QUIRKY MARKETING CALENDAR
365 Ways to PROMOTE Your Business Using Zany & Non-Traditional Holidays Throughout the Year
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National Coupon Month
Posted on September 3rd, 2010 No comments
September is National Coupon Month ~ Last year a customer called about a coupon he got in the mail. The coupon was for cut flowers and the value was $5. He called to ask if we honored other companies’ coupons. I immediately said yes! Why, you ask? The other company paid good money to advertise his product and the customer called my florist. I was closer geographically and he did not have an allegiance to any shop (up to that point).By honoring the coupon, not only does my company gain a new customer, we probably gain one for life! And it only cost us $5… not bad. According to marketing experts it costs up to six times to get a new customer as it does to keep the ones you currently have. So when one “falls in your lap” with little effort on your part, it’s a GIFT. After all, if grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail establishments can honor other companies’ coupons, why couldn’t a smaller business do the same? And you don’t have to be retail, if you provide a service and you are looking for new business, what a great way to encourage people to give your service a try. So, if you have a coupon from another florist and you want to redeem it at my shop
, the answer is absolutely “We’d be delighted to honor it!“
Today is:National Lazy Mom’s Day
Today is also $40 Million Lottery Day. In 1984, the first person to win $40 million in a state lottery was a 28-year-old print shop employee in Chicago, Illinois
Also on this date:When England dropped the Julian Calendar and adopted the Gregorian Calendar, they had to “get rid of” 10 days to make the shift. They chose the 10 days in September from the 3rd thru Septmeber 14th. However the English revolted. There was rioting in the streets as people thought those days had been stolen from them. They got their dates back. -
September is International Strategic Thinking Month
Posted on September 2nd, 2010 No comments
Are you running out of ideas? Does your marketing need a shot in the arm? If that’s the case I suggest you re-read the Quirky Marketing Calendar from the beginning and see which ideas you have not yet implemented that you could use to jump-start a new marketing project.Here are 5 tips for strategic thinking success – 1. If your Advertising isn’t working – think about why it isn’t and change it. 2. Only use Direct Response Advertising – most small businesses cannot afford to launch a large branding campaign so be strategic in your marketing by maximizing all your advertising with direct response – get people to take action in every ad you run. 3. Advertise on the right hand side of a page – that’s where the eye goes first. 4. Stress the benefits of using your products and services. Brainstorm with others – ask your customers and clients what benefits they are looking for. 5. Advertising isn’t for every one or every business. Make sure it’s right for you before you spend tons of cash on a campaign.Today is:V-J DayPop top DayAlso on this date in history:In 1897 The first issue of McCall’s magazine goes on sale at newsstands on this day in history.In 1921 the First Miss America contest was held in Atlantic City, with 8 entrants.In 1978 Graham Salmon set the worlds record for 100 meters by a blind man -
September is Shameless Self-promotion Month
Posted on September 1st, 2010 No comments“If you don’t’ toot your own horn, you can’t enjoy the music.” – Debbie Allen (Founder of Shameless Self-promotion Month).
How about trying your hand at Podcasting? In July, 2006 Speedo, (the swimwear brand) “dipped their toe into the social media water” during their inaugural Podcast when they interviewed Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps. Their Podcast “Speedo Make Waves” has featured Olympic and other champions from across the international swimming world. Each Podcast has been accompanied by awareness-raising web advertising as an integral part of the overall communication. You can listen to past episodes of Speedo Make Waves at Podcast AlleyInterviewing experts in fields your target market is interested in is a great way to get media attention for you AND your guests. You can also submit your RSS Feeds to FeedBurner, Ping your posts, and share your posts on social media sites. You never know when your site will be “on the radar” of advertisers and other content sites.
Today is Emma Nutt Day ~ Emma Nutt was the first female telephone operator. Before here, phone companies only used boys! Emma Nutt was an operator for 33 years!
September 1st in HistoryIn 1972 American Bobby Fischer Becomes World Chess Champion defeating Boris Spassky of the Soviet UnionIn 1989 Toyota launched new luxury cars as a new brand the Lexus hoping to compete with other major luxury car makers around the worldIn 1999 Ty Warner toys announces on their website that on December 31, 1999 Beanie Babies will be retired. Together with the announcement a small pint-sized black bear, called ‘The End’ is announced. Following continued consumer demand the company decides to keep making Beanie Babies and they are still on available for Beanie Baby enthusiasts today.In 1955 The first sun-powered automobile demonstrated, Chicago, IllIn 1971 Dave Scott became first person to drive a car on the Moon -
August 31st is Eat Outside Day
Posted on August 31st, 2010 No commentsIn 2006 New York City broke the Guinness-certified world’s record for the largest picnic. The picnic took place in Bryant Park in the heart of New York City.Although they did not make it into the Guinness book (they never submitted documentation) they still managed to make it on the news.They partnered with City Harvest and several other organizations to gather people, promote the event and create a buzz.Guinness World Records offers a unique PR opportunity. Their Team “works successfully with companies every day to break world records, helping them to promote their brands, their goods and their services. From large-scale events involving thousands of people to adrenaline-pumping stunts by individuals, we adjudicate hundreds of record attempts around the globe each year.”Register and apply now to get your achievement recognised by Guinness World RecordsHere were the RULES from the Official Picnic Organizers:
1. A head count of people taking part must be taken before the event, either by turnstile or by some other accurate method of counting. This is essential and must be done efficiently. The method to be used must be pre-approved byGuinness World Records.2. It should be a proper picnic with food and beverages with all participants bringing a picnic meal, either individually or as a group. As a minimum each person should have two ‘courses’ (e.g. a sandwich and fruit or cake) and a drink.3. All participants should bring their own mats/rugs to sit on for the picnic.4. All participants should be attending the picnic simultaneously – claims will not be entertained for a ‘rolling’ picnic where participants arrive and leave at various intervals throughout the day.
Today is:National Trail Mix Day
Also on this Date:In 1887 Thomas A Edison patented the Kinetoscope, a gadget that produces moving pictures -
Today is International Red Telephone Day
Posted on August 30th, 2010 No comments
In 1963 The “Hotline” telephone communications system linking the White How via National Military Command Center with the Kremlin during the Cold War. The “Hotline” was designed to provide direct communication between the leaders of the United States and Russia. The RED Telephone has often been used as a symbol for the “hotline.”
Hotlines are a multi-billion dollar a year business. Today “Hotlines” take on many forms.Companies and organizations use hotlines for a variety of things.They can be used as lead generation tools. Hotlines can be used to support customer service. They can be used as intructional lines for customers looking for “quick answers” to simple challenges. They can be used to filter calls from advertising. Hotlines can be used as a tool to market your special services. Law enforcement uses hotlines for people to call in to leave “tips” or leads about crimes that have occurred.Hotlines can also be used as a direct connection to people in an organization that clients want instant access to.Several years ago, my retail florist created an information “hotline” that gave people directions to our place of business, current “specials” we were offering and answered frequently asked questions. This “hotline” saved our staff hours of labor because the common questions were answered before my staff got on the line, leaving more time to find out what the customer wanted and how we could better serve her or him.
You can listen to one of those “recorded” messages here:
What could you use a “hotline” for in your business?
Today is also:National Holistic Pet DayGet a Slinky DayFrankestein DayToasted Marshmallow Day
Also on August 30th:In 1984 The Space Shuttle Discovery takes off on its maiden voyage. -
Today is Vendors Demonstration Day
Posted on August 29th, 2010 No comments
Take advantage of vendor opportunities to add to your own and your staff’s expertise. When I had my retail florist, one of the vendors we purchased from was a company that sold the components to make gift baskets. They offered a new product called “shrink wrap” but we did not know how to use it. The company came in and gave a one-hour hands on how to create beautiful baskets using their shrink wrap, heating gun and tapes.My staff loved it and so did the company, and it lead to us purchasing much more than I had originally intended to. If they had not provided that service we would have taken a lot longer to learn to use the product and we likely would have purchased from other vendors more.
Today isLemon Juice DayMore Herbs, Less Salt Day
On August 29th in History:In 1885 Gottlieb Daimler received the German patent for a motorcycleIn 1896 Chop suey was invented in NYC by chef of visiting Chinese AmbassadorIn 1999 the worlds most expensive car (an Alfa Romeo) was sold at Christies Auction House for a whopping 4 million dollars!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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Today is Radio Commercial Day
Posted on August 28th, 2010 No commentsDid you know that in 1922 the first radio commercial was broadcast? Queensboro Realty received 10 minutes of air time on New York station WEAF for $100.
In the article 4 Keys to Effective Radio Advertising (Entrepreneur.com), Kim Gordon outlines the following:1. Know who your audience is. Get qualitative demographics from the listeners so you know you are targeting YOUR right audience.2. Know what you are buying ~ what is the reach (how many people will potentially hear your message), know the frequency (how often your “ad” will be played and at what times) and know what the cost per point is (which is what it will cost to reach 1 percent of your target audience)3. Look for Sponsorship Opportunities! These can include on-air mentions, giving products away to listeners, to events hosted by the station that will put your company in the spotlight.4. Be sure to entertain the listeners. You radio spots should entertain the audience. You can do this with sound, music, unusual voices, humor.To read the rest of the article visit: Entrepreneur.comListen to a radio commercial about Mothers Day produced for my florist.
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Today is also:Banana Lovers DayRace Your Mouse Around the Icons Day
Also on this date:In 1955 the “Guinness Book of World Records” was publishedIn 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr makes one fo the most quoted speeches in Modern History ~ “I Have A Dream Speech” on the Steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.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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August 26th is Women’s Equality Day
Posted on August 26th, 2010 No comments
Instituted by Representative Bella Abzug and first established in 1971, the date commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Woman Suffrage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave U.S. women full voting rights in 1920. Raise your hand if you think you are equal? I personally think we are the superior sex *WINK.Host a celebration for women in your community or sponsor one with another company, organization or group. Celebrate the women in your life – send flowers! Acknowledge your female customers on this day with a “special promotion” or discount.
August 26th is also Horseshoe Day ~ Horseshoes were invented by the Greeks and discovered by Western culture in the 4th century. In addition to “shoe-ing horses, the horseshoe has become a universal symbol for good luck. One popular practice was nailing a horseshoe over the front door of a house – pointed upward so the luck wouldn’t fall out. Have a “This is Your Lucky Day” Promotion or event to celebrate Horseshoe Day. If you use the horseshoe theme, you could have pony rides for the kids, a country western dance contest or if you are near a rodeo arena, sponsor one of the events.
Today is also:National Dog Day
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First Parachute Wedding
Posted on August 25th, 2010 No commentsTook Place in 1940 …at the New York City World’s Fair. The site of the first parachute wedding was the World’s Fair, New York City, on August 25, 1940. “Reverend Homer Tomlinson of the Church of God, Jamaica, Long Island, N.Y., performed the marriage ceremony for Arno Rudolphi and Ann Hayward. The minister, the married couple, the best man, the maid of honor and 4 musicians were all suspended in parachutes.Since that day many couples have gotten married by parachute, and they actually jumped out of the plane!Although I could not find any photos of this historic event I did find a video on Youtube of a Skydiving Wedding:
Here are a few ways companies could capitalize on this day in history by creating their own parachute wedding event.A Florist could offer to do the flowers for the wedding reception (it is unlikely the bride would hold a bouquet during her fall unless it is strapped around her waist (but you never know). A really creative floral designer could “sew” flowers into the jumper the bride must wear during her fallA Wedding gown designer could design a gown made from parachute material that could be worn under the “jumper” in flightA wedding planner could be a big help in coordinating all the key elements of the Big DayA banner plane could be flying nearby to congratulate the couple when they landA jeweler could offer to create a one-of-a-kind wedding ring for the couple to commemorate the eventA photographer and videographer could offer to jump with the couple taking pictures and video (if that is possible while falling) or at least take pictures from the plane. And of course there should be another videographer and photographer on the ground taking pictures of their safe landing.A caterer could be on the ground having prepared with a full reception for the friends and family waiting for the couple when they land.A Destination company or Travel agent could help the couple find their perfect honeymoon destinationA baker could make a cake in the shape of a plane (or parachute)A Public Relations Firm could be hired to help promote the big dayThe media should also be invited along for the ride to record the eventWho else could help out on this big day and get attention of the media? Maybe Skydiving and parachute weddings are where the saying “Weddings are a BIG JUMP for some couples,” originated.
Also on this date:1609 Galileo demonstrates his first telescope to Venetian lawmakers1843 First Trans-Atlantic crossing by U.S. steam powered ship1920 Ethelda Bleibtrey becomes the first US woman to win in Olympics
Today is also:Kiss and Make Up DayNational Second-hand Wardrobe DayWhile 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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August 24th is the Full Moon
Posted on August 24th, 2010 No commentsFull Moon Drives Creativity for Kraft Foods…
Did you know that the instant powdered orange-flavored breakfast drink, Tang was used by some early NASA manned space flights? Engineers at NASA were looking for a lightweight powder that could provide nutrition, stored and travelled well and would not take up much room on missions and Tang seemed the perfect choice! So in In 1962,Tang was included in the menu of some of the Gemini flights. What a marketing “coo” for Kraft!
A NASA engineer working on Gemini explained how and why it was used:“… There was a particular component of the Gemini life support-system module which produced H2O (water) among other things. This was a byproduct of a recurring chemical reaction of one of the mechanical devices on the life-support module. The astronauts would use this water to drink during their space flight. The problem was, the astronauts did not like the taste of the water because of some of the byproducts produced, which were not harmful of course. So, they added Tang to make the water taste better …” (source: Wikipedia)
Here’s the Tang Commercial that ran (via YouTube)Tang Trivia: The inventor of Tang, William A. Mitchell, also invented Pop Rocks.How could you market your product or service on Full Moon Tuesday?
Today is also:
National Waffle DayWhile 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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