I tell a lie. Not everybody calls me Grumpish. Just those close enough to know that this affectionate nickname came from my nephew’s a three-year-old daughter. I asked Mila’s mother what her small fry just said when looking me square in the eye. “I think she just called you Grumpish.” And I remain “Grumpish” five years later and hopefully for many years to come.
One of my all-time Christmas gifts was a t-shirt with the word “Grumpish” scrolled across the chest. And here comes today’s message.
Example 1
Years ago, while exiting a doctor’s office, my wife spotted a man with the word “granite” written across the back with a phone number. As luck would have it, we were shopping for granite at the time. Barbara jotted down the number and before the adhesive could dry, we were the proud owners of a beautiful chunk of rock in our kitchen.
Example 2
Fast forward a few months and, while standing in a coffee queue, I spotted a logo on the shirt of a person standing in front of me. This led to a polite inquiry followed by a conversation resulting in a wait to be served flying by.
Example 3
I have one more example which leads me back to my Grumpish shirt. Yesterday, I was heading for the local golf driving range to hit a bucket of balls. Stepping out the door I heard Barbara say, “You are not wearing that shirt, are you?” “I am,” I replied. “People will think you are a grumpy old man,” she added.
Not only did I wear it, but I proved once and for all how effective t-shirt verbiage can be. Not one, not two, but three strangers made a point to say to me, “I like your shirt.” That is when I smiled back before explaining how my little Mila gave me this loving title.
For years, I have suggested to travel professionals to creatively come up with a set of words that would be easy to respond to. You can consider this as an “icebreaker.”
I also have recommended that it is in your best interest if you can manage people to “come to you.” Your promotional t-shirt (golf shirt) is the ideal vehicle to stimulate non-obtrusive conversation.
There is no downside. Either it stimulates conversation or it doesn’t. If not, it certainly does not position you as a bad person. The worst thing that can happen is you get chilly if the temperature should drop.
Today’s low key, logical, inexpensive, non-manipulative, fun and often-times effective marketing strategy—Create an eye-catching t-shirt.
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club, mike@mikemarchev.com.
*** You want more to think about? Check out my weekly podcast (Miked Up Marchev). Also listed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and iHeartRadio.