Take that idea to the office. By the very nature of being a full-service marketing agency in a rural community, the staff at Boettcher Communications tends to get some interesting requests. We often find ourselves saying, “We’ve never done it that way, but we can certainly try!” These requests each bring their own set of unique challenges. Today, I’d like to share a few of our more challenging projects from this past year. These projects encouraged our team to stretch our minds and offered some important lessons along the way.

Client: Ephraim Business Council

Project: Community Branding/Logo Design

What we learned: Design by committee does not have to have an unhappy ending.

What the client had to say: “The Ephraim Business Council has enjoyed working with Boettcher Communications on a range of projects over the past year. Their work is fresh, clean and most importantly relevant. They are consummate professionals and a pleasure to work with.”

~Rachel Willems, Ephraim Business Council

Client: WDOR

Project: Branding/Website

What we learned: You CAN teach an old dog new tricks! We’re very proud of WDOR for taking the tool we built and putting it to good use.

What the client had to say: “We couldn’t be happier after working with Boettcher Communications on our new logo & website. Working with a local business made the process comfortable and easy. Boettcher Communications has truly taken our web presence to the next level and I will no doubt be working with them again in the future.”

~Danny Allen, WDOR

Client: Simon Creek Winery

Project: Label Design

What we learned: Patience is the name of the game when getting a food or alcohol label approved by the government!

What the client had to say: “The Boettcher Communications team has been invaluable in the development and formation of the Door County Wine Trail. They have worked diligently to develop goals, branding, a website, and a first-rate brochure on time and under budget. They have also proven themselves to be true graphic design professionals in the development of labels for member wineries. If you want the best, it’s right here: Boettcher Communications.”

~Tim Lawrie, Owner, Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery

Client: Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership

Project: Branding/PR

What we learned: Working with an organization whose goal is a healthier Earth, ROCKS!

What the client had to say: “The folks at Boettcher Communications were so (BREAK HERE) easy to work with! Their help in developing the new LNRP logo and brochure seemed effortless. Prompt attention to details, quality professionalism, and obviously enjoying what they do all come to mind in reflecting on our engagement. Thanks so much!”

~James Kettler, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership

Client: ERA Starr Realty

Project: E-newsletter Distribution

What we learned: Never underestimate the value of a message from a straight-shooting, well-respected business owner!

What the client had to say: “We wanted a company that was competent with today’s ever-changing technology and competitively priced. We also were very interested in doing business with a local, Door County company. Boettcher Communications fit the billing in all areas. They did their homework, researched our wants and needs and kept on schedule. Dina’s staff was excellent to work with and excelled beyond our expectations. We couldn’t be happier with the work done by Boettcher Communications.”

~Bob Starr, ERA/Starr Realty

Client: Sturgeon Bay Schools/Sturgeon Bay Utilities

Project: Solar Energy Digital Kiosk in Sturgeon Bay High School

What we learned: Functional creativity is a beautiful thing.

What the client had to say: “Thank you for continuing to provide creative, professional products and concepts to enhance and encourage our customer programs. You complete your work in a timely manner at very reasonable costs. The marketing and design skills that you provide are usually found only in larger metropolitan areas. Boettcher Communications is a valuable local resource for SBU!”

~Jim Stawicki, Sturgeon Bay Utilities

Client: Door County Library

Project: Fine tuning of an established brand/Logo Design

What we learned: Librarians are super fun…seriously!

What the client had to say: “Your team is doing a great job – I’m really enjoying the process and am glad to be part of the committee – you’ve made it fun! Thank you.”

~Jeanne Majeski, Door County Library – Baileys Harbor

Thanks for reading today and don’t forget, learning to love the lesson isn’t always easy, but the knowledge gained is priceless!

Dina Boettcher, President
Boettcher Communications

Website: www.candleworksdc.com

I shared my tasks that I perform on a daily basis and showed examples of the type of work we do at Boettcher Communications, LLC. I also answered numerous questions and offered advice from which classes to take to what organizations to join.

If there is one thing I would recommend that all college students do…it would be to get an internship!

I was lucky to have two successful internships at WFRV-TV in Green Bay during college. I learned what it was like to work at a TV station on a daily basis, newsroom etiquette, gained responsibilities and met some amazing mentors – I still keep in touch with a few today.

An internship is a foot in the door to an organization or industry. It’s a chance to learn from professionals, use your knowledge and discover what you like to do.

Here are a few things I recommend while interning: show a willingness to learn, ask questions, get involved with projects, dress in business attire, show up on time (or early), be sociable and polite, take notes, and have fun.

If you are interested in interning with a full-service marketing group in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin – please send your cover letter and resume to dina@boettchercommunications.com.

When my daughters eventually come downstairs, they’ll sometimes humor their old mother by sitting with me and taking in some of the products. Inevitably, the question comes up “Mom, why do you watch this when it’s clearly not even your style?”

So why DO I watch it, transfixed, laughing along with the host, oohing and ahhing over clothing more befitting of my mother’s generation than my own? I guess the truth is I watch it mostly because I’m a sucker for a really good sales presentation. I’m talking a sales presentation so good, that you’re not even aware that you’re being sold to. This is, the absolute best, most effective way to sell just about anything!

So what can we learn from these sales geniuses at QVC?

Here are the top 10 reasons I believe the folks at QVC are experts at selling you stuff you never even knew you needed.

1. THEY HIRE HOSTS (SALES PEOPLE) YOU WANT TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH. Host: “What do you think of my outfit today? At first I didn’t think I was going to like the pajama jeans, but I pulled them on and viola, LOVE THEM!” Me: (in my head) “Oh my gosh, girlfriend, you are ROCKING those pajama jeans.”
2. THEY RELATE THE PRODUCT TO YOUR LIFE. Host: “You know we’ve all been there. You throw on some old grubby sweats to run to the store and of course you run into Kate, who always looks picture perfect. Me (in my head) “Oh, yes, I know a Kate or two.” Host: “Now, throw on your pajama jeans and give that Kate a run for her money!”
3. THEY USE TESTIMONIALS. Host: “And now we have Heather on the phone. Heather, which color of pajama jeans did you order?” Heather: “I couldn’t decide (giggle) so I ordered all three!” Me: (in my head) “Sounds a bit unpractical, but who am I to judge? She sounds so happy!”
4. THEY ARE FORWARD THINKING IN THEIR METHODS OF CONNECTING WITH YOU. Host: “Now we’re going to move over to Janet who is busy answering your questions on Facebook.” Janet: “We have several customers who have purchased pajama jeans in the past and these girls are telling us that they are the most comfortable jeans they’ve ever owned. Why don’t you join in the conversation on Facebook while you’re watching us on TV?” Me: (in my head) “Who are these ladies buying the pajama jeans? I’d better grab my iPad.”
5. THEY OFFER CONVENIENT PAYMENT PLANS. Host: “Don’t forget that pajama jeans are available on easy pay. Only 3 payments of $9.99.”
6. THEY SELL THE SIZZLE VERSUS THE STEAK. Host: “Once you pull these pajama jeans on, they are going to transport you to another place. You’ll experience comfort and style as never before.” Me: (to the cat) “I could use a little transporting…”
7. THEY CREATE A FEELING OF URGENCY – WITHOUT BEING TOO HIGH PRESSURE. Host: “Already 30,000 pairs of pajama jeans sold this morning! I don’t want to pressure you, but honey, as your friend, I want you to get the exact size and color you need. So, don’t put it off, call in or jump online, now!”
8. THEY ARE ADD-ON SPECIALISTS. Host: “And these pajama jeans would work perfectly with the uber stretchy tunics we highlighted last hour. You’ll have all of your friends wondering how on earth you pulled it all together!”
9. THEY PULL IN THE EXPERTS. Host: “And with us today we have Carla Fitsall, founder of Pajama Jeans International to share some of her wisdom.”
10. THEY KNOW THEIR CUSTOMER. “You know how once you pass 40; you start to get a little spread in certain areas.” Me (in my head) “Yeah, yeah! I know that spread!”

Really, did they just sell 30,000 pairs of pajama jeans at 30 bucks a pop? Heck yes, they did.

Thanks for reading today. And remember, marketing lessons are all around us!

Dina Boettcher, President
Boettcher Communications, LLC