Sunday, March 10, 2013

Got Hype?

Happy Monday!

I'm not a jump on the fruity wagon, kind of girl. Really, I'm more of a don't run that way because that's the direction everybody else is running, kind of lady. I'm not a celebrity worshiper, (except for Chris Hemsworth--only because he's Thor) and I don't buy shoes, purses, or dogs to keep up with Foxy Felicia, who may or may not live down the street. Are you feeling me? I have a mind of my own. The hype game isn't my thing.

Now, just because I don't let hype lead me, doesn't mean I'm not interested in knowing how it works. I'd love a whole lotta hype. I want barrels and barrels of the stuff. Not for me, but I want it for my novel. Short of sending a letter to Oprah, there has to be some magic formula to get mouths buzzing about what we want them to chatter about.

 There's a ton of gimmicks out there--ones used to sell products. When somebody's trying to turn you onto something, have you ever noticed how they'll throw a number at you? Whether it be a book, a vacuum cleaner, or super glue, the pitch always goes something like this, "You don't want to miss out on this special offer. Over five million orders have already been placed." That number does nothing for me, but apparently, it does something for everybody else because the marketing geniuses are still using the method.  It's like the consumer has a panic attack and buys the product for fear of being the only person on the planet without one.

A little ways above, I mentioned a letter to Oprah. Well, recently, I started selling a great line of skincare products, but I didn't get into the biz because everybody else is. No. I started selling them because I actually believe in the product and have seen their results. Meanwhile, Oprah has endorsed the product, so our team leaders want us to mention this whenever we make a post on our social media sites. Again, this is really funny to me, but time and time again, we've seen what happens when Oprah says something rocks. People have to have it!

What about you guys, do you have any great ideas for turning on the hype? Obviously social media, I get that one, but there has to be something else. Should I have fabulous hair and get leg extensions? Would that help? Kidding, never underestimate the power of short legs. But seriously, if you guys know something I don't, please share.

Until next time, happy writing or whatever makes you smile. :)

34 comments:

  1. I'm more apt to buy 'hype' when it's less hype and more truth. If someone is honest with me, especially concerning a product I may be, already, slightly interested in...I'll give them a serious listen.

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  2. You sound like me, Mark! I'm sooo anti-hype, but sadly, the rest of the world isn't. I guess we can only do our best and hope it's enough. :)

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  3. I'm not sure I'm much of a hype person-- trying to think if there's a celebrity or ad line that will make me buy something. I guess some people carry more influence than others, but not sure Oprah is necessarily one of those people. But hey, if it helps you sell a product you believe in, all the best!

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    1. Yep, me either. I'm not much of an Oprah friend. I like her before she went all new-age. But, it seems the masses have a different view.

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  4. If the "word of mouth" comes from a friend whose tastes match mine, I am more likely to investigate. I am a contrary soul. If the masses are heading in one direction, I tend to go the opposite way. If "everyone" is reading a book, I am not interested. I only read the HUNGER GAMES trilogy after the movie raised some questions I wanted answered. And when my best friend, Sandra, told me I would dislike the 3rd book, she was right! :-)

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    1. I'm right there with you, Roland. I usually like what everybody else doesn't like, lol. I did like The Hunger Games, but like you, not the 3rd book.

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  5. Hi, what was the product? Didn't really catch it. Makeup? anyway good luck. I really like reading your blogs.

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    1. Well, I'm really talking about my upcoming novel. I'm wondering how we get the buzz going, but I've recently started selling Rodan+Fields skincare line. I just thought I'd toss that out there because I think it's funny that Oprah endorsed it, so suddenly that's supposed to make it important. I'm glad you like my blog. That makes me smile. :)

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  6. Carrie Butler on Nancy Thompson's blog talks about the heart of starting hype. (And remember, whatever you learn, you must share with me!)

    http://nancysthompson.blogspot.com/2013/03/on-tour-today-carrie-butler-author-of.html

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    1. Thanks, pal. I'll check that out. And of course, they're no secrets between friends. :)

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  7. WOAH. Oprah endorsed your products?! That's awesome! You're a famous person now! (I just realized I must be one of those hype-victims.)

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    1. LOL, well, technically they're not my products. They're Dr. Rodan and Fields products. Cool, no tell me how to hype you up over my book, ha! :P

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  8. I suck at hype. I could have the cure for cancer and I'd be like "Umm, so yeah, this stuff rocks, and it'll totally save your life and stuff. Maybe you should possibly consider it. You know, just in case or something."

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    1. Ha, Rena!!!!! I know!!!! That would be me. We've got to get our acts together. :D

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  9. I completely agree with, Roland. If the masses are heading in one direction, I tend to go the opposite way. If "everyone" is reading a book, I am not interested.

    I come from a country with millions of sheep, and I'm not one of them :)

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    1. It seems most of us writers share this trait. Must be something in our genes. :)

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  10. I don't readily buy into the "hype-movement".
    I believe in making an independent assessment, and informed decision...

    Consider this - 1000 people agree with something and 10 people disagree.
    Does this automatically make those 1000 people correct? What about the very real possibility of 1000 close-minded fools being suckered in by "herd-mentality"? More often than not, hype = highly charged emotion!
    I don't believe that you can make a sound decision based on emotions. That's just my two cents worth.

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    1. I totally agree, but I wish I knew what drives people to follow the leader. It's really crazy and fascinating to me. :)

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  11. I only pay attention to the hype when I feel like a "referral." Like what kind of purse lasts while being super cute. Or what kind of car is good for families. That kind of thing.

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    1. That's a good way to use hype, Jessie! Makes sense. :)

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  12. I'm so cynical I never believe celebrity endorsements at all. Does Andi MacDowell really look like that because of the products she's selling? No, she looks like that because of genes, a fairly easy life, a bit of other 'help'... I am not going to look like her, ever.

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  13. Team Short Legs! lol

    When it comes to the skin care thingy, at least, parties always work. The same might apply for a book. Like suggest it to a book club to read?

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  14. Blogspot hates me. The feeling is mutual. (I'm a no-cookies kind of guy)

    Buzz is when folks without a material interest in a product ... or book ... invest in it by recommendation or referral. [ Cher mentions in an interview she uses a product that Christie told her about ...)

    Hype is when folks with a material interest in a product ... or book ... exhibit enthusiasm by recommendation or referral.
    (Cindy Crawford shares a wonderful product with 4 million of her new friends on an infomercial).

    Never worry about buzz. Suspect hype.

    Think of it as a stunningly beautiful woman wearing vintage on Jay Leno. She's doing it because it is an extension of the image she wants to portray and her choice reflects on her, and the design house. If she wears something Vera made for her for this appearance, then that's a different message.
    Maybe it is complimentary and maybe it is not. ( I know women who won't wear from a line 'advertised' by Michelle Obama). YMMV.

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    1. Eloquently put, Jack. That's a nice picture you painted. And for the record, I'd never wear anything advertised by Michelle, either, lol! :)

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