Real Life Examples - Real Life Inspiration

I've had a great response to the real life examples in my books. Most readers have found it really motivational to see how other business owners tackle the challenges of marketing, especially when you realise that most of them manage it on a tight budget. Here are a few more examples that I've come across since writing the book:

Chicks R Us

Debbie Campbell runs an innovative business called Chicks R Us which provides incubators and eggs to preschools, kindergartens and primary schools for a wonderful interative, educational experience. When she started her business funds were very tight. She couldn't afford glossy brochures, websites or advertising campaigns but she needed to get her message through. As a former preschool teacher she knew how to think outside the square and soon created wonderful decorated envelopes complete with writing in crayon and coloured feathers. Who could resist? >From day one she had a great response to her mailouts. These days she can afford to spend money on brochures and websites but those envelopes are staying. They've become her signature.

Globe Jockeys

Great name, great business concept. Globe Jockeys is the brainchild of electrical contractor John Field who saw a gap in the market for a company that specialises in replacing light globes in commercial buildings located mainly in North Sydney and Sydney CBD areas. He has a fun logo of a running light bulb man and the slogan "We'll fix your blinkin lights". When it came to marketing John decided to keep it really simple. He just parks his three brightly sign written vehicles in the CBD streets where they act like mini billboards. The parking costs are far outweighed by the number of calls from potential clients.

Panacea

Who said bookkeepers were boring? Panacea is a company that provides bookkeeping, financial management services and training in accounting software packages. In an industry that is known for it's conservatism, Kim Mallett the owner of Panacea has put together an image that is fun and vibrant. Her theme colour is purple, which appears on everything from the chairs in her office to the CD's she supplies her clients. I love the title on her business card which reads "Director of Beancounting and Training". This image helps her stand out from her competitors and gives clients the message that her company is non threatening and approachable.

Wild Food

Say hello with a party! When Di Carstairs launched her take home gourmet food outlet called Wild Food she threw a party for all her new neighbours. She created interest in the outlet with a countdown in the window and the week before the grand opening she letterbox dropped all the surrounding apartments and houses inviting them to celebrate with champagne and nibbles. It was a great way to create goodwill in the neighbourhood and a steady stream of locals had a chance to sample her fabulous food. Some of those neighbours are now her best customers and biggest fans. This works just as well if you are launching a new product or just celebrating five or ten years in business.