Predictions in Marketing, Business Building, and Killer Copy

Creating new sales angles or ideas should be easy. As an entrepreneur or marketing executive you know the value of breaking from the pack of “me too” competitors.

“Me too” as in — 20% off, Weekend Sale, buy one get one free, we’re the best, lowest price, best selection, etc. That stuff puts your clients to sleep. And sleeping clients don’t buy.

In a pinch you use what you have. But strong sales ideas lead to strong sales boosts. And that’s the challenge: Strong Sales Ideas.

For many they’re hard to come up with. And when it’s hard they fall back on the comfortable (albeit timid, lukewarm, bland, sales-limiting) 20% off, we’re best…

Here’s a tip: Make a Prediction.

I recently received an email from a local realtor. Here’s an excerpt.

Well, the dollar soared Friday in what analysts are calling a game-changing move as concerns about the deteriorating euro zone economy gripped investors and commodities sold off. If the dollar continues to increase in value, it will eventually drive interest rates up. Therefore, for those who are qualified buyers, buying today when the interest rates are at an all time low, is something to seriously consider…

This is an excellent example of using a prediction in a sales message, marketing, or advertising. It also uses current events to market – giving it that extra kick.

Predicting something that hasn’t happened is a street-smart way to generate buzz, position a marketing piece, and sweep up sales.

Do you think this is a bad idea or too cheesy for your own “Sophisticated” clients?

Think again. Watch CNBC any day of the week. They have educated and skilled “analysts” predicting what’s going to happen to a stock price. Many times you’ll get opposing “predictions” on the same stock  (according to the analysts the stock price is going up and down at the same time, hmmm?).

Who’s right? In this case…who cares. What matters is their company got in front of millions of people (current and potential clients).

Politics? Right now it’s all about predictions. Who’s going to win Obama or MacCain? In this case who cares. What matters is these political predictions influence how millions of people will vote (aka respond, take action, and create a result).

You can harness the power of “Predictions” right now in your business.  There are so many angles! Some can be used over and over again with slight tweaks to keep them new and fresh – which means interesting and persuasive to your clients and customers.

I’ll be expanding on this topic in my upcoming issue of the Response, Results, and Direct Marketing e-Zine. You can grab a copy and a few other complimentary bonus gifts at www.RobertNomura.com

In the meantime, tell me what you think about Predictions in Marketing? Is it useful? How would you use it?