Welcome to Ace Marketing 101

Ace Marketing 101 is a blog about my business, Ace in the Hole Marketing, my life, and how both relate to the world around me.  Hopefully you will find some inspiration for when you are stuck, some perspiration on things that have and have not worked for me, some discernation on some things that tick me off, and some procrastination, because my friends who know me are wondering if this will be the blog that he finally keeps going, LOL.   

Let me start by telling you why I decided upon the name for my company.  Like most I have had some great times, and some not-so-great times.  August of last year was one of those not so great times, for a myriad of reasons.  When I came to the place where I was sure I had no other options, it turns out I had the very best option that people always seem to overlook; friends who care about me and can see the bigger picture around us, when our view has gotten so narrow.  That was my Ace in the Hole.  They picked me up, dusted me off, and reminded me that I have lots of options and the one they suggested, was going out on my own and do what I do well for others;  take THEIR potential, and help them, their products and their services, be the best that they can be.  

Also, one of my first marketing lessons, was about a hole, and I love playing poker, so it all came together.  What was that marketing lesson you ask, and why do I have an Ace up my sleeve?  Let's just concentrate on the lesson, shall we......                                    

          Basic Advertising 101: No one has ever wanted a "drill," what they needed was a "hole." Find the "need" over the "want."

Basic Marketing 101: "Why" they want the hole is second to finding out who else is makes holes, and how your holes are better, cheaper, and who is most likely to use YOUR holes.

Basic PR 101: Spend less time on paying for advertising your "holes", than becoming an expert on "holes", and they will come to you.

All the buzzwords of marketing today are in that little lesson that I learned many, many years ago; postioning, brand awareness, competitive analysis, 'SWOT' analysis. It's all there, and I have been helping companies I work with utilize those tools for many years as well.

I promise not to make this blog a daily commercial, but I hope you don't mind if I toot my own horn from time to time, and especially some of the companies that are my clients. Need some Marketing or Sales Building advice? Drop me a note, I don't bite, (hard.) I would love to have a dialogue, and I think there will be lots to talk about in the national world of business and marketing, as well as local. For instance, you couldn't pay me enough to market the new "Realty Tower Apartments," in downtown Youngstown. Needed? You bet! Good Location? Yes! If you are under 50 and like music, (party on the plaza anyone?) Affordable? Not in this lifetime to the target market they are trying to reach. Oh they will sell.......eventually..........and I can't wait to see the marketing they use. HERE is their brochure. HERE is the rental application. Discuss.................

S