When I was Cubmaster of Pack 12 Hubbardston, I needed to communicate a lot of information to the Scouts and their families. They needed to know when we were meeting, what they needed to bring, where we were going to be, and how they should prepare. Here's a list of the ways I got the word … [Read more...] about How to communicate with your clients
New business relationship DOA
I’m going to take a slight detour away from PowerPoint and presenting in this article to veer into Marketing 101 territory. Last week, I was at a business exposition and I shared contact information with someone who I thought was a web designer. The problems began when I tried to research his … [Read more...] about New business relationship DOA
How not to treat your clients
Whether you are an in-house designer in a large corporation, a partner in an agency or a sole proprietor, you're in customer service. All that we do as commercial artists is to serve our clients to the best of our ability. So what happens when you're crazy-busy, facing looming deadlines, and you get … [Read more...] about How not to treat your clients
Exclusive offer, but not for you
Creating a sense of exclusivity can be a very effective marketing tactic. Check out this copy from luxury goods providers Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Singapore Airlines, and Mikimoto: "Bespoke is Rolls-Royce" "Our Singapore Airlines Suites…provide the distinguished few with their very own haven of … [Read more...] about Exclusive offer, but not for you
Nationwide’s scare tactics shameful and pointless
In marketing we sometimes try to capture people's attention by highlighting the benefits of using our products or services and illustrating the pitfalls of not doing so. This often works, but other times it backfires horribly. Nationwide is on your side? If you were paying attention to the ads … [Read more...] about Nationwide’s scare tactics shameful and pointless
Marketing 101: Fish where the fish are
Recently, I encountered such an outrageously bad marketing tactic, contrasted with a fantastic marketing tactic, that I wanted to share it with you. No, there's nothing about PowerPoint in this article, but I thought it was important enough to share with you. What is up with this kiosk? I was in … [Read more...] about Marketing 101: Fish where the fish are
Why copying other people’s jokes is lame
People love to laugh, which is why marketers continue to generate funny content in the hopes of attracting attention to their products and services. Humor is also a great thing to include in your presentations—you set the audience at ease and make them more receptive to your message. But rehashing … [Read more...] about Why copying other people’s jokes is lame
Persuading with PowerPoint: Features vs. benefits
Understanding the difference between features and benefits will help you to create presentations that audiences will really respond to. The difference between features and benefits Simply stated, "features" are the components that make up a product or service: ingredients, parts, equipment used, … [Read more...] about Persuading with PowerPoint: Features vs. benefits