I’m the owner of Maxima Marketing in Westwood, Massachusetts, and a skilled marketing copywriter, marketing expert and publicist for plastic surgeons, and marketing expert and publicist for cosmetic dentists. Do you need to R-E-L-A-X? Would you trade in Labor Day for a new national holiday on August 15 called National Relaxation Day? A new survey conducted by Princess Cruises found that three-quarters of Americans would happily trade labor Day for National Relaxation Day. Nearly a quarter (23%) of Americans have never had a relaxing vacation, and, for those who have, it has been an average of three years since they last took a break from the routine grind of daily life. Three-quarters (74%) of Americans reported their inability to relax frequently negatively affects their mental and physical health. OK – so if you’re a business what can you do about that? To celebrate this day, Princess Cruises will provide its employees with complimentary yoga classes as well as shifting the dress code from business-casual’ to summer-fun.’” As a business, you could use Flex Time on this day, allowing employees to come in later and leave earlier. And if you’re a spa, this day was made for you – all you need to do is to encourage the American public to visit your location for a calming, relaxing rubdown with a velvet glove.

I routinely handle plastic surgery marketing, skincare salon marketing and hair salon marketing. But whatever industry you are in, you need effective marketing strategies. Today’s tip? Do you want your marketing to be ahead of the curve? Then look to the Nineteen Sixties…..and specifically on Pan Am Brands. Starting this Fall, ABC is scheduled to air a show entitled “Pan Am,” which is a period drama set in the 1960s, about the pilots and flight attendants who once made Pan Am the most glamorous way to fly, with its luxurious Clipper flights. The show is poised to be a huge hit, and along with that, all of the marketing and merchandise associated with Pan Am is set to take off as well. Pan Am Brands is based in Dover, New Hampshire, and it owns the Pan American World Airways name. Get set to see a wealth of Pan Am merchandise take flight into the American consciousness, including the classic blue-and-white bag called The Explorer and which sells for $89. Pan Am Brands and producers of the new ABC show spent more than four years negotiating the licensing agreement that allows the show to use the Pan Am brand and logo. I think the products are going to fly…off the shelves. Call us at Maxima Marketing, (781) 407-9305, to put your company on the map!

Today’s tip is all about having good taste in your marketing. I have to say – this week I got an email from a luxury resort in Puerto Vallarta that had me reeling – and very angry. This luxury, adults-only boutique hotel, which is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is capitalizing on the tragic high divorce rate, by offering a special package for divorced people. That in itself is disturbing – those people who have untied the knot are invited to “rejoice in your newfound freedom,” and the hotel package includes a cocktail party and a jewelry consultation to redesign your ex-engagement ring. But what shook me to my core is the – are you sitting down – the special little ring coffin that they will give you, to celebrate the death of your marriage. You heard it here, folks – a coffin for your wedding ring. Creative marketing is one thing, but this takes the wedding cake. This is bad marketing. I know a disturbing marketing gimmick when I see it, and I say that as a cosmetic surgery marketing consultant and publicist, as well as someone who is a cosmetic dentistry marketing consultant and publicist and a professional travel writer. My business, Maxima Marketing, specializes in marketing and publicity for a wide variety of practices and businesses.

Today’s tip? Align yourself with pop culture, to piggyback on popular trends.That’s a smart no-cost, low-cost marketing strategy, and one that I touted in my bestseller,

OFF THE WALL MARKETING IDEAS

. Nowadays, hotels make themselves memorable by capitalizing on pop culture to woo families to their brands. For example, Disney has converted more than 500 rooms at Walt Disney World into princess-themed rooms, where bathroom faucets may be in the shape of Aladdin’s lamp. Barbie fans are in luck in Paris at the chic Plaza Athenee Hotel, where guests can stay in the “Fashion Icon” room with special furniture. The Modern Princess Barbie room features special linens. Marriott has lured families with promotions inspired by SpongeBob Square Pants and Dora the Explorer. In a time when consumers find most customer service experiences very uninspiring, these pop-culture promotions help establish brand loyalty and excitement. Check out my website for Maxima Marketing,my business.

I routinely handle plastic surgery marketing, skincare salon marketing and hair salon marketing, but I can market most any business. I love offbeat, untraditional marketing, which I call Meshuganah Marketing, based on the Yiddish word for crazy. Today’s tip? Employ some Meshuganah Marketing to embrace new venues. For example, The city of Plymouth, Massachusetts has embarked on ad campaign to entice tourists to their destination, and to also promote interest among businesses. Their method? Show a video about Plymouth on 17,000 Jet Blue flights carrying almost 2 million passengers. For just $10,000, the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce will showcase its destination as the ideal vacation spot, featuring 11 golf courses, 30 miles of coastline and miles of bike trails. This is a great way to get a captive audience. It’s a high-flying idea, and it works. Try some Wacky Marketing as your marketing strategy, and see what happens when you uncover a new idea you hadn’t thought of before. This is travel marketing and off-the-wall marketing at its best. For more information, visit my website at www.MarketingAuthor.com.