So I have been in the spiritual transformational world for about ten years now, and before that, I spent over 17 years in marketing and public relations.
I was both very good and bad at that job. I was brilliant at understanding the story for a company, and I just told the truth way too much for corporate America.
I understand that the world seems to love a gimmick, and we are moving into an age where the gimmick or marketing ploy is actually hurting your businesses. It prevents your community from truly getting to know you. All those marketing techniques read with an energetic signature of lack, and individuals, who truly want to make a difference, will “see” right through them and get turned off from working with you.
As a leader of a group called Spiritual Renegades, Renegades aren’t going to do it like anyone else. Our marketing has to be conscious. I hear time and time again from clients, “I’m confused about how to market myself.” Be clear, be truthful, be yourself. I also suggest that you delete the following marketing techniques from your strategy.
- My Birthday Gift For You…
I’m well aware that in some countries people give gifts to others on their birthday! But really?! The key word here is the word gift. Webster’s defines gift as something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present. How I feel out of integrity about this marketing technique is that there is always an offer at some point of opening or participating in this so-called gift. Do you really need a reason to share your services or products with me? If you want to use the birthday excuse, call it a birthday sale.
- But Wait There’s More…
I will be truthful. I have fallen for this. Everyone loves a deal, and this is one of those tools the marketers use when they undervalue and/or are trying to prove their worth.
- Don’t Tell Anyone But…
Everyone likes a secret, because it “makes” us feel like we are part of a group, that we are in the know, and that we are special.
And in full disclosure, I have said this statement. Well really, I said, “Please don’t share this with anyone, because I’m offering scholarship money towards a program with me.” I didn’t give them a higher price knowing that the lower price is what I truly wanted.
My experience with this recently was at an event where it was suggested that it would be perfect for me to attend. I called the person in charge of providing tickets for said event. He started off with, “Because you know so and so, I would like to offer you a deal, but please don’t tell anyone.” I thanked him and said that I had to think about it, because the event resonated with me. My statement received the reply that there were only so many seats at this event. I then repeated that I had to think about it. And he became short saying, “Why don’t you wait until the next event in August?”
I then said, “At this time, I don’t believe this type of event is for me.” The final indication that this event wasn’t for me. He emailed me, telling me that there were still tickets available.
- Free Event Ticket (for $97)…
This is the marketing ploy that triggered this article. I truly get this one. You want to make sure that people attend your event. A really great way to do that, in the past, was to offer them a free seat and ensure that they turn up by refunding their $97 that they paid to hold that seat. Here’s why this one makes me twitch, because the real reason about holding this event is not to share content but to get people into a larger program with the event holder. So as soon as I see this, I think, “Oh no, big pitch coming toward the end of the event. I need to find out when that is so I can leave early.”
A couple of years ago, I held an intimate event on “Voicing Your Vision.” I charged for it, and it was content rich. It was my personal choice to not pitch something at the end of the event, and each member of the event asked me what was next…
- I’ve Been Thinking About You…
This one I find the most invasive. Yes, we are all talking Soul to Soul with our community members. Hey, I’m a metaphysical girl. I get it. I have connected to my peeps individually because I was, in fact, truly thinking about them. I also had a relationship with them.
This is a ploy to create intimacy, make that individual feel special and seen. In my experience, this email usually comes from a person who has never had direct contact with me. So I don’t feel a connection or seen. I feel violated.
The most amazing marketing I receive is from individuals who get themselves, that are trying to sell me something but know that there are people out there who have been asking for something, and that they might be the answer to that prayer.
These individuals are honest and direct. I get a sense that they know that they are whole and complete, and they see me that way as well.
About Jennifer…
Jennifer Urezzio specializes in helping people connect – to themselves, to each other, and to the Divine. She founded a new paradigm, Soul Language, which provides guidance for understanding our true nature and tools for accessing deeper levels of awareness. This new insight into how the Soul expresses itself is being embraced by top healers, lifestyle coaches, and CEOs all over the world as a method for helping people recognize their purpose and live from a place of power and truth. To learn more visit: www.SoulLanguage.us or https://www.soullanguage.us/the-book/.