I want to know your answer to the question “How do YOU define the word ‘marketing’?
I have my own personal definition that I share both in my workshops as well as in my upcoming book The 7 Graces of Marketing. But I don’t want to influence your honest, spontaneous and non-analytical response to this important question.
To me, the unconscious relationship we have with marketing impacts our modern society in ways we rarely consider. In my upcoming book, I share my own observations and research AND I also really want to gather the opinions of those with whom I network online (that means you), because I believe active social networkers are probably amongst the MOST aware of what marketing is and how it impacts us.
So if you would, please take a minute to answer this question, “How do YOU define the word ‘marketing’? And while you are answering it, consider also what activities or elements you include in your definition.
I’ll be gathering this information together over the coming months to support the materials in my upcoming book. Information I use will be anonymous, unless you have a specific book or web-based article you are happy to share as a primary resource, in which case I will certainly give you full citation in the book.
P.S.: This will be an ongoing conversation with MANY different questions. This is just the starting point, so please subscribe to this blog so you can stay on top of the current discussion topic and have your say for each one. Please know that your opinions and experience are VERY valuable to me and I am truly grateful for the time you take to share your views. Soon this discussion will be shifted over to my new site, which is still under development) at http://The7GracesOfMarketing.com by 01-01-11).
Lynn Serafinn
Thanks for your input!
Lynn Serafinn
Author, coach, book promotions, radio host
Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/LynnSerafinn
http://twitter.com/SpiritAuthors
http://twitter.com/7GracesMarketng
Contact: http://spiritauthors.com/contact
I think of marketing as anything I think, say or do that impacts my business. It can start with my attitude as I answer the phone in the morning, to how I dress as I move in the world, to what I say to friends, associates and strangers – everything.
It isn’t just ‘selling.’ It’s taking a Stand for what I believe in and then sharing my passion and relevant information appropriately.
As an artist, I don’t go up to people and tell them they’ll ‘just love’ my sculpture – maybe they won’t!
I don’t tell prospective coaching clients they ‘need coaching’ – that’s up to them to decide.
But I do make myself and my services and products available in ways easily accessible to people, so they can find them and make their own choices.
I make it so my unique voice rings true through every word of copy I write so people can ‘feel’ who I am. Many of my customers and clients call me right from my websites because of this.
“I love what you said about…” is what I hear the most, and “I just know working with you will be such fun and that I’ll get great results if I have you as a coach.”
It’s really gratifying to hear that after the long time I spent as a starving artist! I just didn’t have a clue about marketing – I thought it was ugly, bad, all about used-car-salesman tactics.
But now that I understand that I can have my high ideals and values and base my business and marketing upon them, I delight in sharing what I do so people understand what it is and join in with me – or not – all by themselves.
Marketing is sharing your passion; is making your work available for people; is who you are and the Stand you take.
Thanks for asking such a great question! It’s very provocative for the times, and I know you’ll get some great answers.
aloha -
Angela Treat Lyon
IDareYouRadio.com
AngelaTreatLyon.com
Marketing is simply getting the word out about what you do for others.
Marketing is a corporate responsibility to provide quality communication to retain existing customers, gain customers from referrals and attract new customers, whilst maintaining a profitable business dynamic and exceeding customers expectations in both the service and quality of everything that you do.
For me, the ultimate marketing is alignment and it is positively magnetizing. “Ultimate marketing” is based with the Law of Attraction, by which those of like-hearts and like-missions align and catapult their combined missions into amazing dreams-come-true. When marketing alignment is agreed-to, it pops partners + teams into a quantum field of previously un-dreamed new realities. I have experienced this myself. I am enjoying the idea — especially through the web and the opportunities it affords all of us — to become aligned with more people and boost the global collective. Thanks for scribing the world as our potential oyster, Lynn!
Successful marketing is knowing the audience or person you are selling.
Love what Angela shared above.
I learned a valuable insight from a mentor, Chris Barrow, a few years ago about marketing. We always think about marketing as the process of attracting like minded folks to our business and our services. But the importance of authentic, honest marketing that expresses your ‘voice’ is also serving another purpose: helping those you are not meant to serve to self-select out of your circle of influence.
So the next time you’re thinking about how to say what it is you want folks to know about you, and you’re concerned about who you’re going to turn away, rejoice in that and know that you’re on the right track when not everyone wants what you offer!
I’m loving the comments everyone is contributing. Keep them coming, everyone!
Marketing is the relationship you build with those who are interested in your products and services. It’s creating integrity about your brand and a buzz that people won’t soon forget. Marketing is all about the prospect and giving them just what they want.
My mom always said, “If you don’t tell people, they won’t know.” That, to me, is marketing.
Marketing is everything you do to try to attract customers to your business and keep them.