Companies make millions of dollars by providing their customer with a product that is used everyday. In my mind, at times we take these items for granted and forget about the company that produced it. Other companies have done a good job of marketing themselves that you can look at the product and know the brand name without ever seeing a label. Some of these companies include Nalgene, Vera Bradley, and Post-Its, just to name a few of the items on my desk which are easily recognizable. Each of these products I use on a daily basis and love because they are all very useful, handy, and reliable.
I love small businesses that provide a useful product. Now, all small businesses probably think that their product is useful, however, not all products are useful to everyone. For example, a cat owner has no interest in a boutique doggy bakery, and a size 2 woman is probably not interested in a plus sized shop. But then there are small businesses where the product can be useful to just about everyone. I figured every now and then I would spotlight a small business where they have a good product and I like their marketing initiatives. Today I thought I would talk about a company that I have used personally.
Goulet Pens
This year I was looking for a Father's Day gift for my dad. My dad is the sort of man that has everything and is impossible to shop for. My friend Andrea suggested that I take a look at her brother's website. I came upon Goulet Pens. Brian, Andrea's brother, had a wonderful little website. His main product is hand-turned wooden pens. I have seen them in person, they are beautiful. I mentioned to Andrea that they reminded me of Mont Blancs but made of wood. Something that caught my eye were his wine bottle stoppers. I thought it would be great for my dad since him and my mom enjoy wine. I purchased one and was very pleased. Not only was the product great, the whole purchase experience was customized and simple. My dad loves his wine bottle stopper and he mentioned that several of his friends commented on the fine craftsmanship and beauty at a recent party they had.
First of all, Brian has a fantastic product that he is very proud of and it shows. Second, his products are useful to many people. A good writing instrument is a staple on most desks, shirt pockets, or even purses. Third, I believe Brian is doing a good job of marketing himself. Not only does he have a website offering his goods, he also has a section on how the pens are made showing that he actually does the work. In addition, you can link to his blog and his facebook group. Both are good ways to reach younger people. Not only that, he attends craft shows, symposiums, as well as a number of other things that I am sure that I am unaware of but I know that he is always out and about in the Richmond community. Plus, he has me telling everyone I know about how great they are, word of mouth sometimes can be the strongest type of advertising. I'm also a repeat customer. The wine bottle stoppers are now my choice gift when attending a wedding. Also, although I've never met Brian, I feel as though I know him based on his dedication and love of wood-turning.
Brian has decided to dedicate his time to his craft and has turned his passion into a full-time career. I wish him the best of luck, and who knows, maybe in the future, I'll be able to sit down with Brian and interview him for another entry.
Happy Marketing!
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