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6/22/2012 Holiday Marketing 101: A Lesson for Small Business Owners Learned from McDonald's McRib.Read Now  Holiday Marketing: A Lesson Learned from McDonald's McRib.
In the fall of 2011, McDonald's brought the McRib sandwich back nationwide for the first time in 16 years. The McRib has become a cult hit with fast food diners. Despite McRib's limited availability of a few weeks, McDonald's posted a nearly 5% increase in sales in November 2011 presumably due to the return of the sandwich. McRib disappeared from McDonald's nationwide menus just as it did the year before, leaving McRib fans to nurse a yearlong craving for the novelty sandwich. The Secret to the Success of McRib: Limited Availability. What makes the McRib such a hit among its fans? I believe that the popularity of the McRib stems from its limited availability. It is only available in the fall. By limiting the release of the sandwich to only the fall, McDonalds has created demand that is seasonally based. We associate seasons with foods that we eat. For instance, I love eggnog. I feel excited when the weather turns cold because I know that soon eggnog returns to the shelves. Cranberries are another example of a food item that we eat mainly during the fall and winter. By keeping McRib a seasonal product, McDonalds lets its loyal McRib enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of rediscovering their beloved sandwich every year. Small business owners should take a lesson from McDonalds. Consider promoting a product or service that you only offer during limited times of the year. You may just create a loyal following of dedicated fans. photo credit: Calgary Reviews - Some Rights Reserved http://www.flickr.com/photos/calgaryreviews/5901096115/ The magic of Christmas has come and gone again and left us to contemplate the creative advertising campaigns that we were presented this year. Here are my picks for Best TV Christmas Advertising Campains of 2011. The best Christmas Advertising Campaign of 2011 has to go to Chevrolet. Chevy released a great campaign centered around a plump, jolly, white-bearded auto dealer salesperson named "Kris". What I liked about the campaign was that he causes a commotion with the customers without really trying to do so. He is just your local Chevy salesperson, or is he? Here are a few of the commercials. The next winner would be Best Buy with its "Game On Santa" commercials. These commercials have upset quite a few people, however, I found them very creative and well executed. The commercials depict women shopping at Best Buy and then laying in wait for Santa to trash-talk about how they already handled christmas this year without his help. a very different take on the usual sentimental Christmas TV ad. Bravo to Best Buy for sticking their neck out this year by going after Santa.  As the Christmas parties begin and thoughts of accounting year end fill the air, the last week of the year gives small business owners a unique time to get some important tasks completed.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER'S "TO DO LIST" (1) Business Year in Review This is an exercise in honesty and transparency. Start by reviewing the information with yourself. How did you really do this year? What went well? Where did you drop the ball? These are some of the questions that should be addressed. Don’t spin the results. This is not the time to sugar-coat what happened. Prepare a simple and easy to understand one- page summary of how you did last year. Now comes the tough part: Share the information with your stakeholders. That means employees, investors, and even suppliers. Let them see for themselves how you did during the year. Transparency is vital to maintain the trust of your stakeholders. (2) Update Your Business Plan Writing a business plan is like flossing: you hate to do it, but you have to do it or it will cost you in the end. Dig it up, dust it off and update it – keep it current. Remember, your business plan is only a tool only if you use it as one. Using it as a door stop or paper weight doesn’t count. (3) Set Strategic Goals Notice that I said “Strategic”. Now is the time to review your business, marketing, & Social Media strategy. Do it, and do it on paper. This exercise keeps you accountable. Make sure to include budget in your planning. It amazes me how many entrepreneurs have New Year’s resolutions, but set no strategic business goals. The time you invest to set your strategic goals for the New Year will pay increased dividends in the future. (4) Get rid of the Clutter It is time to clean the office. Let go of all the things you were holding on to. Clean out your storage room and get rid of old equipment. Every business has an outdated computer that just gathers dust. Throw it away, give it to one of your employees, or donate it! You will feel better having removed this piece of unfinished business from your life. Go through that stack of paper you were dreading. Move some furniture. Start the New Year unfettered. (5) Connect with your Clients Personal phone calls work best. Call them just to wish them a happy holiday. Make sure that the phone call is not a sales call. You are calling because of the human interaction. Connect and listen to your clients. Show your clients that you care. You can send letters, email, or use social media. This time of year, visits and calls are the most appreciated. (6) Celebrate with your Team Make sure that the people who supported you this year in your business are aware of how much you appreciate them and their willingness to walk this path with you. Have a party, even if you’re nearly broke. Take the time to celebrate the small stuff. The last few years have been difficult for small business owners. Celebrate the fact that you are still in business! In Frank Capra’s holiday classic: It’s a wonderful life, in the scene after the run on the bank; they have 2 dollars left in the vault. George Baily says “A toast! A toast to Papa Dollar and to Mama Dollar, and if you want the old Building and Loan to stay in business, you better have a family real quick.” May the New Year Bring Health, Wealth, and less Standing Inventory on the Shelf! |
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