As a small business marketing “expert”, I make it a point to collect ideas that:

1. Are inexpensive (easily fit in a small business budget)
2. Will create positive interest
3. Are fun and unexpected

Points one and two are the definition of a good guerrilla marketing tactic. Point three is my own. I believe actions done to delight (rather than impress) gives marketing a special edge that most competitors miss.

Here’s one that showed up in my inbox today that I really liked from DeMarr Zimmerman of Sendoutcards.

“If you are getting this email, I officially give you the “Brownie Challenge”.

Here is what the challenge is

Think of a name. Yes! Right now! Whoever comes to mind, go straight to your Sendoutcards account and send them a box of brownies.

Our # 1 goal is to help you send an unexpected gift TODAY and make someone feel great!”

Sendoutcards is a service that allows subscribers to create and send personalized cards by mail as well as gift products such as the brownies DeMarr mentioned. If you’re not a Sendoutcards member, there are tons of alternatives such as:

• A book or CD from Amazon.com
• Fresh fruit from HarryandDavid.com
• Cookies, brownies, and other treats from the mrsfields.com
• A one of a kind mug or T-shirt from cafepress

One Important Point: you are not trying to sell anything. Try to sell something or get them to do something and it won’t work. The most effective sales and marketing tactics come when you’re giving without the condition that you must get something in return.

Try it!

1. Think of a name. Yes! Right now! Whoever comes to mind,
2. Go to amazon.com or harryanddavid.com or another favorite site, and
3. Send them a small gift along with a “thinking of you” card or note.

Repeat each week or every other week or once a month. Whatever your budget allows.
See what happens.

I think you’ll be amazed by the results.

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 21st, 2008 at 8:53 am and is filed under Marketing that Delights. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.