6 Things I Love About The Masters Plus Something That Made Me Really Happy This Week (and a few marketing lessons for NC small businesses in between)

With the soothing and polished voice of Jim Nantz narrating every swing and putt this weekend at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, the 90th Annual Masters Tournament officially begins today. 

        Everything from the food, the course, the blooming azaleas, the Green Jacket, the limited availability, and more, this week lights me up almost as much as my kids' baseball games and that's saying a lot. 

If I really think about why I love it so much, it's because of a few things: 

1. Golfers - Duh. And how adorable are the children? Watching the Par 3 coverage yesterday sent me. 

2. Nostalgia - My grandparents lived on a golf course when I was growing up and my dad always played/still plays every week. I have memories of golf gracing the TV screen every weekend from the spring through the fall year after year. 

3. Simpler times - the no phone rule makes me happy. It can be a big unnerving, but guess what? It also makes you realize you CAN survive without it for a few hours even if it's uncomfortable.

4. Comfort Food (and prices) - simple pricing for nostalgic comfort food. Even though I prefer my dad's egg salad, it's still a food I love and who can pass up a peach ice cream sandwich?

5. Exclusivity - Scarcity is part of the model. Apply for the lottery and wait. 

6. Unbelievable Branding + Marketing - This list is a mile long, but here's one thing I didn't realize until recently...did you know Pantone created a color called "Masters Green"? It became its own proper noun.

        PS - did you catch my grammar lesson on IG Stories this week?

        All things that make me happy and excited as a Southern girl and a sales and marketing business owner. 

        So, what can you learn from this iconic event and brand as a small business owner

?

1. Create exclusivity.

The Masters limits access, which in turn, increases demand. Small businesses can do the same by offering limited spots, limited products, or something like "early access for VIP customers".

And sometimes it's just in the verbiage - CREATING a sense of urgency and FOMO drives appointments, sales, etc, even if you know you'll still take them when they come in!

2. Use email to reward subscribers.

Think of your email list like a "ticket/access badge". Give subscribers a chance to buy or book early! Or invite them to special events before you open them up to the public. Existing clients/subscribers love to feel special and have a chance to book or buy before everyone else.

3. Be consistent and build anticipation.

The Masters is known for its traditions and consistent branding (everything from colors and food to the simplicity of the Green Jacket).

Create recurring content like a weekly email tip (Hello, Weekly Buzz...) or monthly offer so customers begin to expect and look forward to hearing from you.

        Even if you don't love The Masters like I do, the entire brand has become synonymous with prestige, style, Southern hospitality, and exclusivity and it's become a masterclass in branding and marketing for the whole world to see. 

What do you think about it? Are there things you love/don't love?

       It's truly a tradition like no other and I can't wait to eat my pimento cheese sandwich and sip an Azalea cocktail this weekend.

        Lastly, I am practicing what I preach and got a review from a recent client this week. I thought I'd share it here.

Not only did this make me really happy but it reminded me why I started this business in the first place.

        Kasey, thanks for trusting me as you continue to grow your business! 

        If you know a business owner that could benefit from strategy development, email marketing funnels, copywriting and more, send them my way. There may be a new referral bonus in the works!