#98 – “TSA Trouble, Productivity tips, How to Improve Your Copywriting, and a Big Marketing Lesson from Heinz.”
March 9, 2010Episode #98 – “I love cats, I just can’t eat a whole one by myself… 
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March 9th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
btw, I wanted to add that my annoyance with the TSA is certainly not limited to the U.S. In the UK it’s just as bad with the security screening there, it’s just that I now travel mainly within the USA, so I’m witnessing the confusion and frustration on an almost weekly basis. Can you relate?
Regards
Andrew
March 9th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Hi Andrew. FYI: The Dump is alive and well – in Phoenix anyway. Love your show!
March 9th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
I love the comment about observing how your product is being used…I think (too) many companies use the “create and release” technique, never looking back to monitor their creation, let alone to gather valuable feedback about it.
Thanks Andrew.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:18 am
I don’t mind some of the added security at the airports but it does seem like it is getting a little out of hand. Especially when you consider how ridiculous it is to not let an 8 year old board a plane because of his name. Isn’t it common sense that he is not a terrorist and that he just happens to have the same name? There has to be a better way for TSA to screen passengers so we all can avoid hassles like that.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:00 am
I’d like to see if the lad goes through the frisking, etc if his Dad’s not with him… since they share teh same name.
I think the Dad is getting pulled as being an adult he *could* be a terrorist, and the lad is goign through the same since they’ve pulled the Dad… if that makes sense?
Also, I’d change his name by Deed Poll.
Less Hassle.
As for the perfume bottles, yeah I’d reduce stock, and hand-number them to give an air of exclusivity.
Also, they could break the varieties into groups, and under the group name on the label have 10 or 20 variants, and a checkbox next to the names. Then you only need a smaller range of labels and just a dot or check would indicate the correct scent.
As an afterthought, if they’re making the scents BESPOKE from the 700 options and do not keep 700 in stock, then they could use a service like moo.com that prints business cards/mini cards where each card is different. and then they could hole-punch one and put it round its neck. This would save having hundreds of each 700 labels printed. Just a thought, hope that helps
Tony.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:05 am
ooh, also somethign the scent people could do – make a dual-pack of scents that complement each other, and the amount of each applied makes a new, third variant.
That way it’s always changing from application to application.
That would make them very unique and stand out in the market.
LYNX bodyspray in the UK (AXE in the rest of the world, I believe), have launched a 2-in-1 can that youtwist the top to deliver a different amount of each scent.
Again, hope that helps
Tony.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:25 am
Andrew,
The TSA section was great, it shows you how radiculous they are. I think it really comes down to common sense, obviously the kid is not a terrorist. The TSA needs to hire people that actually think versus people who are just robots following protocal. Thanks again for a great show.
Todd P. Sulllivan, DC
March 10th, 2010 at 6:09 am
Perfumes:
take a history look at what has been the best sellers and take the top 50 and print labels for those only. By doing this you’re reducing costs and defining your market. If you are not tracking how do you know what sells? It is all about the numbers and establishing systems. All the best.
Tim
March 10th, 2010 at 6:11 am
Typical government bureaucracy Andrew, and they want to control HEALTHCARE too! Can you imagine the nightmare of going to a clinic?
March 10th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Andrew,
Great show.
TSA – I think that kid should be on the watch list … I mean he looked a little shady !! HAHHAHA It is ludicrous that he is stopped regularly. This makes as much sense as some of the other “Far reaching” rules the TSA has.
Perfume – Agree with you Andrew the labels are the way to go. I know someone else above talked about labeling your top 50, but I would do all of your store to create a consistent brand. I might even take and create a label that is a “reserve” or “special” label to feature a line or a few items each month. This will keep it fresh and new. Just make sure your customers can find the same fragrance every time they stop in the store.
The Dump – bad name, but you are talking about it !!!
Cheers.
Russ Faulkner
Principal | Your Training Team, LLC
March 10th, 2010 at 9:37 am
Andrew
Always enjoy your show I never miss an episode.
The Dump is one of the more succesful retailers in the furniture business. They have locations in multiple states and offer products purchased from manufacturers that have over stock and discontinued inventory. The Dump seems to have a business model that works for them in slow economic times when traditional furniture stores are still suffering. They continue to tweek their model and closing locations that don’t work and opening new ones in better markets. My opinion is the name is good marketing if you are aware of their strategy and advertising.
Jack Wells
March 10th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Play Video Comment
March 10th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Andrew I Love your shows
but the TSA story is not why.
It does not belong on this format in my opinion.
But it is your show after all.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Andrew, love that shirt and as for anyone at the TSA using common sense? Common sense left the us right about the time Ronald Reagan was elected.
But then again, it could be worse. The Bureau of the Census are using ex-felons as census takers. You’re right, you can’t make this stuff up.
March 12th, 2010 at 10:12 am
I sometimes get the “SSSS” in red on my airline ticket and get patted down. It must be because I belong to about 30 organizations for environmental conservation and animal rights. Still, you’d think they’d clue in because of my age (over 50), gender (female) and ethnic background (Canadian/Scandinavian). Seriously, the TSA needs to have better communication, an 8 year old? Really? This is too much! Almost as bad is when I see them pull little frail seniors and pat them down! Makes my blood boil! This is just to make people, that are or look of Middle Eastern descent , feel that they are not being “unfairly” targeted. Really? Come on people, political correctness is going to get us enhilated!
March 13th, 2010 at 11:27 am
feel so pathetic about that cute little child.The TSA needs to hire people that actually think versus people who are just robots following protocal. The TSA section was great, it shows you how radiculous they are. all the best and thanks for the great show.
March 13th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Thank you for your great information’s. All topics are really great. your thinking is really perfect . Especially The TSA section is really great, it will shows you how radiculous they are.I think it really comes down to common sense, obviously the kid is not a terrorist. The TSA needs to hire people that actually think versus people who are just robots following protocal. Thanks again for a great show.
March 13th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
I really liked your advices, it’s the first time i watch one of your videos and really want to see more.
Thank’s for your time on helping us
March 13th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
I had heard something about this. Very interesting. I like the site and think I will be back to see more. Some info and news and business advice all in one place. Great!
March 13th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
The visuals presented are very innovative in its relative field. It propels a lot of core themes involved in marketing and the products’ review
March 13th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
HI ANDREW ,
YOUR SHOW IS REALLY VERY NICE AND ALSO IT IS VERY INTERESTING. I LOVE THIS SHOW VERY MUCH. I FEEL EVERY ONE SHOULD SEE THIS.
March 14th, 2010 at 2:27 am
I can’t believe what they doing to poor Mikey. Are they blind or what? He’s only 8 year old kid!
March 14th, 2010 at 4:55 am
This show is outstanding! Andrew, where were you till now?
)
I’m just starting a career as a copywriter and I have already noted your suggestions. As for little Mikey, I can say only this: “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe”, as the man with bad hair said. I also think that TSA should rely on complex data, not just a name. A simply birth date makes a huge difference. So, guys, make some research and put your identification systems up to date!
March 14th, 2010 at 6:00 am
This is the first time that I’ve watched this show, but it is so interesting that I might ned up watching all of the episodes.
By the way, Poor Mikey, If an eight year old kid can be a terrorist, help us all!
March 14th, 2010 at 7:44 am
There are two ways to solve Mikey’s problem. He can change his name or everybody can change the name to Mikey. They can’t stop everybody.
It is an extreme solution but sometimes we need some.
March 14th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
It is one of the best shows from Andrew. It is very interesting to watch.
March 14th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Andew, your show is really good..
The TSA section is shocking to see how they treat a child like this. What ever be their protocol, they should be doing something to avoid this kid from these issues..
March 15th, 2010 at 3:08 am
I have never seen this show before but i have to say that i am glad that i found about it now and i find it really educating.
I liked this video a lot.
Mickey the terrorist story is funny at first but then you realize it’s just absurd, poor kid. I hope that this absurd problem is resolved for him and everyone in his situation.
I think the try fat cow web-hosting is interesting.
I like the microwave marketing name and marketing is important in any business if you want to survive of course.
A 12% rise in ketchup sales is impressive. Good job Heinz!
March 15th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Hi, that is ridiculous that an eight year old boy would be even looked at as a terrorist suspect. Yes he has the same name, but hes an eight year old boy. I think they need to use common sense.
March 15th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
I don’t understand the level of surprise everyone seems to display when discussing the farcical TSA. They are a quickly thrown together pile of minimum wage flunkies with power and people expect them to act like professionals? These people are paid to “do” and not “think.” If they DARE to make a decision to do something like serve an American citizen then they are forced to fill out reams of paperwork for some lawyer and bureaucrat. The pass of least resistence is to continue to molest an 8 year old boy under the inane guise of “national security.” Ironically, they are taking from us the very freedoms they are supposedly protecting us from losing to the “terrorists.” TSA- Terrorists Screwing Americans.
March 15th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
A friend, her husband and their three young daughters were traveling through DC a couple of years ago and didn’t realize the “NO TRUCKS” sign on the interstate near the White House meant crew cab pick-ups also. They were stopped and held by the roadside for over 3 hours waiting for the NSA and canine units to arrive at the scene to check the vehicle out. Both of them work for the Fire Department and the girls were all elementary school aged, but even though they were obviously cleared and allowed to continue on, they are still on “a list” and have been stopped twice while flying.
March 15th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Common sense is not exactly what current day airport security to begin with, but anyone with half a brian should be able to figure out the this little kid is not a terrorist,. At the very least they should have removed his after the first attempt to frisk him. Give him a break. I mean not everyone is who they seem, but frisking 8 yr olds is pussing it a little.
March 16th, 2010 at 3:36 am
its so ridiculous, how can a 8 yr old wil be treated in such way, its utter stupidity of the airport authorities. poor mikey he will have this memories always, how can someone hurt a child in this way.
March 16th, 2010 at 5:36 am
I really like your explanation of the Heinz experience, Andrew. And it shocks me that more companies don’t follow their lead by using their own products and observing how people experience their packaging in the real world. Here’s an example: if you have pets, you might purchase large bags of dry food for them. These things are a total pain to open, and can’t be resealed. Wouldn’t you figure that some savvy marketer would have decided to bring “easy-open/ziplock” technology to this realm?
March 16th, 2010 at 8:03 am
the video explains how a 8 year old kid being tortured by the airport authority because of his name that match with terrorist name. This is really bad and i am against it
March 16th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Andrew,
My dog MJ loved your shirt and said he couldn’t agree more. And I wanted to let you know that http://www.gotbiz.tv is looking good. I know it’s still a work in progress, but the aesthetics are coming together nicely. Just let me know when you need a certain brilliant fitness marketing expert to host one of the shows…I know someone
Great show…again.
Curtis Mock
April 6th, 2010 at 8:46 am
TSA are to be congratulated for following their internal processes 100% to the letter. Although this is usually a good thing for most businesses … in this case what’s missing is the human aspect and common sense. Hello!! What kind of a risk does an 8 year old boy pose to national security? Hmmm probably none? Yes correct. Now can you please go away and find the bad guys …
June 14th, 2010 at 7:51 am
surely the passport of the parent and the 8 year old can be electronically marked so that tsa would know that the name is same but wrong person.