Big Girl Restaurants?

I took my family out to the PNC Zoo Lights and ran into Big Boy (Before you jokesters email me...he's the one on the left).

Have you stopped to think that Big Boy was small once? Seriously. Big Boy Restaurants began in 1936, when Bob Wian invented the original double decker burger he named, "Big Boy" after bumping into a chubby boy in his successful 10 seat diner called, "Bob's Pantry." What if he never invented the double decker? What if he ran into a chubby girl? Would we have over 400 "Big Girl" franchised restaurants?

For more info on Big Boy Restaurants visit, www.BigBoy.com.

-Ernie DiMalanta

Feed Yourself!

Our weblog now has RSS feed capabilities! In other words, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to access and read updated Clueless Marketing blog entries. All you have to do is either subscribe to CluelessMarketing.com in a reader or by email. Go ahead click the link on the sidebar and follow the appropriate instructions! Thanks to all of you who already signed up.

-Ernie DiMalanta
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10 Reasons for Event Marketing

Last night I attended a wonderful event hosted by the Clermont County Chamber (www.clermontchamber.org)... and the food was extra special! (I almost tackled the seafood ice-sculptured platter...that's a whole other story.) Anyways, while at the holiday event I was inspired to list 10 reasons why your company or organization should include an event in this coming year's marketing mix.

1. BRAND EXPERIENCE
Events are a perfect vehicle to engage your audience through the personality and image of your company.
2. BUZZ
When done right, events can generate a whole lot of word of mouth marketing.
3. UNCLOG THE PIPELINE
Your sales reps can use strategic marketing events to walk their prospects through the pipeline.
4. HIGH TOUCH SERVICE
It provides a sweet opportunity to be personal with your audience.
5. FUN
Whether your event is a party or seminar, it should be a time to have fun.
6. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Events provide a reason for people to mix, mingle, and dig up opportunities. Being the host gives you a reason to meet everyone.
7. VALUE ADDED
Events can exhibit the quality and benefits of your company.
8. CREDIBILITY
Trustworthiness in your product or service is paramount! Events can enhance the credibility of your company.
9. ENHANCE COMPANY MARKETING CULTURE
If you're struggling to create marketing awareness within your company, involve your staff in the event.
10. AUTHORITY
Events have a way of establishing your position in the market place allowing you to command attention.

-Ernie DiMalanta

iBlog

The other day I was looking at all the special deals in a MicroCenter circular and I came across one deal that made me laugh- "iPod Compatable Earphones...$9.99." WOW! What a deal... I've been looking everywhere for an earphone that works with an iPod! And it has two speakers for two ears, an 1/8" jack, and best of all... they're white! LOL

That's piggyback marketing if I've ever seen it! Though I think this particular example is pretty lame, there are several ways you can leverage another company's brand to grant you access to a particular market.

-Ernie DiMalanta

Stuffed Mushroom Marketing & Expos?

So you're thinking about paying for a booth at an upcoming expo. Are you planning on sitting behind your table display hoping for people to drop their business cards in your fishbowl so you can go back to your office, enter them into ACT, and call them prospects? Of course not! If you're like me, you're looking forward to visiting all those booths giving away free food. One expo I got chocolate covered strawberrys, cookies with macadamian nuts, stuffed mushrooms, pizza, all you can eat cheese and buffalo wings... Now that was a successful expo!

What are your objectives? What is your strategy while at the event? How are you attracting people to your booth before the expo even takes place? How are you planning on qualifying leads while at the event? These are serious questions that require serious answers.

If you're not planning on coming prepared, then at least have free stuffed mushrooms offered at your table... at least you'll make one person happy!

-Ernie DiMalanta

Who Do You Know?

So who do you know that will support and promote you and your business?

Your "Circle of Influence" includes individuals who will not only talk about your business but will give you referrals. These could be best clients, mentors, business leaders, neighbors, friends, family, etc.
(Click the link below to read more)

You should make it your goal to build your circle of influence and correspond with them monthly. A healthy list should contain between twenty-five to fifty names with contact information. If you don't have this list, then take a moment, open up an excel document and begin listing as many names as you can. If you find out that your list is small, then you'll have to begin networking to meet new people.

Go ahead and give it a try! You'll soon discover that referrals will come as you grow and nurture your circle of influence relationships.

-Ernie DiMalanta

Displaying a New Look!

So many things have changed in the past several months with Quest Marketing Solutions! We are excited to announce that we will be showing off our new look at the NEC Chamber Business Expo. For those of you who are unaware of the NEC Chamber we encourage you to visit them online at www.necchamber.org. They will be holding their first expo at the New Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati. For those of you who plan on attending, we would love to meet you.

-Ernie DiMalanta