Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up. Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up. This time on Lessons from DMJ, Kirby talks with Liane Davey about why conflict can be healthy at work. Watch now!
In this insightful discussion, Liane Davey, renowned author of “The Good Fight,” sheds light on the often misunderstood concept of conflict in the workplace. She argues that not only is conflict inevitable in any organization, but it can also be a healthy and productive force if managed correctly. Davey’s perspective challenges the conventional wisdom that conflict is inherently destructive and should be avoided at all costs. Instead, she presents a compelling case for embracing conflict as a catalyst for innovation, risk mitigation, and robust discussions about trade-offs.
Throughout the video, Davey provides practical advice on how to navigate conflict effectively, emphasizing the importance of feedback, the use of different managerial tools, and the art of handling difficult conversations. She also underscores the importance of reflection and follow-up after these conversations. This article delves into these key points, providing a comprehensive summary of Davey’s enlightening discussion.
Defining Conflict
At the heart of Davey’s discussion is a nuanced definition of conflict. She describes conflict as the struggle between incompatible needs and wishes, a natural occurrence in any environment where diverse individuals work together. Importantly, she clarifies that conflict does not necessarily involve negative behavior or bullying. Instead, it can lead to productive discussions about trade-offs, fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
Moreover, Davey posits that conflict can be a potent source of innovation and risk mitigation. When employees feel comfortable expressing differing opinions and challenging the status quo, it can spark creative solutions and preempt potential problems. This perspective reframes conflict as a valuable resource for organizations, rather than a problem to be eradicated.
Giving Feedback
Another key theme in Davey’s discussion is the role of feedback in managing conflict. She defines feedback as providing novel information about the impact of behavior on others. This is crucial because most people lack self-awareness and may not realize how their actions affect their colleagues. By focusing on the impact of behavior, rather than passing judgment, feedback can be a powerful tool for personal growth and improved interpersonal dynamics.
According to Davey, feedback can be positive or negative, but it should always provide insight and value. It’s not about criticizing or praising for the sake of it, but about helping individuals understand the consequences of their actions and how they can improve. This approach to feedback fosters a culture of continuous learning and mutual respect, where employees feel valued and empowered to grow.
Different Managerial Tools
Davey also explores the use of different managerial tools in dealing with conflict and providing feedback. She emphasizes that feedback is subjective and suits situations with different choices. However, other tools like instruction, coaching, advice, and evaluation can also be effective, depending on the situation.
Instruction provides specific guidance on tasks or processes, while coaching helps individuals think differently and find new ways to achieve their goals. Advice draws from personal experiences to help others avoid mistakes, and evaluation assesses contributions relative to standards or objectives. By using these tools judiciously, managers can effectively navigate conflict and foster a positive work environment.
After Difficult Conversations
Finally, Davey discusses the importance of what happens after difficult conversations. She advises ending the conversation with a resolution or a thank you to tie a bow around it. This provides closure and reaffirms the value of the conversation, even if it was challenging.
She also emphasizes the importance of following up with any commitments made during the conversation. This demonstrates integrity and accountability, reinforcing trust within the team. Lastly, Davey encourages reflection on the conversation’s impact and expressing gratitude for the relationship. This helps to maintain a positive relationship, even in the face of conflict.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Liane Davey’s discussion provides a fresh perspective on conflict at work, arguing that it can be healthy and lead to productive outcomes. By giving effective feedback, using different managerial tools, and handling difficult conversations effectively, organizations can foster a positive work environment where conflict is seen not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
Customer appreciation events are more than just a nice gesture; they are a strategic tool for businesses to deepen relationships, foster loyalty, and create new opportunities. This article, based on a comprehensive video guide, provides you with a step-by-step process to create a memorable customer appreciation event. We’ll delve into the reasons why these events are crucial, and provide you with a practical roadmap to create your own.
With a staggering 69% of customers leaving businesses due to perceived indifference, it’s clear that showing appreciation is not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have strategy. So, let’s dive into how you can create an event that not only shows your gratitude but also contributes to your business growth.
Why Create a Customer Appreciation Event
Creating a customer appreciation event is not just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s a strategic move that can significantly impact your business. The video guide highlights three main reasons why these events are important.
Firstly, a large number of customers, around 69%, leave a business due to perceived indifference. This means that customers want to feel valued and appreciated. By hosting an event dedicated to them, you’re showing that you care about their business and their loyalty. Secondly, customer appreciation events are a great way to deepen relationships. They provide an opportunity for face-to-face interaction, which can lead to stronger connections and increased loyalty. Lastly, these events can create business opportunities. They can be a platform for introducing new products or services, or for networking and forming partnerships.
Steps to Creating a Customer Appreciation Event
Creating a successful customer appreciation event requires careful planning and execution. The video guide provides a process to help you create an event that your customers will remember.
The first step is to find a suitable venue. The venue should be easily accessible and comfortable for your guests. Next, create a theme for your event. A theme can make your event more engaging and memorable. Then, identify potential partners or vendors who can contribute to your event. This could be in the form of sponsorships, collaborations, or providing services. The fourth step is to address all the senses. This means considering the ambiance, music, food, and visual elements of your event.
Once you have these elements in place, start promoting your event and get an RSVP list. This will help you manage your event better and ensure that you have a good turnout. At the event, give out merchandise that ties to the theme. This not only enhances the theme but also serves as a reminder of the event. Most importantly, make the event fun. A fun event is a memorable event. After the event, follow up with attendees. This could be a thank you note or a survey to get feedback. Lastly, track the success of the event and gather feedback. This will help you improve future events.
Conclusion
Creating a customer appreciation event is a strategic move that can significantly impact your business. It’s a way to show your customers that you value them, deepen relationships, and create business opportunities. However, the success of the event depends on careful planning and execution.
Remember to track the success of the event and gather feedback. This will help you understand what worked and what didn’t, and how you can improve future events. With careful planning and execution, a customer appreciation event can be a powerful tool for your business.
Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up. Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up. This time on Lessons from DMJ, Kirby talks with Frank Husmann about becoming the authority in your niche. Watch now!
In this insightful video interview, Kirby talks to Frank Husmann, the founder of Maxiality. Frank shared his expertise on authority marketing, particularly for B2B companies. The conversation was a deep dive into the intricacies of becoming an authority in your niche, a feat that is not easily achieved but can be incredibly rewarding. The discussion touched on various aspects of authority marketing, from understanding what it entails to starting a successful campaign and avoiding common pitfalls.
Frank also highlighted the importance of demand generation in B2B marketing, explaining how it differs from lead generation and why it’s more effective in the modern B2B landscape. He also shared some practical tips on creating a pleasant buying journey for potential customers. Finally, he offered some advice on authority marketing and shared where viewers can find more information about him and his work.
What is Authority Marketing?
Authority marketing is a strategic approach that involves showcasing your expertise in a particular niche to establish yourself as an authority. This process is not a one-time event but a continuous effort that requires consistency and dedication. By consistently demonstrating your knowledge and skills, you gradually build credibility and trust with your audience, positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field.
Frank emphasized that the key to successful authority marketing lies in identifying the main topics you want to be known for and creating content around them. This content can take various forms, including podcasts, YouTube videos, blog articles, and email newsletters. The goal is to consistently show your expertise over time, which will help establish your authority in your niche.
Starting an Authority Marketing Campaign
Starting an authority marketing campaign requires a clear understanding of your niche and the main topics you want to be known for. Once you’ve identified these topics, the next step is to create content around them. This content should be informative, engaging, and valuable to your audience. It should demonstrate your expertise and provide solutions to the problems your audience is facing.
Frank suggested using various content formats to reach a wider audience. These can include podcasts, YouTube videos, blog articles, and email newsletters. Consistency is key in authority marketing. By regularly producing high-quality content, you can gradually establish your authority in your niche and become the go-to expert for your audience.
Common Pitfalls in Authority Marketing
While authority marketing can be highly effective, there are common pitfalls that marketers should avoid. One of these is being too salesy. While it’s important to promote your products or services, your primary focus should be on addressing the questions and problems of your prospects. By providing valuable solutions, you can build trust and credibility with your audience.
Another common pitfall is focusing too much on personal stories at the expense of showcasing your expertise. While personal stories can help humanize your brand and build a connection with your audience, they should not overshadow your expertise. Instead, they should be tied to your expertise and used to reinforce your authority in your niche.
Demand Generation in B2B Marketing
Demand generation is a crucial aspect of B2B marketing. Unlike lead generation, which focuses on generating leads, demand generation focuses on creating demand for your products or services. This involves targeting the 97% of people who are not yet in the market for your products or services.
Frank suggested using various channels to showcase your expertise and create demand. These can include YouTube, LinkedIn, and articles. He also recommended using tactics like LinkedIn ads and LinkedIn Live to reach a wider audience and generate demand. By focusing on demand generation, you can position yourself as a top choice when your prospects are ready to make a purchase.
Lead Generation vs. Demand Generation
While lead generation and demand generation are both important aspects of B2B marketing, Frank argued that demand generation is more effective in the modern B2B landscape. Lead generation focuses on generating leads, while demand generation focuses on creating demand for your products or services and being on the shortlist of potential customers.
By focusing on demand generation, you can target the 97% of people who are not yet in the market for your products or services. This allows you to build awareness and credibility with a wider audience, increasing the chances of being considered when they are ready to make a purchase.
Creating a Pleasant Buying Journey
Creating a pleasant buying journey is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. This involves providing clear and transparent pricing information on your website and making it easy for prospects to get in touch and qualify themselves. By making the buying process as smooth and straightforward as possible, you can improve customer satisfaction and increase the chances of repeat business.
Frank also suggested automating processes and using forms or API calls to gather information about prospects. This can help streamline the buying process and provide valuable insights into your customer’s needs and preferences, allowing you to tailor your offerings accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the video interview with Frank Husmann provided valuable insights into authority marketing for B2B companies. From understanding what authority marketing is and how to start a successful campaign, to avoiding common pitfalls and understanding the importance of demand generation, the discussion covered a wide range of topics. Frank also shared some practical tips on creating a pleasant buying journey and offered advice on authority marketing. For those interested in learning more, Frank can be found at maxiality.com, where he offers a free video training on authority marketing.
As we approach 2024, it’s time to reevaluate our social media habits. The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and so too should our approach to it. This article discusses four key behaviors that need to be left behind as we move forward. These practices not only hinder personal growth but can also negatively impact businesses and their online presence. By understanding and addressing these habits, we can use social media more effectively and positively.
These four areas of focus include incessant selling without providing value, arguing with strangers on the internet, calling out other businesses for their practices, and comparing one’s life and success to others on social media. Each of these behaviors can lead to negative outcomes, from damaging a business’s reputation to causing personal dissatisfaction and unhappiness. It’s time to shift our focus and use social media as a tool for growth, both personally and professionally.
Stop Incessantly Selling Without Providing Value
The first point to address is the habit of incessantly selling on social media without providing any value. Businesses often fall into the trap of using social media solely as a platform for constant sales pitches. This approach, however, can be off-putting to audiences and may lead to a decrease in engagement and followers.
Instead, businesses should focus on providing value to their audience before asking for sales. This can be achieved by sharing useful content, engaging with followers, and building a community around your brand. By building trust and integrity through valuable content, businesses can foster a more loyal customer base and lead to more successful sales in the long run.
Stop Arguing with Strangers on the Internet
The second point is to stop arguing with strangers on the internet. As we head into an election cycle, the temptation to engage in online debates can be strong. However, these arguments are rarely productive and can be detrimental to mental health and business reputation.
Instead of wasting time arguing, focus on personal growth and filling your mind with positive content. Engage in discussions that are beneficial and constructive. As the election cycle approaches, it’s important to remember that getting caught up in online debates that serve no purpose will only lead to stress and negativity.
Stop Calling Out Other Businesses for Their Practices
The third point is to stop calling out other businesses for their practices. While it’s important to hold businesses accountable, constantly criticizing others takes attention away from personal growth and improvement. It also creates a negative online environment and can harm your own business’s reputation.
Instead, focus on providing value to customers and reaching more potential customers. Look for ways to improve your own business and practices. Shift the focus from what others are doing wrong to what can be done better in your own business. This positive approach can lead to better business outcomes and a more positive online presence.
Stop Comparing Your Life to Others on Social Media
The fourth and final point is to stop comparing one’s life and success to others on social media. This habit can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness, as it’s easy to feel inadequate when comparing oneself to the highlight reels often showcased on social media.
Remember that social media is not a full reflection of someone’s life. It’s important to avoid comparing behind-the-scenes struggles to others’ seemingly perfect lives online. Instead, use social media as a tool for inspiration and growth, not as a measure of personal success.
Conclusion
As we move into 2024, it’s important to use social media responsibly and positively. These platforms can be powerful tools for personal and business growth when used correctly. By avoiding these four common pitfalls, we can create a more positive online environment and use social media to its full potential.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
The effectiveness of branded merchandise in marketing campaigns is a topic that has been widely discussed, yet often misunderstood. Many businesses invest heavily in branded merchandise, but few know how to measure its impact accurately. The goal here is to shed light on this topic, providing insights into how promotional products can boost open rates, increase orders, and create brand affinity. We will also discuss the challenges businesses face in measuring the effectiveness of branded merchandise and how to overcome them.
Branded merchandise is not just about slapping your logo on a product; it’s about creating a meaningful connection with your audience. It’s about using a physical item to convey your brand’s values and personality. But how do you know if your branded merchandise is achieving these goals? That’s where measurement comes in. By understanding how to measure the effectiveness of your branded merchandise, you can make more informed decisions and maximize your return on investment.
Promotional Products and Open Rates
One of the most significant benefits of promotional products is their ability to increase the open rate on direct mail. According to a study by the International Organization of Promotional Products, well-executed promotional products can boost open rates by up to 75%. This is because promotional products create a sense of curiosity that a basic letter may not. The physical presence of a product, often referred to as “bumpy mail,” can pique the recipient’s interest and encourage them to open the mail.
However, the effectiveness of promotional products is not just about creating curiosity; it’s also about delivering value. The more useful and relevant the promotional product is to the recipient, the more likely they are to open the mail and engage with your brand. Therefore, when choosing promotional products, it’s crucial to consider your audience’s needs and preferences.
Branded Merch and Reorders
Branded merchandise can also play a significant role in driving reorders. A study involving a dry cleaner and new residents found that giving branded merchandise to new residents increased their likelihood of ordering by 18%. This is compared to giving nothing or just a coupon. The tangible nature of branded merchandise can create a stronger connection with the brand, leading to faster and increased orders.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of branded merchandise in driving reorders depends on the quality of the merchandise and its relevance to the customer. Poor quality merchandise can harm your brand’s reputation, while irrelevant merchandise may not resonate with your customers. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in high-quality merchandise that reflects your brand’s values and meets your customers’ needs.
Brand Affinity and Positive Association
Branded merchandise can also help create brand affinity and a positive association with your brand. Studies have shown that receiving branded merchandise can make customers feel more connected to the brand. This is especially true when the merchandise is of high quality and aligns with the customer’s values and lifestyle.
Creating a positive association with your brand through branded merchandise can have long-term benefits. It can increase customer loyalty, encourage word-of-mouth referrals, and even influence purchasing decisions. Therefore, when planning your branded merchandise strategy, it’s important to consider not just the immediate impact but also the long-term effects on your brand perception.
Challenges in Measuring Effectiveness
Despite the potential benefits of branded merchandise, many businesses struggle to measure its effectiveness. One of the main challenges is a lack of understanding of what to measure. While it’s easy to compare the reach of branded merchandise with other marketing channels, this may not accurately reflect its effectiveness. The impact of branded merchandise extends beyond reach; it also includes factors like brand perception, customer loyalty, and reorder rates.
To overcome these challenges, businesses need to establish clear objectives for their branded merchandise campaigns. These objectives should align with the overall marketing strategy and be measurable. By setting clear objectives, businesses can track the performance of their branded merchandise campaigns and make necessary adjustments to maximize their effectiveness.
Targeted Use of Branded Merchandise
Branded merchandise is most effective when used in a targeted fashion. Simply throwing a bunch of branded merchandise without a specific target is not effective. Instead, businesses should identify their target audience and tailor their branded merchandise to meet their needs and preferences. This targeted approach can lead to greater effectiveness and a higher return on investment.
For example, if your target audience is environmentally conscious, you might consider using eco-friendly branded merchandise. This not only aligns with your audience’s values but also reinforces your brand’s commitment to sustainability. By understanding your audience and aligning your branded merchandise with their values, you can create a stronger connection with your audience and increase the effectiveness of your branded merchandise.
Differentiating Brand Marketing and Direct Marketing
When measuring the effectiveness of branded merchandise, it’s important to differentiate between brand marketing and direct marketing. Brand marketing focuses on building brand awareness and recognition, while direct marketing aims for direct response and immediate action. Therefore, the metrics used to measure the effectiveness of brand marketing may not accurately reflect the effectiveness of direct marketing, and vice versa.
For example, brand marketing might measure the increase in brand awareness and perception, while direct marketing might measure the increase in sales or leads. By understanding the difference between brand marketing and direct marketing, businesses can choose the right metrics to measure the effectiveness of their branded merchandise and make more informed decisions.
Understanding the Purpose of the Campaign
Understanding the purpose of the branded merchandise campaign is crucial in measuring its effectiveness. Different types of branded merchandise campaigns serve different purposes. For example, brand marketing campaigns focus on raising awareness and recognition, while direct marketing campaigns aim for direct response and specific actions. Therefore, the metrics used to measure the effectiveness of a branded merchandise campaign should align with its purpose.
For instance, if the purpose of the campaign is to increase brand awareness, you might measure the increase in brand mentions on social media or the increase in website traffic. On the other hand, if the purpose of the campaign is to drive sales, you might measure the increase in sales or the conversion rate. By aligning the metrics with the purpose of the campaign, you can accurately measure the effectiveness of your branded merchandise.
Examples of Branded Merchandise Campaigns
The video provides examples of different types of branded merchandise campaigns and how to measure their effectiveness. One example is a monthly branded merchandise campaign, where a different piece of branded merchandise is used each month to reach out to clients and set up meetings. By understanding the purpose of each campaign, businesses can measure its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to improve future campaigns.
For instance, if the purpose of the campaign is to set up meetings, businesses might measure the number of meetings set up as a result of the campaign. If the purpose of the campaign is to increase brand awareness, businesses might measure the increase in brand mentions on social media or the increase in website traffic. By aligning the metrics with the purpose of the campaign, businesses can accurately measure the effectiveness of their branded merchandise.
Conclusion
Measuring the effectiveness of branded merchandise is not a straightforward task. It requires a clear understanding of the purpose of the campaign, the target audience, and the right metrics to measure. However, with the right approach, businesses can accurately measure the effectiveness of their branded merchandise and maximize their return on investment.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into how to measure the effectiveness of branded merchandise. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. And don’t forget to subscribe and rate our podcast for more valuable content on marketing and branding.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up. Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up.
In this episode, we are joined by Shawn Anthony, the founder of Pod Pro Max and the host of the “School’s Out, Now What?” podcast. Shawn discovered the world of podcasting during a drive and was instantly captivated. He felt he had a unique voice and perspective that he could share with the world, and thus, his journey into podcasting began. This article will delve into Shawn’s story, the power of podcasting for brand growth, advice for starting a podcast, and common mistakes in podcasting and how to fix them.
Shawn’s story is one of success, guilt, and a desire to connect with others. He found success in his corporate career but felt disconnected from his friends who were still figuring out their paths. This guilt, coupled with his realization that he could use his voice to share his background and experiences, led to the birth of the “School’s Out, Now What?” podcast. The podcast resonates with many as it explores the journey after formal education ends, a topic that many can relate to.
The Story Behind “School’s Out, Now What?”
Shawn Anthony’s journey into podcasting began with a sense of guilt. Despite his success in the corporate world, he felt disconnected from his friends who were still trying to figure out their careers. He felt the need to share his experiences and background, and thus, the “School’s Out, Now What?” podcast was born. The podcast resonated with many people, as it tackled the often daunting question of what to do after school ends.
Shawn’s story is a testament to the power of using one’s voice to connect with others. His podcast is not just about his personal journey, but also about the shared experiences of many who are trying to navigate their careers. The success of “School’s Out, Now What?” is a testament to the power of relatable content and the importance of using one’s unique voice and perspective.
The Power of Podcasting for Brand Growth
Podcasting offers a unique platform for individuals to create their own narrative and be the storyteller. This is a powerful way to grow a brand, as it allows the individual to be in charge of their own life and talk about various topics that resonate with them. Podcasting can be used to share courses, hobbies, world events, and more, making it a versatile platform for brand growth.
Shawn encourages everyone, regardless of their category or industry, to start a podcast or be on one. The power of podcasting lies in its ability to reach a wide audience and create a personal connection with listeners. It’s a platform where you can share your story, your insights, and your passions, and in doing so, grow your brand.
Advice for Starting a Podcast
For those considering starting a podcast, Shawn offers some practical advice. He recommends launching with at least three episodes to create a binge-listening experience for listeners. The first episode should introduce the host and share their journey to podcasting. The second episode should explain the structure and format of the show, and the third episode should deliver on the promises made in the second episode.
Consistency is key in podcasting. Shawn recommends releasing episodes once a week to keep listeners engaged and coming back for more. It’s important to deliver on the promises made in the episodes and to maintain a consistent release schedule to build trust and loyalty with the audience.
Mistakes in Podcasting and How to Fix Them
Despite the many benefits of podcasting, there are common mistakes that organizations and individuals make. One such mistake is forgetting their own character and personality. Podcasts should embrace the unique personalities of their hosts, as this is what makes them relatable and engaging to listeners. Another common mistake is focusing too much on teaching rather than having a general conversation. Podcasts should prioritize conversation over a handbook approach to keep listeners engaged.
Legal concerns can also hinder authenticity and personality in podcasts. It’s important to be aware of legal considerations, but they should not overshadow the authenticity and personality of the podcast. By embracing their unique personalities, prioritizing conversation, and not letting legal concerns hinder authenticity, organizations, and individuals can create engaging and successful podcasts.
Conclusion
Shawn Anthony’s journey into podcasting is a testament to the power of using one’s voice to connect with others and grow a brand. His advice on starting a podcast and avoiding common mistakes offers valuable insights for anyone considering entering the world of podcasting. For more information about Shawn and his company, visit schoolsovernow.com and pprommax.com.
