Today, I learned yet again just how some small businesses know that they need to embrace the new technologies and media’s, and just how thirsty they are for more knowledge on why and how to.

The need to help them is big and the potential and possibilities that they see in it are even bigger.

My colleague Susan Bennett APR/ CPRC and I delivered the first of two sessions on “How to Partner Traditional and Social Media to Get Results Now”. This was targeted to Non profits and Child Care Centers. She talked about ’30 (non-profit)  marketing ideas that won’t bust the bank’.  She talked about solid  marketing activities from open houses, referral programs for new customers, magnetic signs on your car, chamber events and blogging to surveys, partnering, hosting  classes, press releases and ad specialties!

The more I listened, the more I thought that these 30 marketing ideas really apply to anyone in business regardless of their industry or type.

We all can benefit from a better balance of our offline and online marketing activities to serve our public and extend our business brands. Those of us that are using social and starting to see and experience it’s value and impact think everyone is. That’s far from the truth. Most small businesses are not, as we learned today.

I delivered the ‘Power of Email Marketing‘ to grow relationships and build trust part. The idea that they could communicate one to the many and many to many was exciting to them. We seriously discussed the importance of  permission based email marketing, as the keystone of building that trust. Having someone’s permission to communicate with them is something to be respected.

I asked them what email newsletters and communications they got that they saved, read, looked forward to and WHY?
An email marketers dream scenario, right?

So here it is, breaking news  from the lay public about  what they enjoy about the email marketing they receive.

• they were quick reads
• had good tips
• were interested
• had good information
• were easy to read

Long posts and articles, fancy shmancy images and pictures, deep meaningful messages might be good sometimes, but I’m not sure they can capture even the most sophisticated social customer anymore.

Aren’t we in the  age of  ‘brevity and impact’?

Their takeaway today?
permission, possibilities, do better, be better..

My take away today? 
Keep it simple, with a targeted message and usability that your grandma can appreciate.

I for one thank them for their astute simple wisdom.