Ever seen the movie ‘Daddy Daycamp’? It’s the story about two Dad’s who take the leap and get thrust into a summer day camp, only to find out that their competitor across the lake is going to give them a run for their money.
This leads me to today’s topic of marketing and the two camps – Smarketing and Farketing.
Why two camps? Because in small business I’ve generally found that most businesses fall into one camp or the other. It’s a strange dilemma and one I’ve seen from time to time in certain small businesses that I’ve come across.
Why is it that some small business owners continue down the same path or stay in the same camp, with the same old broken ways of doing things, yet they complain and suffer but won’t change?
Let’s look at the two camps and do a little comparison. There are those that work in what I refer to as Smarketing and there’s the other group that sits over in camp Farketing.
SMARKETING is all about innovating, creating and producing marketing, advertising and promotions that break the barrier. Or at least makes the leap across the canyon.
It’s the owner that sees the possibilities and takes a step outside the box to go where he or she hasn’t gone before.
It’s the owner, partner or manager that says, “We can do things different and have a positive impact on our prospects and customers.”
This camp is constantly staying ahead of the curve and really fun to work with.
When you visit Camp SMARKETING you’ll most likely experience one or all of the following traits:
1. These campers think outside the box.
2. They like to go where no one else has gone before.
3. They’re not afraid to take it up a notch and do some serious testing to see what works and what doesn’t.
4. These campers are most likely very profitable and are seeing ROI.
Compare this with ole’ Camp FARKETING where these folks stick with the old marketing that just looks worn out and should be left in the musty basement, tucked away and never to be seen again.
The marketing at this camp is dull and regurgitated from years past saying, “We have been here and done this before but would like to show you again!”
It’s the same ole, same ole, sell, sell, sell – pitch, pitch, pitch. Blah, Blah, Blah!
These campers think that their way of doing things is just fine, yet their businesses tend to stagnate, suffer and sit idle. He or she scratches the old head and wondering why it ain’t working like it used to? Why are the same old ads, headlines and gimmicks just not bringing the business their way as in years past?
Then one night the campers hear the cheers and music coming from Camp SMARKETING and a few of the Farketers decide to venture over and see what all the hubbub is about.
They arrive to see their competitors, some known and others unknown, sharing strategies and tactics that just seem unreal and far out there.
And then something happens that the ole’ Farketers didn’t anticipate. A few of their group become curious enough that they decided to pull up stakes and camp out at Camp Smarketing to see what they could learn and implement in their business.
Something had opened their minds and now they were ready to venture out.
The great news for these campers is that they can now begin on a journey that will bring change, but more so they’ll begin to see improvements in their businesses, if they pay attention, listen and then take action.
So there you have it – the two camps. Which one are you in? Or are you just getting started and need to decide which one you’ll be staying at?
I hope you choose the camp that “Thinks Outside the Box” and if you do then consider connecting with The SmallBiz Mechanic and he’ll make sure your properly outfitted for the adventure.
To your success,
Dave Krygier