I’m so glad I’m not the only one who watches infomercials to learn from them! I’ll bet you – like I – also see TV commercials, radio spots and all kinds of other advertising through that marketing lens, as well.

It’s funny to me, because back in my “former life as a corporate programmer/analyst”, I worked for a paper products distribution company. I worked there 10 years, and by about the 2nd year, every styrofoam cup put in my hands at a restaurant or fast food place got held up in the air so I could read what the brand name was on the bottom of the cup and every public restroom was inspected to see what brand of toilet paper and paper towels were used. I haven’t worked for that company in over 15 years, and I STILL catch myself checking out the cups, TP and paper towels when I’m out in the world. Weird…I know.

But you make a great point – there IS a middle way, and the tips you list are a great start toward it. Thanks for piping up!

Suzanne

P.S. I’m with you – I can’t wait for camp, either! It’s gonna be fun!

Sometimes I watch infomercials, just to study the sales & marketing technique. I lock my credit card away, because inevitably, by the end of the infomercial, I’ve just GOT to have that juicer!!!!!! LOL. But some tips I’ve picked up that can be used in a wonderfully authentic way, include:

- genuine testimonials from happy customers
- being very detailed about what you are selling
- focusing on the pain vs. pleasure principle
- a deadline for the offer

Those can be incorporated into your marketing without the yelling, weird soft back lighting or incessant repetition of a 1-800 number.

There’s a middle way.

Great post, Suzanne! I’m gonna go RT it! And… can’t wait for Camp next week!

Martha