101 Best-Damned Business Promotion Strategies You've Never Heard of Before! by Peter Jovanovich - HTML preview

Twitter Updates: twitter.com/peterjovanovich Facebook Updates: facebook.com/peterjovanovich

WELCOME! You have FREE GIVEAWAY RIGHTS to this FirstTime-Ever Published Report, “101 Best-Damned Business Promotion Strategies You've Never Heard Of Before!”
You can give this Report away to your subscriber list or, as a bonus, so long as the contents of this Report remain unchanged.
$$$$$$

THIS REPORT IS COPYRIGHTED©. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!!

NO part of this e-book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informational storage or retrieval system with written, dated and signed permission from the author.
DISCLAIMER AND/OR LEGAL NOTICES

The information presented herein represents the views of the author as of the date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change, the author reserves the right to alter and update his opinions based on the new conditions. This e-book is for informational purposes only and the author does not accept any responsibilities for any liabilities resulting from the use of this information. While every attempt has been made to verify the information here, neither the author nor his affiliates/partners assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional. If advice concerning legal or related matters is needed, the services of a fully qualified professional should be sought. This e-book is not intended for use as a source of legal or accounting advice. Any reference to any person or business whether living or dead is purely coincidental.

“Dare-To-Be-Different...” Strategic Business Promotion is the art of 'strategically' implementing unique ideas and specific strategies to make you stand out from the rest of the 'ho-hum' crowd. Using the right strategies will give you the distinct

advantage to out-fox, out-smart and out-promote your competition... Guaranteed!”

 

- Peter Jovanovich (2008)

 

Introduction

Hi! I'm Peter Jovanovich. For 35+years, my businesses have earned millions of dollars doubling and tripling sales using many of the business promotion strategies you are about to discover. My 'niche' through the years has been in the hospitality biz...buying, selling, marketing and promoting my way (to the top using very specific strategies!) in the hotel and motel and bar/restaurant biz. YOU will be privy to these specific strategies.

It's been a fun and wild ride...from my first venture in Cornwall, Ontario...to the beaches of Miami Beach...to the shores of Port Dover...and, finally, to my recent venture (which I sold Friday April 17, 2009). You can see my 'mug-shot' (and that of wife, kids and friends) at copperscornerbar.com

YOU might be thinking, 'Well how am I going to help YOU in your business?' The bottom line is, 'It's ALL business – no matter what kind of business you are in...we are all looking for specific strategies to get customers through our doors or to our web site – it's all about getting “traffic”- no matter how! And that, my friend, is what I'm going to show you how to do in this e-book and in my “Strategic Business Promotions Newsletter.”

First of all, let me personally thank you for stepping into the realm of “101 Best-Damned Business Promotion Strategies You've Never Heard Of Before!” You are about to discover the best proven secrets, tips, unique promotional ideas and specific strategies that will have your customers opening their wallets and literally throwing their hard-earned money in your face!

Use 1/2/3/4/24 or all 101 of these success strategies in your offline/on-line business and I personally guarantee your sales and profits will explode through the roof! Your life, as you know it,

is about to change!
Yours for great success – everyday!
-Peter Jovanovich, Business Promotion Strategist

P.S. I recommend you print this e-book & start a separate binder for all the exciting strategic business promotions coming your way.

P.P.S. Throughout this e-book are important links and resources which will help you make more money in your business. Please check them out for your profit advantage.

P.P.P.S. Do YOU have a specific question you'd like answered about business promotion? If so, send your question to>>> mailto:solutions@strategicbusinesspromotions.com

Your question/answer may be published in a future issue of “Strategic Business Promotions Newsletter.”

Promo-tip #1: Get yourself a stack of business cards. Use them
diligently. To some people, business cards might seem old-fashioned but I always get requests “Do you have a business Card?” “Do you have a website?” “What is your email address?” Include all this information on your business card. While you're at it, why not consider magnetic business cards. People love to plaster these cards on their refrigerator. Create good cheap business cards on-line. Save 50% when you click this link>>> VistaPrint Business Cards
Promo-tip #2: Can you implement house calls into your daily
routine? Examples: veterinarians making house calls to pet owners. Are you a hairdresser? A dry-cleaner? Are you in the dog grooming business? Consumers today are busy. You simply can't wait for your customers to come to you. Be there first knocking at their door for their convenience. Make House Calls!
Promo-tip #3: Ask for your customers' email address so you can
offer them new products or services. Stay in touch! Most people spend one or more hours a day checking their emails.
Promo-tip #4: Offer specials: 2-for-1 specials; second order (or
service call ) at one-half price; 10% off on house calls. Get the idea? Always give your customer a reason to do business with you.
Promo-tip #5: Announce your promotion on local radio stations and classified ad listings on the Internet. Advertise in local on-line Yellow pages. Popular on-line classified ad listings are craiglist.com, hoobly.com, kijiji.com and ebayclassifieds.com
Promo-tip #6: Get t-shirts printed with your business name, phone
number and website URL. This promo-tip gives you great exposure. People will stop you and ask what your business is all about. Have your employees wear these shirts daily and at sporting events you host or attend – helps in building and branding your business.
Promo-tip #7: Involve your business in your local community. It
builds goodwill, awareness and also boosts employee morale. For example, a fast-food restaurant launched a “Crazy For Winter Jackets” promotion – using a sandwich board on their premises. Customers brought in jackets, gloves, caps, mittens, scarves along with other unrelated items. In return for their donations, donors received a coupon for a free order of French Fries or “whatever you can afford to give away.” This promotion generated coverage in local newspapers and television stations. Contributing to food drives and local fund-raising meals is a great way to donate your time and services to get recognition in your community.
Promo-tip #8: Use gift-certificates to promote your business. My
brother-in-law, Doug, owns an equipment rental shop. One day a lady customer walks into his shop asking for a gift-certificate for her husband as a Christmas gift. Doug had never thought of the idea before. He lost a potential sale! Gift-certificates are inexpensive and can be purchased pre-printed at your local print shop.

Promo-tip #9: Host a running or bicycle marathon or other fund-raising

events which bring customers through your doors. Ask your current customers if they are interested in signing up for such an event...get the local media involved. My greatest love has always been deep-water fishing. I've fished off the shores of Puerto Rico (caught my first blue marlin there – a 29-inch – which just happened to be 1-inch short of a regulation catch – so I had to release that one!) I've fished in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Back home, here in Hamilton, I hosted annual fishing derby's every third Sunday in July. (Hey! There's great deep water fishing in Lake Ontario - good 15-pound to 25-pound trophy trout and salmon). Every year, I'd have 50 to 80 people sign up for a fishing charter. The first year, back in 1990, my friend Wayne and I set up 18 charter fishing boats – what a blast! We all had a great time...and everyone came back to the bar for a great afternoon. When setting up an event like this, you cannot do it alone – there's just too much work involved. Get others to do the leg work. It's a learning experience that will thrill you and an event your customers will always talk about.

Promo-tip #11: Sponsor a basketball, football, bowling, dart, pool or

hockey league. Every type of sport/recreational activity attracts children and adults = cash in your pocket! How? By selling T-Shirts which promotes your business...builds goodwill with you and your customers... makes you look better (builds your image) in your community.

Promo-tip #12: Donate $1.00 (or 10%) of each product or service you

 

sell to a local charity (for a one-day-only promo). Use flyers, email and local media to spread the word of your promo.

Promo-tip#13: Promote any special event you hold through your email newsletter, business-blog, website articles and press releases. Remember, it takes time to plan any event – one or two months at the very most...always think ahead...always plan ahead. Doing so you will always have fresh ideas on ways to promote your business (along with the help of this e-book, of course)!

Promo-tip #14: Inform your local newspaper and television media about your special promotional plans. A good news story in the local media with a 'human angle' just can't be beat. I always love it when my customers come through the door and say, “Hey, Peter...saw your picture (or article) in The Spec.....” – always good for 'the day'. Believe me, people remember things today but forget by tomorrow.

Promo-tip #15: See what your competition is doing. Are they busy?

Can you use any of their ideas in your business? DO create offers no one else has? Examples: try our free 2-day trial; buy 1-get-1 free; buy 1-get the second at half-price; no-charge program for the first 30 days; have a fixed-fee policy, such as, “Nothing over $10.00 (or $100.00)” or “All you pay is $599.00”.

Promo-tip #16: Provide a personalized service for your customers.

 

Example: We pick-up and deliver. Your order completed with 24-hours...or it's FREE!

 

Promo-tip #17: The quality of your product or service will beat your

competitors hands-down! A good quality product or service “well done” strengthens your company brand name in the eyes of your customer. Your customers will respect you more for your “good” products and services.
Promo-tip #18: Always go the 'extra' mile for your customer. Example:

What can you do extra that does not cost you a great deal of money but the 'extra' thing you do does make a difference to your customer. Something 'special' that will make your customer remember you. If you have an early morning business appointment, perhaps you could bring coffee and donuts. How about a ride downtown if they are going that way (and you know they have no vehicle). How about a ride to the nearest bar if they are new in town. The owner of a motel in Niagara Falls, New York did just that when my wife and I arrived at their motel. When we checked out of the motel the next day, the owners wife stopped our vehicle holding a business card in her hand saying, “Call us before you come again.” (Remember, it's the little things that people do that always do mean a lot.)

Promo-tip #19: Improving and updating the way your business looks

keeps your customers coming back. Keeping your premises clean and attractive goes a long way. Ongoing business promotion strategies bring existing customers back along with attracting new customers.

Promo-tip #20: Love what you do. Smile! Your customers and your

 

employees will recognize this. You will be rewarded with more sales.

Promo-tip #21: Promote your business with written articles. Send news-worthy articles to trade magazines in your respected field of business. Simply Google “your field” trade magazines. Local magazines will give you local exposure – and that's what you want.

Promo-tip #22: Is there an ATM machine on your premises? If there is, instead of charging your customers a $1.50 surcharge, why not give your customers a coupon worth $1.50, redeemable at your place of business for whatever product or service you are selling. A busy lottery ticket seller with her own ATM machine spits out (once a week) a $50.00 bill (instead of a $20.00 bill) to the lucky person who uses her ATM.

Promo-tip #23: Offer a special promotion to drive in “the after work

crowd.” Many bars and restaurants offer 'free appetizers' from 4pm till 7pm. Or, how about a dry-cleaning outlet that offers a free laundry totebag between 4pm and 7pm to every customer who brings laundry in for cleaning or on a pick-up order. The “4pm-till-7pm” time-frame can be a potential goldmine for your business.

Promo-tip #24: Do your customers buy your products in bulk? If so, run

a special limited time promo for three weeks which allows your customer to buy your product at a reduced price (such as a $4.00/box saving on every bulk purchase made).

Promo-tip #25: What have you done (or what can you do) for your

one-hundredth (or one-millionth) customer? A business offered their onemillionth customer a “trip-for-two” (all expenses paid) for one-day to New York City.

Promo-tip #26: Write a one-page (guide) on your products/services and

the benefits they provide your customer. Offer and include the guide free to your customer at the check-out counter. Be sure all your important contact numbers (email address/phone/address/fax) are included. For example: if you're in the hardware business you could write an article on “Top 7 Ways To Paint A Bedroom Faster!” In this article you could include a few of your top products that would help your customer paint their bedroom faster.
Promo-tip #27: Ask yourself, “What does your business do (so great!)

for your customers?” “How do your customers feel about doing business with you?” “What is THE most important THING about you and your business... (it could be a 'destination point')...which stands out and differentiates you from your competitors?” For example: A&W brought back their car-hop service, invited car clubs and other car enthusiasts to meet every Tuesday night. People came, mingled, bought hamburgers and drank root beer – an old favorite tradition became a profitable weekly event.

Look at the products/services you are currently selling. How can you sell more? What about introducing new products/services. What can you do different 'today' from 'yesterday'. Working with your field rep or distributor can give you many new ideas. Pick their brains!

Promo-tip #28: Build a database of your customers. Ask for their email

address. Use text-messaging for important events. Send exclusive offers about your new products/services. Give special discounts for signing and shopping on-line. Get feedback from your customers with instore customer comment cards, on-line questionnaires and surveys, feedback comments from your Blog, frequently answered questions and answers.

Promo-tip #29: Use 'Thank-you' letters and postcards to promote

your business. Send out Birthday cards and appointment cards. I love my insurance company because they really do take care of all my household and automobile needs. When I renewed my policy, I received this letter.....

…..a shortened version on the next page>>> Dear Peter:

Thank you for your recent insurance renewal through your community ____________________ office. We understand that you have many choices available to you when it comes to your insurance needs. We appreciate that you have placed your trust in our company.

Enclosed, please find a small supply of my business cards. I welcome the opportunity to provide my personal professional services to more clients. Please feel free to pass on my business card to friends and family members who you think may benefit from our service. Rest assured that they will receive the same high personal service you enjoy.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call at the number below.

 

Thanks again for your continued business.

 

****

...now, what a simple strategy that is to use to promote your business than through your existing customers with a personal (no pressure) complimentary letter.

Promo-tip #30: Brainstorm with other similar business minds in your

area to better 'All-of-You!' For example: On James Street North (Hamilton) there are five bars/restaurants on a six-block stretch of road. On one end of the road is an empty lot. My premise was to erect a billboard (the advertising price to be shared equally by the 'five') and advertise all of the five bars/restaurants on this billboard. Local people and visitors would now be more aware of the local food and drinking establishments. Get the idea? Similar to the saying, “All-for-one-and-one-for-all!” idea. (Before I could implement this business strategy, I had sold my businessin case you where wondering!)

Promo-tip #31: A monthly contest/sweepstakes offer can make your

product/service better known. For example: the popular scooter “AutoGo” - The Rascal company gives away a free Rascal Scooter every month (for one year!). Giving away a free product/service is a great word-of- mouth promotion strategy to get your customers talking about you!

Promo-tip #32: Sell third party gift cards as a bonus to increase your

sales. Comes in handy for holiday times of the year or if you know your customers' birth date as a birthday gift. Block Buster/Red Lobster or gift cards from your own business are great to use – coming in different denominations from $10 to $100.

Promo-tip #33: Do you chat with your customers - seriously? Ask 'How

are they doing?” If you're not now you should start! Always, always communicate and make your customers feel comfortable doing business with you.

Promo-tip #34: Can you partner with local radio stations (or trade

 

shows) for a (wedding) promotion/contest or biz-related giveaway?

 

Promo-tip #35: Reality shows are hugely popular now. Can you create

your own video reality show at your place of business. Hold a contest where the winner of your show wins a cash prize/a new promotion or a trip-for-two. Get a video on YouTube showing your customers how to make Beer-Fried potatoes; a video showing how to repair a hole in drywall.

Promo-tip #36: Use and give away in-store savings coupons to your customers on their next visit to your business. These coupons could have a $5 to $10 Off face value on their next purchase. The more your customer spends, the more they save. They will love you for it!

 

Promo-tip #37: Give your 'loyal' customers something FREE. For

 

example: my favorite pizza shop has this caption on their out-going invoices, “Order 9 pizzas, save the receipts and get the 10^thpizza FREE!”

 

Promo-tip #38: Join local Groups. Many cities have a 'Business Achieve

ment Award' for local entrepreneurs. Is there a 'Women's Entrepreneur Group? Join Rotary Clubs, the local Chamber of Commerce, the local Toastmasters Club. Is there a Mayors' Luncheon series? These memberships lead to networking with others and helps you promote your business – just mingling. (Remember your business cards!).

Promo-tip #39: Sign up with local tourist attractions. This helps local

people and tourists find your business. Having a website and using GOOGLE MAPS and 'Place Pages' allows the world to find your place of business. Include special offers in every promotion you do.

Promo-tip #40: Do YOU have something to say? How about speaking at

local business breakfast clubs and luncheon groups. Most meet once a month for one-two hours. Again, a great networking and personal exposure strategy for you and your business.

NOTE: If you are into speaking mode you can do so for profit and/or if you need ideas, here's an excellent resource for you:

 

http://www.speakernetnews.com/

 

Promo-tip #41: Is your knowledge specialized? Are you good at website

design? If you have specialized knowledge in your field then consider writing a column for your local newspaper/community-newspaper/area magazines. At the end of your articles include a resource box where people can find you. Give special incentives (a free report, e-book or consultation) to (future) customers who get in contact with you.

Promo-tip #42: Have a H-U-G-E 'TRUCK-LOAD (or LIQUIDATION) Sales

Event – Up To 80% Off! Pay Nothing For One-Year....First 30 Customers Receive A FREE 8'x10' Handmade Chinese Area Rug...3 Days Only... Free Shop-At-Home Service....Call Toll-Free....Visit Our On-line Website. Promo-tip #43: Have a 'Customer Appreciation Day ' – be it a Birthday,

Anniversary, it's a boy/girl/twins for a customer, a 'Holiday weekend' show your customers' you care. Offer complimentary appetizers, drinks, a special door prize or a 'personal' gift to your customer. Integrating an e-mail marketing campaign into your on-line/off-line business MUST be in your daily routine. Once your e-mail marketing campaign is set-up the whole process is automatic. You can learn most everything about email marketing and creating your own email campaigns by visiting this excellent source (it's free!) >>> MillionDollarEmails.

Email marketing is a fantastic and powerful strategy to stay in touch with your customers on a daily/weekly basis. YOU decide when it's important to reach your customers...when you have new offers/new products/an upcoming announcement.

Promo-tip #44: Set up a business blog. A blog is a simple way for your

customers to stay in touch with you. You should post messages and important articles about you, your business, your products/services several times a week. Blogs are simple and fast to set-up using any one of these two free sources Blogger.com and Wordpress.org. Also, try Twitter.comwhich allows you to post your activities at anytime of the day. In essence, Blogs are a 'tool' to build relationships, create value and a purpose for (your) customers. Should you decide to blog, here's a super article written by Tad Chef who runs SEOptimise.com. It's called “50 Blog Post Ideas For Business Blogging” – it's definitely worth reading. While you're there, subscribe to SEOptimise– it's a great blog on what's current in Search Engine Marketing and Optimization. If you want to learn about blogging learn more here>>>Ultimate Blogging Profits

Promo-tip #45: Promote a 'Midnight Madness Sale.' Here's a list of what you should do to make yours a success:

• do make it a special event
• mark-down “everything on sale 10% to 50%”
• make your products 'deal-worthy'...are your customers getting a real deal?
• Hundreds of $1.00 items
• free gift wrapping (if a special occasion)
• from open till after midnight

Have free balloons and treats for the kids. You might also have facepainting for the kids and sell popcorn. Offer coupons before your customers enter your store....anyone who spends $100 or more gets an additional 10% off!

Do a Midnight Madness Sale every 4-6 months – this type of business promotion strategy will give your bottom line a g-r-e-a-t boost!

Promo-tip #46: Give recognition to your customers. For example,
a car sales rep gives 'free-lifetime' car-washes to his customers when they

buy a vehicle from him. Think of something YOU can give to your customer...could be a free 30-day consultation...a free (credit) report.

 

Promo-tip #47: Ask for something from your customer. For example,

Christmas is a favorite time of the year when business operators tie-in their business promotions by asking their customers for non-perishable food donations for the needy and homeless. A paint store offers a 10% discount when customers bring in 'one' non-perishable food item; a 20% discount when you bring in two (or more) items.

Promo-tip #48: Here's an excellent way to get your customers to come

back to you 'after' a (Christmas) holiday. Give them a $10.00 or 20% discount coupon (BEFORE) the holiday event on any purchase they make (AFTER) the holiday. This can be a one-two-three-day sales event for your returning customers.

Promo-tip #49: Offer a 30-day no-q