What Dogs Teach Us About Marketing

 I’m remembering when my wife and I had to put our dog to sleep. The cancer they found seemed too advanced for a high quality of life. The time was so difficult and emotional. Pets become a sometimes-not-so-quiet, essential part of the family, and their presence makes each day better. Did you ever think they could teach us about business? I submit to you.... 

 

Dogs Teach Us Marketing Skills, If We Are Smart Enough To Learn 

 

Loyalty:  There is a “dance with who who brought you” aspect to dogs. Most attach to one person or family, but you see dogs also adopt a cat, or a rabbit, or... just check out YouTube. Loyalty to our customers means they get the best deals (not just our prospects) and special attention when programs, prices, and policies change. 


Hope:  How many times did I take my plate to the sink after supper without dropping it? Every time!! Yet, there was our dog waiting for the opportunity. She never wavered that putting in the time and being in a position of readiness would one day pay off. Good marketing should have your organization prepared to capitalize when something big happens in the market, with a competitor, or in your product line. 


Persistence: There is a “doggedness” innate to our fur-shedding friends. It is the absence of this trait that “dogs” most marketing efforts. Executives tire of the same ad, campaign, and logo long before customers ever do. Then, the new year/new look/new message cycle confuses more than it clarifies and compels. 


Inclusion: Our dog treated every person she met with exactly the same level of interest. It didn’t matter the color of their skin, the amount of schooling they had, how large their net worth, or what God they prayed to that morning (or even if they did) – all were given the same opportunity to treat her with dignity and respect. 


New is Good: No matter how much each day was like another, she loved to take a different path on her walk, sample a different food, or meet a new friend. We would do well to embrace NEW strategies, media, and methods in our communications. We would be wise to incorporate TRIAL in every campaign. 

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I struggled with blog title more than all the others in the series—combined! How do I succinctly, yet powerfully encapsulate that this one item, which is an accumulation of disparate, grassroots actions, may be the most important to your marketing—even if you represent a multi-national brand? Every company or nonprofit has a community. I’m not just talking about physical geography, although that may pertain. The community most important to you is the group of people who specify, donate, buy, use, or influence the purchase of your product or service. Building long-term, unbreakable relationships with them is essential for long-term success. Nothing—no ad series, social media campaign, or sales gimmick, no matter how well-constructed—can compare to the importance of connecting with your target audience on a personal level. You have the opportunity to establish trust and credibility through every interaction and every step in the customer journey. Here are a few examples. Think about your own situation while you read. Conagra Brands Conagra Brands, with products like Healthy Choice and Marie Callender's, through its Foundation, focus on alleviating food insecurity by supporting nonprofits that provide access to nutritious food, nutrition education, and healthy lifestyle programs. In 2023, Conagra donated over 30 million pounds of food to Feeding America and its network of food banks. ITW (Illinois Tool Works) ITW, a diversified manufacturer, has partnered with United Way in their local communities for over seven decades, investing an average of $6.1 million annually over the last five years. Their employees actively participate in local initiatives, contributing both time and financial resources. Procter & Gamble (P&G) P&G, the parent company of brands like Tide and Pampers, provides essential products to those facing challenging circumstances. They collaborate with organizations to distribute to ‘their’ communities in need (think hurricanes, floods, fire, etc.), ensuring that their products reach individuals who can benefit from them the most. Nike Nike collaborates with over 200 organizations worldwide to bring sports opportunities to young people, aiming to address inequality and promote active lifestyles. Yes, we’re talking about the local events, sponsorships, and collaborations. Those pesky community festivals, or sponsorships of a local sports team, or presentation to a local garden club help create meaningful connections that drive brand loyalty and customer engagement. Each is a small incremental step, but we often fixate on the destination and not the all-important sustained journey. As you become an integral part of your local community, you can achieve your business objectives and become a trusted brand/friend for generations. https://www.with1vision.com/about-us#OurInvolvement