Outfitted for marketing
Outfitted for Marketing
When one thinks of a costume, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea of Halloween and masquerade. However, I know a few very good (non-book) marketers who regularly don specific outfits when they go out and greet the world because it instantly alerts people to who they are and what their business is.
Ever been to a networking meeting and seen a guy in workout clothes? He may have just been coming from the gym – or he might have been my personal trainer, Miles Beccia, of MindMuscleMemory.com. My longtime friend Dolly Kennedy is always dressed for a party, as she’s become a walking advertisement for her namesake, the Dolly Steamboat.
When it comes to book marketing, a costume – or uniform of sorts – could be an author’s best friend, particularly at a book festival, sale, or other signing event where the goal is to stand out and get attention.
As I’ve come closer to completing Stan Finds Himself on the Other Side of the World, I’ve been amassing a growing collection of globes of all shapes and sizes. Among them are a wristwatch and a ring, which will, no doubt, be part of my Stan Travels Marketing Getup.
I also envisioned a vest with a map print of some sort – kind of like this:
But when I went to look for an image for that vest, this dress was the first one that came up under “map print vests.”
The Spanish word for dress is vestido. Maybe Google got confused? At any rate, with Miles’ help, I may one day be able to look that good in this dress.
In the meantime, this one is more my style – I actually ordered one while I was saving this image!
I’ve also thought about making a paper vest out of printed maps I’ve been collecting. That might be a fun marketing activity that gets beyond just the basic book signing event.
I’ll also have to hint around to my husband that these gorgeous globe earrings would make a lovely Christmas present!
Other map/globe accessories might include:
Map Shoes
Globe Cufflinks
Map Scarf – could double as a headband!
So while I doubt you’ll see me sporting this guy’s outfit anytime soon…
…there’s a good bet you will see me in some combination of the others at a signing event near you in 2017!
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Read the FIRST 5 Chapters of Stan Finds Himself on the Other Side of the World.
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LAURA ORSINI is an author and self-publishing consultant who works with other authors who want to 
change the world. From concept to publication to the first-time author’s book launch, her expertise will help you make a better book and find more readers. Friend her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, and check out her pins on Pinterest.
You sure had fun with this, Laura! Good for you!
Thanks, Beth. I did have fun – and it definitely got me thinking…
Laura,
How interesting! I, too, have travel themes in my recent release. I thought about a lightweight white Middle Eastern head covering, a Japanese robe and origami crane earrings, as well as a backpack. Your ideas are more fun and make a better statement!
Amy
Hi, Amy –
Thanks for the feedback. I think almost anything can work, as long as you’re willing to do it consistently. I had a client once who went by the name of Anna Banana in her business. She and her staff would routinely dress up in banana suits and go out and about town. I went with them once and was astonished at the number of people who stopped to ask for our photos – like we were celebrities! Not everyone’s comfortable in a costume, but if you push past the discomfort, it can be quite rewarding.
Best –
Laura