What's that ringing sound you hear at this time of year? It's
sound of store registers ringing up sales generated by Santa Claus. Just because he's old, overweight, long haired, unshaven and dresses funny, don't overlook his marketing success. Santa is a marketing expert and you can become one, too, if you follow his marketing methods.What's that you say? You don't believe in Santa Claus or you don't celebrate Christmas? It's true that Santa may be mostly mythical, but ask almost anybody who Santa is and what he does, and they'll tell you. And there are millions of children who are convinced he's real. So put your doubts about Santa aside for a moment and take a look at why he's so good at marketing.
Knows How to Be Unique Whether it is his trademark red suit, his unconventional transportation, his belly laugh or his occupation, Santa is different. He's one of a kind, which makes him memorable.
Gets Free Publicity He’s a master at getting free press. He’s mentioned in media constantly during winter holidays. Many songs, movies and books have been written about him.
Is Customer Focused While everyone knows about Santa, his marketing isn't focused on his credentials. He rarely talks about how long he's been in business nor does he bore people with long discussions of his work processes. Instead, he makes a huge effort to learn what people want.
It is estimated (http://ask.yahoo.com/ask/20021213.html) that each year over a million letters are sent to Santa. Santa supplements this effort by appearing in thousands of shopping malls around country, listening to an average of nine thousand children per mall. He does all this just to learn what his customers want.
Gives Something Away For Free While most of presents under tree are from family, including annual fruitcake from Aunt Bernice, typically at least one gift bears Santa's name. How can you not love someone who gives so many presents away each year and whose only expectation is a couple of cookies and a glass of milk?
