In discussing marketing with others, it became crystal clear that showing a marketing plan and its implementation as a case study is much more productive. So, Santa Walter has decided to give away his marketing plan for Christmas 2009 and reference all of the materials that have helped in its development.
Key Point: Marketing Plan = ONE page
One key point of a marketing plan is that it must be manageable, something easily referred to, something that might be printed out and put under clear plastic on your desktop so you see it and refer back to it regularly. On a weekly basis, it is a good thing to check back. Within a few minutes, Santa Walter’s marketing plan for Santa4Events is published on its own page (see menu bar).
Marketing Resources: Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Several people and resources have helped refresh my college courses [Cornell University, '75 School of Hotel Administration]. The Communicatrix, Colleen Wainwright, who decided on one title once she reached 3 hyphenated titles, is the Pied Piper who revealed the overview and the ins-and-outs of Social Network Marketing. Her webinar was incredibly empowering and inspirational. (If you ever have a chance to sit in one of her presentations, GRAB IT!). Once I found her, then Marketing-Mentor came into focus, since Colleen collaborates with Ilise Benum and Peleg. Of particular help was Marketing-Mentor’s Calendar. Even though it is already May, it is still VERY helpful, consider buying it. Really. What she has done is built a week-by-week and month-by-month set of checklists of important to-do’s, processes, and procedures. She has the processes listed in a rough set of priorities, with chiding reminders to help us stay focused.
Pick One Lane To Drive In: Company Parties
It seems so obvious; however, just because I can do this and I can do that, and that over there, too, does not mean that I should. Pick one. Since Santa4Events has just celebrated 5 seasons with Santa Walter making appearances, there are a lot of clients who have already booked for next year, as well as those who are word-of-mouth referrals from satisified clients. Within that core; however, Santa Walter has been driving hundreds of miles back and forth, retracing freeway miles on different days. This year, let’s go for new business that is closer to home: company parties in Silicon Valley. Even though the economic conditions seem dire, the twist is this: Companies who have spent a lot on lavish dinner parties for their employees, can increase employee satisfaction by offering a subsidized family Christmas event.
