As we are always looking for new and different ways to help our clients promote themselves, I take notice when I see something that is unique. This week, I received a scratch and win bingo card in my mailbox. There were lots of prizes to win, including televisions, BBQs, gas cards and much more. Woohoo!
Plus, it was easy. Just scratch the ticket and if you are a winner, call the toll-free number to claim your prize. Intrigued, I looked at the ticket to see who was running the contest. Nowhere on the card did it mention who it was for and what they sell. Oh, there was a numbered company, from Ontario, cited in the disclaimer.
When you call to claim your prize, you are pitched on a water purification system, and they want to come to your home and do an in-home demo and test your water. Apparently, the purification system is not bad, and the company is legitimate. If it’s a good company that sells a good product, why rely on deception to set up a meeting? Obviously this company is not that confident in their sales process and products. So, if it seems to be too good to be true, it is.
Part of marketing is building trust in your company and products. This promotion does exactly the opposite. Make sure you have integrity in the way you do business. It will go a long way to creating a business that people can trust and establish long term relationships.