https://twitter.com/dontwaitatgate
When marketing your business partner with others in similiar industries.
Partner with your vendors, neighbors and supplies.
Build relationships.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
moving without the ball
"A best offense is a good Defense."
I remember seeing that T-Shirt, when I was a lanky 13 year old at basketball camp in Carisle, PA. I spent hours shooting basketball in the rain, reading the sports page, and practicing drills in my garage. I had posters hanging on my wall, memorized NBA stats, and thought about playing college basketball.
I spent many summers at basketball camp, and my father was on the starting five of his 1969 Trinity High School Basketball Team. They were state Champs that year. A black and white picture hangs in our living room. Pictures do tell stories.
Moving without the Ball.
What does this mean? You need the ball to move in sports, right? I mean, who wants to watch a guy or girl on the field without the football, basketball or hockey puck. The action is where the ball is, or is it? At a soccer match. Everyone watches the ball. Is it really important what the other 20 players are doing?
I will never forget when I was playing basketball on the C team in 1989.
Mr. Edwards was my coach. I was playing CYO ball, for the Catholic League.
I started. I was tall. I played forward. I could handle the ball naturally and shoot, but I did put my time in outside of practice. Similar to how I invest my time today outside of business meetings, networking groups or office hours. I believe time is an investment. I watch those who I believe are successful. They have healthy relationships, time management skills, and put the time in outside of the normal day. THEY MOVE WITHOUT the BALL.
Similiar to an athlete training in the gym during the off season, or running in the rain, doing push-ups in the morning.
Successful businesswomen and men, read the morning paper before work, write out their goals for the year, day or week. Spend time investing money and thought into their immeadiate communities. Mentor younger generations, give their time to their elders. Say "Thank You." They move without the ball. I watch them.
They create action. My mentor says. "Create opportunity. Don't be a wait at the Gate Manager."
Back to my basketball story. My father was at the game. He was watching from the stands. He always wore a hat inside, and sometimes turned it backwards to video tape the action.
I was 'standing around' on the court. My hands on my hips. I was tall. Others noticed me. The coach noticed. I was talented, but was not putting forth the effort. Something was holding me back. I was watching others. I was not part of the action. I was waiting for things to happen. I was not creating action, asking questions. Being visible. Playing defense on myself. I was not shouting, "Here I am Scott, throw the ball to me!" I was not trying to "get open."
The coach took me out. He thought I was tired. I didn't' realize I stood out like a sore thumb. My father later told me, that He didn't come to my basketball games to watch me stand around.
He could watch me stand around at home in the living room watching T.V. He owned a business, worked hard, he invested his time in me. He said quit standing around. Move without the ball,
He actually told me I "looked funny", out there standing around on the court. This HURT my feelings. I didn't know what to do with this information. I was an awkward, tall teenager, bumping into things, Now my father said I looked funny. But he was pushing me. Challenging me. He wanted me to do better. It wasn't about the sports, but about creating opportunity.
Make sure your resume gets noticed. Hand out your business card with a smile. Hold the door open for someone. Return phone calls the next day. Send handwritten notes, when everyone else sends emails, or text messages.
Today, I choose to "MOVE without the Ball" in the business playing field, and encourage others to do the same. Don't worry about the state of the economy, but do pick up the rebound, look behind your back, be visible. Be aggressive. Be persistent. MOVE without the ball.
I have talked to my father recently about his words. He laughed. Said, he never meant to hurt me, but hoped he pushed me. I told him it took 16 years to click, but I was awarded the Entrepreneurial Success Award for 2008 from the Chamber of Commerce. You were moving without the ball he said. Creating action, which lead to opportunity. Keep picking up those rebounds,and anticipating the next play he said. Get in the game.
It is OK, if you fall down, get back up, and keep moving.
Move without the ball.
jrw
I remember seeing that T-Shirt, when I was a lanky 13 year old at basketball camp in Carisle, PA. I spent hours shooting basketball in the rain, reading the sports page, and practicing drills in my garage. I had posters hanging on my wall, memorized NBA stats, and thought about playing college basketball.
I spent many summers at basketball camp, and my father was on the starting five of his 1969 Trinity High School Basketball Team. They were state Champs that year. A black and white picture hangs in our living room. Pictures do tell stories.
Moving without the Ball.
What does this mean? You need the ball to move in sports, right? I mean, who wants to watch a guy or girl on the field without the football, basketball or hockey puck. The action is where the ball is, or is it? At a soccer match. Everyone watches the ball. Is it really important what the other 20 players are doing?
I will never forget when I was playing basketball on the C team in 1989.
Mr. Edwards was my coach. I was playing CYO ball, for the Catholic League.
I started. I was tall. I played forward. I could handle the ball naturally and shoot, but I did put my time in outside of practice. Similar to how I invest my time today outside of business meetings, networking groups or office hours. I believe time is an investment. I watch those who I believe are successful. They have healthy relationships, time management skills, and put the time in outside of the normal day. THEY MOVE WITHOUT the BALL.
Similiar to an athlete training in the gym during the off season, or running in the rain, doing push-ups in the morning.
Successful businesswomen and men, read the morning paper before work, write out their goals for the year, day or week. Spend time investing money and thought into their immeadiate communities. Mentor younger generations, give their time to their elders. Say "Thank You." They move without the ball. I watch them.
They create action. My mentor says. "Create opportunity. Don't be a wait at the Gate Manager."
Back to my basketball story. My father was at the game. He was watching from the stands. He always wore a hat inside, and sometimes turned it backwards to video tape the action.
I was 'standing around' on the court. My hands on my hips. I was tall. Others noticed me. The coach noticed. I was talented, but was not putting forth the effort. Something was holding me back. I was watching others. I was not part of the action. I was waiting for things to happen. I was not creating action, asking questions. Being visible. Playing defense on myself. I was not shouting, "Here I am Scott, throw the ball to me!" I was not trying to "get open."
The coach took me out. He thought I was tired. I didn't' realize I stood out like a sore thumb. My father later told me, that He didn't come to my basketball games to watch me stand around.
He could watch me stand around at home in the living room watching T.V. He owned a business, worked hard, he invested his time in me. He said quit standing around. Move without the ball,
He actually told me I "looked funny", out there standing around on the court. This HURT my feelings. I didn't know what to do with this information. I was an awkward, tall teenager, bumping into things, Now my father said I looked funny. But he was pushing me. Challenging me. He wanted me to do better. It wasn't about the sports, but about creating opportunity.
Make sure your resume gets noticed. Hand out your business card with a smile. Hold the door open for someone. Return phone calls the next day. Send handwritten notes, when everyone else sends emails, or text messages.
Today, I choose to "MOVE without the Ball" in the business playing field, and encourage others to do the same. Don't worry about the state of the economy, but do pick up the rebound, look behind your back, be visible. Be aggressive. Be persistent. MOVE without the ball.
I have talked to my father recently about his words. He laughed. Said, he never meant to hurt me, but hoped he pushed me. I told him it took 16 years to click, but I was awarded the Entrepreneurial Success Award for 2008 from the Chamber of Commerce. You were moving without the ball he said. Creating action, which lead to opportunity. Keep picking up those rebounds,and anticipating the next play he said. Get in the game.
It is OK, if you fall down, get back up, and keep moving.
Move without the ball.
jrw
Friday, January 2, 2009
ideas to grow your self-storage business
Hey Friends:
Quote: Michael Stall
"Marketing has always been about manipulating perceptions," he explained. "A truly buzz-worthy product will most likely always cut through the market clutter and noise. In the self-storage business, this concept would help tackle the saturation of the market, create customer fans, generate word-of-mouth marketing like you have never seen, and have phones ringing off the hook like never before."
He created a western theme storage facility in AZ
This concept is the brainchild of Michael Stall, who has been active in the storage industry for the past 11 years and is currently the vice president of operations for Stadium Properties in Costa Mesa, California, and manages the Dollar Self Storage facilities in Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Stall, who has a Master's Degree in marketing, was looking for ways to make his facilities stand out amongst competitors. And what better way, he reasoned, than by creating a theme that defines the region in which each facility exists?
Great article @ ssacommunications@selfstorage.org
written by Tom Comi
Quote: Michael Stall
"Marketing has always been about manipulating perceptions," he explained. "A truly buzz-worthy product will most likely always cut through the market clutter and noise. In the self-storage business, this concept would help tackle the saturation of the market, create customer fans, generate word-of-mouth marketing like you have never seen, and have phones ringing off the hook like never before."
He created a western theme storage facility in AZ
This concept is the brainchild of Michael Stall, who has been active in the storage industry for the past 11 years and is currently the vice president of operations for Stadium Properties in Costa Mesa, California, and manages the Dollar Self Storage facilities in Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Stall, who has a Master's Degree in marketing, was looking for ways to make his facilities stand out amongst competitors. And what better way, he reasoned, than by creating a theme that defines the region in which each facility exists?
Great article @ ssacommunications@selfstorage.org
written by Tom Comi
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Planting Seeds
I enjoy planting seeds. It is fun to watch something grow from just a tiny seed. It is hard to imagine that a tomato plant, or colorful flower is just inside a tiny seed. Where does this flower come from? Where do the tomatoes come from?
Where do customers come from? How do they hear about my business? Is marketing like planting seeds in your community?
The seed can't grow by itself, but I can plant it and hope it grows. I can also plant it and spend the time, taking care of the soil, watering it, putting it in the sun light, following the directions and tending to it as it grows. Guiding it, and clipping the flowering, enjoying the tomato and sharing it with others. This is more beneficial. It works better when I have a plan, and just don't sprinkle my seeds all over the back yard. Sure, I may get one to grow, but it works better if I pay attention to it, and follow it all the way through to the end.
I can plant seeds in my business as well. Marketing is creating awareness of my product or service. I can plant "marketing seeds" around town, or in my local networking group, or in neighborhood meeting, or on the phone with a potential client. I can't force anyone to buy from me or use my product, but I can plant seeds during our conversations and interactions.
I can give them a feature and benefit, and point them towards the sunlight, water their ideas and guide them. I can help them grow. I can plant the seed of an idea, that they may need self-storage. I can plant seeds with the local college dorm students. Let them know I have boxes for sale.
It is beneficial for them to store their belongings with me, instead of bringing them home to Mom and Dad's house over break .
I can motivate them to use my product or service. I can plant seeds with my business cards, promotional items, targeted email advertisements and cold calls.
I like to think of it as planting seeds when I go on a marketing call, and not be too aggressive when I approach someone. This is beneficial for the 1st time marketing manager. The one who has trouble breaking out of the office.
It happened again yesterday. A gentleman named Jack came in the office. I met him about 18 months ago, while walking my dog. He came in yesterday, and rented a storage unit at $99.00 a month.
He said, "John, you remember me?" I did remember his face. He reminded me of his name.
"You're from Pennsylvania, and you walked by my house with your dog over a year ago." He remembered we had the same breed of dog, and I struck up friendly conversation about the weather and our jobs.
"I manage the self-storage facility down the street, if you ever need anything. " I said to him.
He told me he often thought about me when he drove by our facility, and I had planted a seed with him about storage.
I rest my case.
Where do customers come from? How do they hear about my business? Is marketing like planting seeds in your community?
The seed can't grow by itself, but I can plant it and hope it grows. I can also plant it and spend the time, taking care of the soil, watering it, putting it in the sun light, following the directions and tending to it as it grows. Guiding it, and clipping the flowering, enjoying the tomato and sharing it with others. This is more beneficial. It works better when I have a plan, and just don't sprinkle my seeds all over the back yard. Sure, I may get one to grow, but it works better if I pay attention to it, and follow it all the way through to the end.
I can plant seeds in my business as well. Marketing is creating awareness of my product or service. I can plant "marketing seeds" around town, or in my local networking group, or in neighborhood meeting, or on the phone with a potential client. I can't force anyone to buy from me or use my product, but I can plant seeds during our conversations and interactions.
I can give them a feature and benefit, and point them towards the sunlight, water their ideas and guide them. I can help them grow. I can plant the seed of an idea, that they may need self-storage. I can plant seeds with the local college dorm students. Let them know I have boxes for sale.
It is beneficial for them to store their belongings with me, instead of bringing them home to Mom and Dad's house over break .
I can motivate them to use my product or service. I can plant seeds with my business cards, promotional items, targeted email advertisements and cold calls.
I like to think of it as planting seeds when I go on a marketing call, and not be too aggressive when I approach someone. This is beneficial for the 1st time marketing manager. The one who has trouble breaking out of the office.
It happened again yesterday. A gentleman named Jack came in the office. I met him about 18 months ago, while walking my dog. He came in yesterday, and rented a storage unit at $99.00 a month.
He said, "John, you remember me?" I did remember his face. He reminded me of his name.
"You're from Pennsylvania, and you walked by my house with your dog over a year ago." He remembered we had the same breed of dog, and I struck up friendly conversation about the weather and our jobs.
"I manage the self-storage facility down the street, if you ever need anything. " I said to him.
He told me he often thought about me when he drove by our facility, and I had planted a seed with him about storage.
I rest my case.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
simple marketing story
Simple marketing story
I remember stopping to get a ham sandwich with honey mustard at Honey Baked Ham about 18 months ago. When I walked up to the store front, there was a sign posted on their door:"OPEN until 2:00am TONIGHT"I inquired at the counter when I purchased my lunch items, about the sign and their intentions. They responded their business neighbors sold video games, and anticipated a crowd of over hundred teenagers with family members.
This age group was lining up to purchase an early release of a certain video game.Immediately, I thought about the line of people standing in front of these two stores, and how I could get this crowd at my self-storage facility. Biting into my ham sandwich, I did not even sit down to eat. I walked next door and introduced myself to the Video Game Manager. A conscious self-storage manager always keeps their marketing shoes on.
I pictured a line of eager consumers outside of a concert venue waiting to get inside, to hear their favorite musician. How could I market my self storage services to targeted audience? I would have their complete attention. What did they need?Sugar, food, water and caffeine. They were going to be standing in line for hours. Greeting Robert with a handshake and smile, I asked him about his business. He gave me a tour of the store, and I shot him my idea about donating candy, and a cooler of drinks for his customers. We exchanged business cards, and I told him I would be back after 7pm.
Mr. Yon at Honey Baked ham agreed as well, and both said I could create promotional bags with pens, business cards and a fl yer.
“Wesupports GAMERS and offers half price for 1st month of storage with copy of this flyer through October.”I created about 100 bags with pens, business cards and a brochure and our logo key chain. I spent about $60.00 on candy, soda and water.
My district manager and home office were supportive of the idea.When I was preparing the items at my store, my landscaper stopped in, who rents two units with me. When I told him the idea, he got so excited he split the coast of candy with me, and I put his business cards in the bags as well.
Returning to the Video Store at 7pm, Robert allowed me to neatly display my bags with our logo, with the cooler on a table. I positioned the items so the teenagers in line, would read our "" sign, and grab a promotional bag and soda.Returning the next day to connect with the manager, and clean up my items.
He had an excellent turnout, and all my promotional bags were gone. I did not receive any direct business I can track, but the clincher is….
I wrote Robert an email, and a thank you letter. I did "pop" in on him once or twice 6 months afterwards, when I would stop in to get a sandwich.One day Robert pulled into my self-storage facility, and asked about personal storage. He was changing jobs, and joining the fire department. He was also getting married. This was an exciting, but stressful time for Robert.He needed two storage units, and didn't even ask about price. We had already established a relationship.
Robert the manager did rent two storage units in the future. Both Climate Control and both over $200.00 a month.Robert stayed with us for months and this sale resulted in a new friend, business contact, and about $2,500.I hope this story inspires others. I believe we can create our own opportunities.Marketing is an action verb.I now look for furniture sales, and partner with the mangers of the store, using a similar approach. I look forward to partnering with small businesses in the future. Marketing is fun.
John R. Wharton is a free lance writer, Newport News, Va. He was awarded the Entrepreneurial Success Award 2008 from The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
I remember stopping to get a ham sandwich with honey mustard at Honey Baked Ham about 18 months ago. When I walked up to the store front, there was a sign posted on their door:"OPEN until 2:00am TONIGHT"I inquired at the counter when I purchased my lunch items, about the sign and their intentions. They responded their business neighbors sold video games, and anticipated a crowd of over hundred teenagers with family members.
This age group was lining up to purchase an early release of a certain video game.Immediately, I thought about the line of people standing in front of these two stores, and how I could get this crowd at my self-storage facility. Biting into my ham sandwich, I did not even sit down to eat. I walked next door and introduced myself to the Video Game Manager. A conscious self-storage manager always keeps their marketing shoes on.
I pictured a line of eager consumers outside of a concert venue waiting to get inside, to hear their favorite musician. How could I market my self storage services to targeted audience? I would have their complete attention. What did they need?Sugar, food, water and caffeine. They were going to be standing in line for hours. Greeting Robert with a handshake and smile, I asked him about his business. He gave me a tour of the store, and I shot him my idea about donating candy, and a cooler of drinks for his customers. We exchanged business cards, and I told him I would be back after 7pm.
Mr. Yon at Honey Baked ham agreed as well, and both said I could create promotional bags with pens, business cards and a fl yer.
“Wesupports GAMERS and offers half price for 1st month of storage with copy of this flyer through October.”I created about 100 bags with pens, business cards and a brochure and our logo key chain. I spent about $60.00 on candy, soda and water.
My district manager and home office were supportive of the idea.When I was preparing the items at my store, my landscaper stopped in, who rents two units with me. When I told him the idea, he got so excited he split the coast of candy with me, and I put his business cards in the bags as well.
Returning to the Video Store at 7pm, Robert allowed me to neatly display my bags with our logo, with the cooler on a table. I positioned the items so the teenagers in line, would read our "" sign, and grab a promotional bag and soda.Returning the next day to connect with the manager, and clean up my items.
He had an excellent turnout, and all my promotional bags were gone. I did not receive any direct business I can track, but the clincher is….
I wrote Robert an email, and a thank you letter. I did "pop" in on him once or twice 6 months afterwards, when I would stop in to get a sandwich.One day Robert pulled into my self-storage facility, and asked about personal storage. He was changing jobs, and joining the fire department. He was also getting married. This was an exciting, but stressful time for Robert.He needed two storage units, and didn't even ask about price. We had already established a relationship.
Robert the manager did rent two storage units in the future. Both Climate Control and both over $200.00 a month.Robert stayed with us for months and this sale resulted in a new friend, business contact, and about $2,500.I hope this story inspires others. I believe we can create our own opportunities.Marketing is an action verb.I now look for furniture sales, and partner with the mangers of the store, using a similar approach. I look forward to partnering with small businesses in the future. Marketing is fun.
John R. Wharton is a free lance writer, Newport News, Va. He was awarded the Entrepreneurial Success Award 2008 from The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
marketing is an action verb
Marketing means moving, walking, talking, thinking and planning. Writing down your expectations and results, as well as tracking them. I would suggest analyzing them, and changing your action plan if you do not results.
Putting your plan to paper, and doing research before you hit the streets. Marketing means walking to the business park next door, and introducing yourself to the front desk. Perhaps leaving a small promotional item, and following up with an email or thank you note.
Creating relationships and maintaining these relationships, while not being afraid to give the 1st referral.
Marketing is moving "without the ball", and being vulnerable, so the public can see you. Similar to moving without the ball on the basketball court, by putting yourself in the position to be "open", and available to score a basket. Let the public see you, so they know where you are located and what you have to offer. Sometimes you have to come right out and state the obvious about your business. "We have the lowest price of moving boxes in town." "We are open 7 days a week. Yes that does include Sunday." :)
Marketing is hitting the pavement. Going door to door. Making 10 sales calls. Writing 10 letters to strategical alliances. Partnering with local businesses, shopping your competition, making your customer base aware of your website, moving your merchandise outside, giving away free coffee each Friday morning, getting creative and taking care of current and new clients.
Marketing is fun.
Marketing is not putting $1,000 into a yellow pages advertisement, and never tracking it, or referring your potential customers to it.
I believe from my experience that marketing is an action verb.
I will not be a "wait at the gate" manager.
Putting your plan to paper, and doing research before you hit the streets. Marketing means walking to the business park next door, and introducing yourself to the front desk. Perhaps leaving a small promotional item, and following up with an email or thank you note.
Creating relationships and maintaining these relationships, while not being afraid to give the 1st referral.
Marketing is moving "without the ball", and being vulnerable, so the public can see you. Similar to moving without the ball on the basketball court, by putting yourself in the position to be "open", and available to score a basket. Let the public see you, so they know where you are located and what you have to offer. Sometimes you have to come right out and state the obvious about your business. "We have the lowest price of moving boxes in town." "We are open 7 days a week. Yes that does include Sunday." :)
Marketing is hitting the pavement. Going door to door. Making 10 sales calls. Writing 10 letters to strategical alliances. Partnering with local businesses, shopping your competition, making your customer base aware of your website, moving your merchandise outside, giving away free coffee each Friday morning, getting creative and taking care of current and new clients.
Marketing is fun.
Marketing is not putting $1,000 into a yellow pages advertisement, and never tracking it, or referring your potential customers to it.
I believe from my experience that marketing is an action verb.
I will not be a "wait at the gate" manager.
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