|
Not that it's a bad idea, but you might consider listening the audio CD (or read the book) by Harry Beckwith, titled You, Inc. I was listening recently to thoughts on gimmicky marketing and what potential message you could be sending your customer. He referenced a mailer with a bee attached to the mailer by string - and the mailer said said "heard the buzz...". When you call the prospect and they remember, with slight chuckle, saying it was cute, it reinforces for you that the concept must be working. I don't recall the phrase, but he said that psychologists have coined a phrase in reference to how we fool ourselves into thinking that people are accepting of our ideas, when really they're just being polite by chucking at our joke that is not funny or our gimmick that may be memorable but does not really say much about you.
His point about gimmicks is that potentially you could insult the client because you're saying maybe they're not smart enough to pick up on what value your company provides. Because you have to say that there is a buzz about you, maybe there isn't. In another book he wrote, he talks about using superlatives in your advertising, don't add in adjectives and words that describe your fantastic, top of the line, first rate business.
I say all of this acknowledging that I have not displayed at a home show. I only mention his book(s) because they may provide you with some insights that are helpful. I do think the trick is to draw people in with an attractive and perhaps interactive display. Once they're in, being available to listen and communicate with people is essential. While you may talk to a lot of people in a doctor's coat, what will the value of those conversations be? Will the conversation center on your 'gimmick' or will it be about how you can provide solutions to their landscaping needs? I'm not sure, I would just hope the jackets wouldn't be a distraction for you.
|