headline and link to your website.

  2. MeetUp
    At the very least, create a MeetUp profile for your business. Include your logo and business-related photos. Write an interesting company bio. Include links to your favorite sites (including your own), and join groups whose interests are aligned with your own. Consider se...

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 Is YOUR business

on the web?

Let's discuss some simple

and effective ways to

enhance your online image. 

Art Smith

239 850 2728

wowart@yahoo.com


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