The Blue Breakfast:
Investment in marketing

The September 21 Business in Vancouver's BLUE breakfast panel discussed what companies are doing with their marketing budgets in this era of rapidly changing marketing solutions. The focus was on how traditional media like print, direct mail and broadcast are faring against email, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogging.

Show then tell

Award-winning marketing campaigns amplify B.C.’s credit union strengths

by Richard Chu

Last November, Coast Capital Savings wanted to show people who’s boss.

Outside its Georgia Street branch in downtown Vancouver, B.C.’s second largest credit union hired a few people to act as butlers, handing out drinks to passersby and helping people cross the street.

“It was a very memorable, fun stunt, actually,” said Lawrie Ferguson, Coast Capital’s chief marketing officer. “But it was tied in with the launch of the You’re the Boss Mortgage.”

Stage presence

Small businesses get creative with traditional and digital marketing strategies

When Suze McCart wanted to get the word out about Suze Interiors, her Vancouver-based home staging, interior decorating and redesign business, she got creative and went door-to-door with a special delivery to offices of local realtors.

“My company’s tagline is ‘Bringing your space to life,’ said McCart. “So I took white candles from IKEA and attached my business card to a candle along with a note that said, ‘Bringing your listings to light.’”

This marketing strategy led to McCart’s first clients, who recommended her services to other realtors. Today, McCart relies on traditional and online marketing strategies to raise awareness of her business.