So imagine a staple of Online Media at the center of a swirl of rumors. Facebook was rumored to start geo-location support. It’s been the nerd talk for 2010: geo-location. Sites like Foursquare and Gowalla are leading the way. But just like Twitter, Facebook seemed poised to announce a new geo-location feature for accounts. With a huge user base, Facebook could easily put Foursquare and Gowalla on the path to shut down.

Facebook’s big developer conference ended without squat about geo-location. Then yesterday, the advertising world was buzzing about McDonald’s and Facebook. Turns out McDonald’s will be the launch advertiser to use Facebook’s upcoming geo-location feature. Check in at a McDonald’s and get a free fries or something. Can you imagine being enticed to show your phone the next time you order a Big Mac?

Geo-Location and New Social Media Tools from Facebook will make your business more profitable.

I’ve been hesitant to mention geo-location until this very moment. Mainly because if you’re not in New York City, maybe 5,000 people are using either Foursquare or Gowalla. On top of that, there was no clear leader between the two. No reason to invest in the idea until now. The moment Facebook launches it’s time for every company or business to analyze implementation to their media strategies.

Rewarding people for sharing their patronage with friends is network marketing making things happen. “Free” advertising for minimal cost. Chipotle still engages in a similar form of “free” network advertising. At locations near college campuses, Chipotle would offer free burritos on Saturday. What college kid gives up a free lunch? Chipotle would spread the word a bit and before you knew it, college kids loved Chipotle. They loved it so much Chipotle has an entire college campus marketing division.

With the impending launch of geo-location on Facebook, I don’t recommend panicking. It’s ok to get an extra cup of coffee and visit sites like Foursquare. Just don’t feel overwhelmed quite yet. It is the weekend in a few hours after all.

The potential from this news is extraordinary. It will also quell any detractors out there as well. It is very clear that McDonald’s is getting this unique privilege from a very large media buy. The full details are not clear but in what will sure be a big splash, McDonald’s will help transform Online Media trends.

For the average small business there might be a learning curve. That’s expected. Considering that you want people to visit your business you will probably catch on quickly. Sending “Check-In” promotions to friends who hopefully then visit and “Check-In” themselves. From there their friends see where they “Checked-In” and love the promotion so they show up and “Check-In.” After that it gets quite cyclical and the potential becomes beyond incredible.

Have you already been having fun with Foursquare or Gowalla? Let me know! I’ve been trying it out myself a bit under a pseudonym and it can get addicting fast!

Have a fantastic weekend and I look forward to seeing you here again on Monday!

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TZ

I was totally deceived for a while! is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Media Strategies, Media Relations, Social Media and Google Search. How to realize the true potential of online communities for business growth.

I’m not joking at all. I’m completely serious that ‘Googling’ will come to an end. I may just be a few decades ahead of myself is all.

Ya know how they refer to Facebook and Twitter as ‘Web 2.0′? It’s not because they’re social media, it’s because of the technology behind the websites. Back when Web 2.0 started a good friend explained to me the underlying principle guiding the technology. After building a Web 2.0 company himself he was best to describe it. Web 2.0 is designed to respond to you before you act. In other words, it should know what you want to see and show it to you before you even click a button.

Creepy?

You’re already getting used to it right now. I wrote this week about Facebook’s privacy and new features. Facebook announced today that over 50,000 websites have adopted their new plug-ins that essentially help Facebook dominate content across the web. Now you have over 50,000 different websites that you can ‘Like’ and suggest to friends. Facebook then passes that along to your friends and your friends pass their likes along to you.

Have you seen those Microsoft Bing commercials? They always take a jab at Google, the dominate search engine, for not being very visually appealing. Do you agree? Google is very simple. It’s text and list based. You search and their engine gives you results with very few images (unless you search for images) and it’s just very pure data. Bing is a very visual search engine. But even the typical search engine is slowly seeing a fate worse than death.

For marketers, Google is an amazing way to track and analyze where advertising dollars are spent and their results. Facebook, Twitter and others do not have that “graphing power.” You can’t walk into a room of high-dollar executives and show them results on a dry erase board because there’s only very select information. Facebook’s new methods of ‘Like’ and commentary centralize social media interaction in a way easier to potentially analyze.

That’s been the biggest problem for social media to date. So many others, including myself, know that social media is a valuable tool. Putting an exact number on that value has been the hardest thing to do yet. But what is very clear is that Facebook and Twitter are recognized by about 85% of the US population. That’s more than the percentage of people with regular internet access. Social Media strikes a chord with most people. Here’s what I think the major reason is:

Everyone wants to be involved in a community and share experiences and opinions with others.

To date, there has been no way that a single person can in theory interact with billions of others in the blink of an eye. Connecting with someone on the opposite side of the planet is easier than ever imagined. Google is very single-user focused. Facebook has been too mass-mob focused. Blending and bridging the gap makes for a very clear message:

Media Strategies is an active method to be seen and be heard in a community environment of instant action and instant response.

Searching will be dead. Finding will be king. Bookmarking will be a habit and sharing is only natural. If you’re not getting on board now you’re only delaying the inevitable. Until Monday friends, have a great weekend!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

It’s the end of Google Search… is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

BOOBQUAKE : Media relations is and never will be a science. Finding subtle and direct ways to promote your brand through media relations is more powerful than advertising alone.

It’s not really a scientific fact YET. According to the prominent Iranian cleric Kazem Sedighi, women’s immodesty has cause the increase of worldwide earthquakes. While this may be debated for hours and become heated very quickly I seriously doubt many people new to online media could see this coming: BOOBQUAKE.

If there’s a sole reason for the internet to exist it’s to at least provide a little slice of humor and satire. Now we have a new source of entertainment in the form of Boobquake. What is Boobquake? It’s a Facebook event today (Monday, 26th) aimed at testing cleric Sedighi’s claim scientifically. It calls on women worldwide to wear their most revealing top – all in the name of science. So far I’m liking it.

What is also not really a scientific fact YET is the impact media relations has compared to traditional advertising. Imagine you’re the cleric in Iran who greatly opposes women showing cleavage. You’ve just been hit with Boobquake. What do you do? What do you want?

Sarah Bernhardt, one of the world’s first acting superstars (1844-1923), traveled the world with her racy performances. Before she could arrive in Chicago on her tour, a Chicago bishop delivered a very critical and harsh speech against Bernhardt. That speech received a great amount of press coverage. What did Bernhardt do? She sent him a $200 check.

Why?

The note attached with the check stated:

“I am accustomed, when I bring an attraction to your town, to spend $400 on advertising. As you have done half teh advertising fo rme, I enclose $200 for your parish.”

For Bernhardt, the value was about $200. The story and the coverage was priceless. How would you value others talking about you publicly?

It’s not a science but it is also not illusionary. There’s sound logic behind your brand and message sprawling across the news, blogs and social networks. Just as you want people scrambling to buy you also want them scrambling to learn more about you. Advertising does not build demand. Advertising entices the unsure. Media relations increases demand to incrementally. It cannot repeat itself like advertising can. Media relations is capable of building on itself unlike advertising.

I have mentioned before – bad reviews scare people away. Word of mouth can kill a business. Media relations is similar to reviews from prestigious sources. When the dedicated health reporter on your local news mentions red wine, in moderation, can benefit your heart you take that advice more seriously. If it was a buck-toothed mechanic telling you that you might ignore it. It’s not a science, but media relations has long-term potential that builds demand. Advertising only entices a certain amount of people for a short period of time.

In the meantime – Boobquake! I hope you all have a great start to your week – I’ll see you again on Wednesday!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

Your Breasts are Causing Earthquakes: REPORT is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Lamb is on the long term rise. Is your business ready to have long term success with a long term media strategy?

The American Lamb Board (ALB and yes, there really is one) is predicting 2010 to be the year of the lamb. A “meat fashion” sweeping top chefs, restaurants and grocery stores alike. Ground lamb, neck cuts, stomach cuts – you name it, lamb is taking off. Are you already a fan?

Meat & Livestock Australia, the organization promoting lamb in Australia, has been running ads and contests in hopes of fast service chains adding lamb to their menus. The trend is advancing along these hallmarks: affordable, versatile and local. Small lamb producers nationwide are seeing their cuts for customers increase in variety and frequency. Where many farmers would sell an entire lamb they are now complicating their cuts and offering a market variety.

Why this sudden shake up in the meat industry towards lamb? Well it’s a complicated strategy. A little bit of splash and flash. A solid hometown story and finally a multi-national effort. It’s not rocket science but when I consider products for a media strategy I have never considered lamb. I’m more of a beef and turkey guy myself.

Ask yourself if you would consider lamb. What comes to mind right away? The ALB acknowledges the not-so-yummy stigma with lamb. It also plans to approach most of the younger generations as a customer base. This way there’s less of a stigma to fight and more of an adventurous spin they can use. The fact is that almost one third of the US population has never had lamb before.

What’s very interesting about the ALB’s efforts is that they are long-term. Many companies and brands thing long-term on scales of epic proportions and global dominance. The ALB wants lamb to become a staple food for US households. They also understand that becoming that entrenched in a nation’s diet does not happen in even one single generation. They’re in it for the long haul because they know that in order to get what they want, they’ll need to take small steps.

I’m typically impatient myself. For you that means the potential of more lamb on your plate. For the burgeoning media strategist it means that there’s no timeframe for results or projects. It’s kind of silly to have a long term vision of success without a long term vision for strategy. Why work for perpetual prosperity with instant efforts? The equation simply doesn’t add up.

That’s all from me for this week! Hope you all have a great weekend and I’ll see you again on Monday!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

Check out Lamb Bacon! is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Hype and drama always sell but they also burn out. Focus your media strategy on offering substance when you stir scandal or drama.

Ever notice the shameless and over-the-top antics of celebrities? Ever wonder why that has a place in your nightly news? Drama lives in front of you everywhere. Capitalize on it.

Don’t be stupid. Those who cry wolf for no reason much too often get ignored permanently. Those who cry wolf and have something to offer get to have another 15 minutes of fame.

Jon & Kate Gosselin are two sharp contrasts. Kate doesn’t cry wolf and offers more and more to her reality TV junkie fan base. Jon offers nothing and cries wolf … often. It’s all very childish but somehow it is on the news consistently. Focus on business and you’ll find companies that exude drama. Microsoft, Apple, Toyota, GM, Verizon, AT&T etc. Whether it’s damage control or positioning, business drama is just as if not more media worthy than Jon & Kate Gosselin.

How do you capitalize?

Be confident. You are an expert so make sure you talk confidently about your field, your business and your competitors. Don’t be negative but don’t be kind. Don’t get personal but don’t give an inch. Fight for your superiority and anticipate your flaws.

Be vocal. How much money do health, insurance, and financial advisors collect from people who want their expert opinion? Plenty. There are varying values of expertise but in the end, everyone wants to get an expert opinion when they can. Offer it.

Be the winner. If you’re going to start a skirmish make sure you can win it. There’s nothing more disappointing than starting something you can finish and feeling its negative effects. Losing only makes more work for yourself.

Drama may get annoying but there’s always that little side of everyone that loves to hear gossip and scandal. Capitalizing on it is simple enough but like anything else you must analyze the risk.

I hope everyone enjoys their Wednesday – hope to see you again on Friday!!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

This is where DRAMA lives. is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Filling out and expanding into your business white-space not only grows your business but also your media exposure opportunity.

There are a lot of great ideas out there and a lot of people who talk. There are only very few people that actually act on them. There are even fewer people who consider themselves successful with their ideas. How can there be so many people that are considered unsuccessful and then there are people like Warren Buffett or Russell Simmons who own empires of diverse companies?

I had the privilege to have Russell on my show a while back. He’s a great guy and I recently heard him speak of his business approach to growth and sustainment. What struck me as interesting was his mention of ‘filling in the white-space’ in business. He couldn’t stop talking about how his endeavors and companies fill a white-space in the business world and how innovative he feels his ventures have become. Outside of determination, hard work and passion, Russell accredits his choice of filling white-space for his success.

When Russell is introduced to an audience or in an interview he is known as a mogul of branding and identity. Over decades Russell has made his name synonymous with entrepreneurship and expansion. If his strategy is to always fill the white-space of business – how can you apply this for your gain?

It’s not an easy strategy but it is simple. When I consult with clients I take a great amount of time to analyze their needs and their assets. What do they contribute that I can enhance and gain exposure for in an effective way? What makes my client special and news-worthy? Often I find potential clients that offer great personalities, amazing ambition and tremendous heart but their focus is too narrow and too short. They are not filling in their white-space.

Own a candle shop? Why not sell soaps or other smell good items? Home decor, furnishings and books on every home-related subject imaginable can effectively fill in your white-space. Check out Rodney Anderson. He started with mortgages alone and now offers insurance and credit advice. You don’t have to invent an industry – you only have to fill in the white-space.

Increasing your work-load may not be what you particularly need or can handle right now. I completely understand. Why not fill your white-space with other people? Building relationships designed to help the consumer can only grow your business. Consider the benefits to expanding services: expertise, opportunity and exposure.

The media loves people who are diverse in their subject matter. It means you can answer more questions and you are more versatile for articles, interviews and news clips. Are you filling out yet?

It’s already Monday and I feel like I’ve ran through my week – where did it go?! I’ll see you back here on Wednesday!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

Am I filling out too much?? is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Strategy for the best Media Exposure is all about Making Lemonade from Lemons. Any Publicity is Good Publicity.

Winning an Oscar guarantees at least a few more years of solid work in Hollywood. Winning a Razzie for the worst performance only gives you a bruise that gets worse without any work. Actors in Hollywood have the same problems like many businesses including yours. Typically a struggling actor is just like a fledgling brand. They work tirelessly to improve their brand’s image and portfolio. Sometimes they have to cut their losses and find another career or sometimes they hit it big.

You can imagine that even being nominated for a Razzie might lower an actor’s value. But the best Oscar moment was actually brought to you by the Razzies.

Sandra Bullock has had a very long career and was first nominated for an Oscar just this year. I was so excited to see her win but not even Meryl Streep could carry the weight of an Oscar around like Bullock. Why? On the heels of her Golden Globe win and impending Oscar glory, one of Bullock’s other films from 2009 was getting bad publicity: All About Steve. So bad was this press that it was Bullock who won the Razzie for Lead Female Role. How would you handle one of the biggest achievements in your career with one of the worst of heckles?

Publicity Gold!

This happens a lot. A business is hitting gold with a new product or service. They’re getting amazing praise and tons of new business. Then with the good comes the no so good. A harsh critic highlights a poor choice or business decision that shines a not-so golden light on you and your work. Why can’t things just be consistent and be not just good but GREAT without a sour moment?!

Well voting for the Oscars ended far before the Razzies were announced. Bullock already had the Oscar in the bag last night. But instead of ignoring the bad and hoping that it will just go away, Bullock became only the second Razzie winner in history to appear in person to accept their not-so-triumphant award. And it made headlines.

It’s only instinct to feel like you have to be afraid of anything negative. It’s not horrible. But it’s not very clever. Bullock proved to movie executives that even if she is in a flop with them it will be memorable and hopefully profitable. Bullock gave away free copies of All About Steve at the Razzies. The movie which was never meant to be an Oscar contender has become etched in Oscar history as the movie that earned 2010′s Best Actress a Razzie.

Who wouldn’t want to be etched in Oscar history?

For those like you and me, we can learn to embrace negative feedback and make it positive. I’ve always been a huge fan of self-motivation. It’s not always easy but you must always remember that you are in control of your own image. You don’t have to be the next Tiger Woods – be the next Sandra Bullock!

I wish you a great start to the week and hopefully next Monday will have a lot more sunshine – it’s gloomy here in Dallas! Until Wednesday, take care!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

This was the BEST Oscar moment they didn’t air! is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Apolo Ohno Knows the Secret Strategy Every Business Owner should Know...

What a great two weeks of sport! I love the Olympics. I’ve known that most of the athletes focus on their sport as a full-time job. I know that they get sponsorships but I didn’t know that they get a cash payout based on how many medals (and what medals) they win. Honestly – I think I could live on the payouts but when they don’t have full-time jobs they must be doing something else.

I’ve included a caption of Apolo Ohno’s secret to not only earn income – but to gain exposure. Apolo is probably getting complimentary miles or flights for his permission granted to Alaska Airlines – and exposure.

What does that matter to an athlete? Name recognition will help him launch an athletic equipment line. Start a television show. Anchor the next Winter Olympics. The possibilities are really endless. It’s a great business decision to build on opportunities. Sometimes opportunities come directly to you. Sometimes you have to make the opportunities a reality.

One of my clients, Corinthian Wellness Spa in Southlake, has a wonderful relationship with The Melting Pot. They share a similar environment in their businesses. They are also very complimentary in what they do. They don’t overlap but they also share a similar client base. Why not advertise in each other’s businesses with events and promotions to help each other out? Sometimes exposure is simply reaching out. Have brochures, menus, offers and events to entice people into the door. Find venues that could benefit from exposure in your establishment.

Apolo’s secret, and my client’s experiences, is a lesson that is often over looked. Media Strategies is about exposure. Exposing your business to as many eyes as possible does not need to be expensive. It’s completely reasonable to partner with another business that compliments what you do.

I hope you all had a GREAT weekend – the sun was out here in Dallas and I only hope it comes back soon! I’ll see you all on Wednesday and take a moment to share any cross promotions you may have!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

I know Apolo Ohno’s Secret! is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Things Pile Up Fast! Keep your strategy on top!

First let me apologize for posting later than usual. I took my measuring tape outside with the dogs in the snow and saw 8″ fell from yesterday! All three of the babies were running around wild in it. Though Mac did get annoyed and started to bark – that’s when I knew it was time to head inside. LOL

I’ve got to admit – just like the snow outside, I found things inside just piling up. My desk looks like a disaster zone! It’s been an extremely busy week. Last-minute clients for special projects, new long-term client introductory meetings and then finally: snow. Who’d ever think we’d get 8′?!

In all this chaos I had to share with you a key to my success. Things pile up rather quickly from time to time. It’s a good thing. It’s also horrible for my nerves! I’m sure you feel the same way – and when you’re busy managing and marketing your business things don’t seem so easy. So let me share with you a strategy secret I’ve carried around that has helped me in times of chaos (Besides a nap or Mexican Food) :

Prioritize Results, Recognize Results and Journalize Results.

There’s no need for any strategy development or new ventures when you’re busy with what you’re doing. Keep in mind that if you’re at a point of continual frantic chaos – you should consider hiring help and/or increasing prices. But if you’re in a relative spurt of activity always focus on the results.

I always make sure that I and my client recognize the results. Don’t let your work go unnoticed – that’s what you’re paid for, right?

Most importantly is that recognizing results translates to recognizing the impact of the results. You can then properly analyze your work. Could you expand and increase business or was this spurt of activity the result of a rare occurrence? Find the pattern to your business.

Journalizing results means you can show your work to future potential clients. It makes your business more legitimate. Building a history gives you incredible credibility. An artist’s portfolio is essential for them to get their next job – hold on to any journal of your work religiously.

Enjoy your weekend – whether you enjoy snow, sun or both! I’ll catch back up with you on Monday!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

Things are piling up fast! is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Pepsi has a long tradition of Advertising and Marketing around a Super Bowl Ad - Not in 2010

… If you did see the commercial – you were NOT watching the Super Bowl. Nothing hilarious and nothing noteworthy about any ads from the cola manufacturer. If you, like millions of us yesterday were (I had queso, dip and great sliders! Yum!), were watching the Super Bowl you saw millions of advertising dollars for Coca-Cola and Doritos. However Pepsi was noticeably absent yesterday.

Instead of spending $30 million + on marketing and buying airtime for the big game, Pepsi turned to an online campaign called ‘Refresh Everything’. The company built this online campaign with a blog, Twitter and Facebook account to reach out to local communities with grants ranging from $5k to $250k. Grants have been distributed based on input from the nearly 400,000+ followers and fans. Even NFL stars were given the chance to choose local community centers to receive a piece of the $20 million Pepsi was dolling out.

Has it worked? – Yes!

This campaign is being referred to as a ‘Crowd-Sourcing’ project and so far Pepsi has already received 21% of Super Bowl-related media coverage and buzz. This coverage and buzz is great for their public image AND keeps them involved locally. To make matters even BETTER: rival Coca-Cola has only received 2% of coverage and buzz for their marketing dollar. Sometimes it’s the strategy and options you use when marketing and NOT the amount of dollars you have to spend!

Who do you think is the winner here?

I’m exhausted from being so festive yesterday – plus the weather is gloomy and it just makes me want to stay inside! Let me know what you think of today’s post and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can sneak in a quick nap! LOL. I’ll see you again on Wednesday for another post!!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

Did you see that HILARIOUS Pepsi Commercial?! WOW… is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

The Worst Taglines always have you in shock.

There’s nothing more dangerous than a horrible tagline. I’m sure you’ve heard them plenty of times. They can sound very cheesy or they can sound utterly ridiculous and distract you from understanding or respecting their service or product. You’re supposed to attract interested and serious customers. You’re not supposed to push them away laughing at you.

Everyone needs a tagline – whether you’re making a commercial or just telling people what you do at a cocktail party – to make a great impression. For my clients I always make it a point to consider a great tagline. I make sure taglines compliment branding strategies and I develop the best taglines possible.

You too can have a great tagline. Just make sure it’s short. Only a sentence long. Keep a positive tone and only use simple words. Don’t be afraid to run through a few drafts. Taglines get better with time.

Have a great Wednesday and don’t forget to leave some feedback! See you Friday!

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

Worst Tagline Ever is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Three Steps for Your Success

A lot of people, myself included for a while, hate marketing. There is nothing more frustrating than hating what you’re doing. You feel unaccomplished and unsuccessful. Those are two feelings that no business owner should ever feel. Here are my three steps to be GREAT at marketing.

1. Value what you do.
   Realize that you’re in business for a reason. There’s some sort of value to your work or product. There’s got to be some way to maybe change your service or product to increase value. In times like these if you’re not believing what you’re doing is valuable then you might be in trouble. But if there’s even an inkling that what you provide has value, then you’re just fine.
2. Be meticulous.
   Know where your money is going. Know how much work earns you how much money. Know where your clients or customers come from. What do they want? What’s their email address? Being meticulous gives you information that puts you in complete control. That sort of control is essential to success
3. Think BIG.
   If you’re not thinking big then you’re not thinking forward. I’m not suggesting everyone plan on being a major corporation but I am suggesting you prepare for the possibility of being big. Whether you want to be a multi-millionaire company or something a bit more modest, have a plan for change. Change is inevitable and even if you don’t make a detailed plan you’re better off to think about being big or working to remain modest.

Taking these few steps will freshen your perspective on your business and more importantly it will make you a great marketer. It’s not rocket science but it is something that requires dedication. Your success is an opportunity waiting to happen.

Stop by Monday.

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising expert, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in growing small to medium sized businesses to their fullest potential.

3 Steps to Be Great at Marketing is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Marketing has many options for success and as the Principal of a Media Strategy firm that offers every conceivable option, I speak from experience. There is a very essential concept that I share with every client and anyone I meet. I do the exact same thing as I’m about to tell you. Here’s the concept:

• Resource Marketing

This concept has many options to execute. It’s essential because it can be the answer for many customers in many circumstances. For example, if you send postcards to past customers with discount offers, a few customers who may have forgotten you will be reminded and even enticed to return. If you choose to send email newsletters you could send product updates and further entice customers to return for your great new product.

Building a Resource Marketing technique has many options. Mail, email, website and newsletters have various pros and cons. Choosing the one that’s right for you takes time and determines success.

Visit here on Friday for another Tip & Strategy.

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising veteran, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in small to medium sized businesses.

Build a Resource for Customers is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Easy and Simple yet Deadly

It’s dubbed “Social Media” and you’ll learn quickly that I’m a fan of the service and a sceptic on the “social media experts”.

Here’s the deal: there’s a lot of confusing information out there. I was on Facebook only a few months after it launched. I stumbled upon Twitter years before the local news anchor had an account. I’ve been from building websites pre-New Media to working in a world where no one can get enough of it. There’s a fundamental concept that people often lose:

Stay focused on your content and where your content is launched

If you don’t think you understand “Social Media” do not try to use it. Tackle a service one at a time. Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Digg, etc. – each of these services do not need to be daunting. You’re running your own business after all, don’t get anxious over a simple web service.

Remember that most “Social Media” services were created to have fun. So make sure you do just that: have fun with it.

Come back Wednesday for another Tip & Strategy.

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TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising veteran, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in small to medium sized businesses.

Save Time – Avoid Social Media Chaos is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Many recent polls of small businesses listed their 2010 resolution as “Reducing Overhead”. It was my first thought this year and I’m glad I’m not the only one. After a quick review of my situation I found myself pleased that I was not bogged down in overhead costs.

Are you feeling bogged down?

I’ve been laid off because of the economy and it is not fun. It was not fun for my boss either. But if you’re looking to lay off anyone – why lay off someone who helps to bring in the money?

Nothing is simple and sometimes decisions are not easy but necessary. So why not find someone with your drive to succeed as a business to run your Marketing/Advertising and Media Strategies division?

Take a look at the benefits having another small business owner manage your Media Strategy:

• As a Fellow business owner – they can relate to your needs and constraints;
• As independent experts it is much easier to avoid micro-management and demand exactly what you need;
• Being on a billing system rather than payroll you avoid unnecessary costs (i.e. health insurance, etc.);
• Get more bang-for-your-buck by managing your ROI directly and not superficially.

What it boils down to is that when you negotiate the terms of your goals with an out-sourced Media Strategy expert it is much easier to manage the results and costs.

I make my costs to be competitive with a low-salary employee so that it’s practical and investable for a business to use my quality services. Take a look at your situation and make a resolution be smart about reducing overhead.

Come back Monday for another Tip & Strategy.

Tell a Friend,

TZ

Tony Zazza, a 15-year media, marketing and advertising veteran, is the Principal of Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Texas Marketing Firm, that specializes in small to medium sized businesses.

Reduce Overhead with Media Strategies is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.