Archive for the ‘Marketing and advertising (general)’ Category

The “B” in B2B Marketing Still Stands for “People”

Friday, August 13th, 2010

I saw a commercial on TV the other day, and it got me to thinking.  In and of itself, that’s pretty amazing in the age of the information blizzard.  The majority of 30-second spots these days tend to induce a coma, rather than provoking thought or action. (more…)

Sometimes, you’re better off kicking it old school…

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

By now, you know I’m a fan of social media.  I believe it has enormous potential, and is enormously underused in the title and mortgage industry. In fact, I think there are a lot of communications and marketing tools out there that we’re not taking advantage of. But you know what?  In some cases, that’s for the best.  (more…)

The Tone Deaf Brand

Friday, July 9th, 2010

I’d be remiss, as a loyal Clevelander, not to derive some lesson from the mangled PR train-wreck that is the LeBronaclypse.  So please bear with me! (more…)

Branding…Beyond the Tagline

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Although it would be easy to do, this is not a BP-bashing post (tempting, but…).  Recently, a  pretty good article about where BP failed in its branding efforts did get me thinking about implications for my own industry. (more…)

Dragging your marketing into the 21st century (kicking and screaming, if necessary)

Friday, May 21st, 2010

For some, “marketing” is little more than a flyer extolling the virtues of one’s product or service.  There’s actually some truth to this.  But when the “strategy” behind a marketing piece starts, and ends, with little more than a look in the mirror, it’s more likely than not that your marketing piece isn’t going to be that effective.  Not with today’s prospect. (more…)

It’s not just your marketing that delivers your message.

Friday, March 12th, 2010

It’s easy to fall in love with your marketing, especially the brainstorming part.  It’s a chance to present your brand the way you see it.  The way you plan for it to be perceived.  It’s a chance to be creative, to dabble in something that doesn’t (always) have its roots in numbers and problems and logistical challenges. (more…)

Getting the Very Least Out of Your Ad Buy or Conference Sponsorship

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Wow!  Two blog posts in one week…but don’t get too used to it.  With  spring conference season almost upon us, it’s time for firms of all sizes to consider carefully if and where to allocate their sponsorship or advertising budgets.   Here are a few tips for the most important part of the ad or sponsorship buy:  the production and execution or fulfillment of that ad or sponsorship. (more…)

Keep your Marketing Efforts Alive…Even When the Order Pipeline Dries Up.

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Ok.  I’m late again.  For the half-dozen or so of you out there awaiting this blog (Hi Sis!), I’ll make it up to you.  Maybe I’ll buy you all a beer Friday.  Or perhaps (gasp) a second blog on Friday. Stay tuned… (more…)

Budget-less Branding for Title and Mortgage Pros

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Things are quiet out there (except, maybe, for the dull roar of hostility and confusion emanating from a nebulous netherworld somewhere between the 2010 GFE and 2010 HUD-1…).  We’re ready for the “down market” to go up again.  But it appears the market isn’t quite ready to oblige.

 

Nonetheless, there is business being done.  We just have to fight a little harder for our share of it. (more…)

Customer service as an unwanted expense: The customer strikes back.

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

From time to time, I like to convey my “real life” experiences with brands not involved in the real estate or mortgage industry.  It’s my hope there are real business lessons to be learned there, which can be applied to our own space.

 

At the least, it’s my hope the stories make for mildly entertaining blogging! (more…)