I’ve mentioned before that use is one of the best forms of marketing, but this is only half true. Wearing and using your products is a great way to get them seen by more people, but unless you are able to articulate information about your products (like where someone can purchase them) you won’t really reap the full benefits.
I was getting coffee the other day when the girl behind the counter complimented my new leather cozy/cuff. I’m never as composed in those situations as I’d like. I never know if I should say I made it, or that I designed it, or just say thanks and walk away. And I rarely have the confidence to say, “Thanks, I designed it, here’s my card.” I always feel like as soon as I say I designed something, it’s pushy to start handing out product literature or extolling the virtues of my product.
And I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggles with this.
But then I started thinking. What if, in situations like that, instead of wearing your designer or maker hat, you play the role of your own biggest fan? What if you just started talking about what it is, where you can get it, and why you love it, without ever mentioning that you’re the one who made it?
What if I had responded with this in the coffee shop: “Thanks, it’s called a cozy/cuff. You can wear it as a bracelet too. You can order them online. I use mine all the time and I absolutely love it!”
Have you ever tried this? Do ever avoid saying you are the designer in favor of passionately evangelizing your products?
Interested in learning more ideas for marketing your products? There’s still room in Monday’s Marketing Kick Start workshop.