Back to school time is here. I know firsthand how much kids hate the audacity of marketers pushing back-to-school season earlier and earlier in the summer. Wal-Mart had back-to-school supplies fully stocked and displayed shortly after July 4th. At Wal-Mart, Independence Day meant just the opposite to students just beginning to enjoy their summer vacation.

For college-bound kids, back to school season means something very different than their younger counterparts. For many, it means moving out of the house again and back into the textbook jungle. This, like nearly everything else about our lives has become slightly soured by the recession. In fact, more students will be opting to stay home and commute to school this year. If a student is looking to save money, cutting out housing costs is a great way to do it.

This is an opportunity for retailers to profit by showing students that they understand what they are going through. I see an opportunity for businesses to allow students to Create Their College Workspace. Many students' bedrooms at home haven't been updated for a long time and are lacking the workspace function that would suit their current collegiate needs. Therefore, businesses can still sell desks, chairs, lamps, and organization materials that these young adults will need to create a college environment in their bedroom at home.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising, Inc.
Insight@bbggadv.com
845-291-7399
Visit us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BBGGadv
BBGGadv.com

Labels: age demographics, back to school, college spending, marketing advice, marketing opportunities, summer

I have written quite a few posts about different ways that environmental initiatives effect business. I will likely continue to write posts on the subject, because consumers are consistently showing us that they are thinking and buying green despite the economy.

A new study published by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Deloitte delivers a mighty wake-up call to grocery retailers. The study shows that 95% of shoppers are considering buying green products (isn't that great?). Sixty seven percent actively looked for green products in trips to the grocery store. However, only 22% of consumers actually bought green products. Why only 22%? A large part of the reason is because many couldn't find the green products they were looking for.

The morale of the story? Know what your customers want - and give it to them! There is a considerable missed opportunity when half of the consumers thinking about buying green products don't now where to find them. And this rings true for any business in any industry. Know your customer and give them what they want. Then, of course, make sure you let them know where to find it.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880
smartstrategies@bbggadv.com

Labels: community involvement, environmental awareneess, green initiatives, marketing communications, marketing opportunities

Salons and day spas have always been a great benefactor of word of mouth advertising. Spas become popular when we tell our BFFs about a particular spa. Word of mouth is an incredibly effective marketing tool within this industry.

Typically, hair dressers, nail technicians, and other salon workers are very social by nature. Most people in the business know how important socializing is to their success. Now, salons and day spas need to recognize the strength of socializing online. In a recent survey, 57% of 18 to 24 year olds and 48.5% of 25 to 34 year olds say social media influenced their choice of a hair salon/barber or day spa.

Find fun ways to get into the online discussion. Send clients 'friend requests' on Facebook. Keep in mind, however, that most social media is not for making promotional pitches. Your online friends will quickly begin to ignore you.

Come up with something interesting to talk about on Twitter and offer your clients to follow you. Make sure that your subject matter has legs and can last more than just a few tweets. Post photos of your salon on sites like Photobucket, videos of make-overs on YouTube. Keep clients up to date by uploading photos of different hairstyles that ladies can come in and try. Anything that can be personal to your salon or spa that will keep potential clients interested will help your business.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising & Public Relations
SmartStrategies@BBGGadv.com
(845) 695-1880

Labels: facebook, internet marketing, marketing opportunities, social media, technology, twitter, word of mouth

In a weak economy.., consumers tend to only buy what they need. If consumers feel that they can do without your product/service — whether that's actually the case or not — your business is going to be significantly impacted.

Since 2006, many household products previously regarded as necessities have been placed in the luxury category by consumers. Microwaves, clothes dryers, air conditioners, and televisions all took a hit and have been dropping in sales.

Granted, this can be partially attributed to emerging technologies. For instance, there are now a variety of ways for consumers to watch TV — on their computers, mobile phones, and other little hand-held gadgets. And speaking of mobile phones, that's one industry that hasn't been hit by this economy. In fact, just as many consumers who felt that they needed a mobile phone in 2006 feel the same way today. (Read the report at http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1199/more-items-seen-as-luxury-not-necessity)

All is not lost if public opinion is saying that your product is no longer a necessity. People are still purchasing these products. College students will always need a microwave, and it will be interesting to see how many people feel that air conditioning isn't a necessity when the real summer heat hits.

Oftentimes, all it takes is the right marketing angle to show customers that they do need your product. If you feel that consumer opinion is placing your product in the luxury category because of this recession, let's talk. Or, better yet, talk amongst yourselves. I would LOVE to see the Hudson Valley business community come together and start doing some collaborative marketing. I always like to find the good in things. If one good thing comes out of this recession, it will be that our business community comes out stronger than we went in.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880
smartstrategies@bbggadv.com

Labels: advertising in recession, bbgg advertising, household necessities, luxury items, marketing advice, marketing opportunities, marketing research, pew research

Labels: earth day, environmental awareneess, green initiatives, marketing advice, marketing opportunities, non-profit, nonprofit fundraising, venture capitalists

But not all consumers are impacted in the same way. I have come across some research indicating that while the behavior of the Baby Boomer generation and Generation X(ages 25-34) is actively changing in response to this economy, the behavior of other age segments is being impacted less by the trials and tribulations of the economy.

Labels: age demographics, economic downturn, marketing advice, marketing opportunities, marketing research

I just love Mother's Day. We have a tradition in my house that every year my kids help me plant my annuals on this special day. Gardens surround my house, and I have quite a few planters on my deck, so this is no easy task. But, year after year, my kids help me with no complaint, which is really the most amazing part. And at the end of the day, the place looks just great.

As I mentioned in my post from last Thursday, holidays give businesses the opportunity to have fun and be creative. Yes, spending may be down a bit, but people are still going to buy gifts for their Mommies. Flowers will still be the most popular gift; card sales will still be strong; and restaurants still expect the day to be the busiest of the year. What consumers will probably be buying less of this year are gifts for women who aren't their mother -- like for aunts, godmothers, and family friends.

Four out of five Americans are still going to celebrate the holiday, so think outside of the box about how your company can put its unique stamp on Mother's Day. Will your store give out roses to women? Will your restaurant have live music?

Let us know what your business is doing to lend some ideas for consumers on this special day. And to all you Moms out there ... have a great day!

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880

Labels: holiday shopping, holiday spending, innovative thinking, marketing opportunities, mother's day

As a mother, I know the troubles that working parents face in considering what to do at the end of their kids' school days. Who's going to pick the child up? Do we want to pay a babysitter? Do I want my child to walk home on their own?

Issues like these are the reasons why after school programs are very important to the vast majority of parents. According to the findings of the Afterschool Alliance in fall 2008, 89% of consumers felt that after school programs were important. Seventy six percent found after school programs a necessity for the community and that funding for such programs should be increased.

This sentiment about after school programs presents a great sponsorship opportunity for local businesses. Think about a way that your business could coordinate with a local school to create or sponsor an appropriate after school program. A partnership of this nature would give your company a great advantage with brand recognition from parents and children alike.

... just something to think about.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880

Labels: after school programs, community involvement, marketing opportunities

Healthy living is an topic that is prevalent on the minds of many American today. People are less concerned with dieting for weight loss, and are seeking healthy eating alternatives in an effort to live longer and healthier.

With this trend, olive oil is becoming more common in the American diet than ever before. Olive oil has received a lot of media attention in recent years for its versatility in the kitchen and positive effects on the body, creating a booming demand for the product. Its sales are expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2013.

Consumers want to use olive oil. It is more expensive than butter and vegetable oil and other dressings, but American consumers don't mind paying the higher price for the unbeatable health benefits.

This is an opportune time for local restaurants, markets, and whole food retailers to educate consumers on the use of olive oil in their diet. Provide recipes that utilize olive oil with their purchases. Feature olive oil in your marketing communications. Provide free samples of delicious dishes cooked in olive oil.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
(845) 695-1880

Labels: healthy eating, healthy living, marketing opportunities, olive oil, wellness

The oral hygiene industry isn't usually thought of as one that can show heavy growth. People will buy toothpaste routinely and they already use mouthwash and breath mints.

But in recent years, this industry has used constant product innovation and solid marketing efforts to push their sales from $9.1 billion in 2008 to a projected $10.9 billion in 2014. Teeth whitening products, dissolvable breath strips and invisible braces are gleaming examples. The oral hygiene industry is a great example of how strategic marketing can bring substantial revenues to products.

Dentists, as well as local drug stores/pharmacies, will benefit by keeping up-to-date on the latest trends in the oral hygiene industry. Stay ahead of the curve so that you can profit when these trends build momentum. This could also be an opportunity for dentists to partner with local retailers by providing coupons or vouchers for oral hygiene products.

BusinessCardContacts.com is in the process of organizing a program that includes radio or print advertising to members who feature exclusive coupons on our site. Call or email me for details. It's a GREAT opportunity to affordably market your business.

June Bisel
Partner, BBGG Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
(845) 695-1880

Labels: coupon advertising, marketing opportunities, oral hygiene