4 Ways To Waste A Marketing Opportunity

At a recent get together for a moms’ group, I had the opportunity to meet people who were curious about my business. I had donated four copies of my pocket book for moms for their draw. They laughed loud and long as one woman read pretty much the whole thing right there.  A short while later, I was asked by a few women, “What do you write?” After they had just experienced a piece of my work, it was a perfect opportunity to network.

And I completely wasted it.   

Except, I supposed, for the lesson I learned, that I’m glad to share with you here so you don’t make the same mistakes...

4 Ways To Waste A Marketing Opportunity

Assume They Will Not Be Interested

They’re just asking to be polite anyway, so why say anything productive, right? I hurried through an overview so they could move on to the next thing. Unfortunately, assuming they would be bored, caused a boring delivery which then (big surprise) resulted in making listeners bored.

Be Vague

My vague reply to the question, “What do you write?” was something like, “I write articles, have been blogging for years, and ghost write for some businesses.” 
Unfortunately, they now knew nothing more about what I do. Generally, if someone is vague like that it means they either do not want to talk, or do not know what to say. Neither helps propel conversation forward. 

Forget Who You Are Talking To

I was at a mom event, surrounded by moms. I forgot in the moment that I was not only talking to moms about mom things. I was also talking to business owners and their wives - my audience! But, forgetting that, I did not think to furnish them with useful information. Too bad. It could have helped them…  

Believe Each Question – and Person - Is An Island

Had I been specific and interesting, it could have sparked other questions that could have created a whole new conversation. This is the whole point of marketing – having a conversation, building trust, being available to help. Answering questions like you’re on the witness stand trying to protect state secrets is not the way to build that trust.  Remember: you never know who you’re talking to. They may need exactly what your business offers. Their best friend or business partner or brother may need exactly what your business offers. You’re never just talking to one person. 

                                                              ______________________   

Marketing is networking, and it needs to be done well. Know who you are, what you offer, and then get out there and help people! They need you. Don’t be afraid to let them know what problems you solve. 


What was one marketing opportunity you could have used better?