1. Turn Off the TV and Radio Station Auto-Pilot

First things first: don’t let TV and radio stations dictate your ad strategies.

It’s tempting to be dazzled by their high-tech studios and audience reach promises. But remember, possessing top-tier equipment doesn’t automatically equate to marketing prowess.

They may entice you with attractive packages or complimentary ad spots to reel you in. While these offers seem great at first glance, it’s crucial to remember that their priority is sales, not necessarily aligning with your marketing objectives.

First impressions in marketing are pivotal. Why leave that crucial first interaction to those who may not be marketing experts?

Read the full transcript.

Insight to Implement: Diversify your advertising approach. Collaborate with a marketing specialist or an agency adept at crafting ads that embody your brand and resonate deeply with your community.

First Impression Matter in Marketing 

In modern marketing, the entry point — that crucial first impression — can make or break an audience’s perception of your brand. And when it comes to local advertising, this initial engagement is everything.

Consider this: when a potential customer sees or hears your ad for the first time, what do you want them to think, and feel? This is not about creating just a moment of interest; it’s about creating a lasting connection.

This is why blindly following the playbook provided by TV and radio stations can be a critical misstep. Their glossy packages, while seemingly advantageous, may not be tailored to the unique story your brand needs to tell. They sell visibility, but can they guarantee relevance?

In an era where consumers are inundated with content, your brand’s voice needs to be clear, compelling, and reflective of your ethos from the get-go. First impressions are not just a single touchpoint; they’re the foundation of the relationship you’re building with your audience.

Insight to Implement: Take control of your brand’s first impression. Partner with creatives who are not just marketers but also storytellers, those who understand the pulse of your audience and can translate your business’s essence into an ad that speaks volumes.

2. You, a Commercial Star? Maybe…Maybe Not, and That’s Okay! 

Here’s a reality check: being a business expert doesn’t necessarily translate to on-screen charisma. And that’s okay.

Recognizing your strengths is just as important as acknowledging what’s best left to others.

Engaging ads often feature professionals who bring that natural allure; they know how to capture attention, deliver your message effectively, and stir emotions within your audience.

Authenticity is paramount for local advertising. It’s not about grandiose pretenses but staying true to your brand’s identity.

If your ad comes across as disingenuous, your audience will tune out. Your business isn’t the NFL, so don’t stage a play that isn’t yours. Instead, let your brand’s true character emerge, regardless of the budget.

Action Step: Step out of the spotlight if necessary. Prioritize authenticity and genuine storytelling over flashy production.

Authenticity is the Key to the Best Local Ads.

In the heart of successful local advertising lies a gem that can’t be replicated — authenticity. It’s the secret ingredient that gives your advertisement the ‘x-factor’ needed to not only capture but also retain audience engagement.

Authenticity begins with an honest reflection of your brand’s identity. What are the core values and unique selling propositions that set your business apart?

Your local ads should be a mirror reflection of these elements, showcasing the real people, real stories, and real emotions that your brand embodies.

Slick productions and cinematic effects may catch the eye, but nothing resonates more powerfully than a message that speaks truth. A message that feels like a neighborly conversation, not a sales pitch. That’s the heartbeat of local advertising the ability to connect on a personal level.

Remember, in the world of local ads, perfection is not the goal; relatability is. It’s about finding the sweet spot where your brand’s message aligns seamlessly with the authentic experiences of your community.

Action Step: Embrace the genuine essence of your brand. Craft local ads that are not just seen but felt, creating an authentic connection that transcends the transactional nature of business.

Let your audience see the real, the relatable, and the reachable aspects of your brand.

3. When it Comes to the Best Local Ads, Cheap isn’t cheap, and free isn’t free.

Remember the old adage: you get what you pay for. ‘Cheap’ and ‘free’ offers from local stations often overlook the importance of your marketing strategy your campaign deserves.

Investing in a marketing strategy that aligns with your brand values and goals is crucial. Be careful though, some marketing agencies are as fleeting as the ads they peddle, focusing more on quick profits than on your long-term growth.

Seek out an agency that’s not just within your budget but is also committed to honest and transparent practices.

Key Takeaway: Value isn’t about the lowest price; it’s about the best return on investment. Opt for an agency that prioritizes integrity and tailored solutions.

The Spotlight Should Shine on Your Customer. Always.

Ultimately, your ads should celebrate your customers, they are your protagonists of your brand’s narrative.

Showcase the benefits, the value, and the solutions you provide, positioning your business as the reliable ally in their story.

We at Two Brothers Creative understand this philosophy and are dedicated to bringing your local ads to life, ensuring they resonate with and captivate your target audience.

Trust Two Brothers Creative to Create Your Best Local Ad

We’re here to help. Our goal is to help you create the best local ad possible, one that’s as authentic, engaging, and memorable as you are.

If you want to learn more about how to grow and build your marketing strategy, download our free  6-step Marketing Plan pdf.

 

The Easy Box

On a budget? Don’t Worry! With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy. 

The Delusional Idea of Starting a Business

Admit it, every entrepreneur you know carries a bit of madness and delusion within themselves, which is precisely why many of us decide to start a business in the first place. 

However, having a business is not all fun and games. Did you know that 51% of companies go out of business within the first five years? And only 6% reach the $1 million mark.  

Read the full transcript.

Having a business is like having a new list of problems to solve every day.

Basically, what I’m trying to say here is that starting and running a business is hard, no matter what your level of expertise and preparation.

Most of the things we entrepreneurs have to go through will make any normal person crawl into a ball and cry themselves to sleep. 

How to Succeed in Business: Keep Going Against All Odds

There’s a certain level of delusion required to keep going even with new problems every day and not letting yourself crumble under pressure.

As business owners, we need to have the capability to prioritize these never-ending issues and concentrate on the top aspects of our business first.

Ignorance is bliss, and when people venture into business, they have no idea of what awaits. If you are in this position, I am telling you now that it get better; you will learn to laugh in the face of adversity and choose your battles wisely.

How? By keeping a delusional mindset.  

Everybody has Dreams

I’ll be the first to tell you: a good idea doesn’t guarantee any type of business success.

Everybody has great ideas all the time; this doesn’t make us any different from the rest of the people with great ideas. 

The real test lies in the ability to stick with that idea, even when times get tough. 

Are you willing to put in the hard work? Can you stay focused and keep things in perspective when challenges appear? 

If you are not ready to fight for your idea with a delusional passion, then you aren’t ready to start a successful business. 

The Two Brothers Creative Case Study

Two Brothers Creative, like most businesses, started just as a small idea. Now, three years later, it is a proper, functional, and successful business. 

Of course, getting to this place wasn’t as simple as it looked.

After some failed ventures and hard experiences in the entertainment industry, I knew what I was facing when I started this business. 

Yet, even after all my past experiences, I decided to launch Two Brothers Creative anyway, knowing it was going to be hard.

Amidst the skepticism and doubters labeling me as unconventional and audacious, I embraced those qualities and defied the odds by forging ahead with the launch of Two Brothers Creative.

Every time “life handed me lemons”, I told myself: you need to keep going; of course, you gonna get out of this; you need to face this challenge and look for a solution.

By keeping a delusional mindset, I was able to come this far without breaking down. 

How to Succeed in Business With The 3 Qualities of a Dilutional Business Owner

Okay, so we have talked a lot about dreams, perseverance, hard work, and any other motivational poster you can think of.

But here are the top 3 changes you need to implement in your mindset right now to build a successful business. 

1. Be Delusional in a Realistic Way 

Sounds weird, right? But – a business owner who dares to dream big often seems out of touch with reality to others. 

That’s why it’s important to be realistic when we face difficult challenges. Everybody already thinks we are already a bit delusional and out of it, so the reality check is up to us. 

When you find yourself in a difficult situation, pause for a moment and think about the different solutions you can find for your problem. 

Never think about quitting or doubt your business idea, but find the most common sense solution with the least damage possible.

2. Grow from Setbacks

There will always be problems along the entrepreneurial way. It is up to us to see these roadblocks not as show-stoppers but as stepping stones to learn and grow. 

Remember, hiccups are part of the journey, but how you handle them can make or break your game. 

If you don’t believe me, ask any entrepreneur you know, and they will share at least one story of a time they learned something from a failed venture. 

For me, this moment came when I had to deal with a very bad publicity campaign against me after someone threatened to leak a very private picture. 

If you want the full story, you’ll have to hear the episode here, but the bright side of it all was that I learned how to deal with public failure and bad publicity in a healthy and constructive way.  

3. Let Go, and Don’t Bottle it Up

When faced with challenges, it’s crucial to tackle them one step at a time, focusing on individual problems without becoming overwhelmed by the entire situation.

While it is important to address problems, dwelling on them excessively can be counterproductive. Learning to let go when necessary and choosing your battles wisely is key.

Avoid bottling up stress or emotions.

Maintaining a healthy headspace allows you to navigate through obstacles while keeping your eye on the bigger picture of your business.

Taking the First Step is the Hardest Part

So, how can you succeed in business? If you already have a good idea and a delusional mindset, what’s next?

What sets apart the dreamers from the doers is the courage to take that all-important first step.

An idea, no matter how groundbreaking, is just a seed. It needs the nurturing touch of action to bloom into reality.

Launching your website, posting that first social media post, asking for that loan to start your business, airing the first podcast episode, that is what you need: a leap of faith.

Is there anything more delusional than taking a leap of faith? I think not.

How to Succeed in Business: Learn the Skill Set

The skills of a business owner are not innate; they’re learned along the way. Once you have given that first step, the rest is a hands-on experience.

As a business owner, it is through facing and overcoming challenges head-on that your skillset is forged and refined.

This learning journey is where you go from being a simple dreamer to becoming a ‘delusionally’ ambitious entrepreneur- fully aware of the challenges but confident that there’s a solution for all of them. 

Enjoy the journey and learn from it.

Succeed in Business with The Easy Box

Looking for new ways to improve your marketing strategy? Download our free Six Step Marketing Plan PDF and start seeing the results right now!

Still don’t know where to start? With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy. 

Nobody is Good at Everything

Today, we’re going to chat about why understanding your strengths and weaknesses is so important in marketing and business. I’ll touch on topics like:

• The power of perception 
• How overconfidence can hurt you
• Why marketing is more than just tactics
• How first impressions stick
• Why marketing is always a work in progress

Read the full transcript.

My goal here isn’t to lecture you but to have a straight talk about the realities of business and equip you to build an awesome, effective marketing strategy. 

Your Business Card: Crafting Your Perception in Marketing

Here’s the thing about marketing: it’s all about crafting a perception. The image you put out there is your business card to the world. 

Take our former president, Donald Trump. Putting politics aside, you’ve gotta admit the man understood the power of perception. Love him or hate him, he successfully branded himself as a savvy billionaire and decision-maker. 

True or not, the image stuck. 

And you need to be just as intentional about the perception you’re creating of your own business. Ask yourself, what’s the brand identity I’m putting out there? Who do I want people to think of when they hear my company name?

If you don’t actively shape your business’ perception, someone else will do it for you. And you may not love the image they create.

The Slippery Slope of Overconfidence

When you start crushing it in one area, it’s tempting to think you’ll effortlessly master all other parts of business. If only it were that easy. 

Overconfidence can actually be dangerous – it often leads entrepreneurs down the path of poor choices and wasted time and money.  

Just look at examples like Herschel Walker, Herman Cain, or Ben Carson. These guys were unstoppable forces in football, business, and medicine, respectively. 

But when they tried jumping into the world of politics? 

Total flop.

Their prowess in or on one field didn’t automatically transfer. So before you assume you’ll be a marketing rock star just because you aced operations or product development, check yourself.

Keeping Your Ego in Check

Success can sometimes inflate our egos. We start to believe that we’re superior and can handle any task, which can lead to arrogance and complacency. 

It’s essential to keep our ego in check, even when we’re successful. Make sure to stay working on what you are good at to become excellent. 

Marketing Is More Than a Buzzword 

Here’s a little marketing myth-busting for you: marketing isn’t about specific tactics. It’s not social media or SEO or whatever new buzzword you read about. 

Those are just tactics marketing is the big-picture strategy behind it all. 

True marketing is about shaping perception (remember what I said earlier?) and using that carefully crafted identity to build trust and loyalty with your audience. It’s about being the first thing that pops into someone’s head when they need what you offer.

Think about Red Bull. They don’t just run ads their marketing is aimed at cementing the perception that Red Bull gives you wings and energy whenever you need it. 

Don’t confuse random tactics for an intentional strategy.

Perception in Marketing is Built by First Impressions

Quick pop quiz: I say “burger restaurant,” what’s the first company that comes to mind? For most people, it’s probably McDonald’s. 

And that demonstrates the crazy power of first impressions when it comes to marketing. Big, established brands have already taken up residence in our brains. They claimed that territory first, and it’s really tough to change once those connections are made.

So, what’s the first impression your brand is making? The longer you wait to shape the perception of your business, the harder it will be to override existing notions people have. You’ve gotta get in there early.

First perceptions tend to stick like superglue, so be intentional.

Set It and Forget It? No Way.

A Constant Work in Progress

Some entrepreneurs think they can just set up their marketing once, let it ride, and be done. After all, everyone already knows your brand, right?

Wrong, my friend. Here’s why this strategy will backfire: the world changes quickly. Consumer interests and preferences change all the time. If you’re not actively adapting your marketing to reflect those changes, you’ll be left behind.

Even mega brands like Coca-Cola, which have been around forever, continue heavily marketing themselves. They know they have to stay top of mind even when everyone already knows who they are. What else would make someone reach for a Coke vs a Pepsi?

Marketing doesn’t end just because people are aware of your brand. You’ve got to continually reach out and manage perception.

The Role of Perception in Marketing

Perception in marketing is crucial because it can be just as important as the reality of what a product or service offers. 

If customers perceive your brand positively, they are more likely to purchase from you, recommend you to others, and stay loyal to your brand.

The Bottom Line of Perception in Marketing

Here’s the main takeaway about marketing I want you to walk away with being amazing at one thing in business does not automatically make you incredible at everything. 

Overconfidence kills. Stay humble and realistic about your abilities so you can set your business up for success.

And never underestimate the power of perception. How people view your brand is a reality when it comes to consumer choices. Craft your image intentionally and keep nurturing it through ongoing marketing.

Take a page from the masters of marketing like Coca-Cola and Red Bull. Factors like quality and price do matter but often, perception overrides those details when it comes time to make real purchasing decisions. 

So be honest with yourself, stay adaptable, and keep shaping that image. Marketing is always a work in progress. The second you get complacent is when you start losing ground.

Hopefully, this gave you some helpful insights into marketing perception and strategy. 

Let Two Brothers Creative Take Care of Your Marketing

For most entrepreneurs, managing marketing efforts can become overwhelming. Not only are business owners already juggling multiple tasks, but they may also lack the necessary skills or expertise in marketing.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a marketing guru. You can leave that job to Two Brothers Creative and keep focusing on what your business really needs.

If you want to learn more about how to grow and build your marketing strategy, download our free  6-step Marketing Plan pdf. 

The Easy Box

Don’t know where to start? With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy. 

Dealing with Public Failure: Gwenn’s Story 

Gwenn’s story is a testament to the fact that public failures can happen even to the best of us, no matter how prepared we feel. 

As a business owner, Gwenn was ready to ensure her employee’s safety, but an unfortunate and unexpected tragedy occurred when one of her employees lost their life due to a gas leak during a property inspection. To make matters worse, this event was widely spread over the news. 

Read Full Transcript

While this was not Anequim’s fault, this experience left Gwenn wondering if there was anything she could have done differently to prevent this tragedy from happening.

A few years ago, Gwenn also ran for political office and lost, but she not only lost her campaign, she lost track of herself, her goals, and who she really was. 

Both instances of public failure brought Gwenn’s spirit down, and even though these moments were definitely hard, they were also experiences that made her the powerful woman she is today. 

How Gwenn Dealt with Public Failure

What sets Gwenn apart from other entrepreneurs who have dealt with this type of problem is her ability to use them as fuel for future success. 

While it was certainly a dark and tragic moment, Gwenn was able to start her own business due to all the learning that came from running for political office. 

She also was able to put in place better safety protocols and procedures, which led to an overall safer environment for her employees and a wonderful company that cares for their team. 

Gwenn’s story is a powerful example of how failure and tragedy can be turned into a catalyst for growth and improvement.

Why Dealing with Public Failure, It’s a Job for the Marketing Department

So, what does failure have to do with marketing and a company’s overall growth? How does public failure relate to marketing?

In today’s world, public failure can have a significant impact on a company’s growth and reputation. 

Marketing plays a crucial role in managing public failure as it helps to shape public perceptions of the incident. 

By anticipating potential failures and having a plan in place to manage them, companies can minimize the impact of such incidents.

A well-planned marketing strategy can help to communicate the company’s values, brand, and mission, which can also help to restore the public’s trust after a failure.

Gwenn’s story is an excellent example of how public failure can be turned into an opportunity for growth. 

Despite making decisions during her campaign that she regrets, Gwenn used these experiences to fuel the development of Anequim and create a better and stronger perception of her business and herself.

How to Achieve Business Success while Dealing with Public Failure:

How can you achieve business success even in the face of failure? Here are some of Gwenn and Matt’s tips on how to achieve business success while dealing with failure

Give Yourself Time to Grieve while Dealing with Public Failure

Failure can be a traumatic experience, and it’s essential to give yourself time to grieve. 

Take the time to process your emotions and clear your mind before taking any significant action.

Remember Your Mission, Vision

When faced with failure, it’s easy to lose track of your goals and objectives. 

However, it’s crucial to remember your mission, vision, and values to stay focused on what’s important to you and your company. 

Make Choices Based on Your Core Values

Your core values should guide every decision you make, especially during difficult times. 

Making choices based on your core values will help maintain the integrity of your brand and reputation.

Be a Good Leader

Being a good leader means having processes and procedures in place to keep yourself and others accountable. 

This reduces the risk of failure and ensures that everyone is aligned with the company’s goals.

Name Your Failure

It’s essential to own up to your failures and take responsibility for them. This means naming your failure and recognizing them for what it was instead of making excuses. 

Avoid blaming others. Was it weakness, or were you a bad leader or an absent boss? Own your failure and learn from it.

Learn From Your Failure: Reaching Success

Failure should not be a secret word. Instead, it should be an opportunity for growth and development. 

Learn from your mistakes and make them part of your growth story. By doing so, you’ll become a better leader and grow as an individual.

By following this action plan in a case of public failure, you can make sure your business doesn’t suffer the consequences of a badly handled public relationship matter. 

Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box

Together, we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. 

Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.

Download the 6-step Marketing Plan pdf to get your strategy started. Don’t make the same mistakes other businesses make, and thrive for years to come.

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Podcast Popularity 

In today’s fast-paced world, people are constantly on the lookout for efficient ways to utilize their time. Podcasts perfectly fit the bill as they can be consumed during commutes, workouts, or even while cooking or doing small chores. 

Moreover, the accessibility and affordability of podcasts – many of which are available for free – make them an attractive choice for a wide range of audiences. 

Read the full transcript.

For all these reasons, it is no surprise that podcasts are rising in popularity, number, and quality. But what else makes a podcast so different?

At their core, podcasts are more human and personal, like listening to friends or family, and thus, people have a different perception of the shows; they make us feel like we are part of an intimate conversation. 

The Power of Perception in Podcasting

Unlike platforms such as YouTube, where success is often gauged by the number of shares or downloads, the realm of podcasting operates differently. 

While metrics are important for internal tracking, users often don’t care about them. The focus shifts to the perception your audience forms about you and your brand. 

It is this perception that determines the true impact and success of your podcast.

This personal touch is what sets podcasts apart from other media. Your listeners feel like they’re part of a conversation rather than being mere receivers of information. 

The intimacy fosters loyalty and trust, turning your listeners into your brand advocates. In the world of podcasting, it’s the power of perception that truly counts, not numbers or subscribers.

Make Money From Podcasting: Adds

Contrary to traditional media, podcasts thrive on authenticity and originality. Advertisements or overly promotional content will lead to your audience clicking away. 

People are drawn to podcasts for their organic and unique content, free from the clutter of ads. Therefore, the key to generating revenue through podcasts lies in creating engaging and genuine content that resonates with your listeners.

While ads are a good way to make revenue for your podcast, it’s essential to make sure that they don’t seem too forced.

Make sure any ads you decide to include in your show are actually in line with your topic of conversation and that they aren’t too spammy or take innecessary time. 

Understanding Your Audience

The audiences of today are not the same anymore. Podcast listeners are highly selective and want content that truly interests them. 

To make a profit from your show, It’s crucial to understand your audience’s preferences and tailor your content accordingly to keep them hooked.

A podcast that has no specific audience or topic will have no regular listeners and, therefore, won’t be able to make revenue. 

The Power of Interviews To Make Money From Podcasting

Once you have original and unique content, as well as an audience, interviews are the next best thing to grow your podcast and make some money. 

Interviews can be a game-changer for your show. Not only do they add immense value to your episodes, but they also serve as excellent networking opportunities. 

They provide a better way to connect with potential prospects and influencers who can contribute to your business growth, far surpassing conventional methods like emails and cold calling.

Having a potential customer as a guest will most likely guarantee that they actually become loyal customers. 

This is a win-win situation for you and the guest since you are bringing value to your show, creating a connection, or winning a customer, and they get exposure to their business or brand. 

Make Money From Podcasting While Building Credibility

A well-executed podcast can significantly boost your credibility and position you as an industry expert. This helps in building trust with your audience, which in turn can translate into business growth.

When you become an expert in whatever topic you choose to be, people will be interested. Your podcast becomes more than just a platform for sharing content. It transforms into a vehicle for attracting new customers who are actively seeking the expertise you offer

Becoming the Expert

To position yourself as an expert, your podcast should be all about helping your listeners overcome specific challenges. 

Record solution-oriented episodes that actually help your listeners overcome specific challenges they face. 

It’s about taking them from point A to point B, showing them how to solve their problems and be of help to them. This approach not only engages your listeners but also subtly highlights the solutions your business provides.

Get Yourself Booked

Podcasts offer an innovative and effective way to grow your business. With the right strategy and content, you will be making more money than ever imagined. 

Finally, consider getting yourself booked on other podcasts. This will give you exposure to new audiences and extend your reach, further fueling your business growth.

Download our FREE checklist to get booked on shows and start positioning yourself as an expert in your industry today!  

Bad Publicity in Business

When we discuss negative publicity in this context, we’re not referring to a misfired marketing campaign or a social media strategy that didn’t quite hit the mark; we’re delving into the realm of business and entrepreneurial reputation.

When you own a business, you become an important part of the business’s public image. This public role means all eyes are on you, scrutinizing your every move. 

Read the full transcript.

Why Your Image Matters

When you have a business, you can sometimes become a public figure, and your actions carry weight. They can significantly influence how people perceive you and your business.

If your personal life is portrayed negatively, so does your business, especially in the age of the internet, where bad publicity can spread rapidly. So, how can you effectively manage this situation?

Matt’s Story with Bad Publicity 

A few years ago, Matt found himself in a sticky situation. He was being blackmailed with private photos stolen from his phone… you know, the kind you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see. 

The blackmailer demanded a hefty ransom, a ridiculous sum of money that was nearly impossible for a radio host to have. 

Matt felt everything from humiliation to panic, and he was left wondering, “What on earth am I going to do?” 

His options were limited, and after exploring various solutions, including considering a career as a fugitive, he found himself at the police station.

Facing Bad Publicity Head-On

However, Matt realized he had to face the problem head-on; there was not much that the police could do. 

So, he did the most logical thing he could when faced with impending public embarrassment: he formulated a strategic action plan for once his intimate picture hit the internet.

Armed with his damage control strategy, Matt bravely confronted his blackmailer. When the picture was finally leaked, it was undoubtedly challenging and embarrassing, but Matt was prepared. 

He managed to wipe the image from most devices, and the issue was quickly forgotten. 

Sure, the entire ordeal was a rollercoaster of emotions, but not many people ended up seeing the picture, thanks to Matt’s quick thinking and proactive measures. 

Life moved on, and to his surprise, this incident didn’t end his career. Instead, it served as a valuable lesson on overcoming bad publicity. Here are the five bulletproof steps he took to overcome his bad publicity streak

How to Deal With Bad Publicity

Sometimes, we can’t control how people perceive us or the way they talk about us, but we can survive it and stop letting it affect us. 

In business, we need to be prepared for these types of situations that are more common than we might think. 

Accept the Situation

The first step in managing bad publicity is acceptance. Acknowledge that there’s a problem and that it needs to be addressed. 

Ignoring the issue or hoping it will go away on its own is not an effective strategy. Instead, take a proactive approach and start planning your response.

Be Transparent to Yourself

Transparency is key when dealing with bad publicity. Be honest with yourself about what happened. 

If you or your company made a mistake, admit it and review how this can affect your business and the people in it. This self-awareness is crucial for crafting an authentic and sincere response.

Be Comprehensive and Prepare for What’s to Come

When responding to or dealing with negative press, it’s important to be comprehensive. Address all aspects of the issue and provide as much information as possible. 

If there’s nothing that you can do, that’s fine; don’t be so hard on yourself. This shows your audience that you take the situation seriously even when there might not be a solution.

Determine If It Is Even Worth It to Respond

Choose your battles. Not all negative press requires a response; this could be exhausting. Sometimes, it’s best to let minor issues fade away naturally. 

However, if the issue is serious or could significantly damage your reputation, it’s essential to respond swiftly and appropriately.

Review, Edit, and Post

Before releasing your response, review it carefully. Make sure it addresses the issue comprehensively, aligns with your brand values, and is respectful and professional. 

Editing is crucial to ensure clarity and prevent any potential misunderstandings. Once you’re confident in your statement, post it on the appropriate channels, whether that be social media, your company website, or a press release.

Dealing with bad publicity can be challenging, but it’s not the end of the world. Following Matt’s five steps, you can navigate through the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box

Together, we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. 

Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.

If you want to start making these minor changes now, get our FREE daily planner and grow your business today! What do you have to lose? 

Stay tuned for more marketing insights and mindset shifts that will take your business to new heights on Midwest Mindset, where we are happy to help you and your business grow with more free tools, tips, and resources every week.

The Benefits of In-person Meetings: Visibility 

The effectiveness of in-person interaction lies in visibility: we engage with a hotel valet directly, while the housekeeper’s work remains unseen, so it’s harder to recognize. 

The same can be said for business interactions and sales. Meeting clients, coworkers, and colleagues in person provides a sense of human interaction, which can help build trust and make it easier to form effective business relationships. 

Read the full transcript.

In-person Meetings vs. Virtual Meetings

This doesn’t mean virtual meetings and phone calls aren’t effective; the truth is that cold-calling is still a powerful tool for sales and business.

However, virtual meetings and phone calls lack the emotional and human connection that face-to-face meetings provide. 

Adding in-person meetings to your sales and networking strategy will improve your business relationships and the connections you build with your clients. 

How to Make The Benefits of In-Person Meetings More Effective?

So, now that we have a clear understanding of why in-person interactions are the most effective tool to close sales and do business, how can we make sure that we are taking full advantage of face-to-face meetings?

Here are five things to keep in mind when meeting with a client, potential business partner, or any other strategic person. 

Building Stronger Relationships

In-person meetings help to establish a deeper and more personal connection with clients.

Face-to-face conversations allow salespeople to make a more personal impact.

This is your time to demonstrate your genuine interest in the client’s needs, which often boosts trust and strengthens the relationships.

Non-Verbal Signals

In-person meetings provide the opportunity to read and interpret non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions.

These clues can be critical in understanding a client’s intent or genuine feelings about a proposal, product, or service, which may be lost in digital communication.

Here are several key signs to look for when interpreting a client’s body language:

• Eye Contact
• Facial Expressions
• Posture
• Gestures
• Proximity

Greater Engagement

One-on-one meetings typically generate higher levels of engagement.

Attendees are more focused, without the distractions that often come with virtual meetings, such as multiple browser tabs or notifications.

This engagement increases the chances of effectively communicating your sales pitch and understanding the client’s needs.

Immediate Feedback and Resolutions

In-person meetings allow real-time conversation and instant feedback.

This can lead to quicker resolutions of objections or misconceptions that might otherwise delay or hinder the sales process in online communications.

Demonstrations and Presentations

Physical meetings offer an optimal environment to conduct live demonstrations or showcase physical products, prototypes, or samples– an aspect that’s particularly crucial in some industries.

Showcasing your product in person often leaves a stronger impression and stimulates more senses than a digital presentation.

Should We Forget About Video Meetings?

Having face-to-face meetings doesn’t mean forgetting all about virtual meetings. The reality is that virtual meetings still have advantages over in-person meetings.

Shifting initial sales meetings from in-person to video calls increases the number of potential clients a rep can engage with per week, making the process more efficient.

This efficiency boost, in turn, advances more prospects through the sales pipeline, increases deal closures, lowers prospect reluctance due to the perceived lower time commitment, and results in reduced travel costs.

So, what are you waiting to start your in-person and video meeting strategy?

Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box

Together, we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged.

Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.

If you want to start making these minor changes now, get our FREE daily planner and grow your business today! What do you have to lose? 

Stay tuned for more marketing insights and mindset shifts that will take your business to new heights on Midwest Mindset, where we are happy to help you and your business grow with more free tools, tips, and resources every week.