Get Ready for the Madness: Bring Your “A” Game

POSTED BY babs ON March 3, 2011

By: Jaclyn Garza, Assistant Publicist

With weeks away from the opening tip-off of the 2011 March Madness Tournament, everything from television, billboards and the Internet will be consumed with the whole March Madness theme. While coaches and players are prepping themselves to make it to the Final Four and for a chance to call themselves the “2011 NCAA Champions”, viewers are building their brackets and marketers are looking for ways to accommodate their product to this upcoming theme.

One of the most popular phrases in sports is “Bring your ‘A’ Game.” Months of strategy and preparation are put into each season to gain the ultimate victory, something we should all remember to bring into this competitive marketplace. It is extremely important to market oneself to the viewer, and what better way to do that than by taking the time to understand the consumer and connect with them. Take a minute and ask yourself, “What might they be interested in?” Get on their level. If it means taking out a dry erase board and constructing strategies, as many teams are doing at this very moment, by all means: Just do it.

Be the boss and own your routes! By that, I mean jump on the opportunity to be creative and animated in choosing the direction you want to go in this market. Always bring your “A” game! Remember to…

1) Approach- Use your offense wisely. The ball is in your court and you have the ability to see the open hole to make it to the hoop. Be outgoing and energetic when connecting with consumers.

2) Assist- Create a game plan. No one ever goes into a game without preparing for it. What plays are you going to run? What’s the appropriate route? These are all questions we should ask ourselves when trying to build a trusting relationship with consumers. Which idea will best benefit the consumer?

3) Advise- Showcase your training. It’s time to step onto the court and put each play into action. By showcasing I mean educating the consumer on your skill and your product.

4) Attach- Gain that extra point by giving the consumer something true and genuine. Every move is relative, so make sure you are being smart, and are able to not only make the shot, but draw the foul for the chance to make that extra point.

5) Ask- Don’t be afraid to ask what it is the consumer is looking for. As a marketer, your impulse will be to jump into the fray and make yourself part of the conversation as soon as you see an open opportunity. But the key to speaking effectively is to listen—observe, read, listen, and understand your audience and what they are saying. Connect with them and ask them how to score. Step into the madness this month and be a part of the action.

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