Marketing in India

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:41:00 GMT

Some blogger I am – begin a new gig and take off for India. Mind you, it was an amazing trip: tracking leopards on a tiger safari, riding camels and elephants, watching the sunrise and hoping the clouds don’t block Everest (they did, darn), staying at some of the best properties in the world. But for an entrepreneur to block out a month, it takes time to prepare and more time on the return. And then the summer social season hit. That being said – I’m back in the game and wanted to share some marketing mishmash from my India experience.

1. Reduce Hair Fall – I always love the way our English language is worded in different countries. Indian women are known for their long luscious locks, and they use conditioner to “reduce hair fall.” Check out the advertisement from the Delhi Times.

2. And for those who did not use the Sunsilk Conditioner and had hair fall to the extreme, check out this ad: "Balding? India's top hair specialist has the solution."

3. Billboards – entering the Himalayan hill station of Darjeeling on a long windy road one is greeted with marketing billboards touting the best places in town. The tastiest teahouses, yogurt brands, and local hotels and eateries – they're all up there.

4. Business signage – the photo showcasing “Henna here” makes one smile.

The value of marketing and delivering value to customers

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:58:00 GMT

I wanted a ski deal this season to fuel my passion of powder, and the Wall Street Journal touted a great deal that Sun Valley was offering: a special room rate that included lift tickets. That very same day I booked our trip – my husband and I had a GREAT time. I figured this special deal saved us roughly $700 during our four-night stay; a savings that we pumped right back into the local economy with Sun Valley’s amazing restaurants.

Jack Sibbach, Sun Valley Resorts’ director of sales, marketing and PR, knew going into the season that sales would be down due to a 33 percent loss of airplane seats coming into town, and because of the economy. He developed value-added packages with promotional rates, sent out a news release to travel media and blasted monthly e-mails to his customer base (shoestring budget; no dollars for ad placement). Sun Valley Resort boasts one of the highest repeat guest counts in the business, and Sibbach communicates to them regularly.

His method of marketing success: “Be true to your guests and clients, and talk to them frequently.”

Speaking from personal experience, Sun Valley is a fantastic summer destination. Fly fishing, mountain biking, golfing, hiking and super spa action, as well as world-class concerts in its beautiful outdoor pavilion. Check out sunvalley.com for new summer packages, which Jack is currently marketing.

Any great samples of touting value through marketing efforts? Let me know!

OCMetro Business - (Melinda Morgan Kartsonis, Morgan Marketing & PR)

Marketing in India

The value of marketing and delivering value to customers