Recently, my daughter played in a softball tournament in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Although we homeschool our children, Idaho’s public school system welcomes home schooled kids into their sports programs. It’s been a wonderful experience, and our children have been warmly welcomed by their teammates. Of course, it helps that they are great athletes!
Anyway, my daughter hit a screamer to right field and through a series of overthrows and mishaps found her way to home plate and scored the tying run. They went on to win the game and Gentry was voted Most Valuable Player of the game!
That evening, I learned a valuable lesson.
After watching seven hours of softball, we were hot, sticky, tired, and badly sunburned. We didn’t feel like going out for supper. We decided to order pizza, and asked the front desk if they had any suggestions.
Both of their faces immediately brightened and they said, “Oh yes, Pizza Schmizza!!! (I am not making this up!). They have GREAT pizza with all kinds of gourmet toppings and great sauces. They even have steak and potato, spicy Tai and alligator sausage!”
Their enthusiasm was contagious. I just had to knooow how they heard about this place.
They replied, “Well, the owners bring pizza to us every week for our break.”
AHA!
Weary travelers see front desk clerks as local experts. Clerks are often asked for restaurant and entertainment information. Pizza Schmizza recognizes that some potential customers will connect with the front desk clerks. By giving free samples to the clerks, Pizza Schmizza increases their business and they don’t spend a lot of money doing it. This strategy works for them, and it can work for you too.
Now, I’ve heard all the objections. I know you need to make money, and I know you can’t afford to give your product away for free. But giving away samples costs very little, and offers tremendous returns.
Oh please! Quit thinking small. The small cost for giving away a sample of your product will become totally insignificant if you get it into the right hands!
Is there a chance that person will not spread the word? Of course, I am sure that Pizza Scmizza has given pizzas to dozens of hotels!
Worried that someone may copy your idea? That is a risk, albeit a small one. Copycats are trying to make a lot of money, fast. They are not interested in offering great follow-up care to their customers; nor do they offer higher-end products to customers who want more. You, on the other hand, don’t make those mistakes, so your customers are loyal.
So learn a lesson from Pizza Schmizza on business promotions and marketing ideas – offer free samples to strategic people who will spread the word. Your business will grow and prosper, and you’ll be happy you did!
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