It’s true, this Monday’s marketing tip is actually coming out on Friday (see my previous post if you’re wondering why!)
OK, I’ll get straight to the point -- this is a client gift idea that won’t be the right fit for everyone in your list, but for the ones that it is it should really resonate. This year I ordered 20 for the people I knew would appreciate it.
The Product: The Dogs Deserve Better 14 Month Calendar
The Story:
Dogs Deserve Better is a non-profit organization that works with owners of chained dogs to get their dogs off of chains and into fenced yards, or into the owner’s home. Their calendar features before-and-after stories and photos of previously chained dogs that have been rescued and now have great lives.
I dont’ know if you can relate to this, but in rural Pennsylvania, where I spent much of my childhood and still visit to see family, I’ve seen thousands of dogs that spend their entire lives -- from puppyhood to the time they drop into the dust -- tethered at the end of a 6 to 10 foot chain.
I won’t go into it here, but Dogs Deserve Better says it best: ‘There’s not much life on the end of a chain.’
The Pros:
- This is a nicely done, heartwarming calendar.
- The proceeds benefit the charity, which does work throughout the U.S.
- It’s high on emotional appeal and memorability.
- People will ask your clients where they got the calendar.
- At $8 to $9 each for 10 to 20 calendars, it’s reasonably priced.
The Cons:
- It’s not branded to you, so you have to find a way to attach your business card or some other branding if you want it to be.
- It’s probably not the ideal gift for everyone in your client list.
Shipping: They say allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery, but I got mine in about a week. Call if you’re concerned about timing.
Just a thought: If the first thing you thought when you read ‘Dogs Deserve Better’ was, ‘A lot of kids deserve better too, and they don’t get it’, I understand. I’m giving these out to my clients with a note explaining that I also support charities that help humans -- personally, on the receiving end I think I’d want to know that.
