Emotions drive most of our decisions, and that includes what we purchase. Nearly a third of advertisers report success from emotional campaigns, double the amount of those who report success from rational campaigns. From the smell of freshly baked cookies triggering memories of hanging out at grandma’s house to a hysterical blog post making a reader like a brand even more, when an emotion is triggered, it nudges someone closer to or farther from the direction of a brand.
Being in tune with your customer’s wants and needs afford business owners the opportunity to bundle products. For example – buy a backpack and get a lunchbox at half price or grouping a free dessert with the purchase of an entrée and a beverage. We see it all the time, but as a business owner, we need to be careful we’re not giving away the store to win the sale.
Considering content marketing’s purposes include forming a connection with consumers that inspires trust, turns them into a lead, and might even spark a sale, the more brands can humanize their content, the more likely they are to incite an emotion that fosters a relationship between consumer and brand. If you’re not connecting with your customers how do you know what they want?
With Bissell Eye Care, the practice gives away a free book to children 7 and under who get glasses for the first time. They understand the how a child feels the first time they receive glasses and have partnered with a local author to supply a resource to the child and their parent.
A professional consultant often will provide a free phone consultation or an initial assessment at no charge. The consultant is willing to offer time to a potential customer in order to establish trust and begin developing a business relationship. Sometimes consultants provide a good better best program – offering tiered services with each service level.
Service bundling can also be offered through multiple businesses. For example – a chiropractic group can partner with a fitness facility each offering a package to their prospective members. Be certain of the business partner’s reputation and service capabilities before opening up your own customer list.
Bundle business for higher revenue. Keep close attention to your financials when bundling to be certain you aren’t giving away the profits. When partnering with a complimenting business, be sure they have as solid of a reputation as you do! Get creative, bundle your services and grow your business!
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.




Businesses are seeing a value in being a thought leader. When done correctly, becoming a thought leader, an individual who drives innovation and new ideas in a given industry, is a valuable path for any professional. But there is a difference between expressing an opinion and always trying to push a sale. Thought leaders are popular, well respected and connected enough to drive real value to their respective businesses.
Are you finding it difficult to be creative when it’s summer? Are sunshine and fun hampering your creativity? Perhaps you’re convinced that you just aren’t the “creative type” to begin with? Hey, not everyone gets all the good genes.




Have you ever had someone tell you that you “Nailed It”? You had such a wonderful feeling of satisfaction for a job well done. Perhaps you spent months planning a product launch, large grand opening or corporate event. Everyone involved celebrated the victory, but the planning process wasn’t without its hiccups. After all… is nothing that goes perfectly 100% of the time. There are numerous vendors, responsible staff that were assigned certain tasks and logistical issues to take into account. They all have to work together toward the common goal – the product launch, corporate party or grand opening – otherwise referred to as the main event!
About the Author: Lisa Davidson, owner of the 
Do you often feel you are in a rut? You do the same thing over and over with less than desired results? The sales and promotions you ran in prior months no longer have the same effect. When your small business gets stuck in a rut, you need to find a quick way to snap out of it. This can mean finding a new source of inspiration, following some new trends or kick starting your marketing efforts.
Often when it comes to B2B marketing, some small companies have a hard time getting into the game. Let’s look at a paradigm shift. Many small business owners are used to marketing to potential clients, but not to other companies that could become a referral partner. As a business owner, you have colleagues that may call on the same market verticals as you. Perhaps you complement services and can create a bundle effect. You bring a particular skillset and your colleague brings a different skill. Individually your business is strong, but combined marketing of both businesses allows you to become a trusted resource by providing solutions to multiple issues. Here are essential B2B marketing tips to help with your B2B marketing effort.
Do you have loyal fans? Perhaps a family member always shares or likes your social media posts. Maybe you have colleagues who refer you quite often. Third party validation is the best. But did you know that current customers and people that subscribe to your newsletter may be the path to finding your best customer?