QUIRKY MARKETING CALENDAR » Firsts in History

July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day

Heidi Richards Mooney — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:03:43 +0000

… this marks the anniversary of her 113th birthday.

Amelia flew her first plane at the age of 24 (in 1921). In 1932 Amelia became the 2nd person to fly solo across the Atlantic. In 1935, she was the first person to fly solo across the Pacific. Her next flight was set to circle the globe at the equator. On July 2, 1937, she and her navigator disappeared at sea just 2 days short of finishing the trip. Neither she or her plane were ever found!

“To celebrate, an exhibition of 65 recently discovered or little-seen photographs of the aviator’s time in Hawai’i went on display at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, where Earhart once stayed. The photos come from the archives of the Matson Navigation Company, owners of both the S.S. Lurline, which transported the pilot and her Lockheed Vega to Hawai’i, and the Royal Hawaiian. The photos will be on view in the hotel’s Coronet Lounge through the end of the year.” (Source: San Francisco Chronicle – women making history, first in flight).

Today is also:

Cousins Day

National Day of the Cowboy

National Drive-Thru Day

National Tell an Old Joke Day

Also on this date:

In 1793 France passes the first copyright law

In 1847 a Rotary-type printing press patent by Richard March Hoe, NYC

In 1911 Hiram Bingham discovers Lost City of the Incas

In 1938 Instant coffee was invented

In 1969 Apollo 11 splashes down safely in the Pacific Ocean

While you are thinking about ways to promote your business, check out Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year for More great marketing ideas.

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July is Family Reunion Month

Heidi Richards Mooney — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:27:03 +0000

Check local papers or contact local high schools and colleges to find out their schedule for class reunions – then offer to purchase a small ad in their program. A study by the printing industry (I believe) discovered that people have a tendency to keep programs that have nostalgic value. Your advertisement’s shelf life just went up.

July is also:

National Grilling Month ~ Have a barbeque and invite your “best customers.” Have a retail store in a high-traffic area? Why not set up a barbeque at work and give away “hot dogs?” to your patrons. You could do what Home Depot does and sell them with a drink at cost. Take a picture of the event and send it to the media – with a media release that says “ ABC Company has gone to the “Dogs”… or even send it out before the event letting your local community know about.

Today is also:

Air Conditioning Appreciation Days (July 3-Aug 15)

Compliment Your Mirror Day

Stay Out of the Sun Day

Today in history:

IN 1819 the first savings bank in US (Bank of Savings in NYC) opens its doors

In 1871 – Jesse James robs bank in Corydon, Iowa (gets $45,000)

In 1884 the Dow Jones published it’s first stock average

In 1930 the Veterans Administration was created

May 22nd is Free Marketing Day

Heidi Richards Mooney — Sat, 22 May 2010 06:42:45 +0000

Today is Free Marketing Day. What does that mean? It means you are free to market your business any way you like.

Here are 3 ideas to get you started:

No. 1 ~ Print out flyers with your contact info, your website & email address along with any current specials you are offering.

Contact local communities that have a central office such as apartment complexes, mobil home parks, rental offices, housing developements etc asking them if you can leave fliers in their office, hang on their bulletin boards or distribute to the residents. As a thank you give the office staff a small token of appreciation such as one of your product samples, a plant or flowers.

No. 2 ~ if you travel at all then this idea is perfect for leaving a marketing trail: When you stay at hotels, motels or bed and breakfasts, leave a mini catalog, your business card & a discount coupon and “piggy bank, beaded coin purse (can be purchased at a local dollar store) or coin canister” (with tip inside) for the maid! If the maid cannot use your products or services, she may just pass these on to someone who will. Of course, she will keep the “tip.”

No. 3 ~ Fill a small zip close baggie (snak size) with your business card, a piece of candy, some other marketing material such as a mini flyer, discount coupons, etc. Have these handy to give out when you go to the bank, grocery store, salon and everywhere you go!

(Thanks Shelly from RYZE for sharing these ideas)

May 22nd in history:

In 1761 the first life insurance policy in U.S. was issued in Philadelphia by the the Corporation for Relief of Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of Presbyterian Ministers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_insurance

In 1803 the public library opened in Connecticut

In 1888 Leroy Buffington patents a system to build skyscrapers

In 1892 Dr. Washington Sheffield invented toothpaste tube

In 1906 the Wright Brothers patent the aeroplane

Also in 1906 Summer Olympics, not then recognized as part of the official Olympic Games, opens in Athens.

In 1933 World Trade Day/National Maritime Day was first celebrated

In 1953 President Eisenhower signed the Offshore Oil Bill

In 1961 the first revolving restaurant (Top Of The Needle in Seattle), debuts

While you are thinking about ways to promote your business, check out Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year for More great marketing ideas.

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