Welcome to my blog
The World Wide Web protocol and language was introduced to the masses in 1990. Now, just 18 years later, I've decided to jump in with both feet and create my own blog. My goal is to provide you with short, easy-to-read marketing, PR and IT tips/trends along with fun bits of humor. If you’re reading this you’re probably familiar with the award winning Brown & Martin, Inc. newsletter which I have edited since 1989. If you’re not familiar with it go to http://www.bmpr.com/newsletter_archive.asp The popularity of that newsletter has resulted in B&M being asked to produce similar newsletters for scores of clients serving a variety of business-to-business markets. It also resulted in way too many non-clients asking to be added to our newsletter mailing list … which we usually deny. I decided to create this blog so that yet-to-be clients as well as current clients will have a place to learn from a recognized marketing and communication expert … me. So read, enjoy and respond … I always enjoy hearing from you.
I intend to add new material most days. Please become a subscriber Subscribers can make comments and sign up to receive email notices about new entries. Or you can click on the RSS button above which will automatically keep you up to date on new posts. Either way, please become a subscriber. In fact, I encourage you to make this your opening web page, as it will contain new material almost daily.
Entice Sales People to Learn About New Products
Recently company management handed $10 to each of 160 sales people attending an annual sales meeting. The attendees were told that throughout the meeting they would be asked questions about the company’s new products. If they got a question wrong they would have to give $10 to the person who got it right. The upcoming contest created excitement and a competitive spirit among the sales staff. Some stayed up late into the night studying with colleagues. Some formed alliances and pacts to share winnings. The quiz game was a major hit with the sales staff. One person eventually collected all $1,600. More importantly, the sales staff gained a thorough understanding of the features and benefits of the company’s new products.
Chip Shot
If you want to save money, make a decision. If you want to spend money, vacillate.
Changing Times
PBS just released the earliest episodes of Sesame Street on DVD along with a warning: “Material may not be suitable for children.” Huh? Turns out that subject matter nobody much noticed in 1969 may be too edgy for the eyes of today’s toddlers, including Cookie Monster smoking a pipe and bachelors Bert and Ernie cohabiting in a basement apartment.
Sad Note
Former Governor Lee Dreyfus recently passed away. He and I appeared on the dais together a few times. At one banquet the Governor and I were asked to engage in a conversation about how and why citizens should give back to their communities. I don’t remember the specifics about the occasion, but I do remember that Lee was one of the few public figures who could hold his own matching wits and comments with an irreverent puppet. I think that was 20 years ago, but I still remember it. I’ve appeared with many politicians, celebrities and corporate executives. Lee Dreyfus was one of the most memorable of those.