Ask MM Posts

When asked how to get a column like this, I report that editors require category experts who write well, present their knowledge in an interesting manner and meet regular, ongoing deadlines. Reading builds your vocabulary, but Americans’ reading is down 40% since 2003. This typically translates into lackluster writing and an inability to impart ideas [...]

My marketing career started in a New York-based sales promotion agency. There, a man named Frank — beaten down by life and lacking formal education — visited daily at 5 p.m. to shine our shoes. He’d charge $2 for one pair and $5 for three, and always got that extra sale … typically with a [...]

Donald Trump’s return to office brought with it a war against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These efforts sought to promote fair treatment and full participation of groups historically underrepresented, marginalized or discriminated against based on race, religion, identity or disability. Countless businesses were caught trying to satisfy both customers and the president. Some [...]

Consider your customer profile and create a gift that’s so different you’re sure to be remembered and recommended to others. That is the basis for successful business growth!

Years ago I ran in-house marketing operations for a balloon delivery service. Computers were fairly rudimentary in those days. Email and websites didn’t exist, and faxes had just been invented. Orders were written longhand, then typed when time permitted. As operations grew from one city to 10, we noticed that phone customers were regularly kept [...]

Perhaps you’ve noticed there’s a lot of anger in society today. Various factors (information overload, politics, lack of trust, social media algorithms, economic pressure, blame-seeking, mental health crises) contribute to the problem. And much of this spills onto our highways, making the roads 11% more dangerous than just 10 years ago. Road rage involves aggressive [...]

Keep your marketing tools looking sharp. Because as any carpenter knows, having tools that aren't sharp is a sure way to hurt yourself.

To do well in business, it helps to know not only what you sell, but also why you sell it. Having this knowledge makes it easier to duplicate your success. Consider Betty, my client, who loved meeting early in the morning. I’d typically arrive at her office at 8 a.m., leaving at 9 with an [...]

With so much competition for attention, any business must have outstanding messaging to survive. Lack of clarity, uniqueness or value leads to squandered opportunities and bored audiences.

Mom always said if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. Set up your affiliate program correctly, and your customers will become your sales force. You’ll make money, they’ll make money, and everyone will be happy.