It’s fair to say that Valentine’s Day, no matter your romantic situation, is generally a letdown. At best, you’re all dressed up with a bunch of other dressed-up couples in a crowded restaurant eating an over-priced prix fixe dinner. At worst, you’re at home alone eating ice cream straight out of the container and watching When Harry Met Sally on TBS. Actually, it’s probably the other way around. So, if you’re like us, and you’re boycotting February 14, you’re going to need something to do. Fire up the ol’ iPod, pour yourself a glass of wine, and revel in the fact that your love isn’t defined by a greeting card holiday. And while you’re at it, listen to these classic love songs, forget romance, and reminisce about the greatest love of all: marketing.

I’ll Be There (Jackson 5) Like most people, when we hear this song about everlasting love and commitment, we think about our clients. Hopefully, we fill their hearts with joy and laughter, and they know that all they need to do is call our name, and we’ll be there. Whether it’s your clients, your customers or the people who support you in your creative endeavors, it’s important that they know you’re willing to return the favor. If you send anyone a heart-shaped card decorated with glitter, it should be your clientele.

Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers)Time goes by so slowly, and time can do so much. Yes, this reminds of Demi Moore (pre-whip-its) and Patrick Swayze (RIP) and pottery-making. Bummer. But it also reminds us that people need reminding. Once you’ve established your brand, the best thing you can do to maintain your presence is to stay top-of-mind. Social media, newsletters, e-blast campaigns, and unexpected experiential marketing events will keep your business at the forefront.

I Will Follow Him (Little Peggy March) He (or she) may not be your destiny, but if you’re trying to build relationships on social media, coy is not the way to go. Follow your Twitter followers, learn about them (in a non-stalkery kind of way) and use this information to assess your audience from the inside out. Where do they go? What do they do for fun? What are their favorite restaurants? Like when you’re courting a new “special friend,” knowing these kinds of details will give you a huge advantage.

Will You Love Me Tomorrow (Carole King) We’ve all been there. You have a great evening, and then you spend the next 24 hours imagining your phone buzzing only to find zero missed calls. Don’t let your customers or your clients feel that way – show a little appreciation! If someone makes a big purchase, signs a contract or gives you a referral, show them that you love them, even after the cash register closes. Our suggestion? Send a handwritten note. But we’re just old romantics, if you couldn’t tell.

Well, shoot. This happens every year. We start off dreading V-Day, and then we start thinking about our great friends, family, clients and everyone in the community that makes our lives and our work complete. Then the wine kicks in, and our heart starts fluttering as we dream of all of the great things we’ll get to do together. As our eyes fog up and we go for round 2 (okay, round 3) at the box of chocolates, we’ll be thinking of all of you. Xs and Os, everyone.

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Facebook: Marketing Love Songs

love songs that explaing real-life situations

Valentine's Day Love Songs

Regular

[Editorial Note: A few weeks ago Leader of the Flock Aimee Woodall had a pretty amazing encounter. She shared that encounter on social media, and her friends and followers confirmed that said encounter was, indeed, amazing. This is her first-person account of the story and its heartwarming lessons.]

It was a busy day (OK, it was just a day like all of my other days), and I had a million things on my mind. I had a hankering for some new (old) cowboy boots, for obvious reasons, and I popped into Texas Junk to seal the deal. As I stood in line, I found myself $20 short at the cash-only register. I’d been chatting with this lovely couple (and their fantastically cute kids) here and there around the store since I arrived. They were helpful and friendly, and well, you know I’ll just about talk to anyone who’s willing to listen.

Floundering through my purse for spare change, I asked the owner for directions to the nearest ATM and headed toward the door. And that’s when the magic happened. The husband of the family handed me a $20 bill. “Just mail it to me,” he said. “You look like an honest gal, and there’s no need for you to be going to the ATM.”

He didn’t save the world that day, but he made mine a little bit better, a little bit easier. He didn’t risk his life, but he did risk $20, and in this economic climate, that’s still a pretty big deal. But the story doesn’t end there.

Of course, I didn’t waste any time paying off my debts. I sent him a thank-you note for helping me out (and restoring my faith in humanity) along with the cash I owed him.

And then – he did it again. Magic.
I got a letter.

I really was not worried about the $20. You stated that I was a hero. I beg to differ. You are the one that just gave my 3 kids a valuable lesson of honesty. My 10-year-old daughter read your card and made this statement: “Daddy, she really did not have to pay you.” I asked why. “Well, you never would have seen her again.”

So for me, you are the hero. My daughter learned that people still keep promises. Wow! Thank you so much for a lesson taught. Isn’t it funny that we are so surprised by a good deed? I guess it’s also really sad. The Texas Junk store will be a good memory. By the way, I hope you like your boots, and if you like football, come watch the Wildcats.

I’m certainly not a hero for not stealing someone’s money. The point is not that I’m exceptional. Nor is it that David is exceptional, but he is remarkable. The point is that we AREN’T. I think what I realized is that even in an industry where transparency is still merely a suggestion, and in a world with so many problems (and Kim Kardashian), people are mostly good.

As marketers (and as people), it’s easy to be cynical. It’s easy to be sarcastic and snarky and sometimes even negative. But we don’t have to be that way. When I posted that story on Facebook, I got more “likes” and comments than just about any other post I’ve ever made. Something about hearing a story of pure goodness, with no agenda, made people respond in ways art, music, politics and even food have not yet seen.

And THAT, my friends, has inspired me to make choices for my company and for my clients that reiterate GOODNESS. Kindness. Generosity. Positive thinking. Positive DOING. Things that remind us we’re all on the same team. That keep us expecting the best from each other.

Now go out there and do the same. Help people when you can. Trust people as much as your heart will let you. Post with positivity. Give the world the benefit of the doubt.

Now go out and enjoy the weekend in boots, y’all.

How $20, a pair of boots and a letter changed my worldview

how a simple interaction changed perspective