Piglet Press Pass
About the Piglet Press Pass
The Piglet Press Pass features the latest and most relevant loyalty research articles from a variety of external media sources. Wild B.O.A.R.S. instructors serve up our favorite articles from all across the Internet and post them here for discussion. Please email us links to any B.O.A.R.D certified articles we should consider posting to the community. Comments and feedback always welcome. Stay thirsty.
Fuel Rewards for Restaurants
Editors Notes: 89% of consumers responded they are more prone to shop at stores and locations which offer rewards. 92% of consumers indicated a willingness to switch brands if the business they frequent supports what they believe in, especially on a local level such as their church, school, little league, etc. What if you could do both at the same time and tap both emotions simultaneously! What if you could work in synergy with a major gasoline... [Read More...]
Using Memberships for Barter
www.TLSRewards.com Update The proper membership program tied to a loyalty suite features numerous ways to increase spending, drive added frequency, work with non-profits, bring in up-front cash and more. One area that is often missed however is the use of barter and sponsorships. Let’s take a moment to explore these two areas. Reference: 5 minute video here once you read below http://screencast.com/t/jA8c1AExVqvb Attached... [Read More...]
Protecting Price Points
5 Minute Video http://screencast.com/t/jA8c1AExVqvb Math Review Below AND inside the video. This is a must watch 5 minute video on how to protect price points by issuing higher rewards. This 5 minute video starts out by explaining Platinum Memberships but goes into special offers any restaurant can use to increase value of full price and generate more return visits at the same time. This is very important to understand and of course if you... [Read More...]
15 Ways Loyalty and Business Growth
Great article here with info on how to subscribe below. With all of these proven reasons on loyalty, you would think every business owner would be clamoring to find a loyalty provider. Show this to sponsors which is why a loyalty program is put in place so that everyone wins. Every vendor to a specific business stands to prosper with a proper loyalty program in place. When custom strategies are added to drive purchases on exclusivity then... [Read More...]
52 Million Loyalty Members Rite Aid
52 million members and this is a marginal program at best. I do like #3 like the Load 2 Card coupon tool which takes special offers (via coupon) and allows the customer to load this on their card. We have proposed this a long time ago but taking mobile offers and loading them on the card would be even better than paper coupons loaded on the card Rite Aid Finds Booming Success in Loyalty Program Rite Aid has placed a substantial bet for the upcoming... [Read More...]
Student Rewards 365
Check out this message it is very powerful and takes fundraising and cause marketing to an entire new level by rewarding kids (or adults with ideal College strategy) in a positive light with real rewards for behaving properly or getting good grades. Every business owner around a school would love an exclusive program in their space to attract parents and kids with the program below. Each business owner might sign on without any fees and pay a... [Read More...]
Video Business Alert
Video Business Alert: (1:53) Watch this two minute video and realize that the smaller GENERAL RETAIL sector is next. The time has come for Jims Pizza, Local Bob’s Catering, Neighborhood Cleaners, Toms Bowling Center, and the smaller local businesses to adapt or perish. The firms in this video waited too long and now find themselves out of business, don’t make the same mistake. First mover advantage is crucial. The reason is simple,... [Read More...]
Customer Rewards How To Article with Commentary
How to Start a Customer Rewards Program Giving something back to your best customers has become a competitive necessity in certain industries. Here’s how to keep your best buyers loyal. Just for starters we must remember that a rewards program by itself is not really a customer loyalty program, it’s just one aspect of a customer loyalty program. You will see punch cards, discount cards and other similar type programs referred to... [Read More...]
Generation C Amazing Research
Must read info below, customers are changing very rapidly and proper loyalty strategies and program design are becoming more and more important. If you don’t understand all the facts below, understand that business must change and if they fail to adapt, they will perish. Within a few short years even strong businesses can die if they don’t pay attention to their customers changing demands. We are seeing this truth unfold with technology... [Read More...]
The Importance of Wallet Branding
Note: Article Below FYI: With cardless payment systems growing, it’s good to remind merchants and sponsors of the benefits of wallet real estate (see brief article below). Pre-paid visa cards referenced below are not nearly as strong as fully branded loyalty cards with cash back. There are a number of solid reasons to issue cards which can be carried in the wallet even if the use of these cards can be avoided. Inside the recent presentation... [Read More...]
Thank You Note Sponsorship and Branding
Here is a sample thank you note which can be branded for any business or sponsor. The thank you note is the most powerful advertising a brand, sponsor, or business can receive bar none. I did not say that it reaches the most people or has the highest ROI since that is determined by a number of factors. The thank you note cements the top three emotions in the history of retailing and passes the goodwill of these emotions to selected sponsors,... [Read More...]
Best Practices Mobile Video
Best Practices In Mobile Video Advertising by Srini Dharmaji, Mar 27, 2012, 10:14 AM Savvy marketers understand the power of rich mobile media advertising — with a “call” to action simply a click away — to the tune of $1.5 billion in projected mobile ad spend this year alone, according to eMarketer. By 2016, over 70% of the world’s mobile data traffic will be video, a remarkable 20% increase since 2011. With analysts touting... [Read More...]
7 Ways to Romance Clients
Forget the long-stemmed roses and tickets to Broadway plays. I’ve found smarter ways to woo my company’s best clients Forget the long-stemmed roses and tickets to Broadway plays. I’ve found smarter ways to woo my company’s best clients. I’m often struck by the similarities between professional and personal relationships. In fact, I believe most of the fundamental strategies and tactics used... [Read More...]
AT&T Preparing for Membership Rewards
Editor: Membership Rewards is just starting to catch on. Trial phase is free then there will be a fee. Notice the attempt at business synergy with Starbucks. We are experts in this arena, the hottest trend in loyalty and we are developing a number of value adds to be ahead of the curve. AT&T has just announced the launch of AT&T Plus, a new loyalty program for AT&T customers. So far, the program is just in a trial phase, and... [Read More...]
Business Warning Relevance
Your Competitors Are Working on Relevance. Are You? Filed Under () By Phaedra Hise Share: Posted on 3/27/2012 2:06:55 PM A friend tells me about her cleaning service’s clumsy attempt at social media marketing. They sent her a $25 discount coupon (she’s already a customer), the expiration date on the coupon was 12/31/11, and when she emailed the company to alert them to the mistakes, her note was bounced back with a “no-reply” error... [Read More...]
Softball Team Offering Club Cards
Softball Team Offering Club Cards The Hastings Raiders Softball Program is trying out a new type of fundraiser this year, as they will be selling “Hastings Club Cards” for $20/each. Head Coach Dean Robinson joined KDWA Sports on Tuesday, with more details. Read More →
Captain Morgan Club Arlington Stadium
Texas Rangers Arlington Stadium Captain Morgan Club: See the press release on the Captain Morgan Club with a 2ft long hot dog below. There are no promotions in the Captain Morgan Club (since even these high level execs don't understand loyalty) but you can start promoting the branding and naming of locations like this for bowling, golf, restaurants, and more. I am in touch with the Captain to show them how to really promote... [Read More...]
Enterprise Memberships
Here is the Enterprise loyalty program with tiered membership levels, but not based on a fee but rather on performance. There are some good aspects to a program like this but it can be better organized for maximum monetization. Believe me, these companies are looking to work with brands who understand proper loyalty execution and program design. Notice the flawed program design using points along with many other basic mistakes. At least these... [Read More...]
Qdoba Wild Boars Report
Qdoba Wild B.O.A.R.S. Report below www.wildboarstraining.com Here is another large franchise which is virtually clueless when it comes to loyalty program design. The reports actually show this program to be one of the most successful for loyalty in their space but that’s only due to the void of proper solutions which should be present. The market is wide open as you can see from a list of Fortune 500s below and more in the video at... [Read More...]
Jiffy Lube Text Spam Lawsuit
Editors Notes: The importance of doing things right is already rearing it’s beautiful head. You don’t need to AVOID text messaging as long as you have a loyalty suite attached so you can send RELEVANT information in the proper manner. Remember, the cell phone is going to be much more guarded than the inbox so the importance of proper communication, relevant offers, and doing things right is not only going to be an ROI difference... [Read More...]
Relevance Being Underserved
Editors Notes: Interesting brief below with only 8% of consumers indicating they respond to texting promotions. The key is relevance, the cell phone by itself will not be enough in the new digital age, it must be tied to loyalty suite of some sort which allows business owners to send relevant information rather than simple ‘text blasts’ to a faceless database. The market is wide open and not being addressed, there are very few offerings... [Read More...]
Panera Bread 10 Million Members
Editors Notes: Learn a little about your customers, givethem a few benefits based on their desires and even a mediocre program like Panera can increase profits substantially. There are several things Panera could do to better serve their customers, but as you can see, just about any decent program lifts revenue and engagement substantially. Panera Bread’s loyalty program nearing 10 million customers Christian Gooden Cashier Peggy Rider... [Read More...]
Loyalty Research Numbers March 2012
Complete Article Located at www.thewisemarketer.com see below Here are the important research numbers at a glance from Canada which mirror the U.S. These numbers are quite remarkable, read the entire story below. QUESTION: How in the world do over 90% of retail locations fail to have a loyalty program with research like below? Cash back engages even more than points based programs and the numbers below represent fairly poor loyalty options.... [Read More...]
U.S. Canadian Alert
Editors Notes Important Article Below: Loblaw’s is a huge Canadian grocery chain but the interesting parts of the article point to the absolute requirement to RETHINK their entire loyalty strategy and launch a non-credit card rewards and loyalty program or get left in the dust from competitors who are learning very rapidly. In actuality, it’s just as important for every business owner to realize the importance of this pursuit. We have... [Read More...]
Impt New Loyalty Research Numbers
Editors Notes: Just a number of key insights below which are a must read for any business owner. Wow factor…93% of consumers said they would spend more if the business had a good loyalty program and 86% indicating they would visit one retailer over another if it had a good loyalty program. These numbers are STAGGERING! Program design is key for optimal ROI and with these kinds of numbers, there is NOTHING more important to a business than... [Read More...]
Industry Alert – Papa Johns
Here is something you rarely see from retailers yet it’s a huge revenue generator. Papa Johns ended up giving away 3 million pizzas when the U.S. called HEADS. The promotion has made Papa John’s millions of dollars in sponsorships, added business, new sales and much more so it’s good to see at least one pizza franchise wearing a marketing hat. The other 3 major chains which are in order Pizza Hut Dominoes Little Caesars Don’t... [Read More...]
Discounting Math Breakdown
Here is a good review and math breakdown for you to analyze. Remember when reading this that less than 1 out of 250 restaurants offer cash back rewards with instant redemption. Warning: The math below may make you very angry as well as very excited. Both emotions will probably occur so get ready with a pencil and paper and let me know how your figures look. Jims Pizza Typical Customer Steve normally visits Jims Pizza 5 times per year, spends... [Read More...]
The poison of discounting
Discounting Highlights: 100% loss of money business agrees to accept in return for goods or services Additional expenses in letting customers know they are willing to lose money and lower prices. Customers are trained to look for lower prices and learn that full price is really not worth the value. No tax deductions for lowering prices, business agrees to take all losses of lower pricing upon themselves. Customer service issues due to lost coupons... [Read More...]
Bowling and Golf Marketing
Notice the sponsorship benefits working with a local Country Club or Golf Course or an equipment supplier such as Nike. These are very easy to set up, there is really no account set up necessary (by the course or Nike), just a few minutes to set up a business synergy strategy with a local restaurant. As reported earlier from Napa, CA at Bowl Expo from an Apple executive, 10s of millions of dollars are looking to be directed towards bowling and... [Read More...]
Rewards Wheel of Fortune
Wheels are a great way to enhance memberships and increase purchases at full price! As soon as a customer joins the business, they win a free spin right away and value is loaded on their card. Just one spin is worth joining a business (for $10.00 or $20.00 per year) but allowing members to earn free spins based on spending, selected purchases, promotional nights and more will get customers engaged and happy to pay full price just for a chance to... [Read More...]
6000 Stores Terrible Marketing
Another huge firm making millions of dollars in mistakes. Coupons, mailed certificates, discounts, exclusions, poor gift card strategies, and this just names a few. We see this every day from the biggest firms in the world, they have no clue how to structure a loyalty program. We have solutions, expertise, and capabilities that very few firms in the world know how to employ effectively and will show you how to represent them. Here you go Crabtree... [Read More...]
Industry Alert – Customer Loyalty Updates – Papa Johns
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Read the phrase below (inside the Papa Press Release) and weep, Papa Johns is the ONLY national pizza chain with a system wide rewards program and it’s making them millions of dollars and it’s not that well designed. They even have Pepsi as a sponsor and my wife thinks someone at Papa Johns is reading my ideas and copying them! Maybe so, but other national... [Read More...]
Industry Alert – Fuel Rewards
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Fuel Rewards are hot right now and we have much better solutions than you read about below. Major companies all over the U.S. are trying to figure out a way to tie their loyalty program into fuel rewards. This is all part of your training, we will show you how to do this better than any Fortune 100 solution today and how to attract sponsorship revenue... [Read More...]
Industry Alert – Customer Loyalty Updates – Nordstroms
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Nordstrom spent millions of... [Read More...]
Valvoline Update
Editors Notes: The oil change business is now using our idea of sponsors. There are many better ways to accomplish what is described below, but you will start seeing a lot of our ideas copied in the marketplace. I actually contacted Valvoline HQ over two years ago with this very concept. Valvoline loved it then but our PL’s and Resellers never pursued it further. Other sponsors are saying the same thing with the new concepts we are presenting... [Read More...]
LOVE Training Starbuck
Editor’s Note: Loyalty programs need to pass the L.O.V.E. test which we have on www.wildboarstraining.com See the recent article posted by Vertical Response on Starbucks below Listen (loyalty programs must listen to what customers want) Value (loyalty programs must deliver relevant value on an ongoing basis Engage (loyalty programs must engage consumers with special benefits and support local communities) If you think the Gold Loyalty Card... [Read More...]
Industry Alert – Customer Loyalty Research Updates
Positive Impact of Customer Engagement on Financial Performance
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, companies with engaged customers enjoy: improved customer loyalty (80%), increased revenue (76%), and increased profits (75%). Furthermore, research from industry analyst firm Aberdeen Group shows that leading organizations with effective employee engagement strategies in place are seeing a 22% year-over-year improvement in customer satisfaction/loyalty and a 21% year-over-year improvement in turnover/retention. 60%... [Read More...]
Loyalty Research Important Info
Important Research Engagement
Editors Notes: Did you know Bowling Rewards is NOT about Rewards, maybe we should change our name. Bowling Rewards is all about ENGAGEMENT which is the absolute new trend and requirement for any business to utilize in the digital age. It’s simple to understand, realistic to execute, support and measure and it offers solid results to the bottom line. Every retail location MUST pay attention, business owners can no longer afford to ignore... [Read More...]
Supermarkets and Bowling
Hello Indiana: Supermarkets are looking to work with Bowling Centers and State Associations to drive added value to their chain on an exclusive basis. Oil companies like Chevron and BP are also looking right now due to Shell Rewards launch. Instead of having the USBC put coupons on Tony’s Pizza for free games of bowling where you get NOTHING in return, no database and no support, let us show you how to cut your own deals on a local proprietor... [Read More...]
Shell Launches Rewards Program
Editors Notes: They think Shell is launching an industry FIRST but we devised this strategy long ago which you can read about below. The ideal time for an association to approach BP as illustrated with Crazy Pinz below is now. Shell is trying to do things to catch their competition off guard and companies like BP don’t know we have a better mousetrap. This concept might start at the State level with a test and then expand but we can... [Read More...]
Theodore Roosevelt Advertising Advice
Lesson from Theodore Roosevelt: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” –Theodore Roosevelt It now costs less to market the right way than it does the wrong way. Every independent retail analyst has indicated that it’s a must for business owners to get some type of customer loyalty solution in place and communicate... [Read More...]
Dating, Marriage, and Marketing
Notes: Yes, the digital age is a lot like dating and marriage. The only problem is that a number of business owners simply have a cash register and not loyalty solution. Your customers care more about value, communication, and relevance than they do about pricing so why discount? The reason is clear, most business owners don't have the tools to listen properly so they resort to the old fashioned model of discounts, coupons, traditional... [Read More...]
Word Of Mouth New Stats
Word of Mouth: 14 New Statistics, very interesting. Did you know that a good customer rewards and loyalty program is the number one reason for positive word of mouth? Treat people with respect, recognize who they are, don’t sell their data, reward them properly, deliver a good product, and communicate with personal relevance and business will increase…guaranteed! Church of the Customer Blog « 14 new statistics about word of... [Read More...]
Data Being Abused
Editors Notes: Good research article below, if you belong to any program which owns or has control over your data, you may want to read the article and be aware of the dangers of losing trust with your customers. Consumers not feeling benefit of sharing loyalty data Most American and Canadian consumers (74%) say they are not feeling the benefits of sharing their personal information with marketers, according to a survey by loyalty marketing... [Read More...]
Economic Choices for Business
Please review the list below and see if this shakes with your experience? Add anything to the list which might be left off on what business owners are doing today. I would like to send this out or have a comparison piece on what a business owner might do with $175.00. How Much Does it Cost to Advertise? Do any solutions guarantee results? Classified ad in a newspaper…. http://www.usnewspapers.com/Pages/participating_states_class.html Read More →
Groupon Struggles Undiscounted Loyalty
Editors Notes: Good article below on the typical mistakes companies make trying to rush into loyalty or choosing a loyalty solution which does not address important issues. Customer Loyalty is too important to simply look at price, or rush into based on what someone might have read in the Wall Street Journal. The real discussion should be about ROI and the equity value to each business in developing best practice solutions for unique customer... [Read More...]
Platinum Memberships Explained
Creating Platinum Memberships can be very important to the bottom line. We are enhancing the membership capabilities of our program by year end to do even greater things and segment even further since the strategy is so lucrative. Very easy to bring in extra revenue with perceived high value. In this case, just 100 people paying $50.00 per year brings in $5,000 per year for... [Read More...]
Gift Cards 85% Concerned
RETAIL ALERT RESEARCH ARTICLE BELOW: Gift cards are a 100 BILLION dollar industry but retailers are now concerned with how gift cards fit into personalization, loyalty, communication and other similar issues which merchants are now being told are mandatory for survival in the digital age. We already knew this was coming and are ready to go. This is why we have integrated rewards, gift cards, paperless database... [Read More...]
Oracle Whitepaper Customer Demands
Editors Notes: Get your free whitepaper below, but if you don’t have time here are the bulleted highlights of this latest upper level study which focused on the top 4 customer demands. We can explain how we have implemented all four of these key demands into our solutions and how you can follow these best practices with your marketing or consulting. Contact me with questions. Convenience: Customers want to be recognized and rewarded... [Read More...]
Starbucks CEO on CNBC Makes Loyalty News
Howard Schultz CEO of Starbucks (interview link below) made news when pledging to stop political donations until Congress gets their act together. When asked if Starbucks plans to LOWER prices due to the fall in coffee prices, the CEO said it’s not necessary due to our ability to deliver VALUE with the Starbucks card. He then went on to say that Starbucks is having one of its best years ever with the key reason being their Starbucks card... [Read More...]
93% Spend More If Loyalty Program
Editors Notes: Great research article below, the real question is how can any business owner NOT have a loyalty program when 93% of consumers say they would spend more if they did? And if you are going to have a loyalty program, why not have one which does what consumers say they want to see the most? Here are the highlights, go to www.wisemarketer.com for the entire article. 86% said they are more likely to visit a retailer if they have an... [Read More...]
Loyalty Key to Panera Success
Why do some companies go out of business or suffer profit loss while others increase? Loyalty is one key reason and according to Starbucks and Panera THE key reason to increased profits. Notice the importance of building data, being able to query the data and communicate based on relevance. These are the new REQUIREMENTS in the digital age and business owner MUST find a way to get this done at a bare minimum. When Cause Marketing is added to... [Read More...]
Redemption Key to Success
Survey: Bank customers quick to sign up for debit rewards programs – but slow to redeem 07/28/2011 As banks increasingly eliminate debit rewards programs as a result of changing legislation, Mintel Comperemedia surveyed consumers on their debit reward behavior and attitudes. No surprise, debit card programs alone aren’t likely to foster customer loyalty, as 47% of respondents who participate in a debit rewards program have never... [Read More...]
Redemption Key to Success
Editors Notes: Redemption is key to success. For those who think ‘breakage’ on non-use of rewards is a good thing, many studies have shown that those customer are far less profitable than those who redeem rewards on a regular basis. Points based programs cause confusion which is why a simple cash back reward loyalty incentive which allows customers to redeem their rewards immediately, (even the same day) have much higher success... [Read More...]
Email Metrics: Open, Click Rates Highest in the Morning
Email Metrics: Open, Click Rates Highest in the Morning Published on July 21, 2011 Tags: Email Marketing, Email Subject Lines, Research Summaries, Smart Phones Email open rates continued to languish in 2010, though performance levels varied dramatically by industry, whereas click rates improved during the year, according to a report by MailerMailer, which also found that most people... [Read More...]
Update for Keegan
Keegan, this is a MUST read for any business team: Here is more research showing the necessity of what we do. Micros can’t do it and neither can any other solution for less than 25k up-front and over $1500 per month and they don’t have custom loyalty solutions for any business let alone the sport of bowling. Notice how they mention the importance of OWNING your database, something you should be very concerned about. Your customers... [Read More...]
Rewards cards: Consumers love ‘em, retailers don’t
By Catherine CliffordJuly 14, 2011: 4:06 PM ET A small retailer — which asked not to be identified — hung up a sign requesting that customers not pay with rewards credit cards. NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Consumers love the free flights, gadgets and cash back they get when they pay with their rewards credit cards. But mom and pop stores cringe when they do. It costs a merchant more each time a consumer pays with —... [Read More...]
Four Rules for Higher Profits
Editors Notes: Here is an excellent White Paper below by Peppers and Rogers which you can download. Many business owners don’t realize we are in a paradigm shift when it comes to running a profitable business. Customers are MORE demanding, MORE critical, can SHARE experiences with 1000s on social networking sites, and more. They are also TIRED of corruption, want things SIMPLE and above all want business owners to LISTEN to their... [Read More...]
Survey Amazes Experts
Editors Notes: I am amazed as well, we are seeing a very poor work ethic from many business owners who ignore research and do not pay attention to their customers. Actually, this creates a golden opportunity for any business owner (no matter what industry) to make a huge difference in their bottom line. Customer loyalty is easy to employ, offers immediate revenue advantages, ( in our case many clients get paid large sums of money in advance... [Read More...]
Email ROI Maximizer
Editors Notes: More amazing statistics on how businesses are missing the boat with their ability to target data. Imagine business owners getting PAID IN ADVANCE to do things right, show their customers they care, send relevant information and communicate with them based on gender, buying habits, frequency, anniversary, and more and simply not wanting to bother. An economic crisis is a terrible thing to waste, customers are not going to put... [Read More...]
Important Email-Text Research
Editors Notes: Important Business Info: The two paragraphs from the research article below should send shivers down the spine of most business owners who continue to blast messages. In the new digital age, you MUST find a solution which has the ability to query the data and send RELEVANT information to your customers or else you will lose them. Just wait until TEXTING catches on and the requirement to do things properly will be much more important... [Read More...]
Importance of Trust
Very Important Business Owner Alert: Communication from the service provider was the biggest indication of trust and trust holds the keys to higher profits in the digital age. As mobile and text become more prevalent, losing trust will be the danger of doing things incorrectly, and once trust is lost it’s much harder to get it back than not losing it in the first place. Blasting messages out via email or text could cause tremendous damage... [Read More...]
Word of Mouth Champions
Editors Notes: Another key advantage with proper loyalty solutions is Word of Mouth Champions! Business owners can be devoured by bad publicity and eaten alive . We often hear that WOM is the best form of advertising but the best way to get customers referring our business to others is NOT due to our food, prices, or anything tied to product quality. The #1 answer from consumers as to WHY they would refer another business or brand to... [Read More...]
Email-Text Research and Assignment
Assignment: Every business owner should be doing the four basics listed below. Every independent research firm and white paper study is verifying the importance of putting these practices in place. Why do we see so few businesses following best practices? If you are out and about, please ask the owner of the business why these basic four practices are not a part of their business and let me know. We are doing a research paper in conjunction... [Read More...]
Free Subway for a Week
Editors Notes: What if Platinum Membership into Subway for $29.95 per year included 30 free foot longs per year? Would you join for $30.00? Limit one per visit or three per month. How about 1 per day for 30 days during the slowest month? I would estimate 10 million people would join generating 300 million per year for Subway with membership fees. Loading value which gives customers something FREE every day is a fantastic strategy,... [Read More...]
Important Update – Dead Men Walking
Editors Notes: If you own a business or know anyone who does, please pay attention to your customers. Soon after I sent the last update, new research from Forrester’s arrived indicating the trend is accelerating and the consequences are dire. We are experts in customer engagement with turnkey solutions for any size business model. Here you go… Manufacturing, distribution and information expertise once set one company apart from... [Read More...]
Top 25 Frequent Flyer Programs Compared
Important Editors Notes: The information below is a little advanced but well worth the 3 minutes it might take to go through the introduction. There is a paradigm shift of consumer demands taking place which are very important to understand. INTRO: Whether you are Southwest Airlines or Ford Motor Company, we offer solutions which are vastly superior to what other Fortune 500 companies have used for years. In the past they have worked somewhat... [Read More...]
Coupons Without Discounting!
363 Billion Coupons printed every year with 99.2% thrown away. This gigantic waste, poor tracking, expensive communication tool has led to the new age of ‘digital coupons’. We have tons of research on this subject but what many of these digital coupon solutions or ‘daily deal’ Groupon type programs are missing is how to protect full price but still drive value. If you are going to use traditional coupons, then CHANGE... [Read More...]
David Letterman’s Top Ten Cause Marketing
David Letterman’s (Steve Schroeder’s) Top Ten Cause Marketing Benefits New customer acquisition without any cost until after the customer is paying full price. The simple ability to acquire new customers is difficult but with cause marketing, there is no expense until after a full price purchase is realized. Complete paperless database building to communicate with new customers for years (at no cost) after the first visit. ... [Read More...]
Partnering with Banks – Financial Institutions
Research Article Below: Editors Notes: Banks, Insurance Companies, Financial Institutions etc. make ideal sponsors for bowling centers, restaurants, and general retail. We have additional reports but banks are in big need of loyalty solutions and very few know how to do this on their own. The best solution is to partner with a local business owner (pay the local business owner $5,000 per year sponsorship fee) where transactions occur... [Read More...]
Huge Business Paradigm Shift Cause Marketing
Important Business Stats Below Editors Notes: It’s being referred to as the ‘old normal’ and consumers are returning to their roots in droves and expect business owners to follow and listen. If they don’t, these same consumers have promised they will vote with their pocket book and search out merchants who do. Research indicates this trend has staying power since it’s the way consumers have really felt all along. ... [Read More...]
Aberdeen Group Research on Rebates – Loyalty
Editors Notes: Don’t be confused with 50% of retailers using rebates. Over 45% of the 50% using rebates do so incorrectly or make receiving the rebate cumbersome, time consuming, inflexible or all three! Instant cash back rewards are preferred by over 80% of consumers but many business owners continue to shun their customers and not listen to their requests. Here are the top three requests which less than 3% of business or brands... [Read More...]
Fascinating New Customer Study
ditors Notes: Customer Engagement has changed and profits in the post-recession era mandate business owners realize this change and start communicating with customers and listening to their demands. Any business model which chooses to ignore this paradigm shift will either lose substantial profits or go out of business. Neither of these two options are desirable, why suffer the consequences when indeed listening and communicating is so easy... [Read More...]
9 Ways to Increase Customer Loyalty
Editors Notes: White Paper research below. If you don’t have time to download, the study indicates how brands, retail businesses and outlets need to understand who their customers are and how to communicate with them to lift profits. The void is tremendous, almost 90% of restaurants/bowling centers/smaller retail don’t even have a loyalty program in place in spite of the overwhelming evidence as the most important aspect of their... [Read More...]
National Radio Interview Cause Marketing
My latest interview has just been released on You Tube explaining Cause Marketing. Feel free to forward this link to schools, churches, or other non-profit leaders and let them know there is a new way to raise money with no change in behavior, no volunteer work needed, no expense and donations pour in 24-7, 365 days per year. The biggest winner in these programs is the business owner, watch the 5 minute interview and find out why below. My... [Read More...]
Peppers and Rogers On Demand
Invitation to on demand webinar form Peppers and Rogers below. Here is an on demand webinar from Peppers and Rogers about the rapidly changing face of customer loyalty. If you have time to watch it, there are many things to learn. If you don’t have time I will break down the highlights below and the key themes customers are requesting but very few business owners seem to care about or know how to address. We are intimately acquainted... [Read More...]
Why High Oil Prices Can Be Good
Another great newsletter by Paul Kreins with excellent ideas. This one talks a little bit about using high gas prices as a customer service benefit. When gas is high, then business owners who step in and help can earn a lifetime of loyalty. Here are 3 ideas we have used at bowling centers or restaurants in the past that have proven very successful. Let us create a banner and email promotion offering to pay the gas prices for customers... [Read More...]
Monday Morning Management Report
Shocking News: Although 87% of customers have indicated they desire the 4 things below, less than 1% of business owners are delivering their request. Need your business to grow? Just listen to your customers, here is the update. Here is an excellent newsletter from Paul Kreins, bowling and marketing consultant. This newsletter can be used by any retail business to increase revenue as the theme of this lesson is to follow Walt Disney... [Read More...]
U.S. loyalty memberships value register in the billions
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Groupon Research Article
Editors Notes: Groupon Research Article Below – A brief note on the math Instead of using Groupon, try the same type of Groupon offer to EXISTING CUSTOMERS. Approximately 75% of Groupon users known as ‘Groupies’ have already visited the establishment (they already are existing customers) so you can reach 75% or more of the same people without spending near the amount to bring them in. These ‘existing’ customers... [Read More...]
Dunkin Gets F for Flunkin
Editors Notes: Dunkin Donuts Launches Loyalty Program, Makes Numerous Fundamental Mistakes Dunkin Press Release Below: Here are the most obvious mistakes see if you can find two more. The $1.00 reward for every $20.00 spent is a big mistake on at least two fronts. The reward is much too low. For small ticket items, 10% should be the minimum. Instant gratification is not here, the value of my visit is not realized until later. With... [Read More...]
Membership Update
Editors Notes: Here is a good idea for bowling centers, retail outlets and other locations which we have written about for years. Creating memberships. Yes, there are a number of fundamental mistakes with the offers below such as points and redemption issues but the idea is good. The simple solution to the concept below is to make one MASTER membership program such as Platinum Membership into the restaurant or bowling center. If you were... [Read More...]
Win $500.00 – Masters Contest
The Masters is this weekend. Contests should be running right now such as1. Choose any player and earn $1.00 in rewards for every birdie while watching the tournament in our lounge. 2. Pay $5.00 per player and if they are on the LEADER BOARD by Sunday win $15.00 in rewards! 3. Win $50.00 in rewards if your player WINS the tournament. 4. Double cash back rewards on all food and drinks while watching the Masters in our lounge. 5. Special... [Read More...]
Important Cause Marketing Research
Editors Notes: The article below is a must read for any business owner. I recently spoke to an expert in marketing who said he ‘hoped’ the reports I send out are not true. Sorry folks, they are. I don’t make this stuff up, I report the facts. The entire marketing world is CHANGING before our very eyes just like technology. Just look at recent developments with Facebook, Groupon, IPad2, mobile apps and much more... [Read More...]
Groupon: The Debate Continues – even if successful, is it a one off program?
Restaurants vs. Groupon: The Debate Continues Last week we featured some less than flattering perspectives on daily-deal sites from our discussion forum. The following is from an operator who tried Groupon on one occasion and felt it worked out fairly well in his situation. “I’ve had positive experience with Groupon and wish you would add the following notes to the warning you posted: You can negotiate a more favorable split than... [Read More...]
Women More Promiscuous
Editors Notes: When it comes to loyalty women desire multiple partners. But, you can see clearly behind the scenes in all the research including below and what customers are requesting, here you go All customers want higher rewards with simple instant redemption. For those who listen, customers have indicated they will REMOVE competitor programs in their wallet and go with the program that listens to them! This is huge. Men and women are... [Read More...]
USA Today Loyalty Insert
USA Today 16 page loyalty insert March 2011 – To down load click here. Read More →
Loyal Employee or Loyal Customer?
Editors Notes: A loyal employee is one which understands loyalty. There is a new employee in the “C” suite known as a CCO (Chief Customer Officer) Many industries (such as bowling centers and restaurants) would be well served in hiring an effective CCO. I have listed the main duties of a CCO below along with a new study on the importance of employees understanding the loyalty program and being able to effectively communicate... [Read More...]
Email Not Targeted Text Next
Editors Notes: Evidence continues to pour in when business owners email customers without the ability to query their data and send relevant information. In spite of the mounds of research and the damage it’s now causing, most business owners are still using third party vendors which are unable to merge data with the transaction. As a matter of fact, less than 2% of all businesses have a system in place that ties transaction based data... [Read More...]
Engaging Customers For Life
Important Loyalty Update: Further evidence that rewards must be used and when redeemed lead to greater frequency and spending. The research points out that customers average 8X the value after redemption than those who do not. Further study is underway on multiple redemptions but you can bet the value only goes up from here. It’s mandatory that businesses REWARD their customers and get them to redeem their rewards ASAP. How... [Read More...]
Fundraising Opportunities at Suburban Lanes
Here is an example of what one client is doing. $20.00 of bowling for $10.00 and the non-profit keeps the $10.00. They are holding meetings for the community, and engaging in all kinds of activities and updates. We have the solutions, if you can provide a little elbow grease, the business will grow guaranteed. Any business can do this with any denomination desired and then move the customer to Platinum Membership when they arrive. Call... [Read More...]
Restaurant Video Marketing Tip of the Week
Restaurant Marketing Tip of the Week #2 – Bowling Centers have a unique way to increase food and drink sales by driving exclusive rewards to open play (and/or shoes) while customers pay full price and purchase more food and drink. We can even synergize the pro shop and drive rewards to exclusive brands of equipment. We have seen centers increase their profits by 200% or more with simple ideas we set up for them. Here is a video which... [Read More...]
5 Key Loyalty Trends 2011
Editors Notes Research Article Below: At times, these articles focus on marketing experts awareness, let’s bring this one down to size for business owners. Whether we own a bowling center, restaurant, golf course, or cleaners, it’s all the same. The new digital age is empowering the customer and if we simply listen to our customers and give them what they have requested our business will grow faster than ever. Customers will... [Read More...]
Important NeuroMarketing Loyalty Update
Editors Notes: First off, any business without a loyalty program rewarding their customers at the time of purchase is making a clear decision to ignore every major study on how to increase sales and protect price points. Secondly, it’s NOT the points that make a difference it’s the reward and value associated with ANYTHING. In other words, if POINTS work, then you can bet your bottom socks that the more relevant solutions... [Read More...]
My Panera Restaurant Membership
Very nice, we have a few Panera folks on our distribution list, maybe they read the research and started My Panera Membership Card. Love to see more of this, but even from the article below, they are just tapping into the true potential of what they could do. Big brands understand they need a loyalty solution and now we need small business owners to realize the same. The smaller guys need a better solution than the big boys to strengthen... [Read More...]
Budget Bucks is that Cash Back?
Better late than never but there is quite a bit to be desired with the offer. It’s good to see that major brands are starting to wake up to cash back rewards, after all they do have a number of 7 figure marketing folks who should be figuring this out based on all the research. But, mailing a coupon weeks later is not the most efficient manner and very costly. See if you can find the other problems and I will contact Budget and let them... [Read More...]
White Paper the three R’s of Retail
Editor’s Note: Interesting read below, the last paragraph summarizes what many are realizing. I will be authoring a White Paper on the three R’s of marketing which have replaced the three R’s we used to focus on in school. The three R’s of the new digital age ar 1. Relevance 2. Relationship 3. Rewards When the three R’s are followed correctly, then the fourth R kicks in ROI. Although these three R’s... [Read More...]
Engaging Individual Customers
Side Note: Notice the distrust of consumers as one of the driving motivations of change. Transparency, accountability, community, and relevance are the 4 key words every business should ask of their loyalty provider. If companies in the loyalty space are not experts in these four areas, hang up the phone. Editor’s Note: The writing is on the wall (this comes from the book of Daniel and what happens afterwards is not pretty) blasting... [Read More...]