The Lonely Hat: A Marketing Parable

Jones was a typical entrepreneur who worked long hours and wore many hats.

The problem was that all the hats screamed for attention. Jones solved the problem by wearing the hat that screamed the loudest.

Unfortunately, this was only a temporary solution since all the hats kept screaming until they were worn.

There was, however, one hat that never screamed. It never complained, whined or whimpered, even though it was lonely. It knew it was important, whether or not it was worn. That hat was right.

One day the customers quit coming. The other hats became quiet; they no longer were needed. It was then that Jones noticed the hat named Marketing and how little it had been worn.

"Why didn't I wear the Marketing hat?" thought Jones.

For one thing, Marketing hadn't screamed for attention like the other hats. The other reason was that Jones was afraid the Marketing hat was too expensive to wear and would drain profits.

But now there were no profits; the customers were gone.

Jones put on the Marketing hat. It was time to get the old customers back, and to get new customers, too. It was time to wear the Marketing hat regularly.

Even the other hats perked up.

(c) 2005 Neil Sagebiel

Neil Sagebiel is a veteran copywriter and publisher of "Headlines from Floyd," a FREE monthly ezine for those who want proven copywriting and marketing tips to generate more business. To sign up and also get a FREE bonus report, "Close More Sales with Testimonials," visit http://www.neilsagebiel.com.

---

How Home-Based Business Entrepreneurs Think

Too many people are trying to start their home businesses... Read More

Venture Capital Negotiating Issues

When companies enter into negotiations with venture capital firms, there... Read More

Find Me the Expert on This!

Many people who set up as consultants never make more... Read More

... in Pursuing the American Dream

This morning I woke up at 4:30 in the morning,... Read More

Could a Non-Profit Structure Be Right for Your Business?

If you have a business idea, or an idea for... Read More

The Myth of Undercapitalization - Six Ways Entrepreneurs Achieve Success in Spite of Start-Up Money

This year more than 17 million people will become entrepreneurs,... Read More

Franchise Business and Franchise Businesses

Franchise business is being part of a successfully proven business... Read More

Electronic Tools for Entrepreneurial Success

"Half of any job is having the right tool" was... Read More

Franchises-Exit Strategy

At an International Franchising Symposium in London, Peter Holt made... Read More

The Business and Life You Want to Build

In the early days of my first consulting business, I... Read More

Independent Auto Detail Shop VS Biz Op or Franchise

Owning a detail shop can be an exciting and rewarding... Read More

Mobile Car Washing Long Term Opportunities in the Market

The long-term outlook for the Mobile Car Washing industry is... Read More

Raising Capital for Your Business ? How Long Does it Take?

Most companies vastly underestimate the time commitment necessary to successfully... Read More

Find Out If You WILL Be Successful As a Franchisee?

Will I be successful as a franchisee?One of the soundest... Read More

Franchising Companies Need New Franchisee Checklists

When franchise companies are moving fast in the market place... Read More

Why Every Student Should Start a Business

With the economic downturn, students in all the major business... Read More

Differentiation ? Smart Marketing Strategies for the Solo Entrepreneur

Are you ever frustrated or hesitant when you talk to... Read More

Franchises - A Proven Business System

Franchises offer the first time business owner a proven and... Read More

The Boss is DEAD!

Some of us are born into families with "it", some... Read More

Applying The Daffodil Theory into Business Practice

At times all of us need a bit of inspiration... Read More

A Dorm Room With A View

As a senior in high school, he paid cash for... Read More

Face The Fear, Ladies

Okay, I'll begin by telling you that I've been divorced... Read More

What Online Millionaires Tell Me They Are Worried About

I just arrived back from the best seminar I have... Read More

Differentiation Strategies for Franchise Companies

With the growing number of franchise offerings recently it is... Read More

Book Yourself Solid: The Simple Selling Process

As a service provider you may not want to think... Read More

Top 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make Before They Even Start

So you want to start a business. You have an... Read More

Four Steps to Entrepreneurship

As more and more people start or consider starting their... Read More

Business Development: The Basic Ingredients

Cooking isn't much different than building a business. You have... Read More

Empathy - Not Business Plans - Key to Your Home Based Business Success - Do You Have Empathy?

EMPATHY is a Natural Talent, you were born with it... Read More

Dream It, Create It, Become It! Design a Dream Board

Have you ever heard of "Dream Boards" or "Treasure Maps"?... Read More

Securing Second and Third-round Venture Capital Financing

Widget sales are booming ? the competition is scrambling, demand... Read More

Herb Filled Pillows Make Over a Million Dollars

Lauren Rosenstadt was a single mom working at a herbcompany... Read More

Entrepreneurs Just Get Better With Age

Q: I'm thinking about starting a business after I retire... Read More