Episode #22 - Advertising on Shipping Boxes, a Handy Transcription Service, and a Big Marketing Lesson From VistaPrint.
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Episode #22 -Have you ever bought a magazine from the newstand that is sealed? When you open, usually a bunch of stuff falls out onto your lap. I usually throw those inserts away immediately, don’t you? You know they’re adverts, right? Well, I recently bought a techy magazine that included a different kind of insert - a mini magazine. It was positioned as bonus content, and the content was pretty good, but it was sponsored by a chain of electronics stores in the UK called Dixons. Every page featured products that you could buy online. A different way of getting a marketing message through to the consumer - I thought it was nicely done. Makes a difference from the pile of leaflets that falls into your lap.
The viewer question comes from Rob of VancouverHobbies.com. Rob asks about what he should put on the side of his shipping boxes to attract attention and get more business. Rob is smart to have thought of using that space wisely. Watch the show to see the logical suggestions I provide, and remember how few people actually are doing that!
If you ever need a transcription service (converting audio into a text document), I’ve found a reliable resource that can handle this in as little as 24 hours. Pricing is per minute of audio.
This episode’s BIG marketing lesson is from VistaPrint, the online printing company. They are VERY smart marketers and in this episode I reveal a simple strategy that has got them MILLIONS of new customers! Sounds hard to believe, doesn’t it? Well, the strategy also cost them NOTHING! I’ll tell you exactly how they did it.
Resources and websites mentioned in this episode:
CastingWords (online transcription service to suit your budget)
Vistaprint (online printing company)
VancouverHobbies (viewer website)
Buy the ‘Help My Business’ DVD & Audio Set (Episodes 1-20)
Regards,
September 17th, 2008 at 2:51 am
You can also try Way With Words Transcription Services, at these two sites:: http://www.waywithwords.eu and http://www.waywithwords.us.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:54 am
Thanks Andrew,
Have you used that transcription service, or how did you find out about it?
Andrew
September 17th, 2008 at 8:06 am
[...] um die Uhr anrufen. Die haben entweder einen Vorzimmerdrachen (== menschlicher Firewall) oder der Sekretär geht ans Telefon und entscheided ob der Wichtige den anruf annehmen will > Wofür ein Fernseher, [...]
September 17th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for another interesting episode.
Dixons does something right? Wow. If only they started training their staff now.
Now, about the MS iPod video…That reminds me of the failed, cringeworthy Mojave Experiment. How sad.
Many thanks!
Lisa
http://www.SurveySam.com
September 17th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
anyone else having problems with itunes syncing this episode and saying that it can’t be played on this iphone?
Other episodes have worked fine, but I can’t get this one to load?
Any ideas?
September 17th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Episode #22 - Advertising on Shipping Boxes, a Handy Transcription Service, and a Big Marketing Lesson From VistaPrint. Boring…I fell asleep…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
September 17th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Missy, I think “tact” should be entered into your vocabulary…well, maybe “tact” and “constructive criticism” - even though I agree that this episode was a little slower paced than usual, I still got a lot out of it. For me, it seemed a little redundant from last week’s episode - which addressed business cards - and an episode a while ago that addressed packaging and mailers. Even though these were familiar topics, it addressed new issues within those topics. Also, I think it is important to note that business cards and packaging are INCREDIBLY important and can make all the difference in a business and its ability to stand out from the competition.
Anyway, thanks again for the content, Andrew. I’m looking forward to next week’s episode already…keep up the good work and don’t let Missy’s unhelpful commentary bring you down - you taught me a lot today
Dr. Scott
http://www.hilltopwellness.com
September 18th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Dr Scott,
Thank you for your balancing comments and support.
I listen to ALL feedback because I know the show can ALWAYS be improved.
Honestly, I don’t take offense if someone doesn’t care for the show, or even for a particular episode. After all, how many network TV shows do you watch where EVERY episode is riveting?! It’s very rare isn’t it? If they can’t do it, I certainly can’t either!
Also, this format and content is not everyone’s cup of tea. I fully realize that, and I actually believe that to be an advantage, because the plain ‘vanilla’ approach where you try to please everyone is impossible and ultimately unhelpful to the audience.
Oh, one more thing. Since the show hit the #1 spot in iTunes this week (in the marketing videos category) outranking GIANTS of the industry including Advertising Age, Business Week, and Harvard Business Review, I know I must be doing something right!
Missy, maybe I’ll win you over with next week’s show…
Regards
Andrew
September 20th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
You’re production quality is good for the ‘out of the box’ tricks you use here. Zoom out a little on your full on desk shot, you’re just a little too big in proportion to the desk. The reflection and the shadow are nice touches to make you look like you’re REALLY there. This video product serves you well, it was a good investment for this type of show.
If you ever need any additional animation or video services, send us an email. But you seem like you’ve got a great handle on things already. Good production quality, keep up the good work!
September 21st, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Great information and format. Kept my interest and gave me some marketing tips that I will definitely use.
By the way, I have always thought the same thing about people who use the free Vista cards. They may be fine for a teenager running his first lawnservice business….but it is definitely a no-no for a professional.
Thanks for the info…I will definitely watch again.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Hey what’s up! I’m an entrepreneur as well and i find your tips to be very useful. I like that tip you gave about putting the website on the side of the box. I’ll be sure to use it. Nice shirt too…haha.