Marketing is exactly like dating!
Have you heard this idea before? “Marketing is like dating.”
I’ve heard it recently from some great marketers such as Pat Flynn and it’s really true.
Elderly and wiser people here can correct me on this one but I’m sure you’ll find this idea FASCINATING! ;)
Let me tell you a story…
Imagine that a man and a woman meet for the first time.
Then they shook hands and the man says, “Hey, I want to marry you NOW!”
Woman would look like, “What a weirdo is he?” :O
But that’s actually what many (non-professional) marketers do.
They start selling RIGHT AWAY.
Then they try to sell even more. And more. And more.
But that repels customers. People walk away and think he’s too pushy.
Of course, you can sell and you MUST sell as a marketer. But that's not your only purpose. You need to provide value and HELP people.
Just as in any relationship, as a marketer, you need to build trust with your audience.
Here are some examples how to build trust (in marketing and in a relationship):
- Tell who you are
- Listen to another person (and your audience) to know their needs
- Talk about other person’s needs, not about your own needs
- SOLVE their needs
- Help them to achieve their goals
- Make them feel special/unique
- Treat them as important persons and make them feel smart
- Etc.
=> And soon people are buying from you, listening to your recommendations, want to marry you, etc. etc.
It’s also good to recognize which actions will BREAK the trust (=what you should avoid!):
- Just push your own offers and needs.
- Treat your audience / partner as stupid.
- Do NOT listen or solve their needs. Just push your own goal.
- Be dishonest and don’t have any integrity. Just sell anything you can.
- Be too “easy”. Make people feel like you’re just providing something cheap and free.
- Etc.
=> Those things break the trust with your marketing and relationships.
Of course, I’m a bit exaggerating in the examples above but I’m sure you can find plenty examples from real life.
Best Relationships Build Over Time
Just as in any relationship, you’ll build trust with your audience by connecting with them over time.
They get to know you through your texts, videos, emails, whatever.
Little by little the relationship with your audience grow and some people feel like they’ve known you personally for years.
One great “trick” when creating your content is to think that you’re only writing it for 1 person
Don’t use “We” or “Us” forms. Use “You” and “I” forms to make your content more personal and direct.
I could write much more about this 'marketing is like dating' idea but I want to leave this thought here to “marinate” in your mind.
Think about it next time when you’re creating your content.
Also, let me know
-
My Plans for This Year: 3 Courses Coming Up
I just wrote this text to you in the airplane on my way to London.
From Thursday to Sunday I’ll attend Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within seminar.
This week Roope Kiuttu version 2.0 will be unleashed!
I’ll surely share the key thoughts that I learned either here on WA or in my own blog.
Remember: I spend $1,000’s in conferences so you don’t have to! ;) hehe
My plan for this year is to create 3 online courses about following topics:
- Email Marketing
- YouTube Marketing
- Blogging
By communicating daily with my email list, I’ve noticed what are people’s specific needs with these topics and I’ll do my best to provide solutions.
If you are following me, you’ll certainly hear more about these courses later…
All the best to you my friend!
Cheers
Roope “Marketing is like dating” Kiuttu
PS. Did you enjoy the post? Be sure to smash the “Like This” button and share your thoughts below!
PPS. If your question is now, “Roope, how do I start email marketing or YouTube marketing?” I recommend that you click the orange Live Events on the left and search with keywords ‘email marketing’ or ‘YouTube marketing’.
Jay Neill has created sevearl awesome step-by-step webinars here that will help you to get started easily.
My own comprehensive courses will come out later this year then…
If you are know a lot about video equipment, send me your recommendations. I want to buy some pro camera, lights, backdrop, etc. for the courses to provide the best quality.
Do you agee that marketing is just like dating?
Why? / Why not?
Leave your thoughts and comments below!
Recent Comments
59
I agree, that marketing is like dating for the reasons you stated.
Additionally, if you want to keep the "spark," you need to change things up from time to time. Also, you can't neglect your valued readers or your love interest.
You don't need to go to Tony Robbins, there are plenty of folks in WA who can teach you all there is to know about personal development and motivation.
In fact, I have spent the last year studying things that I didn't have a clue about before that. This kind of information is also all over youtube and even Tony Robbins seminars, stories, etc.
I like mind valley for a more spiritual quest, 2knowyourself dot com to figure out who you are, and wa blogs to learn about a millionaire mindset and inspiration.
One key tip to become a millionaire is to be cheap or frugal as possible. You should know how to pinch every penny, enjoy store brands instead of name brands, play cards instead of going to movies, have friends with benefits instead of expensive dates.
The key to happiness is to not desire too much, not become obligated to too many things, and to keep all promises that you make yourself.
Remember that a key reason you came here was to find the best of the best. Even though I think Tony Robbins is fantastic, I also believe that some things are better off being discovered on their own or with the help of your friends/community.
Eric
Eric, he may not NEED to go to Tony Robbin's seminar.
Yet, some things in life are much more enjoyable and valuable when you can attend them in person if you have an adequate budget.
For my primary career, I am required to have annual continuing education. I can take the classes online. Yet I find the live events are almost always more enjoyable.
So, I think that it is awesome that he is going to numerous seminars and sharing his experiences with us.
I wrote this for anyone else who wasn't able to go to those seminars. To know that it's just as easy to gain the information online and not miss out.
That is one of the many reasons I created the website that I am working on now.
You also have a great point that sometimes you can afford the live thing and it will be a wonderful experience too.
Eric
Hi Eric, I thought exactly like you before. But I changed my opinion after I saw the positive results what that kind of conferences had in me and other people.
It's been a while since I've dated but see the similarities. I'm looking forward to your upcoming training! The Tony Robbins' workshop should be amazing! I remember listening to his Ted Talk and it was really inspiring.
Erica
Totally agree Roope,
My experience in business marketing, sales and customer service has taught me one thing: it all boils down to TRUST.
If they trust you, they'll buy from you; if not, they're gone - plain & simple.
Cheers,
Marc
I'm getting a bit old for dating, but I do see the similarities. There is a lot of good information in here. Thanks -- and maybe you should take more airplane rides. Looks like a good place to produce a post.
Yeah, I feel like airplane is one of the most productive places for me. Not so many distractions like at home :D
Wow, it means, if I'm expert in dating. Then I can also become expert marketer!!
Now the question is what level of customers do I attract!😊
Well, it's a nice post.🙂👍
Glad to know about your upcoming courses. All the very best👍
Enjoy dating😉
Akshay🙂
Yeah, it's funny! :D I think bad communication can end the relationship with a customer and a partner.
Do you know what be nice? An ebook on this topic to deliver an amicable but informative discussion for a marketer looking to be entertained and learn at the same time.
That would be a good idea! I'm definitely gonna use this "dating is like marketing" idea more.
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Roope, You always offer good advice and suggestions and I thank you for that. I'm not wasting my time reading your posts and blogs. Keep up the good work and look forward to your upcoming courses. Thanks again.
Thank you very much Al! I'll do my best to provide helpful and insightful posts in the future as well.