Planning Your Marketing Success in 2025

Planning Your Marketing Success in 2025

by | Dec 16, 2024 | Marketing and Advertising Insights, Sound ADvice, The Not-So-Secret Writings of ScLoHo

Today, I have planning tips for the new year ahead taken from a recent Sound ADvice newsletter subscribers received this month:

From running a business, we all know that even the most well-thought-out plans don’t always play out as expected. However, relying on the ole adages of “winging it” or “flying by the seat of my pants” are never good options and rarely end with positive results.

2024 is coming to an end and you have made it through another year in an increasingly competitive and complex environment!  Congratulations!

But how is your future looking? 2025 doesn’t appear to be any less challenging than the previous 2 or 3 years and with the new administration, there is even more uncertainty in the air.

Every business owner who invests in marketing and advertising asks themselves this question probably several times a year, “Am I getting the most out of my advertising buck?”.

The other question they ask themselves is, “How can I make my business run better or be more successful?”.  Both are great questions!

So, do you have a marketing and advertising plan for next year?

If you don’t or haven’t yet thought about your marketing and advertising plan, this quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower may give you some inspiration… “In preparing for battle, I always found plans were useless, but planning is indispensable”.

All too often, with the day-to-day issues of dealing with staffing, product availability, and new competition, marketing goes to the bottom of the pile to be looked after “tomorrow”. The problem with tomorrow is that we often end up doing last-minute knee-jerk promotions or doing the same ole thing rather than strategically holding the course to build our brand.

Your challenge for 2025 is not so much to predict what kind of year you will have as it is to plan and implement the actions necessary to create the outcome you want.

Respected American author, Alan Lakein, a John Hopkins and Harvard Business School graduate and an authority on time management, said this… “Planning is bringing the future to the present so we can do something about it now”.  

One of the cornerstones of any successful business plan is a well-thought-out marketing and advertising plan.  Click here to see the 12 Annual Marketing and Advertising Planning Questions you need to answer to prepare your successful 2025 plan. 

As a free gift to you, you can be receiving my sound ADvice email nearly every Wednesday in your inbox. It’s free, just request it by sending me an email to Scott@WOWO.com

Building Momentum

Building Momentum

by | Dec 9, 2024 | Marketing and Advertising Insights, The Not-So-Secret Writings of ScLoHo, WOWO Fort Wayne Radio Advertising with Scott Howard

Some business people get it, others don’t.  I’m talking about the building and growing process for your business and how advertising fits in.

I can’t tell you how many times people had unrealistic expectations and were either disappointed or they were too afraid to pull the trigger and start.

A couple months ago, I was talking with a business owner that’s coming back to WOWO radio after being off our station for well over a decade.

I didn’t work with him previously but this time he was telling me all the things that I would have told him.  Instead, he’s learned the lessons about how some things take time.

More than time, there’s also consistency and patience.

For all the parents out there, if you want a child, how long does it take?

Typically 9 months from conception to birth.

Despite the advances in medicine, health care and technology, it takes 9 months for that baby to grow inside a mother’s womb before that baby is ready to debut.

Here’s another example I was sharing with someone in the farming world the other day.

If you want to eat a fresh ear of corn on the cob tonight, you can’t plan the corn seed kernel this morning and expect it to happen.  There’s a certain amount of time needed to get the results.  And similar to the growing human embryo, at first, there’s nothing visible going on.

Eventually, we see beginning signs  that something is going on, but there’s limited ways to change the timeline.

This same principle applies to your advertising.

When I worked with music radio stations, I would tell new advertising partners that the first month or two were investments into the future.  In other words, don’t expect people to respond the first week, and certainly don’t expect to break even in the first month.

However there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that aren’t visible that are positive.  People are hearing or seeing your company name and the stuff you do, sell and can help them with.  Most of those people have no use for what you offer when they first start learning about your business, but over time, more and more will be in the market to buy what you sell.

This is why most of the advertising contracts I create are for a full 12 months.  Sometimes even longer.

Let’s say your business is going to spend $52,000 with me over the next 12 months.  You would need an average of $1000 dollars in business generated from that ad campaign every week to break even.  It’s not going to happen the first week.

It might be 10 weeks before you start earning back anything and by then you’re 10 grand in the hole.

That’s when inexperienced rookies get nervous and pull the plug and stop.  It’s also why I look at the long term.  That $10,000 is like the first 10 weeks in the womb.  Something special is going on even if you can’t see it yet.

When someone sticks it out with me, you’re going to get results and that initial money you paid will come back to you in the future as the momentum builds.

Just like I shared the story last week about the Space Shuttle from my Sound ADvice newsletter, this stuff works when you understand how to make it work.

Want to know more?  Contact me and we’ll see how this could apply to your business.  Scott@WOWO.com

 

Random Birthday Week Thoughts

Random Birthday Week Thoughts

by | Dec 8, 2024 | Really? The Personal ScLoHo, Uncategorized

Time to share a few personal thoughts and reflections.

(When I started writing online, it was a blog called ScLoHo’s Really? . It was a personal blog that a few years later combined with a business oriented blog and created this website.)

It’s Sunday morning December 8th, 2024 and on the 11th I turn 65 years old.

Most days I don’t feel like I’m that old, but I’m not sure what I expected to feel like at this age.

Health wise, I’m doing fine.  Nothing seriously wrong that I’m aware of that has crept up on me as I age.

A few years ago, a friend of mine, Larry Merino, who served as one of the pastors at our church gave me some advice about getting older.

Larry is 6 years older than me.

I was leading an outreach group of volunteers from our church to participate in the Great American Clean-up in the Frances Slocum Neighborhood in Ft. Wayne.  I’d been participating in this event for a few years and this particular year I was suffering from allergies.  We had around 30+ volunteers this day and we gathered at Klug Park.  I grew up across the street from Klug Park and now Larry lived across the street from the same park.

After giving everyone instructions including addresses that could use our help, Larry prayed for the volunteers and then called me to join him on his porch while the rest went to work.  Larry told me to look and see all the younger people who were there and they could do the physical labor.  As we get older, our roles in life change to that of mentoring, teaching and leading.  I mostly took his advice that day, and enjoyed his fellowship, friendship and the couple cups of coffee.  I also did stay involved as I drove around to the various addresses to make sure everyone had what they needed and assisted in that manner.

That was over ten years ago, I was just 54 at the time, but there have been a couple of times that I’ve realized my age compared to others.

Back in 2001, I was working as a thermoformer operator for a local plastics company and started noticing that the new people they were hiring were closer to my kids age than my age.  The job was fast-paced and demanding and each day I had a crew of 2 to 6 material handlers that were responsible for correctly inspecting and packing what we produced.  When it was break time, we didn’t shut the production line down, I simply would take over, usually doing the work of two or three for 20 minutes.  I used my ability to to the work of two or three as a reason for not slowing the line down when they complained it was too fast.  If I can keep up, you can too were the words they heard from me often.

Later in life, as I reflected on some of the differences between myself and others, I noticed a certain drive and ambition that others pointed out was part of my make-up.  Others have it too, but there are plenty of people who don’t.

Another time I noticed my age was one of the first times I was invited to speak to a university class and I realized that the examples I was using in my presentation were people that the college students never heard of because they were 25 years younger than me.  Oops.  I’ve learned that lesson.  I still speak to college and university classes about once or twice a year, but refrain from being the really old guy!

What are some things I would tell my younger self if I could go back in time?

Some of the same things I tell people now.

Encourage people.

Appreciate people.

Tell them that you notice their effort.

You don’t have it have life figured out yet.  Some of the best people on this planet are the ones that continue to be curious and explore.

Don’t waste your time, but also slow down and enjoy life and the things and people around you.

Instead of living in fear, chart your course and be willing to take some calculated chances.

Listen more, talk less.

Not everything will last, Some only last for a season and that’s okay.

Seek advice from both the old and the young.

You can start over.

Here’s how I know this.

At age 22 I met a woman that was just 21 and in less than 6 months we were married.  That marriage produced 3 great kids.  While that marriage ended after 13 years, we decided to keep the friendship going as both of us remarried and our family circle grew.  Admittedly, being friends at first wasn’t easy, but for the love of our kids, we learned.

At age 42, I married again and we’ve grown from being parents and step-parents to having grandkids too in the mix.

I’ve changed jobs and careers a few times.  Currently I just completed my 11th year at Federated Media doing what I started doing in 2013 as an advertising sales and marketing consultant.  However I also spent nearly 4 years in management overseeing the sales team at WOWO and a couple of our other radio stations.  Last year I returned to doing the sales instead of managing the sales team again and it’s good to be back in this role.

It’s fun to see how my kids and step-kids lives have evolved too.  The youngest is married and Mom to four boys, the oldest lives near us and his two sons are exemplary. Those are my step-kids and they are both married to exceptional people.

In-between are my three kids who are also driven but balanced. Work, Family, Personal, it all comes together if you allow it.  Actually you have to do more than allow it, you have to seek it and pursue it.

I’m extremely proud of Tiffany, Josh and Rachael.  Two of three have reached 40 and I’m blessed to have good and growing relationships with them, their partners and kids.

My wife and I have been together for nearly 25 years now and have created a life that is supportive and in-sync despite having some very different interests, we also have a lot in common. BTW, it helps to have different interests, otherwise you might be boring to your partner.

One last thought ran through my mind before I hit the publish button.

15 years ago, my wife threw a surprise birthday party for my 50th.  It was at our home and in attendance were friends and family including my son Josh who had just turned 25 the month before.  I had a moment of reflection that evening too.

I mentioned how here I was 50, Josh was half my age and I was amazed at how the past 25 years had been since he was born, not just my life but everyone’s life. I also mentioned how I was enthusiastically anticipating  how the next 25 years would turn out.  We’re not there yet, and perhaps I’ve got another 25 years on this planet.

We shall see…

 

Launch Expectations

Launch Expectations

by | Dec 2, 2024 | Marketing and Advertising Insights, Sound ADvice, The Not-So-Secret Writings of ScLoHo

Just about every week except Holiday weeks, I send out a newsletter called Sound ADvice that is created by my friend Rick at ENS Media and recently he created an excellent piece that my subscribers read that starts out talking about the Space Shuttle.

In my childhood and early adult days, NASA had their own rockets and space craft that was used to send astronauts to outer space.  This was before Elon Musk and Jeff Bezo’s took over with private craft.  The Space Shuttle was used for 30 years starting in 1981 until their last flight in 2011.

Here’s more from my Sound ADvice newsletter along with application for businesses that are looking to launch an advertising campaign.  Next week, I’ve got some more of my insights and stories on this subject.

At liftoff, the Space Shuttle’s two solid rocket boosters consume 11,000 pounds of fuel per second and use approximately 85% of its total capacity just for the lift-off phase.

The initial effort to get anything to move is always greater than the effort required once motion has begun. Ever tried to push a car? At first, it seems almost impossible, but once it gets rolling its motion requires less effort on your part and becomes quite predictable.

Have you ever started an advertising schedule or campaign, and it felt like you weren’t getting any response or the response you thought you should be getting? Getting your advertising off the ground, like anything, takes time, but once it takes hold, it should continue to produce results going forward with relative ease.

There are several reasons why time is needed to get your advertising working for you.

One…The length of your product’s cycle. In the automotive market, for example, there is approximately only 2% of the population in the market for a car in any given month. No amount of advertising energy can make someone who just bought a car, buy another. For a roofing contractor, it’s even greater. We only get a few new roofs in our lifetime. Less than 1% of the population is in the market for a new roof each month.

Two…People are creatures of habit. Very often they’ll keep buying where they have always bought, until their current supplier lets them down or someone like you or another competitor invites them to do business with you or them.

In many cases, your advertising is simply positioning yourself to be the first supplier prospects think of when their current supplier lets them down… and they will let them down!

Three…Expecting instant gratification from your advertising can be unrealistic. Like the shuttle, it takes a lot of energy to get your marketing ball rolling.

There are other reasons like not enough frequency, your share of voice within your market, or a competitor who has established a strong Top-of-Mind Awareness within your category.

In his Twelve Causes of Advertising Failure, marketing guru Roy Williams states that failure cause number one is, “The desire for instant gratification”.

Whether you’ve been advertising for a long time or just considering starting, understanding how advertising works, what makes it work, and how long it takes to start working is very important in achieving long-term success. Patience is a virtue.

If you want to ensure the success of your advertising, click here to see all Twelve Causes of Advertising Failure to help you avoid these huge mistakes.

Win Back Former Customers

Win Back Former Customers

by | Nov 25, 2024 | Marketing and Advertising Insights, ScLoHo's Collective Wisdom, The Not-So-Secret Writings of ScLoHo

What should you change to retain or win back customers?

What internal changes can you make that will create a more positive customer experience?

Are there some things that have changed but that law of “unintended consequences” kicked in and perhaps you should revert to the it was before?

How prepared are you for the upcoming year and both the known and unknown that will impact the Customer Experience and your business bottom line?

I know, that’s a lot to contemplate but it’s the kind of questions I like to ask when I’m meeting with business owners and managers.

I’ve got three stories/examples to share.

I was one of the millions of people who voted early this year. Instead of waiting until Election Day on Tuesday November 5th, I was downtown one day in October and decided to visit the early voting location and stand in line to vote early.  The line was long but it was inside.  Total time from when I arrived and parked my car to when I left was 50 minutes.

A couple weeks later I noticed that the early voting line was different.  It was shorter and people had to wait outside the building.  I’m not sure why but I was thankful that my wait was not braving the elements, even though it was longer than those later early voters.  The customer experience of voting was less favorable for those who had to wait outside.  Most, but not all voters persisted in both scenarios because they had a determination to vote then and there instead of leaving.

Another story dealing with lines is my favorite locally owned coffee shop, the one that earned the nickname of ScLoHo’s North Office for more than a dozen years.  These days I visit mostly on Sundays but have started to stop by during the week on occasion too, like the old days.

However there are times when I will walk in and look at the line of people waiting to order and decide if I want to stay and wait or leave.  When they are busy the line can be 20 people deep.  Longer than that and the line goes out the door which I’ve seen a couple of times.  I know that over the years the owners have continually made modifications and that includes expanding and also streamlining their menu.  They’ve also adjusted their hours and during the Covid years, made required adjustments as needed.  They’ve raised their prices and even added a surcharge which is a percent of your bill that goes to pay for benefits to their staff.  I know that because they were upfront and posted about it.  They are 25 years strong and despite the long lines during busy times which discourages some customers from waiting at that moment, they will continue to thrive.

I also have the Starbucks app on my phone and I keep it loaded with funds so I can get coffee on the road at places other than my favorite local shop.  There have been a couple of times that one of the local Starbucks was so busy that they had no parking avail and I’ve waited for over 20 minutes.  I know, First World Problem. I’m not the only one that has been deterred from being their customer as they’ve lost sales and now they are going to fix a couple of common complaints to their speed and pricing.  Here’s the info from MediaPost.com:

Starbucks Ends Milk Upcharge, Returns To Sharpie Roots

“Starbucks will no longer charge customers extra for nondairy milk alternatives in their lattes, macchiatos and other beverages, part of a strategy to boost slowing sales by streamlining its menu and re-creating a more inviting coffeehouse vibe at its stores,” according to The Washington Post. “Customers previously complained that the extra fee for nondairy substitutes discriminated against people with lactose intolerance or other dietary restrictions….

Customers ordering drinks with nondairy substitutes can expect price reductions of more than 10%.

“The company is also setting a goal of getting customers their orders in four minutes or less,” according to The New York Times.  Brewed coffee will now be delivered to customers at the register, and customers can customize their coffee themselves — adding milk and sweeteners — at the condiment stations that the company will be reinstalling. That should also alleviate some of the workload for baristas.”

Another change won’t save customers money, but might make them feel more connected to the brand:  “Starbucks is bringing back hand-written names in Sharpie on cups and self-serve stations with sugar and cream to try to win back customers,” according to CNN. “Baristas handwriting customers’ names and messages on their drink orders in marker will make a comeback.”

It’s part of their strategy to recreate a coffeehouse vibe at Starbucks and add a “human touch.”

The last story I have has to do with something I did about 15 years ago when I served on the Board of Directors with the Advertising Federation.  We had monthly lunches at least 9 or or 10 times a year and there was a fee to attend.  Nearly everyone else on the board worked on the creative side or at an ad agency, yet I was the one that moved us forward into the world of online payments.  This was around 2009 and the custom was to reserve with an email or phone call and then bring either cash, check or credit card to be processed at the lunch.

Eventbrite was just a few years old and some of the old school board members were hesitant to move to an online reservation and payment platform for our lunches.  I set it up and our attendance quickly rose because we improved the customer experience and provided a fresh option to make it easy for people to buy along with keeping the previous method as an option for about a year to handle the transition.

All of these stories and examples are related to marketing too because you’ve changed the perception and reality of your company to the customer.

Go back to those original questions and ask yourself and your team about ways to improve as you move forward.