Marketing The Church

PR and the Church

2007-02-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

How can Churches reach the press? If your church is living out the Gospel and making a difference in the community, you will simply need to share what you are doing with the media. I hear complaints about how the media has a negative view of Christians and portray them harshly, but what are you doing to change that image? Is your church doing good by clothing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and caring for the fatherless and the widows? Let the media know what your church is about. There are plenty of good reporters out there who would love to do a feel-good story.

Imagine the impact your church could have if every time someone opened the newspaper there you are! Imagine people saying, “Oh look what that Marketing Genius Church is doing today. Do they ever stop doing good?”

In a way the Bible is a PR piece. It is not paid advertising, and the people who wrote were recording the facts like it was news. In fact the word Gospel means Good News. So the next time your church does a service project, make sure to share the Good News with your community.

You can post press releases for free on sites like PRZoom. Give it a try.

Passing the Plate

2007-02-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Passing the plate for offering is not visitor friendly. I have family members who believe the Church is in business to make money- that is why the Church passes the plate. When I explain to my family they do not need to give to the offering, they still feel pressured to put something in when the plate is passed to them. Although the speaker gives a disclaimer that it is not necessary for visitors to give, my family still feels obliged to put in money under these circumstances.

Although giving to the Church is a sacrament and a responsibility for all Christians, does it need to be done publicly? Perhaps it would be better for Christians to give in secret?

"When you give to the poor, don't let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you." (Matthew 6:3-4)

An alternative is to give members a way to tithe by placing offering plates in the back of the church, or by letting members mail in their offerings. People already motivated to give will find a way to present their offering without a plate being passed to them in their seat on Sunday morning. Think customer service; don’t scare away your customers (visitors) by being inflexible.

Is Your Church for Everyone?

2007-02-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

An important part of marketing is to pick a target audience. But, Isn’t the Church for Everyone?

Yes, the Church is for everyone, but the style or gifting of your particular local congregation may not appeal to everyone. If you try to appeal to everyone, you are more likely to appeal to no one. So if someone is looking for a rock and roll style Christian music service yet you sing hymns, he or she might be better off attending another church. The competition for churches is not other churches, but Satan. As long as people are going to church somewhere, you have won. Therefore, you need to do your homework, stop making excuses and figure out the best way to communicate to the local people walking in your doors (or find out why they aren’t walking in the door).

The great Christian philosopher Francis Schaeffer speaks of the Church’s challenge of meeting the unique demands of its age. This means that in every era the Church faces new competition for the hearts of people. It is incumbent upon each generation to define and meet any challenge to knowledge of God.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

You challenge is to determine what influences your particular church body is opposing and how best to face them in a modern context. Putting together a marketing plan is part of the process of effectively reaching your community.

Beating the Competition

2007-01-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

Who is competing with you for the souls of the people in your community? I have heard pastors talk about how they will draw more people than another church in their community because of logistics or programs. But are other churches the competition?

Your church is competing for the time and attention of people who don't know God. There are plenty of other things to keep them busy:

job
kids
football
sleep
tv

Since all churches share the same goal of bringing people to Christ, why not form partnerships and do more together? Your competition is not other churches, it's Satan.

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:34-35

Second Best Ain't Good Enough

2007-01-26T13:11:00.000-08:00

One of my pet peeves is passing off second rate stuff as "good enough" because it is by or for Christians. If you are representing Christ you better be leading the pack, not following behind. The Church should be a leader of culture, but it seems to lag behind.

A few weeks ago I attended a service at Windsor Crossing. The service was done by the youth group and it is one of the best Sunday mornings I have had in a long time. It is refreshing to see talented young people giving their best for God. These guys rocked, and did some really cool lighting and video stuff that I have never seen before.

I told my wife that I don't remember ever seeing something in a church service that impressed me or made me wonder how they pulled it off. Churches today are still patting themselves on the back for using overheads or projectors- big deal. These kids had me saying this is cool, how did they do that, and getting emotional. I have a pretty intlellectual approach to God. I love to worship with my mind. It was a great feeling to be a part of something excellent and I found myself getting emotional too.

If we really want to reach our culture we need to be leaders not followers. When non-Christians want to be a part of a Christian event because it is superior we will be doing our jobs.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

What are Churches Marketing?

2007-01-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

In traditional business you keep score by how much money you make. Therefore good marketing means more money. How do churches measure their success?

Churches are not looking to make money, they are looking to save souls. Fundraising and communicating the importance of good stewardship are important goals for churches, but if that is all they do they have failed.

Churches exist to save souls by bringing people into a relationship with Jesus. This may seem straightforward, but how does your church measure success? A pastor friend of mine was moved to tears when he visited a neighboring church and they showed a video of dozens of people getting baptized. I asked him how many people had come to Christ through his church the last few years and he said he did not know, but it was not many.

Before a church considers undertaking a marketing campaign they need to know what they are trying to accomplish. What does a building campaign build? A more efficient point of contact with people who need Christ, or more space for the members?

What goals does your church have for producing results that matter? Creating internal programs for members is not what we are called to do. How many people did your church reach for Christ in 2006? How many will you reach this year?

FoxFaith, DirecTV offer churches free satellite TV and exclusive screenings of upcoming films

2007-01-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

Seems like Christians are never happy about the culture. This story from Christianity Today says that studios are giving pastors satellites so that they can screen films first. The reaction from Christian critics is not positive.

When I was a film student Christians were clamoring for Hollywood to produce more family friendly fair. Now that they are making such films they are accused of being in it for the money.

Hey, they ARE in it for the money because Hollywood is a for profit industry. I have been waiting for them to wake up and see the market for family friendly and Christian films. Now that they are making faith based films and PG13 productions they are accused of being greedy.

Hollywood has not changed. So which would you rather have, a greedy Hollywood making sex and slasher films or Christian and family films? I'll take the latter.

The Coolest Church Marketing Cartoon Ever

2007-01-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

OK, maybe it is the only one, but it sure is a doozy! Check out more cartoons from CartoonChurch.

Does Your Website Attract or Repel Potential Visitors?

2007-01-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

Tony Morgan gives 10 Easy Ways to Keep Me from Visiting Your Church Because I Visited Your Website

1 Avoid telling me what's going to happen at your church this weekend
2 Put a picture of your building on the main page
3 Use lots of purple and pink and add pictures of flowers
4 Make me click a "skip intro" or "enter site" link
5 Add as many pictures and graphics as you can to the main page
6 Use amateur photography
7 List every single ministry you have at your church
8 Make it as difficult as possible for me to get directions, services times, or find information about what will happen with my kids
9 Put a picture of your pastor with his wife on the main page
10 Try to sell your church rather than telling me how I will benefit from the experience

Some churches are still arguing that marketing is a dirty word while most churches feel pressure to do something. Having a website is not enough without a strategy behind it. The best strategy is to show what a cool loving place you are to meet Jesus and his followers.

Is Marketing In the Bible?

2007-01-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

The folks at the Church Marketing Sucks blog tackle the question of whether or not markting is in the Bible.

"In The Message version, 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture."

Boy that does not sound like a ringing endorsement of marketing. But if you define marketing as the process of effective communication then the whole book is about marketing. Not only how Christians should be spreading the word, but how God communicated to a chosen people and even became a man in order to overcome communication barriers.

God is the original marketing genius.

BenefitBar Helps Churches Stay in Touch and Raise Funds

2006-12-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

Check out this cool way to raise funds for your church. BenefitBar is an easy to get toolbar for your Internet browser. The toolbar keeps you connected with important info related to your church, and they benefit when you search from the built in Yahoo! search engine.

This is an innovative way to use the new technology available and leverage the power of Marketing 2.0.

I have to disclose that I helped get this set up and designed the logo and tagline. I am not a part of the company but I am extremely impressed with the way BenefitBar team has grown this project. Take a look at the many toolbars they have already created here.

If you are looking for a great tool to increase communication with your members and earn some extra money check out BenefitBar.

Church Sign Generator

2006-11-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

See what that church sign looks like before you do the lettering. Make yours here:
Church Sign Generator

United Church calls for ban on bottled water

2006-09-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

United Church calls for ban on bottled water. Church officials say people are paying taxes for their water and then purchasing it again from the grocery when there is no reason not to drink tap water. There are also criticism of the 'Big 4' companies (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Danone, Nestle), including price gouging, misleading marketing and labeling.

Strategy for church growth splits congregants

2006-09-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Purpose Driven methodology seems to be causing controversy and schisms as the strategy for church growth splits congregants. Is Rick Warren a Luther in disguise? Warren says not to use the exact same model of his congregation as each local body is different. That does not stop the copy cats from trying to impose a Southern California model on their home churches. Some people don't read the fine print.

Indulge in Some Papal Souvenirs

2006-09-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Spiegel reports on the Holy Kitsch:

"The souvenir items run the gamut from fashion (a Ratzinger hat), to food (the Ratzi bratwurst), to alcoholic beverages (Benedict Beer) to china (Ratzinger teacups). Someone has even come up with the idea of an eraser bearing the pope's likeness. It's called the 'Ratzefummel.'"

I guess it is not as bad as selling salvation, and some of this stuff is kinda cool. I still have my JPII pennant from the Rose Bowl.

Jim Collins and the Social Sector

2006-09-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Jim Collins, Author of Good to Great and Built to last, has a new work dedicated to the Social and Non-profit sectors of business. Check out the free excerpts here.

Unapologetic About Marketing Jesus Christ

2006-08-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Star reports on a church that is Marketing Jesus Christ:

"'You have to know your product and be able to market your product and our product is Jesus Christ,' says Taynia Wright, a longstanding member of KCM..."

It's refreshing to hear people that are unapologetic when talking about marketing, and more importantly about Jesus Christ.

Church offers salvation at the gas pump

2006-06-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

NorthStar Church is offering savings, but this article seems to think they offer salvation at the gas pump. Not everyone agrees with the plan:

"Ken Williams of Saratoga Springs, an ordained pastor who organized three consecutive annual 'Ride Your Bike to Work Days' to conserve gas, called the buy-down smart but misguided marketing. 'It sounds to me like they are paying 50 cents per a person's gallon of gas in a way to promote their church, like any other business would take out an ad,' he said."

If the point of an ad is to communicate your message, what's the problem? Williams assumes that advertising is bad for some reason. What do you think of this promotion?

666- The MARKeting of the Beast

2006-06-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

June 6th is the perfect time for some to Market the Beast:

"For some Armageddon believers, it represents the date upon which the Antichrist will spread universal evil over the Earth.
For marketers, 666 has also become an ideal date -- to launch movies, records, books and other products or events, particularly those with religious undertones."

Most of the knowledge of ordinary people comes from movies and their interpretation of scripture. Your church can take advantage of these opportunities ti start conversations about the Bible.

Count churches among Oilers faithful

2006-06-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Edomonton Journal says you can Count churches among Oilers faithful:

"The one-sentence sermon usually found on the sign in front of McDougall United Church was replaced last week with something less preachy but just as pithy: 'Go Oilers Go.' Church signs cheering on the Oilers have been popping up all over the city this playoff season. It's 'godvertising' with a hockey twist, and it's all part of the effort to fill church pews."

Billboards in Italian Churches

2006-06-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

When passing the plate fails, try renting space for billboards- ITALY: AD BILLBOARDS INSIDE FAMOUS BASILICA RAISE A STORM

The Evil Empire Strikes Back

2006-05-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Baptists are lightening up on their stand against DisneyAccording to this article- Memories of SBC boycott fade as Disney lake hosts baptisms:

"The baptisms came at the end of a fading boycott that started in the 1990s, when SBC leaders criticized then-Disney chairman Michael Eisner for instituting gay-friendly products and company policies. SBC members also decried perceived sexual licentiousness in some Disney movies."

Though the SBC leaders in this article say they were never for the boycott, I thought it was excellent. Disney is motivated by profit, so if you want to get their attention you have to vote with your dollars.

I call them the Evil Empire ever since I worked for them at Disney Ice in Anaheim CA for 2 years in the 90's. I got an up close and personal view of how Disney treats its "cast members." Thankfully they have since left hockey which may give the Mighty ones a chance at being a legit NHL team in the future.

Calling Card Indulgence

2006-05-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is the closest thing to an indulgence I have seen for a while. Though this does not promise salvation, it is still pretty tacky: Holy calling card gets you blessed by Mexican priest VivirLatino

Sure the church makes some money, but what does this do to their image? How many people are going to be turned off to this (like the blogger where I got this info). Even if you think the church is a business (which I do not) it is still bad business due to the mass of people you alienate (pun intended).

Is Jesus Your Boyfriend?

2006-05-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Want to reach roughly half the population? Most churches aren't. Check out ChurchForMen.com to learn why and get some resouces on how to make changes, like this free guide they offer. Here's a quote from the newsletter they just sent me:

"Harold and I are going to be praying and brainstorming ideas for how we can "man up" worship in America — starting with PK events. We're praying that God shows us an alternative to "Jesus is my boyfriend music." Please pray with us. "

That makes me laugh, because it's true. I always say I don't like worship music, but when I am sitting at my computer I will get swept away by a hard driving worship song by Mortal, P.O.D., The OC Supertones or Plankeye. So I guess it is not that I don't like worship music, I just don't like the kind they play at church.

How is your Church reaching men? What kind of music do you play?

The Seedy Side of Indy

2006-05-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

An article in the Los Angeles Times explains how churches are embracing and using technology. They are pushing the limits beyond PowerPoint with imagination catching pictures and situations:

"An evangelical church in Granger, Ind., put up billboards a few months back showing a rumpled bed, entwined feet and the address http://www.mylamesexlife.com . That site linked to an artsy mini-movie with shots of a seedy motel and a man sunk in morning-after regret.

'Is your sex life a bore? A chore? Why does it seem like everyone else is having all the fun?' the text asked. As the movie ended, viewers for the first time saw the logo of Granger Community Church, which was sponsoring five weeks of sermons on sex, lust and porn. The tagline: 'We're not afraid to talk about it.'"

If it can happen in Indy, it will happen in your church. Your congregation has to resopond to this technology and mindset by either capturing it and using it for God's glory, or by building yourself a monestary and hiding. What will it be for your church?

Churches Embrace the Web In Bid to Attract Members

2006-05-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Great article on WSJ.com - Churches Embrace the Web In Bid to Attract Members.

"Churches with an evangelical bent often lead the way when it comes to harnessing technology, though some traditional congregations are also experimenting -- even the Vatican has podcasts. Still, some Christians are concerned about using unmoderated social-networking sites that may contain adult language and racy photos."

If you try to control the message, you don't understand web 2.0 or Christianity 2.0. This communication tool is based on trust and openness, that means risk which most churches are averse to. This guy gets it:

"Churches that overthink the logistics can kill the buzz," said Brian Bailey, Web director for Fellowship Church, which includes four Southern Baptist churches in Greater Dallas. "The churches that are most nervous and thinking most about it are the ones who don't do it," he said. "Blogs don't usually work very well when they're planned."

Do you get it? Does your church? If not, you are better off not getting into the mix. Stick with your overhead projector and hamburger fellowships, at least you are being yourself. So even if you are behind the times at least you are authentic.

Giving Box

2006-05-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

One of my peeves at church is the old passing of the plate. It is not very friendly to visitors- regardless of how many times you say "don't feel obligated to give if you are visiting." It is hard not to feel obligated when someone passes you a plate, bucket, or other receptacle.

Taking my Catholic in-laws to service for their yearly Easter visit results in an affirmation in their minds that the Church is a business. My Father-in-Law puts money in the plate like he is paying for fries at the drive through. In his mind it is just how it works and he is not going to go to Church and not pay- especially when the bucket is passed to him.

Mature Christians will give. If they are giving because you passed a plate then they should not be giving anyway. Whatever happened to the old give in secret thing?

Alas, the Quest service at Efree of St. Louis has a giving box available in the back for those who are tithing. People who want to give can, but there is no pressure and no public displays. An answer to my prayers. Way to go guys! (Note: I took this picture with my Palm so it is not the best quality.)

The Last Da Vinci Code Post

2006-05-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have been inundated with church related stories that have to do with the Da Vince Code. I decided not to post any more items about this topic- overkill. But this article in The Age is different:

"Religious leaders have already publicly condemned The Da Vinci Code for its claim of a sexual relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene but the churches are also cashing in. Churches all over the world have launched websites to contest claims made in the book and to attract new members. The Anglican Church in NSW is spending $50,000 on a cinema advertising campaign debunking some of the book's more contentious claims."

These sites are not going to change the perceived image of the makers of the Da Vinci Code movie, but they will change the image of the real church. There is something to Bill's line about "Me thinks thee doth protest too much."

Church trying to convey God's relevance to everyday life

2006-05-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN-TIMES.com reports on a church in Asheville, NC that is using marketing to reach people and gain critics. A spokesman for the church explains:

...(this) church is not so much about marketing as it is about trying to speak a language people can understand."

Do you have a problem with that?

Separation of Church and Affiliate Marketing

2006-05-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Shawn Collins may be targeting your church. He sees a possible Separation of Church and Affiliate Marketing and reasons:

"...Could this be a powerhouse breeding ground for affiliate programs that's been somewhat neglected to date? That's what I'm starting to investigate. "

Why Don't Ad Agencies Advertise?

2006-05-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Simon Sinek asks Why Don't Ad Agencies Advertise?:

"Considering that agencies recommend their clients spend 10% of their revenues on marketing, the big four are spending .01% of their combined $29.3 billion in global revenue. Mull that for a second or two."

People waste tons of money on marketing because they don't truly understand the process. What they see is the big dollar mass market campaigns like TV, Print and radio. Before spending a dime on promotion (like ads) you must find your advantage, define your purpose and create an image. Your promotions must be focused on building relationships. To see if it is working you must gain feedback, then make changes based on the information you gather. These are the Seven Keys to Marketing Genius.

Postmodern Church Conference- Are We Too Relevant?

2006-05-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

A conference on the postmodern church was held at Tyndale University. ChristianWeek reports:

"Keynote speakers also included Blue Like Jazz author Donald Miller, who says in many churches, a 'slick PR marketing style sales pitch' has been substituted for the message of Christ. 'We have accepted a free market translation of the Scripture,' said Miller. 'While the Church peddles an offer that will make your life better and fulfil you emotionally and in every other way, Jesus' message was different..."

"...“Now we have gone even further, with some of our churches looking like nightclubs and coffee houses where we go to be entertained by a band or performer.”

The challenge is to be relevant to our culture while communicating the same timeless truths of the Bible. It is not always easy and people are prone to extremes, but what is the alternative? We can't stop trying.

Cheesy Jesus Collection

2006-05-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

Dave's Blog-o-rama gives us Dave's Cheesy Jesus Collection:

#1 — The Tattoo of the Christ
#2 — Air Jesus
#3 — Christian Milk Company
#4 — Jesus Inspirational Sport Statues
#5 — Armed & Ready
#6 — Football Jesus Bobblehead

Notice 3 of the 6 are Christian t-shirts.

Sports and Bobble Head Bible Heroes

2006-05-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Minor league teams are seeing success with Christian themed games and giveaways such as the Nashville Sound:

"Hugely popular 'faith nights' launched three years ago by the Nashville Sounds minor-league baseball team, treat fans to giveaways such as the biblical bobble-heads, camouflage Bibles, and special pre- and postgame appearances by Christian cartoon VeggieTales characters such as Bob the Tomato."

I was told not to write my fraternity letters on bathroom walls and sidewalks because it was not a good representation of Pi Kappa Phi. I give the same recommendation to clients, sometimes less is more. Just because you can put your logo on a roll of toilet paper, does not mean you should. I have the same feeling about these promotions.

On the other hand, if you are creating something of value that people want, regardless of the Christian connection, then you have done your job of leading the culture. If you are able to give away a promotion that is so cool that anybody would want one, then you are making your message irresistable. Unfortunately the items mentioned in this article sound like copy cat and me too items that make Christian look, once again, second class.

The Doors Light My Fire

2006-04-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

When the Doors sang Light My Fire on the Ed Sullivan show they were told to change the lyrics from "Girl we couldn't get much higher" to "Girl we couldn't get..." I don't remember what they were supposed to say. The point is that they did not change the lyrics. They spoke their voice and were authentic.

This was a defining moment in the career of the group. Part of why the band, and Jim Morrison are such legends today is because they were real. They did not comprimise or water down who they were- and the fans loved them for it.

It seems like we are constantly under attack to be something else, to water down our message or to conform for the sake of not offending people. What we are left with is droves of mediocre people living dull lives. God called us to live an abundant life. He created us uniquely to fulfill a specific purpose.

The next time someone tells you to cool it so that you don't offend anyone with your strong visionary words- ask them to produce those that are offended and you can address their concerns directly. In the meantime, continue to fight the good fight and follow your Leader.

John 4:44 Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.

To Co-locate or not Co-locate your Servers

2006-04-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

This article on Church Business tells you all you ever wanted to know about hosting your website, and more...

If you are still confused then I would contact my friend Jon Furr at Christian Technology Solutions. Jon has helped me and several churches I know navigate a sea of confusing information to get your site up and running in no time.

Field Trip to Lebanon

2006-04-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of visiting Washington Chrisitan Church in Lebanon, MO this weekend. I actually got to preach on Sunday morning. It has been a while since I did that- I was a little nervous. I loosened up when I presented again Sunday night and was able to be more interactive with the crowd.

Sunday morning I spoke about the biblical basis for marketing the church. I used several references, but the key one is the great commission:

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Marketing is really about learning to effectively communicate a message to a target audience. For Christians this means effectively communicating the Gospel to lost people.

In the evening I gave a mission building workshop. We had lots of fun making paper airplanes and drawing pictures, but in the end we also had a start on a mission statement, vision, and goals for everyone that attended. We also laid a great foundation for the mission statement that is being created for the whole church and discussed how they relate to and support one another.

I stayed with my buddy and preacher Heath Vogel and his family. We had lots of fun and watched Escape from Alcatraz- which was a funny movie that was supposed to be serious. Here's a quote from the movie:

Litmus: What's your name kid?
Charley Butts: Charley Butts.
Litmus: Charley's Butt? Hahahah, you got a pretty friggin' funny name kid.
Charley Butts: Oh yeah? What's yours?
Litmus: Al Capone.

Whew, you gotta go back to '79 for snappy dialogue like that.

The Vogels live in the parsonage right across the street from the church, and right next to a bunch of cows. Quite a view.

It was a fun trip and I got some cool cowboy shirts with snaps on the pockets from the outlet mall on the way back.

Hey, thanks for reading about my trip to Lebanon.

Internet Evangelism Day - a Christian web outreach focus day for the worldwide church

2006-04-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

This looks interesting: Internet Evangelism Day - a Christian web outreach focus day for the worldwide church I like the idea, but the website has pages and pages of information and I am not sure what the purpose of Internet Day is exactly. Maybe I will go back when I have more time to figure out what they want me to do.

Xianz - The Christian MySpace for Christian Friends

2006-04-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Check it out Xianz - The Christian MySpace for Christian Friends.

Thanks Will!

Hollywood's Got Spirit- How Bout You?

2006-04-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

USA Today reports that movies with a spiritual bent abound this year and next.

This is great news! Spiritual discussion is part of the cultural framework. How are you and your church prepared to take advantage of this climate- or are you going to let Hollywood be the lone voice explaining spiritual meaning in society?

Mass for the Masses

2006-04-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Calvary Christian Center is planning an Easter service for 10,000:

"The media-savvy congregation, which has a TV show called "Possess the Land" that appears Sunday mornings on WRBW Channel 65, has inundated the area with 70,000 pieces of advertising, including fliers and "Alive!" Easter signs appearing like campaign signs on front lawns and street corners.Because Easter brings out people who are not regular churchgoers, Brewster said Calvary wants people to consider their church as an option.

Calvary also does extensive outreach, evangelizing on street corners during special events like Black College Reunion and organizing Easter egg hunts in low-income neighborhoods."

What do you think is the best use of these marketing funds? To focus on church goers to come to this particular church, or to do outreach and connect with the unchurched? The former may be in alignment with the mission of this church, but the latter is in alignment with the Great Comission. I guess this begs the question that Will Good asks: since when is the Gospel a come to us propostion?

Brands That Rock: Learning How To Market from Rock and Rollers

2006-04-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

This Brands That Rock book looks interesting:

"Stephan and Blackwell also examine how businesses, from Victoria's Secret and Wal-Mart to Cadillac and Kraft, have implemented rock and roll strategies to become adopted by culture and secure fans in their own right. Filled with fun anecdotes and interviews from industry insiders, Brands That Rock will relate to managers who grew up with classic rock, showing them how build iconic brands, and delight fans decade after decade. "

It is always a good to look at your industry or discipline from other perspectives.

Thanks to Bob Baker for suggesting this book.

Marketing Vs Islam

2006-04-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

The Catholic Church is trying to market to inner city youth, those they are missing usually end up converting to Islam according to to the article: City's churches open way for Islam:

"Some religious purists might cringe at the thought that the Catholic Church must learn marketing strategies to survive in inner-city America. Churches are competing with a host of activities on Sundays. The parish school may no longer have the emotional appeal of yesteryear for students not related to parishioners. The question becomes: Why should a parent pay tuition for a child to go to a Catholic school?...the extinction of inner-city Christian education accompanying the suburban exodus sends a message that inner-city souls are less valuable. This opens a beachhead for Islam to gain converts. Inner-city black neighborhoods appear to be prime candidates where Muslims can gain mainstream legitimacy by becoming the religion of native-born Americans."

Spending energy and resources to market to this segment of population sends the message that you care what happens in this community.

Bribing the Easter visitors

2006-04-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Barnes asks if we should be Bribing Easter visitors with trips to Disneyland.

I vote no.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Media 2.0

2006-04-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Bubblegeneration Strategy Lab has a detailed economic explanation of what Media 2.0 is and how it effects your business. Some highlights:

"Don’t use the property rights metaphorAs an excuse for strategyHere’s why:The property rights metaphor:Only I have the right to use/benefit/exchange this piece of land. But what if you let others in……and they build you a house? This is where the property rights metaphor ends up in a Media 2.0 world. This is what the economics of micromedia and peer production imply. The property rights metaphor itself is a block to thinking strategically about Media 2.0 economics."

"The three sources of Media 2.0 value creation…Revelation, Aggregation, and Plasticity…Give rise to fundamentally new kinds of economies:
Distributed economies of scale
Coordination economies
Production economies of scale and scope

which require radically different product strategies:
Openness
Intelligence
Decentralization
Connectedness

In order to realize these economies and produce the dominant Media 2.0 strategy……The snowball effect, and realize increasing returns to adoption within the niche…which is a total inversion of the dominant Media 1.0 strategy-the blockbuster effect."

Check out the full article and Powerpoint for a well thought through thesis.

The Pez Dispenser - Unbundled Microchunks Explained

2006-04-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

OK, if you are like me and slept in instead of going to Economics class then check out this explanation of microchunks that puts the hay down on the barn floor: Know More Media: The Pez Dispenser - Unbundled Microchunks

(Yoda Pez added for my friends at Know More Media ;-)

WITH YOGA, COMEDY AND PARTIES, SYNAGOGUES ENTICE NEWCOMERS

2006-04-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

Who'd have thunk it? Somebody is copying the marketing of evangelical churches! The Amherst Times explains:

"The evangelical pastors who built the mega-churches that rose to prominence in the 1980's and 90's absorbed lessons from the secular marketplace to repackage church services to appeal to people who found traditional church boring or intimidating. In a similar fashion although their goal is not necessarily to produce 'mega-synagogues' Jewish leaders are revamping worship in their synagogues to make the experience more lively and participatory; they are reconfiguring their sanctuaries to make them less intimidating; they are rethinking how to welcome newcomers; and they are getting increasingly creative about getting people in the door."

:::xxxchurch.com::: #1 Christian Porn Site

2006-04-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

Now that's an attention grabbing title. This really is a site by Christians reaching out to people caught up in porn. Talk about putting the message of reconciliation into a modern context. These guys are the bomb!

I recognize one of the guys, Craig, from Bible College. Glad to see he is doing some cool stuff. Check it out and pray for our brothers who are making a difference on the frontlines! :::xxxchurch.com::: #1 Christian Porn Site

The Thin Gray Line

2006-04-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

OK, we know, the population is getting older, but how does this affect your audience? Steven Mikulan explains:

"More fundamentally, such electronic diversions and entertainments as the Internet, iPods and other MP3 devices, along with increasingly sophisticated video-gaming technology, are transforming the relationship between product and audience. To paraphrase Norma Desmond, stars remain big while it's the pictures or at least, the screens that get smaller. Even as the Mark Taper Forum sells out performances of The Cherry Orchard, the very nature of audience is changing from a collective of spectators who passively witness someone else's work to a far less definable mass of individuals who cannot sit still but feel the impulse to interact with what they are experiencing. Theater's only solace is that it is not alone in this tectonically changing landscape, as audiences for classical music, jazz, church sermons, and even movies and network TV have continued to shrink. "

People are bored unless they can interact. What was the last sermon you heard, or gave that was interactive?

Pizza Wars

2006-03-21T11:45:00.000-08:00

Deborah from Athletes4Jesus did not like my critique of their marketing campaign. I understand her being upset, I was not kind to their website or their choice to spend so much on a Superbowl ad. You can read her point of view and my response.

Improve Your Church's Communications by Learning from an Expert

2006-03-20T09:26:00.000-08:00

If you are trying to figure out how to market your church, you can't go wrong by following the advice of Seth Godin. He is an expert on starting legitimate conversations with and amongst people- which is what the Church is trying to do- get people talking about and in a relationship with God. Check out this free video of Godin speaking at Google:

"All Marketers are Liars" - Seth Godin speaks at Google - Google Video

Make sure you have your notebook ready because Godin has some paradigm shifting statements that will greatly effect your ability to change and improve how you communicate. And if you are wondering if Godin shares his best stuff consider one of his latest blog posts:

So, the question: should you put your best song on the free CD?

If it's your best song, and it's free, then no one will pay to get it from iTunes. And if it's the best song on the album, maybe no one will buy the album since they already have the song.

It's easy to argue that you should hold back the best song, make people pay for that.

Until you realize that the >>> button on my CD player works great.

If you are trying to figure out how to better communicate with your audience, watching this video is probably the best use of your time today.

How, Not If, To Market The Church

2006-03-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

John Throop has an excellent article on church marketing trends and what new challenges are being faced:

"...massive shifts in American society over the past 20 years present churches with tremendous challenges to adapt, address new assumptions, and use a new, non-theological language with rapidly increasing numbers of unbelievers..."

How churches market, that is communicate, to to their culture is not an issue it is the issue. Our job description as Christians is to be communicating the Gospel. Jesus contextualized his message and put it into a framwork that could be understood by his hearers. We should follow His example.

Hollywood Woos Your Church

2006-03-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

Christian Zappone explains how niche companies find new markets for Hollywood studios:

Paul Lauer, president of Motive Marketing, contends the company's goal isn't about marketing movies as much as providing congregations with tools to further their goals. "Our biggest asset is our relationships," said Lauer. His firm, which also markets to non-religious audiences, developed study and resource guides for "Narnia" that targeted church leaders and school teachers -- just as it had created outreach materials for "Passion."

Christians and conservatives have been clamoring for family friendly movies for over a decade. Now Hollywood is responding. There are more PG-13 movies than in the past, (though some of the content is worse than R movies without being as graphic). The information and study packets for family and Christian themed films are great resources that are usually provided for free. So Christians and conservatives have gotten what they wanted, Hollywood has changed.

Why this change of heart? Is it because of the protests, the full page ads against film and TV violence, or has Hollywood been taken over by the converted? Follow the money- it became less profitable to make non family friendly films. Dollars are votes so when people stopped watching those films and voting for them with their dollars, Hollywood changed their approach. Money isn't everything, but in a capitalist society it is a powerful way to send a message and affect change.

How to Reach the Youth

2006-03-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

This Article by Jonathon Norman emphasizes the best way to reach the youth is to empower them to particpate in ministry:

"In a world that does not accommodate teenagers very well unless we're marketing to them and relying on their 'impressionable minds' and pockets to carry our economy, can we as the Church practice a different model of saying, 'You are a vital part of who we are NOW!! Your gifts, your talents, and your service is valued- not just in cleaning up and putting up tables and chairs at dinners but in being a WHOLE part of this community with a voice'.... I hope that's where we are, cause I know they need that empowerment and the Church needs their gifts, raw creativity, ability to venture outside the box, and spirit energy."

I agree, and would add that this is the best way to reach any group in your church.

God Loves Homosexuals

2006-03-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

These t-shirts from Apologia Sharewear are another way to start conversations with people about God.

Episcopal Church Reaches Out to the Out

2006-03-16T11:29:00.001-08:00

The Episcopal Church reaches out to LGBTs with billboard in the Detroit area. How should churches go about spreading a message of love to this community? Are billboards the answer?

Steve Harvey Ain't Trippin

2006-03-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

Steve Harvey has a movie coming out Friday called Don't Trip, He Ain't Through with me Yet that targets Church audiences. Harvey relates his experiences and observations about Church life. This is another film aimed at Christians affirming a trend in Hollywood. It also looks funny.

Another Web Marketing Tool for Churches- Churchshoppers.com

2006-03-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

It's worth taking a look at this site for your church: Churchshoppers.com

Acts 17:11 The Original Church Marketing Plan

2006-03-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

How did God get people talking in the first century to kick off his new Church building program? It is different than what we do today for sure. Take a look at the analysis in the article- God's Church Growth Program in the First Century:

"Imagine the foolishness of God. He initiates the birth of the church by supernaturally striking dead two generous, if dishonest, contributors right in front of everyone. We tend to stylize and flannelgraph this situation in our minds. But imagine you had really been there and this had happened to someone you knew in the fellowship. Imagine the practical problems of having a couple of corpses on your hands, the general mood, the thought of how you were going to explain this to the authorities, the appreciation of how serious and intense it is to really be in God's presence, and the deep sense of the fear of God that would naturally be the result.

Word spread: 'That is not the place to go if you are playing around. God is there.' Among the Christians, duplicitous people were struck dead, after all. Not a place to trifle with religion, that is for sure.

Let us jump into the text now, after this rather 'negative' miracle and see what God did by and through it.

Acts 5:11,13-14 (NIV) Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events... No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

There is our 'church growth' verse, in context."

I would like to see myself or another Church marketing guy pitching this idea to a committee.

Word of Mouth Church Marketing

2006-03-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

This article on how to Grow a Church With the Power of Words highlights why and how churches should use marketing. It always comes down to word of mouth, but how do you get people talking and sharing. Here are some questions to ask:

* What has your church done lately that is newsworthy or buzzworthy (generates talk)?
* If your church is doing significant things, are people finding out about it?
* Are members inviting other people to the church?
* When people visit the church do they go away with a positive impression and tell other people?
* Do you gather feedback from members and visitors to improve your church?
* How are people finding out about your church? Are they receiving a consistent positive message or is most of the information gleaned from gossip and hearsay?

Godcasting

2006-03-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

According to the Tennesean Christian podcasting know as Godcasting is a growing phenomenon:

"Although nascent, the podcasting landscape is growing with an audience expected to reach 60 million people nationwide by 2010, according to The Diffusion Group, a consumer technology research firm based in Plano, Texas. And religious content is one of its fastest-growing segments, say observers. Lycos.com reported last year religious that programs and sermons are the most popular genre"

Yet another area of communications (what I call marketing) that is growing beyond the average church's capacity to grasp. All the more reason to have a minister of communciation at your church. Wether they are paid or volunteer, this will be a big job and don't underestimate the importance.

Reformed Church Marketing

2006-03-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

This website from the Reformed Church of America has some great resources and recommendations for Church marketing.

Marketing the Church's

2006-03-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Chicken sales hit over $1 billion for Church's Fried Chicken. Congratulations!

I realize this is not related to marketing the Christian Church, but I thought it was funny.

Love Thy Neighbors?

2006-03-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

A Growing church rankles its neighbors in Detroit. WWJD?

Irish church attendance growing in popularity

2006-03-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Irish church attendance is growing in popularity , but it is still second place to shopping.

Growing Megachurches Use Marketing Surveys and Communications

2006-03-06T06:57:00.000-08:00

According to a new study, megachurches are growing in the sunbelt and are getting smarter in how they use marketing surveys and communications. The study also found that many of these churches do have ties to traditional denominations. By understanding what best communicates with their target audience, these churches are providing a welcoming environment to thousands of people.

Top megachurch states
1. California (178)
2. Texas (157)
3. Florida (85)
4. Georgia (73)
5. Illinois (46)

Top megachurch cities in Florida
1. Jacksonville(10)
2. Orlando (8)
3. Miami (6)
4. Pensacola (6)
5. Fort Lauderdale (6)
6. Tampa (5)
7. Lakeland (5)"

Websites Make Speedy First Impression

2006-03-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

According to a study reported on the BBC News, web users decide if a website is good in about 1/2 a second.

You need to make sure the first thing people see is a great hook for qualified viewers that can lead them to the rest of your site and then to your organization. This is usually going to be a visual image that gets people's attention, and then leads them to read your headlines and copy. Bottom line: make sure your site has visual appeal backed up by great copy.

Warning Against Church Marketing

2006-03-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

In this article Pastor Bill Harrel warns that the Church should not be marketed:

“The world is common, but Jesus Christ is superior. … The message of Jesus calls the people of this world to a different standard, and it’s a standard that they don’t want. It calls them to a different standard bearer. And they don’t want the standard bearer. … They want to make it common so the masses of society can find it acceptable to themselves,” he said.

In this process, the Bible becomes a “how-to-book” for success, worship is barely acceptable, and numbers become the main goal. The world would love this church, he said, but they would not hear the gospel in this church. “The church is not a marketable item,” Harrell said.

I agree that the Church must have a message that is clear, distinct from what the world has to offer, and true to the Gospel. But when you are communicating this message you are participating in the marketing process. I understand Harrel's point- he is concerned with psychology lessons disguised as sermons. My only disagreement with the pastor is in the use of terminology.

Bottom line: Churches are already using marketing, my goal is to get them to understand the best way to do so in order to reach more people for Christ while staying true to the Gospel.

Xtreme Christianity- The New Hippies?

2006-03-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

This Article in the Herald Tribune describes the rebellious style of today's evangelical youth modeling similar trends in American youth cultural history. The story compares the trend of kids getting into the rebelliousness of Christianity to other counter cultures of past decades like hippies, hip hoppers, and grungers.

Whatever the reason, youth today are attracted to a message that stand for something more than what secular society has to offer. The more the Church can dial into where they're at in a relevant way the better. How is your church taking advantage of this opportunity?

A Bear of a Divorce

2006-03-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

In the Seven Keys to Marketing Genius I caution about partnering with others. Not that strategic partnerships are a bad idea, but they should not be entered into lightly. A partnership is like a marriage. Take the case of the Brown Bear Car Wash. They were making big money by partnering with gas station chains, but saw their family name and business deteriote. Money isn't everything. According to the article:

Taking back the company has been a huge endeavor for the Odermats and their employees. You have to wonder how many people would take back a company that had such internal problems when they could just sit back and collect money from a profitable lease agreement.

"Some people wondered why we would want to take the company back given the terms of the lease, which were lucrative for us," Lance says. "We told them money's not everything, but Brown Bear is everything to us."

Partners beware.

More Da Vinci Code Conspiracy Theories

2006-02-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Yahoo News says Davinci Code author Dan Brown is being accused of plagarizing parts of his book. The book says that the Roman Catholic Church has been keeping secrets over the years. I guess they are not the only ones.

How Do You Spell GOD?

2006-02-27T12:14:00.000-08:00

Hope International University is putting on a production of Godspell. According to the producers "Godspell is a dynamic presentation of the Gospel of Matthew told through pantomime, dance, parable and song. Follow the journey of Christ as he teaches his followers to trust him and brings them together in community."

Putting the Gospel in a modern context is a terrific idea. Putting the Gospel in a 1960's context I'm not so sure about. I saw a production of this play put on by a group from my church. It seems a little dated to me, for example the term Godspell iself is not contemporary parlance. I think it would be cool to do the same thing for 2006, but I guess that would be a lot harder.

Da Vinci Outreach

2006-02-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

The Da Vinci Code book, and soon to be released film, slam the Roman Catholic Church with conspiracy theories. If you are looking for a rebuttal, this new site by the Da Vinci Outreach has some resources.

Local Church Does Good

2006-02-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a press release by a local church letting people know about their house building effort for Katrina victims. This lets people know that churches do more than just talk about service and also invites volunteers to get involved. (Note: it is the second article down on the page.)

Megachurches emphasize welcoming atmosphere

2006-02-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting article on the approach of Megachurches. They have done their homework to find out what people are looking for in Church. They are not looking for highly ritualistic, boring or negative services. Surprise!

Telling the Story

2006-02-21T04:21:00.000-08:00

In the movie Stripes, Bill Murray explains why guys in the Army always get the girl, "it's the stories they tell." The Olympics are doing the same thing. NBC told the story of speed skater Chad Hedrick the other night. I wanted to see some hockey action, but instead they started telling this guy's story of how he grew up at roller skating at his Dad's rink and his many years of rollerblading. I got caught up in the story and wanted to see him win. The next thing I know I'm watching the long track races and I realized these races are like 6 minutes a piece and I am watching them. A few minutes ago I could care less.

By creating a compelling story I was converted from disinterested to engaged. Marketing Guru Seth Godin's new book called All Marketers are Liars is about this very topic. Jesus did the same thing when he spoke to the crowds. Our job as marketers of the Church is to do the same- communicate the message through great story telling.

How to Plan a Website

2006-02-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this Conversion Funnel Design by Alex Harris. If nothing else, this is a well thought out design strategy.

Copy Feedburner's Copy

2006-02-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

Feedburner is an incredible free service that lets you create RSS feeds, set up email subscriptions, create headline banners and much more (you can see the tools in use on this site).

Besides these cool features, they can show you a thing or two about writing copy with an authentic voice. Their site covers some fairly technical information, but it is written in a friendly, easy to understand conversational style that makes a novice like me feel like giving it a try. On the other hand when I looked at the explanation for AdWords and other tools on Google, I felt like I was in over my head and would do something wrong.

Regardless of what your site is communicating, people respond to a real voice and conversational tones. Thanks for another great tool Feedburner!

How Not to Give a Presentation

2006-02-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

Add this to the collection of posts about people being bored by PowerPoint presentations. If you give presentations using PPT please read this for the sake of you and your audience. How Not to Give a Presentation

What Ministers Want

2006-02-16T14:27:00.000-08:00

This survey done by HOPE International University asked 505 respondents how best to meet the needs of ministers in the current and emerging Church.

What challenges do you face that you would like to see part of a degree in ministry?

A swoosh by any other name... - Feb. 6, 2006

2006-02-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Check out this 5 minute clinic on the importance of logo design from the experts at Fortune Magazine. They rate the 4 latest big business logo changes.

What do you think about these latest logo makeovers by the big boys?

What People Really Want From Church

2006-02-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

The team at Church Marketing Sucks asked what people would really like to see given away by churches to improve attendance. See the results here.

Marketing Madonna

2006-02-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

Is there an art to Madonna's marketing prowess? Are there things we can learn from her approach? Do you consider her famous or infamous?

Madonna-Genius of Marketing

Join Bode

2006-02-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

If nothing else, this Nike site featuring Bode Miller is original. What do YOU think about this site? Join Bode

Corporation's New Logo Changes Everything

2006-02-09T09:25:00.001-08:00

Logo design is an inside out approach, not the other way around. Most companies want a new logo, brochure or web design to improve business, but are unwilling to examine the deeper issues or make changes where they are needed. This parody from the Onion captures the idea perfectly.

Corporation's New Logo Changes Everything The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Cheap Pizza

2006-02-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Looking on the website it says "If Your Pizza Box Doesn't Say 'Cecil Whittaker's' You Paid Too Much For Your Pizza! " Is this the best thing they can say about their product? Not really a competitive advantage- nor what most people want to think about when eating.

But wait it gets better- I just tried to order the $2.99 Tuesday night Customer Appreciation Pizza. After calling about 25 times to a busy line I got through. I felt like I won a radio contest. But then I was put on hold. My wife was going to pick it up in half an hour (they take about 6 minutes to make, I know as a former Domino's Pizza driver), but she said it would take 45 minutes- no exceptions. So I decided to spring for the extra delivery fee, but that would take around 90 minutes to deliver. I guess cheap pizza tastes good too when you have to wait an hour past dinner time.

So instead of gaining a new customer (I had not ordered from here before), they just annoyed the Dickens out of me and wasted 2o minutes of my time. And I am still hungry! Where's that #for Domino's?

Athletes4Pizza?

2006-02-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

Commmercials aired in St. Louis (and maybe other cities) during the Superbowl directing people to the Athletes4Jesus website. This is one of the worst websites I have ever seen. I wonder how much they spent sending people to this site. They should have spent some of that money on web design. Not only does this purple and teal page look cheesy, complete with rotating 3D Jesus fish/cross, the first place it asks you to click is on a Domino's pizza ad.

Contrast this with another site (the link is on the Athletes4Jesus page which is one redeeming quality) for the Pujols Foundation. The opening Flash on this site almost had me crying (I said almost).

If I seem to be too harsh, you may be right, but I explain my distaste for these sub par displays of Christianity in more detail in the preview to my book (read it free). Christians should be leading the way in excellence, not representing God as second class or lame. Usually the producers of this type of inferior content cry poverty, which is a valid argument, but since these guys were advertising during the Superbowl they can not make that claim. Maybe they borrowed the money and need to sell Domino's pizza to pay for it.

Create A Killer Brochure: 9 Steps to the Perfect Piece

2006-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

This killer brochure shows you how to create a killer brochure. Very clever isn't it? Free download from the marketingenious Marketing Toolbox.

Marketing that Rocks

2006-01-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, there are good examples of marketing out there. Learn, but don't copy. Marketing that Rocks

Marketing that Sucks

2006-01-30T11:44:00.000-08:00

It is less costly to learn from the mistakes of others. Check out this new blog that can help you avoid the mistakes of others. Marketing that Sucks

Flipping the Funnel--Free New Ebook

2006-01-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

I have been in Seth Godin (marketing guru) mode for the past few months. I have been reading all of his books and am now addicted to his blog. I was pretty stoked to see that he has written a new ebook and is giving it away for free. There are three versions and one is focused specifically on Non-Profits! Go ahead, check it out, it don't cost nothin'... Seth's Blog: Flipping the Funnel--new ebook

By the way, I emailed Seth about a week ago in response to his post about marketing funnels. I sent him a copy of my article on the marketing funnel and look at this great reply I got:

"bingo. Thanks Michael"

Short and pithy, that's why he's the master I guess.

Beginning of the End (of the Spear)?

2006-01-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

Just got this message from Will Good, Communications pastor at West County Christian Church:

"Thought you guys would be interested in this incredible story of how this film is making an impact on a global level. From a marketing aspect it’s incredible because every day I get an update with testimonies of how this film is affecting people and really facilitating some incredible dialogues. Talk about building brand strength!"

End of the Spear Movie

Ford's Challenge

2006-01-27T05:24:00.000-08:00

Ford President, Mark Fields talks about the immense task of turning around a behemoth like Ford. It is a matter of survival for Ford and the thousands they employ. NPR : Ford's North American Chief Sets Sights on Restructuring

Thanks to Will Good of Nexdesign for letting me know about this story.

True Quotes from the Workplace

2006-01-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

Dilbert.com - DNRC: " INDUHVIDUAL QUOTES
Here now, some quotes from Induhviduals, many of whom are allowed to operate motor vehicles, and have children, sometimes simultaneously.

'I don't want anybody stepping on anybody else's thunder.'

'You can't pull the sheep over my eyes!'

'I'm thinking in my brain.'

'What is that disease where if someone loses a lot of blood they just die?'

'Clean as a baby's bottom.'

'I don't mean to take the steam out of your sails, but...'

'She has not seen one red dime from him.'

'I used to be as sharp as a button.'

'That'll put the monkey in your court.'

'We don't want this project to snowball into a can of worms.'

'up the creek in a hand bag.'

'It's best not to open that can of wax.'

'Let's pair up into threes.'

'I just thought myself into a corner.'

'We really need to hang on to our coattails to ride the waves of change.'

'That way I can kill two bricks with one stone.' "

Messiah Complex

2006-01-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

Kanye has already been acting like God's gift to mankind, now he has the photos to prove it. Is he really like this, or is he just manipulating the media (and bloggers)? Read it in his own words, but beware there are some four letter doozies in the text.

Rolling Stone : West World

The Million Dollar Homepage - A Piece of Internet History?

2006-01-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hats off to Alex Tew, creator of the Million Dollar Home Page. The site looks like a big mess, but it works because it is unique and Alex was the first person to think of it.

What ideas do you have? Instead of scrambling to get on board with the latest marketing trends, why not start your own trend? If you succeed, everyone will be copying you, buying your products and reading your books. And if you are a church you may be able to reach more people for Christ- that's worth more than a million dollars!

The Million Dollar Homepage - a piece of internet history?

Flashy Jesus Site

2006-01-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

This is a cool site with information, quizes, games, and interactive puzzles focusing on Jesus. Take a look at the site map first, or you will get lost in a hurry..:::rejesus - about us - site map:::.

Fresh and Funky Church Ads for Postmoderns

2006-01-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

The Church Advertising Network (CAN) has some interesting ads for Christmas and Easter. You can download the campaigns for your own church.

Thanks to Church Marketing Sucks for turning me onto this site.

Capitalism

2006-01-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

Why is Ford closing plants? Are they greedy capitalists that don't care about the well being of their workers? I think it is more likely that they make crappy cars and the prices are too high thanks to the artificially high wages they must pay union laborers. Bad quality plus high prices equals no sales in a capitalistic society. They have been bleeding cash for years. The question is not why they are closing the plants, but what has taken them so long? Don't get me wrong, I feel bad for those people losing their jobs. They have hitched their wagon to a dying breed. I hope they are able to find work for another automaker that understands the needs of the market and is better able to take care of its workers long term.Ford to Cut Up to 30,000 Jobs, Shut Plants - Yahoo! News

Bible Trivia Quiz For Kids & Adults

2006-01-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

Check out these free Bible trivia games and quizzes. Bible Trivia Quiz For Kids & Adults