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Newsletter #931: The “Get There First” Issue

[Welcome back to the Damn, I Wish I’d Thought of That! newsletter. This is text of the great issue all of our email subscribers just received. Sign yourself up using the handy form on the right.]

Reaching your customers before everyone else isn’t about selling Christmas decor in September — it’s about showing them you’re thinking ahead, you understand their experience, and you’ve got something for them. Here’s how you can be prepared:

1. When they need a place to stay
2. When they’re having a baby
3. When they need help
4. Check it out: Ideator

1. When they need a place to stay

Lots of hotels try to get their potential customers’ attention once they’re in the same city — but what if they could reach guests before they even get to town? The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas made a great first impression by handing out small gifts on incoming flights. Before passengers even got off the plane (and became bombarded with ads for other hotels), they already had a reason to visit The Cosmopolitan.

The lesson: How can you beat the noise from your competitors and give your audience a reason to think of you first?

Learn more: United Hub

2. When they’re having a baby

IKEA knows that it’s normal for expecting mothers to start preparing early for their new baby’s nursery. So why not get their attention early — really early? For Valentine’s Day, IKEA ran a coupon for a baby crib that can only be redeemed nine months later. This probably isn’t a big enough incentive for bringing another life into the world, but it’s hilarious, and it’s a coupon that’s worth talking about.

The lesson: Now IKEA is the first place the expecting couple will think of when they’re buying a crib.

Learn more: Adweek

3. When they need help

A lot of people realize they need a new car battery at the worst time: when they’re stranded. Interstate Battery knows that in these situations, their customers are at the mercy of the closest auto shop or mechanic for a new battery. That’s why they started their rescue program, which sends out a representative to help replace their battery. That means Interstate Battery gets there first — before their customers have to call a tow truck and before they shop for other battery brands.

The lesson: How can you show off your great customer service when your customers need you the most?

Learn more: MediaPost

4. Check it out: Ideator

Ideator generates names for bands, unpleasant diseases, and household products with the push of a button or turn of a dial. You can mix and match the words, create your own categories, and save your ideas.

Check it out: Ideator

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