I want to share with you a quote I found and loved.
“Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with your marketing. It's the best way to stand out from the crowd." - Dorie Clark
Isn't it thrilling to draw outside the lines, to take those leaps of faith? I certainly believe so.
Taking calculated risks in your business can lead to some of the most rewarding moments, both in terms of creativity and, surprisingly, revenue.
After all, marketing is about pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box. It's about daring to be different, and this is precisely what I did a couple of years ago while working as a marketing manager in the hospitality industry.
It all began with a seemingly innocent social media post, a question that sparked debates and discussions among the locals: "Does ham belong on a parmi?"
Now, before you correct me, I know it's not "parma" everywhere—it's "parmi." But that's part of the charm, isn't it? The passionate debate over seemingly trivial matters.
I recognized the potential in this seemingly mundane question. So, I decided to turn it into a full-fledged campaign, one that would not only pique interest but also start a conversation and boost revenue.
The idea was simple yet daring: for a month, both "ham" and "no ham" versions of the parmi would be on the menu, and the one with the most sales at the end of the month would earn the prestigious title of "parmi."
No doubt, it was a risk, and certainly an unconventional approach to marketing a venue. But sometimes, it's precisely these unexpected campaigns that capture attention and achieve remarkable results.
Through a combination of social media promotion, email marketing, and localized marketing efforts, this campaign achieved more than we could have hoped for. It not only boosted engagement and ignited conversations but also drove increased foot traffic to the venue and, ultimately, revenue.
In case you're curious, ham emerged as the victor, securing its place on the menu as a true "parmi."
So, when you're evaluating your marketing strategies, remember this story and the quote that inspired it. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different approaches, especially if it's something your competitors aren't doing. Sometimes, it's the unconventional ideas that create the most noise and leave a lasting impact.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. Have you ventured outside the box with your marketing efforts? Share your stories of creativity and risk-taking that have paid off!
