Four simple marketing ideas that will make you shine

We all are marketers to some extent. Whether you have the word “marketing” in your job title or even if you’re a behind-the-scene programmer, you may need to sell your ideas or approach to your users or your manager.

A few months ago at Boston BarCamp 6, an unconference held at MIT, I heard Jonathan Vaudreuil present his ideas on marketing. Jonathan works with start-ups and small businesses on sales and marketing strategies.

Jonathan broke marketing down into three simple ideas.  Here are Jonathan’s suggestions:

1. Give value up front.

Provide a concrete result that taps into the consumer’s emotion. Ask yourself, who does this person want to be and how can I help them get there.

It’s not effective to market ideas like, “this will save you time” or “this will save you money.” Make it more real and say something like, ” I can give you more time to spend with your friends and family.”

2. Work very hard at building trust.

After all, people buy from people they like and trust.

3. Tell stories that illustrate the value of your product or service.

People remember stories, more so than the benefits. Don’t get lost in the details. Start with the big picture.

I would add one more idea,

4. Keep things simple.

If you can’t explain what benefit you offer in a few sentences, than most people won’t listen to what you have to offer.

What other thoughts do you have for making your marketing really stand out?

Photo courtesy of Sean MacEntee’s Flickr photostream, under Creative Commons Licensing.