I was sitting in my office, staring out the window and procrastinating – oops, I mean thinking. Our neighbor’s new puppy was playing in the backyard and I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her. That got me thinking about how a puppy can help teach us about marketing. And it’s not just because puppies are cute!
What a puppy can teach us about marketing:
1. Be curious.
The puppy was running here and there, looking and exploring.
We should be so interested in our surroundings. You just never know where inspiration will come from.
2. Be friendly.
This puppy wags her tail and goes up to anyone.
People buy from people they like.
3. Be happy.
There’s something magical about watching a puppy play. She’s entirely in the moment and the look of joy on her face is priceless. You can’t help but smile.
Be positive with your marketing messages.
4. Be loyal.
Puppy needs are pretty simple – feeding, walking and playing. If you do those things, you’ll have friend for life.
If you take care of your customers, you’ll have customers for life.
5. Be disciplined.
Having a puppy forces you to be more active. They love to play and they need to be walked.
Planning and executing a good marketing program requires discipline.
What do you think?
Photo is courtesy of fortinbras under Creative Commons Licensing.
Building Guru
February 22, 2011
I think the other thing you’re teaching here about marketing is creativity. Taking a unique look at something so normal is also important. Cute puppy!
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Nancy Loderick
February 22, 2011
Hi – thanks for your comment. You are right about creativity. So much has been written on how to be creative and how to find ideas. Since I’ve beeen blogging, I look at the world with a whole new perspective. Heck, I could probably even find a way to tie something annoying like sitting in a traffic jam to marketing.
Yes, isn’t this a cute puppy. Makes me want one 🙂
Nancy
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Robert Rogers
March 15, 2011
Pretty soon that puppy will be teaching at Harvard! Thanks for all the insights. I really appreciate the analogy.
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Nancy Loderick
March 15, 2011
Hi Robert – thanks for your thoughts. You never know where this cute little puppy will end up. 🙂
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