Marketing, public relations, social media... and a little of this and that.
We need to discuss the art of the email pitch.
You could be pitching the media, your boss, a new prospect or any other scenario you can dream up. When doing so, your pitch needs to be clear and concise. Period.
I’d like to share a little pitching secret (not really a secret) with you, but first, there are two important email pitching tips that will benefit you.
It doesn’t matter if you are pitching a product a cause an idea, or anything else you want to add to the list, your sales pitch position will positively or negatively impact your success.
While walking home last week I observed two different men pitching the same exact thing on two different days in virtually the same exact spot, and one guy was clearly having more success than the other.
When you read the pitch examples below it’s likely that you’ll instantly understand why one was more successful than the other, but I hope you’ll also takeaway the fact that small changes can have a big impact. It’s also worth noting that a good sales pitch, even for something as simple as what you’re about to read, matters.
“How can we use social media to attract new business?”
That’s a valid question that makes a lot of marketers squirm, especially when their widgets aren’t quite as attractive or in demand (could be do to cost) as another companies widgets.
But the thing is, I don’t necessarily think social media’s main responsibility should be to move widgets.
It’s more about creating relationships and conversations. If moving widgets is something that happens as a results of creating relationships and having conversations, that’s fantastic! And yes, it’s something that happens a lot.
[Read more…] about Using Social Media to attract new Business
People keep telling me that I’m going to need a heavier coat than what I currently have to survive the winter in New York City. Finding the “right” coat hasn’t been the easiest thing in the world to do thus far, but that could be a story all by itself.
As I continued my search for a heavy coat yesterday I made my way to the North Face (their products have received great reviews by friends) store at 72 St and Broadway. It was around 50 degrees or so outside, which is not exactly a motivating factor when trying to buy a heavy coat.
Upon walking in the store it felt like I’d walked in to a sauna just heating up – it had to have been 70 – 75 degrees inside (sales person eventually mentioned it was hot). I couldn’t help but immediately be confused as to why they had it so warm in the store.
From a consumer standpoint the last thing they were making me want to do was exert energy to take of my current coat and try on other coats – that would only make the situation warmer.
Create the Environment
During the winter months North Face likely has one focus: cold weather clothing. In that case, wouldn’t it be great if they created some sort of room that could emulate the elements outside?
They could have a 20 degree room, a 30 degree room… and heck; they could even add a little wind to the situation.
As a consumer I’d absolutely love this.
By creating this type of environment they would enhance the value of their product and could hook me right on the spot; they’d also help eliminate the fear of, “I wonder if this is going to be warm enough” out of my mind.
This North Face store had tons of great products, a helpful staff and a clean environment, but at the end of the day it was hot in the store and not a great purchasing environment.
And no, I still don’t have a heavy coat.