Advertising Agency Blog - Inspired 2 Design, LLC

Used to be people said the “Seeing is Believing”. These days, there are more and more indications that it’s not what you see that matters, but what seems to be that interests people.

Today, MSNBC ran an article on Wal-Mart’s new store design. The Bentonville group watched how customers shopped their stores, then developed a new look and feel to to the store lighting, colors, layouts, displays, and merchandising to give the appearance that customers were getting through the store faster. Not that they actually are, but so that they believe they are… Colors are softer, lifestyle is a focus, as is a distinctive target to women shoppers. All with a focus on low prices, and a personal shopping experience. Clever.

Also today I met a woman who stages homes for a living. Clever. The Realtor says you need to make your home stand out apart from the rest (all else being equal) or lower the price. The stager comes in and strips out personal touches, thins out personal possessions, and generally focuses on making the home look roomy, customizable, and ready to move into. Interesting… seeming is believing here too. The house hasn’t changed, the layout, the lot, the room sizes, yet something is definitely different.

Don’t take this the wrong way, I’m not knocking the industry. I’m not saying either of these techniques is smoke and mirrors. What I am saying is that it’s a great idea to dress up everything you’re selling - no question about it. I’m merely pointing out the subtle ways that marketing makes “seeming into believing” in many cases.

As Halloween approaches, it’s a good time to look around at the marketing masks around us. EVERYTHING is marketing. (Take the political campaigns for instance).  It becomes a sort of challenge trying to determine the marketing goal of everything you’re exposed to. And when you find things that are actually what they seem to be, take notes! You’ve found the best and most effective forms of marketing. Need Help? Contact Inspired 2 Design to discuss your business marketing plan.

1. Teach others what are the best kinds of referrals for you
2. Give if you want to get. Build relationships based on trust
3. Be prepared to give it time. Building relationships takes time and there is no quick return
4. Become visible in the community, visibility increases credibility
5. Specialize your 30 second pitch, focusing on top areas
6. Remember you’re not selling, your developing a sales force
7. Meet with members individually to develop relationships

Watch for more to come on networking from Inspired 2 Design.

During the worst of times is the best of times to help someone out. What better way to start a blessing cycle than to help someone who needs it!

Ansley Bailey is 7 years old, legally blind, and suffers from a host of physical disabilities. But that’s not who she is. She’s a beautiful little girl who wants to be independent and do things on her own. She’s the daughter of a single mom, who’s also a corporal at the Canton Police Department’s Public Information division. She’s loved, and loves, and she needs help.

On June 1st of this year, a campaign kicked off to help secure a guide dog for Ansley from Paws for Disabilities. This dog would help keep her safe, and help her get around on her own, and help her mom and caregivers early warning when a seizure threatens. You can read more about Ansley in the Cherokee Tribune article dated 5/16/08, click here.

Jyl Craven Hair Studio, on Hwy 20 in Canton, recently gave over $9,000 for Ansley’s guide dog. WOW!

If you can help, contact Stacy Bailey at 770-843-9509 or email us here at I2D via our contact us page.

Thank you!