I am sitting in a hotel room in Cour d’Alene, Idaho about to go to my daughter’s softball game. She played three games yesterday and whoever wins the next game goes on to the State Championship! Even though we homeschool, the public schools in Idaho allow homeschoolers to play sports. It has been a great experience…and our kids have felt very welcomed by their public school team mates. It doesn’t hurt that they are pretty good athletes!
Anyway, my daughter hit a screamer to right field and through a series of overthrows and mishaps found her way to home plate and scored the tying run. They went on to win the game and Gentry was voted Most Valuable Player of the game!
That evening, I learned a valuable lesson.
When we got back to the hotel, we were all badly sunburned, hot, and tired. Although we had to eat, nobody felt like going out. Pizza delivery was the perfect solution, so we asked the front desk clerks for a suggestion.
Both front desk clerks immediately and enthusiastically suggested the local Pizza Schmizza (honest, that was its name). They both began to rave about the wonderful pizza, great sauces, and gourmet toppings. Not only did Pizza Schmizza offer traditional pizzas, they even included spicy Thai options, even alligator sausage!
“How did you hear about them?” I had to ask.
They responded, “Each week, the owners bring us pizza for our break.”
AHA!
Who is in a better position to recommend a pizza place to weary travelers than the front desk girls at a hotel? Do you see any lessons here?Find the people who are most likely to connect with your prospective customers and GIVE them a sample of your product!
“What do you mean give my product away…they should have to pay like everyone else!”
Pizza Schmizza has given away dozens of pizzas in this little corner of Coeur d’Alene. Those free samples went to front desk clerks at area hotels, people who could refer Pizza Schmizza to travelers. And Pizza Schmizza backs it up with truly incredible food.
Now, I am sure that Pizza Schmizza has given away dozens of pizzas to front desk clerks in the area. But what a marketing strategy! Sure, not all the front desk clerks will recommend Pizza Schmizza. But some clerks recommend them, and very highly too.
Worried that someone may copy your idea? That is a risk, albeit a small one. Copycats are trying to make a lot of money, fast. They are not interested in offering great follow-up care to their customers; nor do they offer higher-end products to customers who want more. You, on the other hand, don’t make those mistakes, so your customers are loyal.
So learn a lesson from Pizza Schmizza on business promotions and marketing ideas – offer free samples to strategic people who will spread the word. Your business will grow and prosper, and you’ll be happy you did!
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