Michael Crooks

Promotional Marketing: Success With Goody Bag Marketing

One of the most often-wasted promotional marketing opportunities is the "Goody Bag". This is the bag full of "goodys" that is handed out to participants at golf outing, conferences, seminars and events in an attempt to add value to their participation. Companies usually donate some "cheap" item such as a pen, pencil or refrigerator magnet imprinted with their corporate info. The practice is long on... (posted by Michael 4 years 92 days ago.)

Promotional Marketing: The Difference Between A Cheap Giveaway and an Effective Promotion

My friend Ken, the toy poodle breeder, called the other day asking about imprinted pens to give away at dog shows to promote his kennel. From previous conversations I remembered something about height restrictions. "Ken, isn't there a rule that when a toy poodle gets to a certain height, you can't show it any more?" I asked. "Sure," he replied. "Ten inches. Then the... (posted by Michael 4 years 277 days ago.)

How Truly Great Followers Make For Truly Great Leaders.

Some leaders are good. Some are bad. What's the difference between the two? And what can you do to help ensure that we get more good leaders than bad leaders? This article explores the concept of great vs. truly great and considers that truly great leadership begins with truly great followership. Hitler was a great leader. Through his guidance, dedication and sense of what was right, he changed and... (posted by Michael 4 years 278 days ago.)

Create An Effective Outgoing Voice-Mail Message Clients And Prospects Will Appreciate

I'm on a tight deadline and I get this guy's voice-mail: "Hi. I'm either on the phone or away from my desk. Leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can." I'm thinking, "Well that's just brilliant Einstein. Now tell me something I don't know, such as WHEN you'll call me back!" I'm either on the phone, or away from my desk?... (posted by Michael 4 years 283 days ago.)

Effective Logo Placement: Maximizing Your Exposure

I should have known better to say what I said, seeing how the caller was from an accounting firm. I merely suggested she put the firm's logo on the back of a baseball cap. Her silence caused the sort of anticipation you experience when someone keeps blowing up a balloon until it pops. The words came slowly at first finally she blurted, "You you want to put my logo WHERE?! " Trying to regain control of... (posted by Michael 4 years 286 days ago.)