The Origin Of ASOM Marketing

I've offered marketing consulting for many years in different forms. Sometimes people sent me a Statarbies gift card to say thanks. Sometimes they gifted me products from their business. Occasionally we bartered for services. But most often, I just asked that they buy me a steak dinner. Or fajitas. Or whatever... 

So when I started trying to think of a name for my blog (oh my gosh, the pressure of coming up with something clever, catchy, memorable, not already in use, and "oh, by the way, you're a MARKETER so it's got to be PERFECT or no one will ever trust your marketing advice, like ever!") I reflected back on all the things that brought me to this point. A montage of memories from 25 years of experience wandered through my mind, and an unbidden smile lingered on my lips; I labored over this decision for a while. Like, a whole 8 seconds y'all! All I could think of was when I would offer marketing services in exchange for a steak dinner. MMMM, steak. I'm hungry - BAM! Meaty Marketing was born.

The blog editor prompted me to include a description for the meta tag that shows up in search engines. 2 sentences. 90 characters. 2 seconds to get attention. Needs to address what the content will be so they know what to expect, and the target market so they know if it's relevant to them, and illustrate the brand voice so they feel some connection through emotion. NO PRESSURE!

"Tasty tidbits that will fill you up with marketing ideas for your small business. Pairs well with..."

I'll admit, my first draft said "Pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc because that's one of my favorite wines. Sparkling and sweet is my all-time favorite, followed by Moscoto, but Sauvignon Blanc sounds fancier. However, I've been to 4 tastings, and wine aficionados will tell you that red wine is what you should drink with steak (and darker meat poultry or game). I didn't want to sound like the wine novice I am, so I switched it to Cabernet Sauvignon.

The reality though? This blog will pair well with whatever you like to drink. I'll be sharing things that I've learned in the trenches, tips from other business owners, client success stories, and insight from a fellow entrepreneur about how to thrive in this journey we've chosen. So welcome!

Welcome to ASOM Marketing. (pronounced AweSOMe - because WE make the difference.) Those of you I've been fortunate enough to learn from, work with, and mentor know that I'm passionate about relationships, communication, and authenticity. I've never liked the "hard sell" unless it was to do my famous impersonation of a TV spokesperson commercial "But WAIT! Don't order yet! You also get..." I'm a proponent of pull marketing, drip marketing, relationship marketing, customer service, communication, warm contacts, and more.

• Authenticity is the cornerstone of relationship marketing. People buy from people they know, like, and trust. That starts with being Authentic.
• Strategy is the key to successful marketing campaigns, content marketing, social media channels, optimized websites, and content-rich newsletters. Deliver the right product or service, at the right time, to the right people in a Strategic way.
• Organic means that it grows from your efforts naturally. There's no need (or point) to buy followers and subscribers. You don't have to run a bazillion ads to reach people. Your presence, content, products or services, and most importantly your customers, speak for you and draw new prospects to you.

This is how I built my event planning business 25 years ago.

It is how I built a 15,000-member-strong international social sales team 11 years ago.

It is the philosophy I've brought to every corporate marketing position I've held.

And now, I'm ready to share it with other Solo Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.

Bon Appétit!