[Recap] AFP- Digging Out of the Rut - Panel Discussion

Last week, I attended the AFP Panel Discussion-Digging Out of the Rut, moderated by one of my favorite fundraisers, Margaret Holman. It was everything that I expected it to be jam-packed with juicy tips. Everything from approaching Foundations to cultivating Major Donors. The one running theme for the whole discussion however was relation building.

I'm sure you're probably thinking, fundraising well of course, relationship building is important but you'd be surprised how many fundraisers are either too scared to even call a donor or just don't know the importance of making meaningful contact. Some Development Departments are strictly cash driven, treating their donors as if they are ATMs, and there is an annual merry-go round process of mail a letter, get a gift, send the thanks...next!

There has been a major push this year to change the route of present day fundraising and to bring the focus back to the donor; providing a philanthropic experience and not just a transaction.

Thinx Panties

Yes, you read that correct! I looked up one day on the train and there they were in a 1/2 car Ad Campaign; panties meant to be worn as protection during menstruation. Despite how I felt about this device or the placement of these ads, I decided to conduct a survey within a Mommy group that I frequent and was actually shocked to find that at least 1/2 of these women (a group consisting of about 400 females) had heard of and some even owned this underwear.

Regardless to how you may feel, Thinx Panties are What's Bubblin'!

The Easy Start to Video Marketing Success

(Photo credit: Adweek.com)

The newest movement in social media marketing world is video. Due to the immense take off last year of visual platforms such as Periscope, Babl and Snapchat it's no surprise that Video Marketing is the reincarnated tool of the year. With Facebook rolling out FBVideo it is now becoming easier than ever to enhance your Social media presence.

Curate YOUR Content 

If you feel like your being left out of the loop have no fear we have an easy trick for you...use what you've already got! Think about it I'm pretty sure you have a piece of content, whether a blog post, direct mail appeal or e-mail, you know the one, the one that you put out expecting it to bring in the sales or leads that you really believed in but it ended up lost in the online noise. I say break out the red pen and chop that sucker down and hit record! You'd be surprised the new life a piece can take on when you throw a little sound and motion to it.

Dig in the crates and find that piece that speaks to your brands purpose so perfectly you want to tattoo it on your chest (okay, maybe a bit much but you get the point). Edit it down and make it your first video, have fun and remember this isn't new, you've already put this out and your just reiterating it's importance to your audience and don't forget to pin it to the top!

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I am the founder of Bubblin' Banter, a blog about Direct Marketing. I have been in the Direct Marketing field for 10 years. I love everything about it and love sharing advice with others on how to keep their brands Bubblin'!

Take It Personal(ly): A Deeper Look At Personalization

by Renee Jamerson

The latest direct marketing debate in the headlines is whether e-mail marketing is dead or alive. I think which side you take on this topic depends largely on how well your e-mail campaigns perform. Despite where you stand on this issue it's important to understand the impact that digital marketing has had on the way we do business and to do your best to maximize your impact. Finding ways to form a deep connection with your target audience is so important, especially with the amount of power users/customers have been handed via the internet and social media.

Form A Deep Connection
A top way to form a deep connection is through personalization. I'm not just talking salutations...there are other actions you should also be taking to cultivate your relationship with your audience and give your content the personal touch that it needs.

Target Your Content
By targeting your content you make sure the right information gets in front of the right audience. You target your content by using what you know about your audience based on their interest data, analytics, survey responses, and user-generated content (comments, videos, photos, reviews and social media posts). Although you may have a following not every follower has the same intent. It's important to segment your followers/customers, to group and analyze their purpose for taking interest in your business. This will also let you know the best channel to reach your audience.

Pull The Trigger
Automate e-mails to be sent whenever they complete certain actions. It very comforting after a person makes a purchase to receive an automated e-mail saying "thanks for shopping with us". Another great idea, within these automated e-mails, is to consider the sender? Is a customer service rep, a general e-mail address, or the CEO of the company.  The signer of that e-mail could make all the difference in how close and valued a person feels to your company.

Personal Landing Pages
This one is a personal fav., nothing makes me happier than when I click on a registration e-mail for a webinar and it auto-fills all of my information. This is so convenient, especially at times that I maybe checking my e-mail from my cellphone. Let's face it convenience and ease of use = we care about your experience and want you to come back.

The terrain of personalizing is so vast when you think creatively and personally. What makes you feel valued? what customer/user experiences do you appreciate? The best way to master personalization is think more human!

Keep It Bubblin'!

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I am the founder of Bubblin' Banter Direct, a blog about Direct Marketing. I have been in the Direct Marketing field almost 10 years. I love everything about it and love sharing advice with others on how to keep their brands Bubblin'!

Marketing - Open Your Mind Before You Close Your Doors!





Last week, while out for a stroll on my lunch break, I couldn't help but notice that most of the local "mom and pop businesses" are closed (for good) on just about the whole block.  Sadly, lately, this is not an uncommon site, especially in Manhattan.  The rent is through the roof in NYC and a lot of business are struggling to survive.  One common thread stood out among a lot of these businesses and that was lack of marketing. While some of the businesses had great promotional deals, they relied way too heavily on "word-of-mouth" advertising.  Many of them offered deals to the local University students while totally ignoring the rest of their customers. These failed businesses are prime examples of why believing the old myth that marketing is for big business is a huge no no!

Marketing is important even in small business

No business is too small for marketing; whether social media, e-mail or flyers, something is always better than nothing. There are tons of informational sources to assist in beginner-level marketing, with publications that address everything from "How to create a Twitter account" to "How to interpret analytics".  Don't be fooled there are cost-effective ways to market your small business or service. 

How do you plan to market your business in 2017? Let us know in the comments below or pop over to our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

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Beware of What's Bubblin'

The title of this post may suggest that this post will be an affirmation on the importance of vigilance when it comes to your next business deal or client well, it's not!

It's about the importance of being vigilant when it comes to your current clients and their activities.  For example, a current client of Bubblin' Banter recently landed a spot in an Ad Campaign, had we not kept our eyes open we would have missed an opportunity; an opportunity to promote.  The key word in that last sentence is promote because in this article it refers to the promotion of Bubblin' Banter and not the client.  While we only consult with this client on Branding, the fact that he landed this campaign not only speaks wonders about the clients but also about BB. 

Most businesses wait until a job for a client is done and will use the results of their work to promote their business/services to acquire new clients. However, living in the microwave society that we live in BB realized that it wouldn't be a faux pas to promote the work of our client while we're stilling building their brand.   With the help of social media it is totally possible to show the growth at every stage giving a total appreciation for the end result when you reach the finish line.  So "Beware of What' Bubblin'" at all times so that you too can maximize on current opportunities to promote your business/service.  Happy Friday!

Do your clients know you're thankful?

By Renee Jamerson

There is a lot to learn in business from the non-profit sector, particularly their #1 rule, "always say thank you".  It is imperative that non-profits thank their donors but is it necessary in business as well?

The answer is absolutely! Some businesses think a deal is complete after payment receipt, but if this is your way of thinking be prepared for that to possibly be your last job for that client.  Just as in the non-profit sector, business relationships have to be cultivated and nurtured if you want to build an ongoing working relationship. Plus, there is nothing to lose, just the gain of a loyal client.

If you still don't see where we're coming from try this example; you own start-up graphic design firm X. Firm X has completed 4 jobs for a client this year and they "love, love, love" your "stuff".  Meanwhile, Firm Y is prospect hunting and takes your client out for lunch, while providing them with samples of jobs with the exact same quality as yours.  Whether or not you've shown appreciation for their business or even tried to establish a relationship could make all the difference between your next job and the loss of a client.

You have to remember, the same clients you're completing jobs or consulting for are being solicited constantly by your competition.  So, even if it's nothing more than an E-card take the time out to say "Thank You".