Branding an identity from crisis. How to avoid an industry stigma and remain positive.

How many times have you heard of the company Cameron International? What about Transocean? I’m a huge animal lover and I drive an SUV to carry them around to the park, vet or even on a road trip. So now that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is reaching the shores and affecting wildlife preserves I’m getting really anxious. When I go online and read more and more about it I only hear about one company: BP. British Petroleum, a worldwide oil conglomerate, that sells you gas, explores for oil and finally drills. Or do they?

I’ve heard of BP plenty of times. They’ve had cute commercials in years past, a colorful logo and they’re huge in Southern California (where I’m from). Cameron International and Transocean are new to me. Are they new to you? Certainly I’m not an oil expert. But the multi-billion dollar industry is not as simple as it looks. BP and others like it, contract out to local companies that specialize in certain jobs. They hire one company for exploration to find new oil reserves. They then hire another company to drill the oil. Then another to send it to shore and of course it continues on from there.

Transocean is the operator and owner of the rig responsible for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. (http://deepwater.com)

Transocean is responsible for the oil extraction. They are the technical owners of the rig and they operate it themselves. BP hired Transocean for their services and most importantly, their expertise. Cameron International is responsible for the equipment Transocean uses. Most importantly they manufacture the safeguard device meant to plug an oil drilling hole in the event of an emergency. Obviously between the two companies something went wrong. Oil is washing ashore and threatening delicate wildlife and damaging the fishing industry already. Millions of dollars in damages are poised to skyrocket. Ultimately, who is responsible for this mess?

Cameron International manufactures devices for oil drilling meant to cap oil spills before they happen. (http://c-a-m.com/)

There are a ton of people who are anti-oil and blame companies like BP. Well BP has already stepped forward. They’ve accepted blame and have dedicated a full clean-up and restoration team. It’s only expected because the technical clean-up of any oil spill is responsible to companies like BP. But the cause of the oil spill does not belong necessarily to BP. Lawyers will soon be able to analyze data and conclude who is to blame for the oil spilling in the first place. The real loser either way is BP and the oil industry as a whole.

BP has taken the right course: they’re accepting blame in it’s entirety. For their reputation, it’s best to be seen as humble, apologetic and committed to righting it’s wrongs. But what about the industry? What about these two companies who are most likely to be blamed for the spill in the first place? Media strategies offers businesses the unique ability to engage the public and media en masse and form the story from their perspective. While no official investigation has made any official findings public, it’s possible to see the BP media machine charge after their contract workers.

Avoiding any stigma is very difficult and it does not happen overnight. What is possible is to avoid the stigma for yourself and place it squarely on another entity. Managing crises is very sticky business. It too, does not happen overnight. But what do you do? Try making information easy to read and easy to understand. Make sure it explains your perspective and make sure that you separate yourself from those you are not wanting to be associated with. Sounds easy but the key is making that information easy.

I’m not a big fan of animals being harmed because of a careless corporation. But in the game of industry stigmas it’s always best to be honest and forthcoming – whether you’re the one to blame or not. You have a voice and it’s in times like these that you have to use it. If you don’t then you are more likely to be used as a scapegoat. And that’s not any fun.

I hope you all have a great Monday! Looking forward to the weekend already! See you back on Wednesday!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Blame Game going Bad. 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!

Tell a Friend,

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!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Pepsi and the biggest mistakes of branding. Media Strategies with little forethought and no value.

Remember Super Bowl Sunday and the absence of Pepsi + millions of dollars? Well – I found this article today: Make the logo bigger: 10 rebranding disasters. Read through to the second page and you’ll find my favorite brand (although not my favorite cola): PEPSI.

My dad LOVES Pepsi. I’ve never been a big fan. Dr. Pepper rocks! But I do LOVE the people at Pepsi. First they took a less-travelled path with social media. They found success. However, last fall I remember making a comment about their new logo. Today I felt a bit validated in reading this article. I’m also feeling a little bit out of the loop too. Did you know the new logo was supposed to resemble a SMILE?

What were they smoking when they agreed it looked like a smile?! What were they doing spending $1 Million to develop it?! Again, what were they smoking?!

I guess it could be worse. It could’ve been a “New Coke”. Looking at the other brands mentioned, nothing really beats changing your name to a slang term for syphilis. I dare anyone to try and top that one. Then there’s Fort Worth-based Radio Shack targeting their small customer base and calling themselves “The Shack”. Does that not bring up bad imagery to anyone else either??

What’s even more telling of Pepsi’s mistake is that their subsidiary, Tropicana, also changed it’s packaging and logo. FAIL. Most response after launch mentioned that the packaging resembled a store brand. Nothing like syphilis and a store brand shackn’ it up together.

To further make less sense, each Pepsi-Cola brand, i.e. Caffeine Free or Diet, smiles differently. Again, what were they smoking?? Is there one type of Pepsi-Cola that is happier than the other? Can I guess the caffeine free isn’t so peppy?? Can you see where I’m going with this?

Coca-Cola is a standard of branding. Lessons for success in media strategies center around stability.

It’s all a tragic moment that just won’t end. They out-did their fiercest competitor with less money during the Super Bowl but they lack the big picture. Coca-Cola has that single imagery we all recognize. We see it world-wide. We also see very few logo changes from them. They’re a standard. Pepsi is acting their part: the second-rate cola.

Now I’m all for inanimate objects smiling at me. I LOVE the creepy statues at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion that follow you – and they don’t even smile! Honestly though, when I want a cola I hate having to hunt for it. Changing the logo and the packaging make it difficult for people to identify with your brand. When people cannot identify your brand you cut your revenue down to your loyal customer base. Where’s the growth strategy in that?

For anyone that’s starting from scratch, don’t be like Pepsi. Great product + no confidence in brand = struggle. And that is no good.

I wish everyone a great weekend and I’ll see you again on Monday! Feel free to battle it out for your favorite cola!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Do Pepsi Bottles Smile at You Like This? is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Build your media exposure by interacting with news stations on social media.

Ever notice that trend last year for dozens of news anchors and reporters who joined Twitter? Visit most news station’s websites and you’ll find somewhere to learn more about your favorite news personality AND what their Twitter account is. Now check: are you following them? Are they following you?

There’s a secret to why news stations push hard to build Twitter or Facebook followings. For an industry that heavily relies on ratings and numbers of viewers, finding new ways to track viewership enhances their ability to sell airtime. But while that might seem as the most obvious reason, the biggest secret is that they can use social media to produce content.

I have a huge complaint with news stories that are receive too much coverage. In a lot of instances, such over-coverage has stopped. That’s mostly due to news stations vetting topics through social media. They ask their viewers what they think and when they hear a lot of complaints – they act.

How can this affect you?

Since you know a lot about your chosen profession, you have a lot to contribute to any news story that deals with your industry. It happens all of the time with me. I see a story about something I know a great deal and I yell at the television. I comment with friends or family who saw the same story or report. I have an opinion and something to contribute.

Until recently, there was no real effective way for typical viewers to contribute. Sure you can go to the story online and leave a comment. You can contact the station with a phone call or by email. When do you see that directly effect a story that is going to air and not one that has already aired?

Especially when reporters or producers vet stories via Twitter – how can you not see the potential to put in your 2 cents? Now keep in mind that there are a lot of average hourly workers that offer their opinion as well. Those opinions are important but they contribute to the overall newscast and not to a particular story. If you’re an expert – you can directly contribute to a story.

To help build your status as an expert in this situation you will need to have a professional website, professional credentials and preferably your own generated content. That way your contribution is taken seriously and it will increase the odds of your contribution being used. I’ve talked many times before about how to make yourself more accessible and how important that truly is when people go online to look for you.

Taking yourself seriously means that others will as well. When you start following your favorite reporters or anchors keep in mind that they have a deadline. They have a level of standard. You need to work to their needs first and remember the ultimate rule: you have to actually be on Twitter to take advantage of this opportunity!

I hope you all are having a good Monday – mine has been off to a crazy start! Have a great week and I’ll see you here again on Wednesday!

Tell a Friend,

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 all kinds of stalker-ish is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Podcasting and the iPod

Marketing with Podcasts, Podcasting and iPods for success - do your homework.

I’ve been on the radio for years. Podcasting came along and in concept made me seem irrelevant in the future. That was six years ago and even though radio is not doing so hot it is not because of podcasting. If anything, its because I’m not syndicated worldwide (joke).

Honestly, why podcast when people can watch video on their iPod? I do know of some people that work well while listening to NPR or Bloomberg. That’s not the masses though. It’s not broad enough. People listen when they’re at work or in the car and the driving factor is music. I chit chat a bit while on the air but you mostly hear music.

Focusing on the end user told me a long time ago that my audience was not interested in podcasting. They were interested in content. They seem to really like me keeping things simple and brief. It’s nothing personal because I love to hear a great tune too. It’s not about whether podcasting will go away. It’s about whether it’s end reach is large enough to be worth an investment.

Newspapers, Magazines and Print Media

Market with print media - newspapers and magazines - but focus on the end of the content.

Most people go online for their news. Like I discussed before, print media is in a HUGE transition period. But back in the beginning, CNN and The New York Times would charge for people to access “Premium Content”. This failed.

Paid content limits the end reach of the medium. Passive payment for content in the form of advertising is much more natural, back to basics and effective. I’m calling you out again, Rupert. Facing the end is essential. How many of you like to pay for news, music, movies, videos or applications?

Marketing with Media for Dummies

Everyone has their varying degree of acceptability on what they will pay for. When you consider media strategies for marketing, you must consider how will that end? Will it end to hundreds of millions or to a sparse few?

Do not over estimate any new technology or feature without using it yourself on a daily basis. Be your own worst critic. Get second opinions. Don’t talk to salespeople and hit the streets.

I hope everyone has a great weekend – can’t wait to stop by on Monday again. Drop me a line!

Tell a Friend,

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 Might Be the End of Me 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!!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Gain Media Exposure Easily! Use lottery frenzy to get on the news and do it for a very low cost.

Ever see the hype when Mega Millions reaches an all-time jackpot high? There’s frenzy at every convenience store and gas station. For $1 a play people are lining up for their chance at millions of dollars. It has intrigue, excitement and millions of people playing. Here’s an idea to get people showing up in droves to your place of business and media lining up to interview you:

Make the World’s Next Multi-Millionaire – All for Just Showing Up.

Can you think of where I’m going? I did it myself years ago and I can guarantee that when done right, it will work again. I had three different local news stations and a cable news station broadcasting my face, my name and my brand. It was amazing! Here are the details you can follow and tweak to make the lottery work for you…

First, you have to stay on top of the news. You’ll hear well before that the jackpot is creeping up to an all-time high. Be alert and get ready. Prepare to tell anyone and everyone you are looking to make the next multi-millionaire.

Once the day of the drawing comes, fork over some dollars and buy a set amount of lottery tickets. Make the number of tickets you’ve bought well known. Make it limited and well known that you will only be handing them out at a specific time. You can be very creative here. Let’s say you own a pet supplies store. Wouldn’t it be funny to hand out tickets to owners that show up with their pet dressed up to look like their pets?? Make it wild but make it simple.

Finally – spread the word hard! Email anyone you can think of and try putting people on the street if you can. This is the grunt work of this idea. It’s a solid selling point, especially if you’ve customized a few things such as how many tickets you’re handing out.

After all of that – even if it fails – you’ve only spent one day and at only $1 a ticket you haven’t spent that much. Any left over tickets (IF you have any) are yours and who knows … maybe you’ll be the big winner either way!

Enjoy your Wednesday and hopefully spring is blooming for you with beautiful flowers and warm weather! See you Friday!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Make Millionaires at a Media-Filled Event… is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Open Letters to Sean Penn; What does your media strategy do for you?

OK – so I’m not one to get into politics and I really won’t. I just want to explore the strategies behind public media rhetoric. Let’s keep that clear.

Sean Penn, an Academy Award-Winning Actor, was on Bill Mahr’s show this past Friday and made comments regarding Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. Surprise! It’s not going over well.

Penn is not known for his centrist political views. He’s started off this week being ripped apart by Fox News and Maria Conchita Alonso. Alonso wrote “Open Letter to Sean Penn” which has topped Google’s Hot Search Trends. Videos, commentary and mostly controversy is spreading across the web. How does this bode for his career? Better yet – let’s say you were in his position (disregard his views). How would you manage this?

It is very important to follow the first step in my advice to people in a similar situation like Sandra Bullock. You have to let a certain amount of time go by. Let people become aware of the situation and let their initial reaction fade.

Crisis management is about timing. Quickly responding does not apply here because Penn has no impending movie. He has his Oscars. He has his choice of future roles. If you have a new service launching shortly or a new location opening – respond within the hour! Milk (no pun intended) the publicity for a while and let your response be heard. Make sure no one has time to interject with their views. If you don’t have a whole lot going on – take your time to strategically respond in force.

The last big thing is that when your action is being viewed as stupid you must apologize. Even if you know you’re right, apologize. Explain yourself in the same sentence but make sure you apologize for the rancor your action has caused. It’s as easy as that. Make concerted steps to appear apologetic. Without doing so you risk your entire business.

Keep your media strategies simple and nimble. Take it one step at a time and consider what you are saying. Media is nothing without content. If your response is not something people want to hear then your content is dead. Your strategy failed. Nine times out of ten people want to hear your apology – the news wants to report about it and you want to keep the media working for you.

See you back on Wednesday!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Sean Penn & How to React to Stupidity… is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Complications can make you and anyone stressful. Keeping your communication simple brings your better business success and media relations to enhance your media exposure.

How do things get so complicated? I get overwhelmed with overwhelming questions from overwhelmed people with overwhelming desires to stop being so … overwhelmed. Does that make sense?

I try very hard to remain simple – often because of a less I learned very early on: KISS. Keep It Simple, Stupid. Sweet huh? I sometimes try to make it feel like a kick in the head by repeating “keep it simple stupid!!” to myself when I get a bit stressed. Do you feel that way too?

I promise there’s a strategy tip coming – just go along with me here. If you have ever been overwhelmed with your day to day activities or interactions, when do you reach your breaking point? Do you over-react to a minor irritation by lashing out? Not that I do that, *cough*, but I can certainly empathize.

Often I have to do something for me personally. Whether it’s get an errand done away from what I’ve been focusing on to exhaustion or maybe go downstairs and find a snack. Seems simple enough, right? Take a break and revert to simplicity. But I can’t tell you how many times I try to accomplish something to the side – something that’s supposed to be simple – and it ends up being a TOTAL mess. I usually call it Tony’s Law but now I’m seeing it as an opportunity for you, my clients and myself.

The opportunity is this: keep things simple for you, your clients and your business. Keep this mantra to heart throughout everything you do – especially when it comes to how you communicate.

Why? Because the media is always looking for simplicity in their content. Whether the storyline is simple or the facts are simple. Anchors, journalists and reporters have to keep content simple to communicate to a large audience effectively. They also work very hard and work best when they are communicated to simply.

Same with customers and clients. When they come to you, the more simple the transaction or service, the higher their satisfaction. Ever heard of a convenience charge? When you keep things simple for your customers they are being given a convenience – and they love to pay for that.

KISS away your stress and blues!

Send me some feedback – I want to hear from ya! I’ll see you again on Friday!

Tell a Friend,

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.

You could just pull your hair out!! is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Get your media strategy up to date and working best. Build business from the best places.

Monday has been a mess already – Last week went too fast and now I finally get to sit down and start my typical routine. To quote Ferris Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

It’s the same for your media strategy.

Yesterday was the first day I took off from monitoring the news at least once an hour. It’s 12:45pm and I’m just now getting to my typical routine. What to do when you’re feeling a bit behind and everyone can tell? Pull out a spreadsheet and get to the basics of managing your media strategies.

It’s something that very few people ever pay attention to and it can ruin your plans. It’s absolutely critical and it’s probably the most valuable information I have given here yet. Think about you, your media efforts and your public. Start three columns and start typing away.

• You (Your Assets, Flaws & Potential Assets)

In column one make a list of your assets (products, services and make sure to include yourself!). These are your core components to business structure and media strategy needs.

• Your Media Efforts

In column two, list everything you are doing to drive in customers or clients. Whether its simply direct mail or my own patented media strategy regimen, list it all down. Word of mouth works as does personal relations with family and friends.

• Your Public (Current & Potential Customers)

In the last column, jot down the generalized categories for current and potential customers. For example, you know that one of your best customers found you through the yellow pages, owns their own business and specializes in flowers (they’re a florist). Jot down ‘Yellow Pages’, ‘Florist’ and ‘Biz Owner’. Even though it may be only one client you want to know what categories your current customers belong.

Get a note pad – Now!

Using the second column as an anchor of sorts, draw a line from what media strategy is marketing what product, service or asset. Now draw a line from what media strategy is responsible or marketing to current or potential customers. Is everything in column one connected to something in column two? Are there categories in column three that could be reached with a new strategy in column two? Maybe there’s a Florist Operators Union that has monthly luncheons and you are a sandwich shop. Could you try sending them a letter or advertising in a publication that could let them know your specialty is catering luncheons?

Considering your categories in column three you can get better ideas to reach more customers and business. And all you did was start with a spreadsheet. Do you feel a little sheepish now too?

I’ll see you again Wednesday! Once I get my Monday sorted out … LOL!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Well don’t I look sheepish… is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Media Strategies prove their strength during any crisis. Keep your public image and marketing strategy effective with three crucial steps.

So she had the BEST Oscar moment that wasn’t aired – now she has the biggest FLOP. And I’m not referring to “All About Steve”. I’m referring to the outlaw husband Jesse James.

This is incredibly sad and quite the Media/Public Relations nightmare. From the ultimate tongue-in-cheek moment, to Oscar gold and finally to the dreaded Hollywood marriage curse: infidelity. What is a person with a prominent, lucrative and growing brand like Sandra Bullock to do when hit with this sort of adversity? Remain traditional, compassionate and speedy. If you ever find your brand in a position of hitting an ultimate low after the highest high, keep these three things in mind:

• Think inside-the box

You don’t hear that much too often, huh? In these instances you need to control your reaction and prepare for the next two steps to be “outside-the-box”.

What’s essential is that you don’t pull a Britney Spears and attack paparazzi with an umbrella. You do, however, pull a Toyota and make sure everyone knows you are listening and responding to the problem directly and peacefully. Lashing out with jabs and attacks is completely irrational and not traditional. When adults are confronted with harsh criticism or rough news they keep a professional and attentive demeanor. Never act with your emotions first or you will kill your brand and your business.

• Show Heart

Toyota executives travelled to Washington to apologize. It was compassionate, endearing and very welcome – not to mention greatly expected. Britney Spears will always be considered somewhat unstable after shaving her head but Toyota will maintain it’s “family-friendly” image. Even if it’s products are less than perfect.

When you show that you are compassionate and care that others are upset or offended you let people relate to you as a human being again. That will in turn translate to your brand and business. Disney has made millions off of an image that is seen to have tremendous heart. You can make millions off of that sort of image too.

• Keep a Fast Pace

Once you let the first stories run on all of the papers and after you apologize and appear humble to public opinion you quickly and methodically defend yourself. Toyota is now performing studies and defending their products. Is this causing an uproar? No. Why? Because they’ve already apologized, they’ve already let their critics talk. They’re prime for stopping the horrible imagery of their cars accelerating off the road.

The public demands results quickly and the result they want is whether you’re going to survive the crisis or not. Make sure they hear you say “We will continue to serve…” It’s crucial for people to expect to continue to see your brand, your name and your products continue to live on. At the very least they will respect you for your dedication.

Don’t let flops or crises ruin you! It’s terrible to think about infidelity claiming a sweetheart like Sandra Bullock as its latest victim. It’s important to “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” and move forward.

I hope you enjoy your Friday! What will you be up to? I’ll see you again Monday!

Tell a Friend,

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.

The BIGGEST Oscar FLOP! is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Grow your business with the most important habits, tools and strategies for marketing, advertising, media relations and public relations.

I find that the most common dilemma that people looking for exposure or business have – whether they know it or not – is whether they are doing anything right to reach their goals. Sometimes I meet people who do not have any one single goal. Sometimes they only goal they see is a dollar sign followed by six to eight figures. Everyone has different goals and there are many ways to do business. How can grow consistently and effectively?

There is no one specific answer. Many people hire consultants or consultants that perform service work like myself. But if you’re not one of my clients right now let me give you the three most important ways any business can grow:

• Track your sources of incoming business.

Gathering information from customers on how they came to be your customers tells you what is working. If you know what is working you can learn how to expand your marketing efforts.

If you’ve never kept track of where your customers come from – log each month of your sales and activity. Compare when you saw the most sales to when you remember marketing. Do not log when you may have paid for a mail-out for example because the mail-out may have reached the hands of your customers at a different time then when you paid the bill.

For those who haven’t started their business yet, never start a marketing or media strategy without a way to track new business from them. Here’s a HUGE hint: Sometimes the best results appear long-after the marketing or media push.

• Allow customers to return.

This sounds odd at first but look at it simply. Offering coupons to return, operating for at least nine hours a day and responding quickly to complaints allows your customers to return how and when they want to.

Coupons or specials will entice them. Operating consistently reduces the chance they will show up to a closed business – walking away disappointed. Responding quickly to complaints improves their feeling of value and importance.

• Market regularly to ideal customers.

Never lose pace. If you want regular business you have to regularly work for it. Whether you work by developing new strategies or by writing a check to the printers: work for it. The biggest tragedy is a great idea dying and passion losing wind.

I cannot speak for other Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations or Media Relations firms but when my long-term clients notice a decline in reaction to their current strategy, I have the ability to offer and develop an updated strategy. Make sure you regularly take a look at what you’re doing to draw business in. For some they monitor their strategy monthly while others monitor their strategy annually. Consider your goals to decide your pace of marketing.

It’s also very important that you don’t get too anxious. If you’re planning on staying business for a long time then you don’t what short-term results. Consistently think long-term for your business, marketing strategy and results tracking.

I hope everyone is ready for Friday, I sure am! I’ll see you again then – take care!

Tell a Friend,

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.

The 3 Most Important Ways to Grow 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!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Radio advertisers depend on listeners for success. Does your media strategy rely on your customers?

So here’s the truth about radio – I’m going to just let it all out. You, the listener, provide me my paycheck. No joking, you really do have the power. The more you listen, the higher the ratings. The more you interact with me here and on 1037litfm.com the more data the station has to back up the ratings data. Without you tuning in, there’s very little for us to operate on.

Whether a station is #1 or #20 in the ratings, you hold the power to speak your mind and contribute to what you hear on the radio. It’s the complete truth. Comments, tweets, wall posts and becoming a fan means the world to me and my great colleagues like Gene & Julie and Leigh Ann. There’s also a completely different side to the station you rarely get to know much about. Between my jabbering and playlist, there are those advertisements that pop in from time to time. There’s an entire team that negotiates with advertisers based on our ratings.

Advertisers sometimes pay very serious cash to get their word on the radio. I’m sure you’ve seen it with the Super Bowl and Olympics – ratings are king to advertisers. That makes you, in turn, king to the station. The radio business model is built on getting the best ratings you can so then you attract the most advertising dollars. Pretty basic right?

I’m sure there’s nothing I have just said that you didn’t already know – but do you practice this same business model for your benefit?

For most of you out there, customers are king. The more they buy, the more profit you make. Simple and easy. However, do you have any way of making your audience interactive with you? Can they send you feedback easily? Can they recommend you quickly? Are you focused on getting your customers to consider your brand and business an essential part to their everyday life?

Even for services where customers only stop by once or twice a year, how will your customers remember you when they need you again? Here an essential tip for any business to build better success:

Make your contact information the easiest to find and remember.

Whether you’re buying ads, building a website or starting your twitter account: make sure people can contact you. It’s a fail-safe measure that a lot of people actually miss more often than not. Post your phone number, a contact form or your Facebook Page front and center as best as possible. Given customers an avenue to be king gives you the upper hand for success each and every time.

It’s going to be an amazing weekend for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and I hope that each of you stays safe. I’ll see you back on Monday!

Tell a Friend,

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.

The truth about radio. I’m going to let it all out. is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

Stay on top of trends and information by allowing the Media to come to you. Make your strategy effortless.

Ever feel like you’re playing catch-up? Whether it’s work, family or even just some rest and relaxation, playing catch-up is annoying and frustrating. I feel like I’m there every week! Things get too fast or they’re not fast enough. Either way something must be done quickly and other items are pushed down the to-do list. It’s a huge bore. HUGE.

When it comes to plotting your strategy to take over the world – or your industry – the Media never seems to sleep. It may move at a snail’s pace, but it never fully stops. This does get very overwhelming and tiresome. It’s a never-ending marathon. And I hate to run.

What’s also great about it is that there are tools to help you stay on pace with the Media and not lose precious hours working. You can literally find the Media knocking at your door by taking advantage of some time-tested tools. They’re very quick to put in place and honestly these tools are becoming more and more essential.

First, discover Google Alerts. Sign-up for an account with Google and you can have search items sent straight to your inbox. Like to keep up with the Chicago Cubs? Set a Google Alert to literally search for ‘Chicago Cubs’ and email you either daily or as-it-appears with a link to the article, page or website mentioning ‘Chicago Cubs’. This works great for keeping up with your industry.

One of my clients uses it to keep up with her franchising company. Results are delivered to her inbox. Sometimes its odd articles about other nationwide locations and sometimes it’s a friend mentioning her location on their blog. It’s really usefully to keep random news coming to you without having to routinely search.

Second, find some way to track and analyze traffic to your website or blog. Do not use a ‘Hit Counter’! Those were cute when you could build an AOL Free Webpage back in 1997. They’re useless now. You want to know where people are coming from. Is it your Facebook? Is it your local newspaper? Your YellowPages ad? Knowing where people are coming from helps you in so many ways.

Let’s say you sell toy animals. You advertise, you’ve joined the Chamber of Commerce and you’re tweeting away. You’re sitting pretty good. You then begin to analyze your traffic and see that there’s a local toy animal fan club you knew nothing about that is accounting for a good portion of your traffic. You now have the knowledge of a great source of customers and advertising that you had no idea about before. It’s almost magical where your web traffic can come from!

Lastly, discover Trending. Whether it’s Twitter’s topic trends or Google’s Hot Trends, knowing what is capturing the attention of the online world can help you know what’s new, hot and in demand. All with no effort from you.

Do you sell collectable 1980′s movie posters or former child star memorabilia? This morning sadly, Corey Haim was discovered dead. Too young to pass on in my opinion and I’m sure in yours but if you specialize in such material, maybe you should advertise your Corey Haim products because their demand and value have increased. Sure you could search news sites and search the web for every person you may have products for – but why waste time? Discover breaking news fast.

It seems spring is finally arriving! I’m so excited – ready for warm days and bright sunshine! I’ll see you all back here on Friday to get ready for the weekend – keep in touch with comments!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Guess what was knocking on my door today… is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.

First, that’s NOT true. I’m really glad though that people are erring on the side of caution when it comes to links they find. It is true that there are malicious people looking to spread viruses and Trojans through Facebook and many other online networks. It’s not very fun. Have you ever encountered a Facebook virus?

Now everyone wants something of theirs to “go viral” on YouTube or anywhere. But the effort you put to online media needs to focus on being personable and informative. Things do not go viral by plan.

Now I’m also a very big advocate of listening. If you try to engage an audience you have to be both intimate and responsive. So finally after most of my babbling I get to my question for you. How would you like to get updated on my new blog posts?

Be creative! I’d love to hear it!
Until next time when I actually get to sit at my desk, have a great weekend!

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 not a virus – though it is viral! 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!

Tell a Friend,

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.

Are you missing the boat and becoming irrelevant? There are a ton of Media Strategies to use for any business.

Be honest – am I becoming irrelevant? You know me, I’m on the radio, I blog … more here than on my site but I try to keep everyone updated with Twitter and Facebook too. I used to update my Myspace page – I don’t anymore really. I have three or four email addressees too many and I find it hard to check them all in a day. Does that make me irrelevant? Is there something else I should do?

Where to go for activity and response can be a difficult question to answer. I’m always trying to keep up on news and my team is always reading, researching and testing new things when they’re not building something for a client. It does get tiring sometimes. I just had a client on an internet TV show last night. There are online radio shows that have large followings and I sometimes wonder if I shouldn’t be working 36 hours a day just to keep up. Do you feel the same way at all?

Even if you don’t own a business – ever feel like you could spend all hours of the day online finding new stuff or doing stuff that’s interesting and potentially meaningful?

Media is growing more and more. It’s becoming more and more interactive. Our client was receiving tons of questions direct from viewers in an instant last night. People were just typing away – watching away – and tuning in. It was very exciting! Does that mean I should switch attention to that? The stress of “keeping up” gets to be a lot sometimes.

When I see clients getting overwhelmed by the possibilities and effort of today’s media I just have one thing to say: what gets you excited?

From there I sometimes have to shoot down ideas that are obviously now irrelevant. Take Myspace for example. It still has a ton of accounts and visitors however they are steadily declining in hits for the past three years. Facebook has experienced tremendous growth in visitors, accounts and hits for the past three years. Many more observers are talking about the death of Myspace and the new features of Facebook. Myspace is becoming irrelevant.

Just three years ago, a few companies I was familiar with were forging their way online. They had websites early on and were doing a complete “refresh” with new looks and new Myspace pages. They invested a lot of time and simply walked away. Now their looks are out-dated, their Myspace pages are static ghost haunts with little information and no interaction. Their business is now becoming irrelevant online. Their real sales are hurting. Their biggest mistake? Not staying informed and not taking simple steps on a regular basis.

No one has all of the answers at once. Doing a site refresh and a re-branding campaign is not always perfect right out of the box. What matters are the little details that are updated and added on a monthly basis at the least. If you don’t take an hour or two a week to glance at your company’s website, Facebook Page, Myspace or whatever – you are doing yourself a HUGE disservice. Why? Because you’re making yourself irrelevant by not giving your online presence relevancy in your own routine. Why should anyone else if you don’t?

It’s Friday! In that spirit, leave me some feedback. I’d love to hear from you! I’ll be back to check in over the weekend at some point before Monday. Take care and be safe!

Tell a Friend,

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 irrelevant? is by Zazza Media Strategies, a Dallas Area Media Strategies, Relations, Advertising and Marketing firm.