[Warning, no wusses allowed] How real businesses make millions - One. Simple. Strategy.

19 replies
If you suffer from "herd-mentality" syndrome, I hope this post helps you.

The problem: Way too many marketers (perhaps you as well) are guilty of blindly following their competitors in every regard - from their pricing, to their positioning.

As a result, your business suffers. You're not giving your market a reason to buy from you.

The solution: There are a few available. And the one below isn't an absolute by any means. But I do feel it's a fantastic way to brand your business.

This one's called Controversial Marketing for Profits.

Marvel Comics - The Green Lantern.

A couple of weeks ago, Marvel announced the upcoming release of a new issue of The Green Lantern... With a little twist.

You see, the character portraying the superhero is gay. There's even a "scene" (for the lack of a better word) of him kissing his alleged boyfriend.
What makes things even more interesting is that this coincided with Obama's pro-homosexual statements.

WWE - Stone Cold Steve Austin, a lesbian storyline and a "delightful" array of coarse language

WWE was one of the most controversial TV shows for a long time. This was a show that pioneered (or at least, popularized) language and hand symbols among others.

1) Stone Cold was portrayed as the chief figure in the fight against douchebag bosses during the attitude era... This was something that was never done in any televised show before.

2) WWE experimented with a lesbian storyline that become hugely popular. A few of the divas shared fiery hot kisses on screen. Once again, largely unheard of - especially on a show with a PG rating.

3) Triple H and Shawn Michaels did a George Carlin-esque piece (in the 90s, if my memory serves...) in response to Fox Network's stand against the use of coarse language on television. The fact that this promo was styled as a presidential speech packed an even harder punch.

4) The 2 of them broke boundaries with racially suggestive language (like comparing The Hart Foundation to the KKK).

5) And of course, there was Mick Foley and his willingness to take extreme... to well, extreme levels.

These are a mere few examples. WWE has now become much more child friendly - not even a drop of blood (wtf?) on screen. As a result, their popularity, at least among the older crowd, has dropped significantly.

Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy, a "hate" song and the world's most dangerous Rock N' Roll Bands

They're no longer the band they once were. That's a given. Nonetheless, the mere name of their latest release (Chinese Democracy) was enough to have the album banned in China.

Furthermore, back in the day when the original line-up was still around, they released a track titled "One In A Million".

The lyrics discussed Axl's encounters with an Iranian, an African-American and a gay man (among others).

The words may not be easy on your eyes, so I've decided against pasting that particular verse here.

Needless to say, that song raised shockwaves through the media. This incident contributed to the disdain that was already present towards Rock N' Roll in general.

Twisted Sister's Dee Snider even carried the flag in the battle against unnecessary censorship in the Senate. He made Al Gore, his wife, and a few other distinguished people look like a bunch of idiots.

Motley Crue, KISS and Poison made glam rock huge - Thanks to their outlandish costumes and fantastic music (Okay, maybe not KISS).

Megadeth in particular challenged governing bodies with their provocative songs.

Slayer... With songs like: "South of Heaven". "Angel of Death", "Jihad" and "God Hates Us All", nothing needs to be said.

Black Sabbath had their seemingly satanic pentagrams accompany their live performances. And Ozzy apparently acquired a taste for crows as well.

A gore-fest

The "Saw" movies are self-explanatory. This series along with the "Cannibal Holocaust".

Jesus weds?

The Priory of Sion never existed. But it didn't stop Dan Brown from making a killing off "The Da Vinci Code", now did it?

Pizza in 30 minutes flat

One word - Domino's. While their "30 minutes or it's free" USP may not be viewed as controversial, it was a ballsy statement of intent. And it worked. They changed the game of home delivery.

FedEx also revolutionized post with the 24 hours guarantee as well.

And then, there's Internet Marketing

Michel Fortin released a report titled "The Death of the Sales Letter".

Our very own Mal Lambe has branded himself as "The Copy Nazi".

There was an acne-curing eBook released a few years ago titled "Acne Free In 3 Days".

Long story short... Controversy is compelling. Take a look at Raydal's post titled "Google and Facebook to disappear in 5 years", for example. The views are flying off the handle.

Controversy is applicable everywhere. To name a few:

1) Articles/blog posts etc.,
2) Headlines
3) Product names
4) Business names
5) Branding

Naturally, grabbing their attention is just part of the battle. You have to be smart enough to back yourself up (like the folks mentioned above).
Bottom line: It pays to make an eye-popping statement that screams for attention.

The question is - Do you have the balls to stand out?
#allowed #businesses #make #millions #real #simple #strategy #warning #wusses
  • Profile picture of the author Horny Devil
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Prashant_W View Post

    If you suffer from "herd-mentality" syndrome, I hope this post helps you.

    The problem: Way too many marketers (perhaps you as well) are guilty of blindly following their competitors in every regard - from their pricing, to their positioning.

    As a result, your business suffers. You're not giving your market a reason to buy from you.

    The solution: There are a few available. And the one below isn't an absolute by any means. But I do feel it's a fantastic way to brand your business.

    This one's called Controversial Marketing for Profits.

    Marvel Comics - The Green Lantern.

    A couple of weeks ago, Marvel announced the upcoming release of a new issue of The Green Lantern... With a little twist.

    You see, the character portraying the superhero is gay. There's even a "scene" (for the lack of a better word) of him kissing his alleged boyfriend.
    What makes things even more interesting is that this coincided with Obama's pro-homosexual statements.

    WWE - Stone Cold Steve Austin, a lesbian storyline and a "delightful" array of coarse language

    WWE was one of the most controversial TV shows for a long time. This was a show that pioneered (or at least, popularized) language and hand symbols among others.

    1) Stone Cold was portrayed as the chief figure in the fight against douchebag bosses during the attitude era... This was something that was never done in any televised show before.

    2) WWE experimented with a lesbian storyline that become hugely popular. A few of the divas shared fiery hot kisses on screen. Once again, largely unheard of - especially on a show with a PG rating.

    3) Triple H and Shawn Michaels did a George Carlin-esque piece (in the 90s, if my memory serves...) in response to Fox Network's stand against the use of coarse language on television. The fact that this promo was styled as a presidential speech packed an even harder punch.

    4) The 2 of them broke boundaries with racially suggestive language (like comparing The Hart Foundation to the KKK).

    5) And of course, there was Mick Foley and his willingness to take extreme... to well, extreme levels.

    These are a mere few examples. WWE has now become much more child friendly - not even a drop of blood (wtf?) on screen. As a result, their popularity, at least among the older crowd, has dropped significantly.

    Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy, a "hate" song and the world's most dangerous Rock N' Roll Bands

    They're no longer the band they once were. That's a given. Nonetheless, the mere name of their latest release (Chinese Democracy) was enough to have the album banned in China.

    Furthermore, back in the day when the original line-up was still around, they released a track titled "One In A Million".

    The lyrics discussed Axl's encounters with an Iranian, an African-American and a gay man (among others).

    The words may not be easy on your eyes, so I've decided against pasting that particular verse here.

    Needless to say, that song raised shockwaves through the media. This incident contributed to the disdain that was already present towards Rock N' Roll in general.

    Twisted Sister's Dee Snider even carried the flag in the battle against unnecessary censorship in the Senate. He made Al Gore, his wife, and a few other distinguished people look like a bunch of idiots.

    Motley Crue, KISS and Poison made glam rock huge - Thanks to their outlandish costumes and fantastic music (Okay, maybe not KISS).

    Megadeth in particular challenged governing bodies with their provocative songs.

    Slayer... With songs like: "South of Heaven". "Angel of Death", "Jihad" and "God Hates Us All", nothing needs to be said.

    Black Sabbath had their seemingly satanic pentagrams accompany their live performances. And Ozzy apparently acquired a taste for crows as well.

    A gore-fest

    The "Saw" movies are self-explanatory. This series along with the "Cannibal Holocaust".

    Jesus weds?

    The Priory of Sion never existed. But it didn't stop Dan Brown from making a killing off "The Da Vinci Code", now did it?

    Pizza in 30 minutes flat

    One word - Domino's. While their "30 minutes or it's free" USP may not be viewed as controversial, it was a ballsy statement of intent. And it worked. They changed the game of home delivery.

    FedEx also revolutionized post with the 24 hours guarantee as well.

    And then, there's Internet Marketing

    Michel Fortin released a report titled "The Death of the Sales Letter".

    Our very own Mal Lambe has branded himself as "The Copy Nazi".

    There was an acne-curing eBook released a few years ago titled "Acne Free In 3 Days".

    Long story short... Controversy is compelling. Take a look at Raydal's post titled "Google and Facebook to disappear in 5 years", for example. The views are flying off the handle.

    Controversy is applicable everywhere. To name a few:

    1) Articles/blog posts etc.,
    2) Headlines
    3) Product names
    4) Business names
    5) Branding

    Naturally, grabbing their attention is just part of the battle. You have to be smart enough to back yourself up (like the folks mentioned above).
    Bottom line: It pays to make an eye-popping statement that screams for attention.

    The question is - Do you have the balls to stand out?

    Long winded and for the main part irrelevant.

    * Yes, I am smart enough to back myself up.

    * Yes, I do have the balls to stand out. Do you?

    If you are trying to tell others what you are capable off, then you haven't succeeded.

    If you are trying to garner ideas for something totally exclusive and in your words - eye-popping - PM me.
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    • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
      Originally Posted by Horny Devil View Post

      Long winded and for the main part irrelevant.
      I stopped reading after this point.

      You obviously don't know what the word "relevant" means.
      Unless you're really just trying to spark irrelevant controversy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Point taken and controversy has it's place. However, there are plenty of offline and online businesses that are very successful without it. Just sayin'.......

    It's just one of the myriad of tools and tactics that marketers can choose to use or not use. It definitely does take gonads to pull off. Fo' sho'......

    RoD
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  • Profile picture of the author Rich Struck
    Wow, how profound.
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  • Profile picture of the author calhoun
    Originally Posted by Prashant_W View Post

    Pizza in 30 minutes flat

    One word - Domino's. While their "30 minutes or it's free" USP may not be viewed as controversial, it was a ballsy statement of intent. And it worked. They changed the game of home delivery.
    This was ended in 1993 because delivery drivers were breaking traffic laws just to meet that guarantee and thus getting into car accidents resulting in multi million dollar settlements. Driving unsafely to meet the deadline in order to deliver a pizza isn't worth crippling a life.
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    • Profile picture of the author Prashant_W
      Originally Posted by calhoun View Post

      This was ended in 1993 because delivery drivers were breaking traffic laws just to meet that guarantee and thus getting into car accidents resulting in multi million dollar settlements. Driving unsafely to meet the deadline in order to deliver a pizza isn't worth crippling a life.
      You've made a partially valid point. What you've failed to recognize is that Domino's is a global business. They don't just run in the States.

      I live in Singapore. The "30 Minutes or It's Free" guarantee still runs here.

      Likewise, this selling point is still being pushed in Mexico, Australia and India.


      Originally Posted by Rod Cortez View Post

      Point taken and controversy has it's place. However, there are plenty of offline and online businesses that are very successful without it. Just sayin'.......

      It's just one of the myriad of tools and tactics that marketers can choose to use or not use. It definitely does take gonads to pull off. Fo' sho'......

      RoD
      Yes, which is why I clearly stated in the OP that controversy isn't the only marketing tool available. But it sure as hell is powerful.

      Originally Posted by Horny Devil View Post

      Long winded and for the main part irrelevant.

      * Yes, I am smart enough to back myself up.

      * Yes, I do have the balls to stand out. Do you?

      If you are trying to tell others what you are capable off, then you haven't succeeded.

      If you are trying to garner ideas for something totally exclusive and in your words - eye-popping - PM me.
      Irrelevant? Maybe to you. Did it ever occur to you that perhaps there are other people reading this post who would like concrete examples (which made the brunt of the post) to get an idea of what type of controversial ideas businesses use?

      And why, for the love of god, does everything have to revolve around the idea that I'm trying to self-promote?
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  • Regarding controversy... if properly implemented, it can get the word out, but controversy fizzles away just as fast if there's no real substance to back it up (eg Sarah Palin or any other one-day wonders).
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    • Profile picture of the author Prashant_W
      Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

      Regarding controversy... if properly implemented, it can get the word out, but controversy fizzles away just as fast if there's no real substance to back it up (eg Sarah Palin or any other one-day wonders).
      Perfecting the use of controversy as a marketing strategy is an art.

      This is in congruence with just about any other marketing strategy.

      If you take the WWE as an example, they had it running for them really well for years. It's no surprise that they're one of the biggest brands (in their market) around.

      In fact, Hulk Hogan even went on to say that the WWE is expanding well beyond the "Sports Entertainment" market, towards "Entertainment" in general.

      It's pretty obvious that the Attitude Era helped them cement an overwhelming chunk of the market share. Hence, fueling the expansion.

      Fundamentally though, the idea is to position your business as unique. Creating controversy is just one of the ways to do so.
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      • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
        Originally Posted by Prashant_W View Post

        Perfecting the use of controversy as a marketing strategy is an art.

        This is in congruence with just about any other marketing strategy.

        If you take the WWE as an example, they had it running for them really well for years. It's no surprise that they're one of the biggest brands (in their market) around.

        In fact, Hulk Hogan even went on to say that the WWE is expanding well beyond the "Sports Entertainment" market, towards "Entertainment" in general.

        It's pretty obvious that the Attitude Era helped them cement an overwhelming chunk of the market share. Hence, fueling the expansion.

        Fundamentally though, the idea is to position your business as unique. Creating controversy is just one of the ways to do so.
        Woah. Wrong post quoted. Sorry.
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  • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
    I think it should be pointed out that World Wrestling Entertainment generates more money as a PG entity than it EVER did as a TV-14 one. As for the Attitude era and the Hot Lesbian Action angle they hot-shotted to get ratings? That was done during their more aggressive TV-14 years.

    Today, the WWE is a worldwide phenomenon with revenues that not only eclipse their attitude era figures, but make them look like their bitch.

    The WWE (formely WWF or World Wrestling Federation) went PG for two reasons. 1.) It increased advertising revenue by attracting "blue-chip" advertisers without decreasing their live event bottom line. 2.) Linda McMahon, wife of CEO Vince McMahon is running for political office.

    As for no blood being featured on their programming? With serious diseases as HIV and the various hepatitis epidemics there is absolutely ZERO benefit for them featuring blood on their programming. If you want bloody fights--watch the UFC.

    Edit: Speaking of that, does the UFC actively test their fighters for the aforementioned diseases?

    Now how does this all factor in to your post? You talk about Controversy essentially creating cash, but in one of your prime examples (i.e most discussed in your op) the company that literally took smut TV to a whole new level pulled back the reigns to MAKE MORE MONEY.

    As a side note: As a lifelong pro-wrestling fan I never imagined I would ever be writing a post about the WWE on this site. lol.

    Another edit:

    Additionally I think it could be argued that the Green Lantern comics, cartoons, and eventual live-action film generated "millions" before Marvel decided to label him as a gay character. That said, as many longtime comic readers would argue... "who didn't see that one coming!"
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    You're going to fail. If you're afraid of failure then you do not belong in the Internet Marketing Business. Period.
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    • Profile picture of the author Prashant_W
      Originally Posted by BloggingPro View Post

      I think it should be pointed out that World Wrestling Entertainment generates more money as a PG entity than it EVER did as a TV-14 one. As for the Attitude era and the Hot Lesbian Action angle they hot-shotted to get ratings? That was done during their more aggressive TV-14 years.

      Today, the WWE is a worldwide phenomenon with revenues that not only eclipse their attitude era figures, but make them look like their bitch.
      Yes, this is true. Their profits have surged exponentially since then. But let's factor in a few points, shall we?

      1) The Attitude Era was revolutionary because it literally skyrocketed the WWE's TV ratings.

      2) In this period, they made more money off their Pay-Per-Views than they had before.

      3) Hence, while it could very easily be argued that their brand strength and profit margins are much higher now... It's safe to say that the Attitude Era is largely responsible for cementing the company's popularity in the first place.

      As for no blood being featured on their programming? With serious diseases as HIV and the various hepatitis epidemics there is absolutely ZERO benefit for them featuring blood on their programming. If you want bloody fights--watch the UFC.
      This is something I find a bit hard to grasp. Controversy is based around the principle of being outrageous.

      I mean, surely there's no real benefit to be derived from swearing on television... Other than the fact that it grabs attention and gets people talking (not to mention, gets them hooked on as well)? Which, as you know, is the whole point of being controversial.

      Outrageous statements/actions/whatever ---> Massive traffic ---> Millions, no, hundreds of millions made.

      Edit: Speaking of that, does the UFC actively test their fighters for the aforementioned diseases?
      Why you no Google??

      Yes, they do.

      Now how does this all factor in to your post? You talk about Controversy essentially creating cash, but in one of your prime examples (i.e most discussed in your op) the company that literally took smut TV to a whole new level pulled back the reigns to MAKE MORE MONEY.
      Once again, I stand by what I said. The controversy they created helped cement their share.

      Naturally, this will have given them the freedom to experiment.

      As a side note: As a lifelong pro-wrestling fan I never imagined I would ever be writing a post about the WWE on this site. lol.
      Ditto

      Another edit:

      Additionally I think it could be argued that the Green Lantern comics, cartoons, and eventual live-action film generated "millions" before Marvel decided to label him as a gay character. That said, as many longtime comic readers would argue... "who didn't see that one coming!"
      Yeap, you're right. I think it's obvious they're trying to increase the readership/number of issues sold.
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  • Profile picture of the author sergwhite
    Thanks for sharing this . I am just starting out marketing and the easiest thing for to do is to copy the others. I know this is not my smartest move so thanks for the nice reminder
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    • Profile picture of the author Prashant_W
      Originally Posted by sergwhite View Post

      Thanks for sharing this . I am just starting out marketing and the easiest thing for to do is to copy the others. I know this is not my smartest move so thanks for the nice reminder
      Serg. No problem.

      Just remember, I'm not at all saying that this is the only way to differentiate yourself.

      There are a number of strategies you can use.

      However, their effectiveness boils down to you and your ability to implement the chosen strategy.
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  • You are correct but the problem is most people are wired to conform and that is just reality.
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    • Profile picture of the author Prashant_W
      Originally Posted by HelpingYouBeAnExpert View Post

      You are correct but the problem is most people are wired to conform and that is just reality.
      The "herd-mentality" syndrome is widespread. It's as old as Man. And obviously most folks won't change one bit.

      More money for the ones who have the balls.
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  • Profile picture of the author SirDrewski
    Tried to PM you, but apparently my post count is not high enough to do so. Here is the message I was going to send:

    Greetings,

    So I stumbled upon your controversial marketing thread here:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-strategy.html

    Your post offered great insights and real world examples that confirmed an approach I have been theorizing to be effective. I've started my own thread with a controversial marketing idea, here:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post6452606

    I'd love to get your input on this idea, as well as possibly discuss your involvement. If this seems like something you'd be interested in contributing to, lets chat. Hope to hear from you soon.

    Regards,
    Drewski
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    • Profile picture of the author hugofortin
      Hi,

      Where I live, when I order pizza is 40 minutes or it's free. They are always on time...shot!

      This is a good idea for marketing! But, too much contreversial sometime isn't really good. You have to be smart enough to know when to use it.

      Hugo
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      Are you FRUSTRATED because you have no LEADS for your MLM company? Don't make any MONEY from your MLM company? If you have answered YES to these questions, please visit my blog for advices on how to have leads and make money in this Industry.
      http://hugofortin.com/

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      • Profile picture of the author Prashant_W
        Originally Posted by hugofortin View Post

        Hi,

        Where I live, when I order pizza is 40 minutes or it's free. They are always on time...shot!

        This is a good idea for marketing! But, too much contreversial sometime isn't really good. You have to be smart enough to know when to use it.

        Hugo
        Naturally. This is the case with everything.

        Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

        I stopped reading after this point.

        You obviously don't know what the word "relevant" means.
        Unless you're really just trying to spark irrelevant controversy.
        Thank you
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  • Profile picture of the author Nick Pearson
    I feel what your saying - in simple terms don't follow the crowd. Offer something new to help distinguish you from the rest. Controversy is a good start but I feel some people could routine there business with it.

    One quick point I would like to make, Green Lantern is DC Comics not Marvel I think you got that article mixed up. Sorry just a DC Cartoon Fan and I know my stuff.
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