On this week’s TVPG Radio show, I’m excited to announce that our guest is going to be Scott Stratten (@unmarketing on twitter) Scott has his first book coming up and we’re excited to have him on the show and find out more about the book.
Scott has been following an “unmarketing” strategy for more than 10 years. Were really looking forward to picking his brain about how the average business owner can promote themselves in a more effective and genuine way.
You don’t want to miss this show. Scott practiced his principles and exploded his business by unmarketing himself using social media and the internet. Hopefully you can join us to learn some of the secret ingredients in Scott’s special sauce.
The show airs Wednesday August 25th at 11:30 am EST.
You can use the link above or the player at the top of the sidebar to listen to the show live, or to the podcast of the show after it airs. Let me know what you think!
When most people think about getting paid to wear to wear clothes, the immediate thought is a professional model. Even then, we’re talking about wearing some really, really expensive clothing and jewelry.
Most people wouldn’t be thinking about getting paid to wear the good, old-fashioned t-shirt. But Jason Sandler isn’t like most people.
A few years ago, Sandler had his “a-ha” moment. The idea was simple. He would charge people to wear a t-shirt promoting their brand. He refined and defined his idea to the point that now it’s his job — to the tune of over $60,000 a year.
Sandler sells himself to sponsors based on the day of the year — Jan. 1 will cost a company $1, December 31st goes for $365. During the course of the day, Sandler will wear a sponsor’s shirt, take pictures of him in the shirt, do a one-hour webcast of himself talking about the sponsor, and tweet, youtube, Facebook and use any other social media tools at hsi disposal to alert his followers about his sponsor for the day.
Sandler was a guest on our radio show last week (www.blogtalkradio.com/get-more-businessin case you’re interested), and he talked about his business, its growth, and what he and his business partner, Evan White, can offer small businesses for their 24 hours of fame. Yes, I said partner. After working solo for 2009, Sandler added his partner (and doubled his fees!) for 2010. He’s looking to add two or three more people next year as well.
Seems like his idea has caught the attention of small companies — but he’s also working with some bigger companies later this year (as of this writing, he only has 19 days still available for 2010).
Sandler’s idea — and his execution of the idea — is one of those silly little “why not me?” ideas that has turned into a business. Despite his estimation that he puts in 10-12 hours a day on behalf of his sponsor, most people would do almost anything to have a similar job description.
Sandler’s story was very inspirational, and is one of those stories you hear occasionally that makes you think just about anything is possible.
So, if you’re got an idea you’ve been toying with for a while, go for it!! And if you have a few extra dollars floating around, I know a guy that will help you promote it on a t-shirt!
Our radio show on May 5th, featured two awesome professionals that have had extensive experience in the non-profit arena. As you are starting up your business it is important to explore the different avenues to form your business. Starting a non-profit certainly is not for everyone, but it is great to be equipped with the particulars of how to start one.
Al Rider, Our first TVPG Radio Show guest
Our first guest was Al Rider. Al has spent many years as the executive director of North Central Education Foundation. The Foundation has its fingers on the pulse of educational opportunities in Kentucky and is responsible for bring Post secondary education to Hardin County. Al works with a variety of people by coordinating efforts across industry, education and other entities trying to foster economic growth. Al’s experience with working with a Board of Directors as well as various business start ups, has made him the “go-to” expert in this area for all things non-profit.
If you have any questions about starting a non-profit, it is in your best interest, please listen to the podcast. All was a wealth of knowledge and discussed the topic in a thoughtful and understandable way. Thank you Al for your time and expertise!
Our next guest on the show was Melanie Parker Hibbard. Melanie is the owner of Finesse Marketing and Consulting. Melanie spends a good portion of her time networking through the non-profit circuit. Melanie and I met while working for a non-profit fundraiser together. She discussed many of the avenues that non-profits have available for marketing and spreading knowledge. It is important for non-profits to have the public understand what their cause is, so sometimes education is exactly what is called for. Melanie is a true professional regardless of what the objective is and her creativity and willingness to work hard and roll up her sleeves has her in high demand. Most non-profits in our area are scrambling to get the help of Melanie Parker Hibbard in their corner.
It was Cinco de Mayo during this show, so Melanie and I decided to record the show at a Mexican Restaurant. The looks that we received from other patrons were hysterical as we sat across from one another, both of us on the phone for an entire hour! Thanks Melanie for sharing your expertise and fun!
We had a few incidents come up recently that are making me wonder if the rules of doing business have changed and I missed the memo.
Like many businesses, we offer terms to our customers. Our terms are spelled out on our invoices, and most times I will also let our customers know about our terms when they’re getting ready to place an order. Terms are pretty standard in our industry, although I’m real close to rethinking it.
Twice in the past two weeks, we’ve had customers question an invoice — and both times the invoice was more than 60 days old! Think about that — you order an item, you receive the item, you receive the invoice, you receive a statement at the beginning of the next month — then wait another 30 days to voice a complaint? I mean, it’s not like we’re selling fresh fruit here — there are very few items that will “go bad” in 30 days.
Just curious how the mind works on something like that — and do these people pull similar stunts with other vendors. I can hardly imagine them saying to their mechanic, “Hey Joe, that oil change you did for me two months ago — not good. I don’t think I’m paying for it.”
Anyway, these recent incidents have us considering switching over to an all credit-card payment method. The reality is, is so many other businesses, you pay when you receive your goods, whether you use card, credit or debit cards. As I type this, I’m having a hard time thinking coming up with another example of a business that delivers goods or services and doesn’t get payment at that time.
Anyone? Class? Class? Bueller?
Let me know if you think of other businesses that work on terms, or if you know of other businesses changing their payment methods.
I really enjoyed our Getting Published Show that aired a while back! Our guests talked about how they self published their book, the trade offs between going the self published route compared to looking for a publisher. Listen to the show to learn more about the process, what to expect, and how quickly you can add your name to the list of published authors. It’s more affordable than you think. You probably are wondering, as a self published author, are you limited as to where your book is available to be purchased? The answer will surprise you.
On this week’s TVPG Radio show, I’m excited to announce that our guest is going to be Scott Stratten (@unmarketing on twitter) Scott has his first book coming up and we’re excited to have him on the show and find out more about the book.
