Mr. Marketing: The party starts at 6 p.m.

By now you’ve determined what a party animal I am.

For years my articles have been littered with confetti, exotic travel, and the detritus of good times.

So it’s probably no surprise that I cracked open the bubbly yesterday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this column.

Happy anniversary! Time flies when you’re having fun.

The first column noted “…most eyes glaze over when the discussion turns to marketing.”

Challenge accepted!

After spending years protesting the “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” attitude of most professional marketers, my simple objective became making marketing accessible to everyone.

When readers started commenting “I don’t need marketing for any reason, but enjoy reading your column because you make the subject understandable without talking down to me,” I realized I’d been successful.

Does your organization have an anniversary to celebrate too?

Any surviving enterprise should periodically trumpet their longevity with customers.

Because enduring despite recession, tight credit, wildfires, terrorist threats, competition and all of today’s other realities tells customers you’re a serious player.

Consider how saying “Servicing your needs since 2006” on invoices reminds folks you’ve been around and are here to stay.

Or how putting call-outs announcing milestone anniversaries on brochures serves the same purpose.

Even better, involve customers in your success with anniversary parties, sweepstakes, and contests.

Why bother? Because turning your anniversary into a promotional event will help you stand out of the crowd.

After all, this is YOUR anniversary. The odds are slim that Joe down the street will do the same thing.

Anniversary events also minimize the need to rely on suppliers or partners. They can appeal to local audiences or those online, and can be as complex (or inexpensive) as you wish them to be.

Best of all, in-house anniversary promotions provide the perfect reason to use your house list. You’ll reach out to customers and prospects alike, reminding them why they should do business with you.

To celebrate this collector’s issue, the Ask Mr. Marketing column is available for 10% less than its normal cost. THIS WEEK ONLY!

Think of that: 100% of my invaluable marketing advice at a special discounted price.

Consider it to be my gift to you as thanks for your loyalty and readership.

With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing.

Special birthday greetings to my bride. I love you always!