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So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL's Oldest Plays?

So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?

So are you an NFL fan? Or are you an avid football fan of any kind?

Be it Pop Warner (Jr. HS) , HS or college and or the NFL or Canadian football league.

If you are, then you probably recognize the name of one of football in general (and the) NFL in particular’s oldest  plays, that being what’s very often referred to as the “play action pass.”

Now without boring the non sports fans to tears! Here’s the short version.

Basically, whenever the quarterback wants to buy a few extra seconds, in order to give his intended receivers a chance to get open.

He will pretend to hand the ball off to one of his running backs as he ‘s back peddling in order to set  up to throw the ball down field.

And the crafty running back will move forward and pretend to receive the ball in order to help sell the illusion to the defensive team.

So What Crucial Marketing Lesson Can Extremely Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?

And if all goes as intended, both the front linemen and the linebackers on the defensive side of the ball, will have to hesitate just long enough,because they’re not totally sure if this is in fact a pass play or a run?

And this ever so slight hesitation on their part (typically) gives the receivers just enough time to quickly get open. And hopefully catch the intended pass, and move the ball down field.

Sometimes this play works extremely well and the offensive team will either go for a really big gain (and or), they may even score a touchdown!

Of course, after that watered down version of an explanation of that particular NFL play, you’re probably wondering “how” in the world, some if any connection can possibly be made between that and the business world in general and marketing in particular? Fair enough!

So Do Your Current Marketing Ploys And Or Tactics Compel Your Ideal Prospects And Or customers To Take the Specific Actions You Want!

Okay, here’s the main point: the so called “play action pass” play, is a really nothing more than a carefully orchestrated ruse on the part of offensive team!Say what?

And it’s ultimate purpose is to fool the defensive players into thinking one thing is happening, when in reality, something else entirely, is actually taking place!

Case in point: recently while reading the blog post (okay), studying the blog post of a seven figure earner.

A link was included for a free gift offer. Cool! So once the link was clicked (remember, our “play action pass” play) scenario here!

A really well done HD quality video started to play from another well known, eight figure a year online earner.

Don’t Forget Some Form Of Power List Building Is Always A Must!

And this well known marketer was offering (get this), his brand new hard cover book,(on what else?) successful Internet marketing strategies, which he says currently retails for $17.95.

However, for just $7.95, (the so called cost of shipping and handling), he would gladly send it out!

But here’s the thing. After watching the video and over the next several days, a few more of what you might either refer to as  his JV partners and or affiliates etc, they too sent out email messages, with subject lines that read: “Mark, Can I send you this book?”

Always Look For the Marketing Ploys Or Strategies Just Beneath The Primary Marketing Strategies And Or Tactics!

So here’s where the “play action pass”  play mindset starts to come in. Let me get this straight. A perennial eight figure a year earner, has just written this brand new book, and he along with all of his overly enthusiastic joint venture partners/affiliate friends etc, would like to send it to me, for just a mere $7.95.

First of all, they wanted me/you to fill out this short sales form, by supplying not only your current credit card information, but they also wanted a valid phone number as well. Hmmm?

Sometimes Things Aren’t Always What They Appear To Be At First Glance!

(Don’t You Agree?)

So more than likely, they are generating and or identifying highly targeted leads, at (or very near) break even up front cost! Agreed? Plus, they’ve got (in all likelihood) a valid phone number, right?

Plus, (get this) I decided to by pass the apparent sales funnel, and attempted to get the book directly from the book store, so I tried to order it through my local Barnes & Nobles and was informed, the publisher (mysteriously) no longer had any copies left! Say what?

You’ve Got To Develop An Extremely Pro-active Back End Component To Your Business And Or Service!

Which only leads me to believe even more, the real reason (and or) one of the main reasons, they want a valid phone number.

Is because someone from his office is going to call you and either attempt to sell you some type of high end Internet marketing course. And or attempt to enroll you into some type of high end coaching/mentoring program.

For which all of these well meaning affiliates, (and the commissioned sales reps) that call you, get a really nice piece of the action as well!

Just Because Your Marketing Strategies Initially Start out Small Doesn’t Mean It Has To Stay That Way!

Thus, just like one of the NFL’s oldest plays, the good ole “play action pass”  play attempts to sell the illusion to the defensive team!

I think this marketer, while being sincere about wanting to lower the price of his new book, in order to get it in the hands of more aspiring entrepreneurs! (I’m just so touched!) Aren’t you?

His real mission is to identify that ever smaller percentage of potential prospects, that are prime to invest some much bigger dollars!

And hey, that’s totally cool! But, still in  all, it looks like the good old fashion, “play action pass” play, just the same! What say you?

Once You Develop A Marketing Strategy And Or Tactic Which Consistently Works! (Keep Testing And Continuously Building Out Your Sales Funnel!)

Now as is customary during this part of our show. Please share your extremely valuable comments (in the comments section below) that you can apply to your business, product or service in the next 30 days or less!

As always, if you got any value out of this post, please share this post on your favorite social media sites or tweet this.Thanks!

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12 Responses to So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?
  1. Plenty of sports can also teach this same lesson. Although, thankfully I do like football and appreciate this explanation. 🙂
    Nile recently posted…5 Tips For Being Interviewed For a FeatureMy Profile

  2. Mark, very user friendly approach you shared here.

    This is the game most affiliate sites play. They will lean towards free, only s&h needs to be paid. This gets most lookers to jump at pressing that link.

    As you shared with us. This hit home to me each day. Being swarmed by so many offers. I study each one until I clearly understand the real purpose of contact.

    Then, I will make contact with the real person responsible of making decisions. We get to talking and I walk them through. My feelings of proper introduction. Hey, get to know a person and then find out what their needs are.

    Keeping stuff simple. I like this approach. Plus, we get to make new friends on the way through this journey.

    Mark, you keep me amazed each time I read one of your articles. I get more insight on the dealings of the mind. Than, anything else. Thank you very much.
    William Earl Amis Jr III recently posted…A Glance Into The Future!My Profile

    • So very well said William (as usual!)

      And your analysis is so very spot on! These experienced marketers know
      how to bait their lead generating hooks oh so well!

      And they attract the opportunity seekers like a magnet, in droves!LOL!

      And they know from much experience,that within the vast sea of wannabees, are enough
      “desperately wanna make money” seekers, for them to get a reasonable percentage of them to
      shell out some major bucks, in order to learn the so called “secrets” to online success!LOL!

      And this crowd and that subject is “evergreen!” But for the more experienced “been there and done
      that” marketers, such as ourselves!

      We know to stand clear and simply wait for the initial marketing smoke to clear!

      Thanks as always for shedding some much needed light in a perpetual tunnel of darkness!LOL!

      Always a pleasure and a real treat to hear from you my friend! Stay well and extremely prosperous!
      Mark Newsome recently posted…So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?Part TwoMy Profile

  3. I confess I’m not much of a sports fan either, but I clearly get your well stated point Mark. I can certainly see the value of this pass play and as always you leave me conjuring up all sorts of ideas.

    One thing, I’d be really curious to see any stats on how many people actually fill in a phone number on these forms because I never do and can’t imagine I’m the only one – but then maybe that’s because I spent so many years working in sales that’s a HUGE red flag for me. Anyway, another great post!
    Marquita Herald recently posted…Why You Must Acknowledge Your Hurt FeelingsMy Profile

    • Me too M!LOL!

      That was my thinking exactly as well! Because (as you) know if you
      omit filling out something with an asterisk next to it, some online forms won’t
      let you proceed until you do!

      And like you, that was an instant red flag, along with not being able to order the
      book normally from the publisher, by way of a major book store.

      And I’ve gotta believe a fairly high percentage, (maybe as much as half) probably don’t
      want to leave a valid phone number, without being ethically bribed to do so!

      (Hmmm, Thanks M!, because maybe I’ll write a sequel post to creatively address that very issue and
      offer an entirely (hypothetical) marketing slant or two, of potential creative marketing approaches to aggressively
      address that very issue!LOL!

      But closer to home, you mentioned how this little episode sparked a few creative marketing ideas, boy
      I sure hope one day (real soon!), you decide to open up and share some of your awesome creative
      marketing/promotional strategies, tactics and secrets M!

      Now that would be quite a treat we’d all readily enjoy and benefit from I’m sure!LOL!

      As always, your extremely valuable real world input is greatly appreciated and welcome!
      Mark Newsome recently posted…So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?My Profile

  4. Hey Mark,

    Believe it or not I’m not a big time football fan but I do understand what you’re getting across. Yes it’s those bait and hook techniques that a lot marketers use!

    I really hate those upsales and I really hate it when they switch it up like that. This is definitely not to win a lot of your visitors over and sounds like an act out of desperation.

    I’ve been desperate before but not on this level. These are definitely to type of sites I don’t patronize !

    Grear share Mark!
    Sherman Smith recently posted…Why You’re Not Actually Finding Success In Attraction Marketing?My Profile

    • We’re all trying to make a living Sherman!

      I get and totally respect that completely!

      But it’s like you said, when you blatantly switch things up to
      that degree!

      Well, I’m definitely in your camp, I tend to head in the opposite direction.

      I’d much prefer if you just were more transparent about your true intentions
      and not try and pretend it’s not exactly what it is!LOL!

      Which is a sales ploy!LOL! Your real world insights are always welcome here
      and so greatly appreciated Sherman! Thanks for stopping by!

      And I love your headline to your latest post BTW! And can’t wait to read it!
      Mark Newsome recently posted…So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?My Profile

  5. Hi Mark,

    I like your metaphor, but I would say it sounds more like a classic bait and switch!

    It just leaves a bit of sour taste, doesn’t it? You think you’re getting one thing and then you get another. If it were only football, right?

    Integrity is everything, and when the appearance of integrity is gone what is left?

    Great post!

    ~ Don Purdum
    Don Purdum recently posted…3 Ways to Separate Yourself From Those Who Sell the Same Thing You DoMy Profile

    • I definitely don’t want to accuse anyone of having a lack of some
      much needed integrity bud!LOL!

      So let’s just say, their approach, left a little to be desired!LOL!

      I mean really, are we expected to believe any legit marketer is running a seven or eight figure business,
      by selling products that have a $7.95 price tag!LOL!

      That’s definitely some comic relief material!

      Thank so much for stopping by and sharing your extremely valuable
      real world input!

      It’s greatly appreciated and always welcome!
      Mark Newsome recently posted…So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?My Profile

  6. Hi Mark,

    Not an avid football nut, but know enough about it to appreciate your analogy.

    My goodness, did we both opt in to the same product? I just had a similar experience, knowing that there will be up-sells to get a free book by the same shipping price!

    As I went through several pages of up and down selling me, I had to scroll to the bottom and say “No Thanks!” Finally, at the end, I realized I must have hit a button for a $37 product. Yikes!

    I did put in a support ticket and got my money back immediately because it is a “trusted” marketer.

    But gosh…I know how a funnel works, but for God sakes…let it be a little more simple than that!

    I believe the up sells can come AFTER one is signed up via email. Is it just me?

    Thanks for this Mark!

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted…The Blogging EntrepreneurMy Profile

    • No, you’re right on track Donna!

      And sometimes those sales funnels just flat out make you dizzy, don’t they?LOL!

      Hey, we’re all trying to earn a profit, I get it!

      But to try and pull at your heart strings about “how” you’re doing this for
      the greater good!Oh really!

      Well, let’s just say, somewhere in that greater good, somebody’s trying to make a mighty big profit to!LOL!

      Because $7.95 per sale isn’t gonna support a seven or eight figure a year lifestyle, now is it?LOL!

      Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your real world thoughts!

      Am I’m so glad my football analogy didn’t bore you to tears!LOL!
      Mark Newsome recently posted…So What Can Savvy Marketers Learn From One Of The NFL’s Oldest Plays?My Profile


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