For More Profit, Just Add Quirks

Posted by in General Finance | 43 comments


Would you buy a finance book from this person? Listen to her advice on pricing? Ask her to help with your cash flow issues?

If your answer was “Heck Yeah!” you’ve just made it past my velvet rope. Here’s your VIP pass and welcome drink.

Think you don’t need a velvet rope? Reflect for a minute on any well attended, high dollar event. There’s always a VIP entrance. If you really want to get into the event and desire the full experience you’ll pay for that VIP Pass. If the event was only a passing fancy you may wait in line, or you may just leave.

Embracing your quirks creates a profitable velvet rope. It intrigues and attracts people who desire your products and services. And they’re willing to pay.

Wondering who this is in the picture? Keep reading to find out.

Learn how to turn your quirks into a profit boosting velvet rope!

Recently my husband and I found ourselves child free on a Friday night. It was actually a bit bewildering. We could actually do something that didn’t involve Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Train, or the local park’s jungle gym.

I decided to do an internet search of local bars that offered live entertainment. I knew I’d hit gold when I found the website for Bogart’s Place and saw this:

We had a fabulous time at Bogart’s and will definitely go back. How did this quirky warning make them money?

  • The minute I saw this I knew my husband and I would enjoy this show. The $5 per person cover didn’t phase me. I wanted to enjoy our precious date night. $10 seemed cheap!

  • Throughout the show the performers would encourage the audience to do another shot or order another drink. As I write this in black and white it sounds pushy and obnoxious. Yet at the time it was just part of the show. It reminded me of parties where the host made sure your glass was always full. Read the warning again, ordering shots is offered as a solution.

Consider how your business might use a quirky “warning” to attract your perfect customers. Try posting it on your Facebook page or tweeting it out. Track the results and ask new clients what drew them in.

Using Quirks to Sell Professional Services


 Have you ever watched Mad Money with Jim Cramer? That’s Jim on the left. He’s an absolute riot. His show is geared towards the individual investor, and airs on CNBC.

Sound tedious? Never. Jim prowls his studio like a caged tiger. He has buttons that will play a variety of sound effects, and he uses them throughout the show. People calling in often start by yelling “Booyah!”.
 
 

How does Jim make money using his quirks?

  • His TV show has been on the air since 2005. Can you name another show geared towards the individual stock investor with a single host that has lasted as long? Jim entertains while teaching, and people tune in to watch.
  • Jim is also a best-selling author, tapping into the large pool of people who find investing tedious but love to make more money!

Do you provide a service that people view as drudgery? Do you think dentists rate higher than you on the fun scale? Heck, maybe you ARE a dentist.

Use your personality to stand out and draw people in. There are plenty of stock analysts out there, but only one Jim Cramer. Ask your friends and family about your most enjoyable / endearing / entertaining traits. How can you use those in your business?

Follow My Lead – The Numbers Whisperer™ Value Add Quirks

Have you figured out yet who that is in the picture? It’s me!

When I decided to do a photo shoot for my new book, How to be a Finance Rock Star: The Small Business Owner’s Ticket to Multi-Platinum Profits, the photographer and I decided some thematic pictures would be fun.

That leather jacket, which has a dragon hand painted on the back, was purchased back when I was in college. Right after dirt was invented. The wig (it IS a wig) was picked up while I lived in Hong Kong. I had been nervous about using those props – who would trust me about their finances?

Guess what… I attracted MORE people with that picture. I’ve even had it turned into a poster and display it when promoting my book at events. People are intrigued. Maybe finance can be fun….

I’ve also discovered my sense of humor is a great velvet rope quirk. I started sharing a “guarantee” off hand with people and was amazed at how it resonated.

You’ll laugh or I’ll eat my pocket protector.

Time and again I’ve had clients say to me that my fun, friendly, and at times silly approach is why they chose me.

Looking for a place that will help you embrace your unique quirks? Then you need to check out the Circus Serene by Tori Deaux. Tori also hosts a weekly Twitter chat with the hashtag #quirkybiz on Mondays at 1 p.m. CST. I even have a coffee mug from Tori that says Quirk It Like I Mean It.

Final Thoughts

What are some of your quirks? Are you using them in your business? If so, how do they drive your profit? Need help in applying your quirks for profit? Throw them out below for a crowd sourced solution.

This post is part of the May Word Carnival — a monthly group blogging event specifically for small business owners. It’s the most fun you’ll have all month!

 
© 2012 Small Business Finance Forum LLC | All rights reserved.

 

43 Comments

  1. Sweet Baby Lettuce, I LOVE THAT PICTURE! How much for a signed poster?

    And Nicole, you’ve proven once again WHY you’re such an awesome carnie. Your fearlessness and fresh take on something that most people feel needs to be delivered in a 3-piece suit is so…JOYFUL.

    I’ve got a few button-up clients that need to see this one, pronto!
    Tea Silvestre recently posted..Quirky Much? How Your Oddities, Flaws and Peculiar Habits Help Build a Stronger BrandMy Profile (dofollow)

    • “Sweet Baby Lettuce”? Now that’s a phrase you don’t hear every day!

      For you, I’ll send a poster gratis :)

      Finance IS fun & joyful. Kind of like that really quiet person who suddenly becomes the life of the party.

  2. That is such a happy picture, Nicole. It’s no wonder it draws people in. One of the things I’m learning from this month’s Word Carnival is that you can use your quirks creatively as part of the way you market yourself – and have fun with it too!
    Sharon Hurley Hall recently posted..The Quirky Bits of My Writing BrandMy Profile (dofollow)

    • Thanks Sharon. We took these pictures near the end of the session. My photographer and I were actually singing AC/DC at this point. Hats off to her for knowing how to make her clients have fun.

  3. Love the pic & the point, Nicole! :-) :>

    Now the Q is: how to come out of the Quirk Closet when so many of those who think they know me have already decided x, y, and z.

    Off to ponder! :-D :>
    Birdy Diamond recently posted..MommaCat Monday Missive #17: On Letting It Be Easy, Furr-ther ExplorationsMy Profile (dofollow)

    • Thanks for the feedback Birdy. A couple of the other blog posts for this word carnival do talk a bit about how and when to let the quirk out. @TeaSilvestre’s likens it to salt. Add slowly to get the right taste. If you add too much too fast it’s a fail.

  4. Great post. All that is missing is your fantastic laugh!
    I love that picture. What makes it stand out and what you talk about in your post is your very own personality and voice.
    I use a double meanings with my tag line, “Cool Garments for Hot Women”. When people get it they love it!

    • Yes a laugh button IS coming. Will keep you posted.

      I remember when I first connected with you and saw your tag line, “Cool Garments for Hot Women”. I LOVED it. And yes I love sharing it with others.

  5. YOUR HAIR! OMG YOUR HAIR! It’s AWESOME – so were the long dark curls, of course – but thanks for leaving those to ME, LOL. I cannot get over this AWESOME image!

    And the post is brilliant as always – you are for me the quintessential living proof of quirks being necessary for wild success, ’cause if a freakin’ NUMBERS geek can make quirky work, there is NO excuse for anyone else!
    Annie Sisk (Stage Presence) recently posted..It’s the Quirks That Make You Irresistible: Three Case Studies in QuirkologyMy Profile (dofollow)

    • Hey Annie -I really hate to be a wet blanket, but the hair is a wig. I’m not sure I could rock that hair 24/7. A wig – well that’s just plain fun. So we’ll have to share the curly hair title.

  6. I knew it was you, and LOVE that picture…fun, edgy, sexy! You got me right at the beginning with “Embracing your quirks creates a profitable velvet rope. It intrigues and attracts people who desire your products and services. And they’re willing to pay.” Excellent analogy.
    evan austin recently posted..Coming Out: Embracing Your Quirks Can Help Your BusinessMy Profile (dofollow)

    • Thanks Evan. Having a finance person getting called “Fun, Edgy, Sexy” made my week. While the words are mine, I must confess the concept of a velvet rope was introduced to me by Michael Port.

  7. Too cool for words, Nicole!! :)

    Love the whole premise of your post, your highly-charged energy, and velvet rope quirks!

    All I can say is …
    Thanks for the ride! I want to buy a ticket and go on it again and again.

    Melanie
    Fellow Carney
    Melanie Kissell recently posted..I Have That FaceMy Profile (dofollow)

    • You’re welcome Melanie. One season pass coming right up!

  8. Great article and just in the nick of time! We are launching a new website on Friday and are in the tweeking stage – your fearlessness has inspired me to let my personality out of the box!

    Thanks! And thanks to Tea – The Word Chef for sharing this on facebook!
    Lisa recently posted..Lavender Lemonade RecipeMy Profile (dofollow)

    • Lisa I love your new site, and your personality is shining through. That pick of you is perfect. Keep it up.

  9. First of all, congrats on being the “poster girl for quirks!” Ha! I also love the idea of a quirky warning for your business. It’s such a creative, playful way to help people get engaged in your business for all the right reasons — their own matching quirks!

    • My newest title “Poster Girl For Quirks”. Love it.

  10. Ok…so I just gained a WHOLE NUTHA LEVEL of appreciation and respect. The more I get to know you the better it is…I so hate financial stuff and one day I gotta hire you! I L O V E that picture…The color wig look awesome on you. ok back to the post…Yes..quirky unique marketing will always attract me..I would have gone to that club and for the band to suggest shots…OMG…that sounded like a lot of fun. You really gave me some ideas…when I find time to work on them…I will have to refer back to this post! LOVE IT! Gonna Pinterest it too!
    Michelle Church recently posted..Coming Out Secretly…Shhh Don’t TellMy Profile (dofollow)

    • Thanks Michelle – and speaking of quirks I love that your writing is absolutely your voice. As I read your comment I can hear you voice in my head (at least I hope it’s your voice).

      Yes the club was a blast, and now look how they are getting all this free advertising on top of it!

  11. Yes – I agree, finding and exposing quirks for your Business (not only online, but offline as well) is one of the best ways to get content and links to a website go viral. Like you did by mentioning the bar Bogart’s and showing an image of their (even if I say so myself) excellent warning on their website.
    Anton Koekemoer recently posted..Do you really understand social media marketing?My Profile (dofollow)

    • Hello Anton – welcome to the site :) Yes I agree one of the keys to going viral is authentic quirkiness.

      BTW took a look at your post on the value of followers. I’ll quality over quantity any day.

  12. In this very competitive market, we need to do some extra to stand out. Those quirks can really go a long way.
    Sarah recently posted..ballroom dance lesson dvdMy Profile (dofollow)

    • You’re spot on Sarah. While the economy continues to be a real pain, I like to remind my clients that if you can start / grow / survive in this environment you should be a long term success.

  13. Way to go Nicole! Love the picture! You’re such an inspiration. We need unique quirks in order to keep up and be successful in this competitive industry.
    Grace recently posted..quality photography lessonMy Profile (dofollow)

    • Hi Grace – yes photography is a tough business. As someone on the client side of the transaction, selecting the photographer who took the shot above was absolutely a personality driven decision.

  14. I can’t get enough, Nicole.

    I fully agree – if your business is worth a damn, it should come with a warning tag for folks who’ll hate your offer inside and out.

    In the short time I’ve known you, you’ve gone from Nicole, Finance Expert to Nicole, F-in Finance Rockstar. It’s like watching Clark Kent run into the phone booth and bust out as Superman.

    Keep up the strong work!
    Nick Armstrong recently posted..Art, Craft, and Commodity – Quirks Create the BusinessMy Profile (dofollow)

    • Wow, high praise Nick. Thanks.

      I’m thrilled to be the Clark Kent of finance. Nerdy finance girl runs into … (I need to think on this one) and emerges as a Rock Star! Superman has a cape, I’ve got a rockin leather jacket.

  15. When we get to the USA, I want to go to Bogarts!

    Are VIP passes open to visitors from other lands? Your imaginary velvet rope is an absolute winner. What a wonderfully quirky way to evoke the image of a desirable VIP invite with just a hint of exclusivity!

    Great, fun poster Nicole, fabulously aligned to your book title. I’m in awe!
    SandyMc recently posted..Quirkology. Separating the cream from the wishy-washy-whey.My Profile (dofollow)

    • Hi Sandy – yes I take VIPs from anywhere. I’ve had clients literally around the globe in New Zealand!

      If you make it to Minnesota I’d love to take you to Bogarts.

  16. That picture symbolic of that friday night with no kids with your spouse. I love my kids, but sometimes enough is enough and we need a night out.

    • Yes. My daughter is wonderful, but sometimes you need adults only time.

  17. Good morning Nicole!

    Thank you, thank you and THANK YOU!
    Not only was that an excellent post, but you just gave me my next title and marketing campaign. ‘Warning – this holiday could seriously affect your wealth! or something like that – can’t wait to get writing!

    Love the idea of Bogart’s – we have ‘Funny Girls’ near us, an alternative night club and the ‘girls’ are very definitely ‘funny’ in every sense. Think I might suggest that they adopt a similar warning…
    Linda recently posted..Don’t Miss The Donnerstiege Stairway In Luvavum!My Profile (dofollow)

    • ooh love the “Warning- this holiday could seriously affect your wealth!” Be sure to pop back in and update us on the final version.

      Took a look at your blog on Austria. I visited Salzburg a number of years ago and absolutely loved it. But I don’t remember seeing the Donnerstiege Stairway. I guess I’ll just *have* to go back at some point in the future.

  18. sense of humor when it is genuine is such a good thing — relaxes people, makes them feel comfy, and sparks great conversation!!
    You are lucky that you are filled with a fabulous sense of humor
    Rachel Blaufeld recently posted..For Moms, Love Actually Does Conquer AllMy Profile (dofollow)

  19. Heck yeah! The lady in the picture not only says happy and successful, she screams I’m having one heck of a time and loving every minute of it. I would certainly prefer her over some picture of a stuffy-looking rich guy. Another great example is Sir Richard Branson, the rebel billionaire.
    Reese recently posted..Chase Ink Card Comparison Review: Cash vs Classic vs BoldMy Profile (dofollow)

  20. Seeing the warning on the website of Bogart’s Place, I am convinced that I will really have a blast there. I see the point of this post, it was well exemplified by that warning.
    John recently posted..blu electronic cigarette reviewMy Profile (dofollow)

  21. Jim Kramer certainly does have a following. He is quirky and funny and this works quite well for him. I think it is important that we try to be ourselves as much as possible. If we want to be successful we first need to understand who we are. Then other people will be able to know us. Don’t put on a fake personality. Do what works for you.

  22. Your style is so unique compared to many other people thank you for sharing the info I found helpful details.

  23. Hi Nicole, we all need our little quirks to stand us out from everyone else. My problem is I have always questioned whether mine would stand me out positively or not. I have been a bit nervous to go to far outside the box. Your post has convinced me that it is worth a go.

    So for motivating me thanks lee
    Lee recently posted..Sweat Suits for Weight LossMy Profile (dofollow)

  24. That is such a happy picture, Nicole. It’s no wonder it draws people in. One of the things I’m learning from this month’s Word Carnival is that you can use your quirks creatively as part of the way you market yourself – and have fun with it too!

  25. Good read , love the picture of you – adding a bit of quirky definitely makes a big difference – sweet baby lettuce ….. not that is something new!

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