The Wizard Times

"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
Michael Jordan

2009 your best year ever?
Don't you wish you had a crystal ball...
by Clay Campbell

I talked with a good friend that owns an Outback Steakhouse. He told me that 2008 was his best year ever and that he was expecting to see an increase in business in 2009. I talked to a car dealer client of mine and he said he was very optimistic about 2009 and that his January was very good, except for the last week when the ice storm hit. In my own business; we just had a big concert and had a full house with a major called The Elvis Connection. We sold 1600 seats in an 1800 seat venue and made an outstanding profit over our expenses.

People are going to spend money in 2009 on what they want; but what do they really want? Buying things to satisfy ones ego will be less, and buying that you legitimately want, that you realistically can justify, will be more.

Buying things to lavish yourself with the appearance of being wealthy will diminish and giving money to help the poor will increase. Don’t you wish you had a crystal ball that could look into the future and tell you how things would go with your business? I don’t have a crystal ball, but I can recommend something much more certain and realistic…the Wizards on the Road Small Business Advertising Seminar in Denver. Find out how your business might grow and prosper in 2009.

Using Facebook to Build Customer Loyalty
by Michele Miller

In a recession, too many businesses act from a position of panic, scrambling with ideas and distractions that are aimed at getting new customers in the door.

But you’re smarter than that, right?

You’ve probably realized that in today’s economy, an important strategy you should implement is the one that focuses like a laser beam on your already-existing customers. You need to find a way that keeps you connected with your customer base even when they’re not in your store or office – a way to show your appreciation and extend your business’ brand.

Maybe in the past, you relied on email newsletters. But with changes in society, culture, and technology, more customers than ever are looking for opportunities to have a conversation with you, not just be “talked at.”

If you’re interested in having an honest-to-goodness conversation with your customers, then Facebook is for you. What began as a way for high school students to communicate with each other has evolved into a highly sophisticated, easy-to-use tool for businesses to create an open-ended customizable communication vehicle.

You can register for your free Facebook account and set up a page that features your business in less than ten minutes (often less than five). Through your page, you can accumulate “fans” or “friends,” strengthening your already-existing customer base and letting your fans share the word about how great you are with other potential customers (remember: word-of-mouth is the most powerful form of marketing).

Some advantages of Facebook are:

It’s very easy to use, and a tool that reaches customers of all ages
It allows you to offer “Facebook Friends” discounts or special offers, which means it’s both trackable and measurable for effectiveness
It gives you a chance to strengthen your business brand with “inside” stories, photos, etc. of you and your staff
It’s an excellent launching pad for contests – another great word-of-mouth generator
It’s perfect for creating a real, authentic “conversation” with your customers – they can add comments, make suggestions, etc. in a way that’s community-based, safe, and full of enthusiasm.
It’s FREE!

This week, why not take ten minutes to explore the advantages of Facebook, and its world of 150 million active users? It’s an excellent marketing strategy for today… and tomorrow.

Perhaps now would be a good time to have a complimentary meeting with a Wizard of Ads Partner. Links to their websites and blogs are listed down the right side of The Wizard Times. Hundreds of their articles with free insightful advice can been seen at www.americansmallbusiness.com 2009 would be a great year to attend a class at the Wizard Academy 21st Century Business School in Austin Texas. What is the Wizard Academy?

See you next week.

Clay Campbell
Wizard of Ads

PS. Need help to attract more customers and grow your business?