What,Santa,Knows,About,Marketi marketing What Santa Knows About Marketing
Automation technologies represent a fundamental aspect of any modern industry. The major types of industrial automation solutions, such as DCS, PLC, SCADA, and MES, are used on a large-scale in process and discrete industries.DCS technologie Awhile ago, I got an email from one of the "gurus" I follow and it shocked me. The gist of it was this person wanted to trade services for a household item.To say it floored me would be an understatement.What was worse was a few days later t
What's that ringing sound you hear at this time of year? It'sthe sound of store registers ringing up the sales generated bySanta Claus. Just because he's old, overweight, long haired,unshaven and dresses funny, don't overlook his marketingsuccess. Santa is a marketing expert and you can become one,too, if you follow his marketing methods.What's that you say? You don't believe in Santa Claus or youdon't celebrate Christmas? It's true that Santa may be mostlymythical, but ask almost anybody who Santa is and what he does,and they'll tell you. And there are millions of children who areconvinced he's real. So put your doubts about Santa aside for amoment and take a look at why he's so good at marketing.Knows How to Be UniqueWhether it is his trademark red suit, his unconventionaltransportation, his belly laugh or his occupation, Santa isdifferent. He's one of a kind, which makes him memorable.Gets Free PublicityHes a master at getting free press. Hes mentioned in the mediaconstantly during the winter holidays. Many songs, movies andbooks have been written about him.Is Customer FocusedWhile everyone knows about Santa, his marketing isn't focused onhis credentials. He rarely talks about how long he's been inbusiness nor does he bore people with long discussions of hiswork processes. Instead, he makes a huge effort to learn whatpeople want.It is estimated (http://ask.yahoo.com/ask/20021213.html)that each year over a million letters are sent to Santa. Santasupplements this effort by appearing in thousands of shoppingmalls around the country, listening to an average of ninethousand children per mall. He does all this just to learn whathis customers want.Gives Something Away For FreeWhile most of the presents under the tree are from family,including the annual fruitcake from Aunt Bernice, typically atleast one gift bears Santa's name. How can you not love someonewho gives so many presents away each year and whose onlyexpectation is a couple of cookies and a glass of milk?Knows What He Is SellingSanta knows what he is selling, and its not just games and toys.Santa sells hope, whether it is for the latest video game, awarm sweater or happiness.How can you market your business more like Santa Claus doeshis?1. Clarify how you and your firm are unique, and what it is thatseparates you from the crowd. You don't need to put on a redsuit or slide down chimneys. Define yourself by the problems yousolve, the expertise you provide and what your customers sayabout you.2. Get media attention for your business, not just duringholidays but all year round. Sometimes imaginative stunts likeappearing in a sleigh help.3. Ask your prospects what they want and then provide servicesand products that give them what they've asked for. The betteryou understand their concerns, the better services or products you'll provide.4. Give something away for free. It could be an article, areport, a book or a workshop. Use your free offer to promptpeople to contact you and demonstrate your expertise. It worksfor Santa and it can work for you.5. Know what you are selling. Your products and services bringin the money, but what do they stand for? What do they representto your clients? Sell your prospects on achieving theirobjectives and dreams and deliver with tangible results they canappreciate.Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, market like Santa andyou too, can have many happy clients this and every season,without having to squeeze down a single sooty chimney.Happy Holidays
What,Santa,Knows,About,Marketi