“What Do I Get Out Of It?”
This was the question I got from a potential member of AIBA (Albuquerque Independent Business Alliance). And, it’s certainly valid. Don’t we all want to know “what’s in it for me?” However, in this case, the answer should start with another question. “What do you plan to put into it?” (I didn’t go there. It would have been rude since I’d just met the harried, overworked biz owner.)
Membership organizations can be a great (and very cost-effective) way to market; but results depend on relationships. Come to think of it, that can be said of pretty much any marketing activity.
Companies aren’t defined by their glitzy logos.
“Marketing” isn’t a substitute for personal contact.
Customers aren’t walking wallets.
Related Posts:
What Good (Great) Marketing Can’t Do For You
Forget About Customers. Think PEOPLE!
Happy Hour Marketing: Happy People = More $
Related Free Downloads (one-page PDFs):
How Big Is Your “R?” A customer who loves you will leave you in a heartbeat. It all comes down to the the size of your “r.” In this, I give you three tips in building the right kind of relationship.
Networking As A Marketing Strategy
Want to browse through all my posts? Go to The Idea Pool. Everything I’ve written since I started blogging.
Tags: customer relationshipos, marketing, marketing troubleshooting, business development
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November 13th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
The correct question is always “How can I help ____”. Another member, the association, whatever. If your business is built on relationships, the best relationships are built on giving, not taken. I remember a fellow blogger I met online a long time ago who was so helpful and asked for nothing in return. When I had money for a project, guess who was on the A list?
November 14th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Thanks, Bruce.
I find the more I give - the more I get.