Free Advertising

by Ronney E H. Owner

Imagine an integrated business model and collaboration that includes major credit card companies, major retailers, the consumer, and an Influencer all working together for the sole purpose of mutual and sustainable long term financial gain.

Such a business proposition could exist, but first let's talk about the overall big picture. I find myself often saying to others, "In the Grand Scheme of Things." I say that because I enjoy looking at things holistically - it's my training and it's my nature. The fancy above makes perfectly good sense, if you were to look at the big picture.

Advertising is a trillion dollar business annually. But not all advertisements are effective, in terms of ROI (return on investment). If I was financially able to advertise during the Super Bowl at the prices I have read about, it is hard to imagine an ROI of any significance.

When I advertise on the radio, there is no guarantee that I will get one customer, and thus my $100,000 radio campaign is flushed. But what if I could get all the free advertisement possible, with major companies and retailers locally and use my advertising budget for something much more worthwhile, like cash-back or larger discounts to my loyal customers? But equally as important, I only pay when the marketers send me Customers. Now that makes sense (cents) to me and the ROI is much better because I only pay when a customer/clients buys as a result of that free advertising.

Now granted, there is a tiny risk that the adverts did not work and I did not receive one customer, but should I care, at least I did not flush $100K on a radio campaign? In the grand scheme of things, does this sounds too good to be true? I know a thing or two, because I have seen a thing or two...LOL!

I would love to hear from you on the concept, the pros and cons. If the concept was totally feasible, would you support it? As a business person, do you think your advertising dollar gets you the return you expect or would like? What's missing in this hypothetical that makes it viable or a nightmare?