by Barry
When I first started my business, I knew I didn’t know much about marketing. And, I knew I didn’t have the money to hire an expert. So, I did the next best thing. I asked a friend who was an nationally-recognized marketing guru if he would be willing to provide some advice if I bought him a muffin at a local restaurant (known for great muffins). He agreed and the rest, as they say, is history.
Not sure this particular exchange would really qualify as bartering since the value of what I received didn’t compare – in spite of the great muffins. I tried to ask thoughtful questions, followed advice carefully, and provided regular updates on my progress. As time went on, I slowly learned just enough that I felt comfortable in doing some marketing stuff on my own. As with any marketing plan, some of it worked and some didn’t.
But, here we are, 16 years later – still making a living and enjoying life. I think back quite often to my early ‘muffin marketing’ sessions. My marketing guru passed away suddenly not long ago. I miss him. We used to joke about ‘muffin marketing’ and how our relationship had made such a difference to our business- and hopefully him, too.
When you need expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out … with whatever you have. For me, good muffins worked. For you, it might be something different. And, yes, I pay it forward.
In memory of Dr. Rich Gerson … my ‘muffin marketing’ guru.
When I first started my business, I knew I didn’t know much about marketing. And, I knew I didn’t have the money to hire an expert. So, I did the next best thing. I asked a friend who was an nationally-recognized marketing guru if he would be willing to provide some advice if I bought him a muffin at a local restaurant (known for great muffins). He agreed and the rest, as they say, is history.
Not sure this particular exchange would really qualify as bartering since the value of what I received didn’t compare – in spite of the great muffins. I tried to ask thoughtful questions, followed advice carefully, and provided regular updates on my progress. As time went on, I slowly learned just enough that I felt comfortable in doing some marketing stuff on my own. As with any marketing plan, some of it worked and some didn’t.
But, here we are, 16 years later – still making a living and enjoying life. I think back quite often to my early ‘muffin marketing’ sessions. My marketing guru passed away suddenly not long ago. I miss him. We used to joke about ‘muffin marketing’ and how our relationship had made such a difference to our business- and hopefully him, too.
When you need expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out … with whatever you have. For me, good muffins worked. For you, it might be something different. And, yes, I pay it forward.
In memory of Dr. Rich Gerson … my ‘muffin marketing’ guru.