3 Marketing tips from getting a mammogram

(Those who’ve had a mammogram will understand the humour in the cartoon.)

Every second year I get a mammogram and so on a snowy day in February several years ago I went to get one. It’s not a painful experience for me though it can be for some women but it’s necessary so I set off in the Woodgreen Transportation Services van (I don’t drive since the stroke) for my appointment.

There were at least three marketing things that came out of this experience. Maybe you’ll think of others.

Marketing Tip #1 – Treat your prospects, clients and everyone the same – politely.

Some people are polite no matter what. There was a snowstorm in Toronto that day so several businesses and schools were closed and many people didn’t drive. That meant the roads downtown were empty. I grew up in London, Ontario (snowbelt) and my driver had driven trucks for years all over Ontario. We didn’t let the snow stop us! Those (like us) who chose to drive were pleasantly surprised. The people on the roads drove slower, more carefully and watched. They waited for us and let us in.

Marketing Tip #2 – Have a “culture” of helpfulness in your business that all your staff show.

Everyone in the mammogram clinic acted identically to each other not just to the clients – friendly, smiling (not a “pasted on” smile), helpful, and patient (waited for each person they called to move at their own speed).

Marketing Tip #3 – Be aware (both you and your staff) and understand what people need. Then give it to them.

The clinic I go to is in a building with a restaurant and afterward I have coffee and snack here. The staff did more than just the tasks in their job description. The man filling up the napkin dispenser carried my coffee over to a table and the fellow wiping the tables asked if he could move my chair for me (I use a walker).

Those are three examples of “marketing mindset” in action in everyday life.

Do you have some examples? What are yours?

 Originally posted September 21, 2012