Marketing Pyramid. Marketing Funnel. Marketing Escalator?

The terms "marketing pyramid" and "marketing funnel" are commonplace in the business world -- yet they never felt quite right to me.

It struck me why this past weekend. . .

I hope you enjoyed the video. . .if inspired, please leave your thoughts below. 

And, if you're interested in learning more, please visit www.CreateYourBestFallEver.com for info on my upcoming program. :-)

Comments

[Shannon Cherry]

Are you reading our minds, Sandy?

Shawn Driscoll and I had a conversation that the funnel
is so limiting... So dead. (And I love the meat grinder analogy... Reminds me of my grandfather in Utica, NY making homemade sausage... Not pretty at all!)

I love the escalator. It is about building relationships when the ideal client is ready. Can I hop on yours?

[Shawn Driscoll]

Sandy,
I told you you were my soul sister! I hate the pyramid/funnel concept and in fact, teach a "path of growth" model as an alternative. I LOVE the escalator concept you illustrated.

And, you know how much I dig doing videos with marker in hand. I just got my new flip chart pads this week and have a bunch of ideas for videos!

[Elissa Joy]

Sandy, I loved the video.. and the concept of the escalator and Supporting our ideal clients up to the next level...it is just what a conscious/heart centered business owner really desires to do deep down!
Ewwww.. the meat grinder analogy. Did I ever tell you I have a REALLY Active imagination ?! ewww ewww eww. LOL.
SO excited to be part of your Create Your Best Fall Ever program! You are a great teacher!

[Kim Turcotte]

Sandy,

I really LOVE the escalator concept. I just had a conversation today about how I didn't resonate with the pyramid analogy because it felt like it cut people off who might in fact need what I offer. And I never was a big fan of the funnel because it seemed so scattered and hit or miss.

I think your escalator approach is where it's at. Thanks so much for sharing this nugget of wisdom!

[Carolyn]

Sandy,
The escalator concept is BRILLIANT! I can't wait to learn more in Create Your Best Fall Ever.

[joanne]

Your escalator concept is what I think so many of us need to offer. I think it would also eliminate the sales type feeling about what you are offering. It is more of a "support system" rather than lets just get you signed up and see what money we can make off of you.

[Gillian]

LOVE this concept so much have favourited this vid on my YouTube channel and promoted it on FB and Twitter. Hope it brings you clients.

[Lela Bryan]

Great concept! I totally relate and sometimes,like you said, we grow with our clients and we all go up the escalator together.

[Tanisha]

Hi Sandy,

I love this concept. It is much better to work with someone who is supporting you throughout the process.

[Sandra Martini]

Hi Shannon and Shawn,

I absolutely love how we're of the same mindset -- we truly are soul sisters!

Shannon...hop on -- it's an awesome journey! :-)

And like you Shawn, I'm never happier than with a whiteboard and marker in hand...we're teachers at heart.

Thanks for commenting! I love hearing your thoughts.

With love and abundance,

Sandy :-)

[Sandra Martini]

Hey Elissa Joy,

The "meat grinder" is pretty vivid isn't it...EWWW!

I don't script the videos and as I looked at the funnel, it hit me that that's the feeling I always get from them and POOF! out came the words. While icky, it does get reflect what happens with funnels.

I'm looking forward to Create Your Best Fall Ever and am thrilled you're in it! :-)

*See* you tomorrow,

Love and hugs,

Sandy :-)

[Sandra Martini]

Hi Kim,

You're so right...the pyramid does cut people off -- uh oh, now we have "meat grinders" and "cutting people off". This isn't going anywhere good. :-)

I like the natural progression of the escalator as it sets up our businesses to serve clients at all levels -- while being true to our industry and niche.

Thanks so much for your input!

Sandy :-)

[Sandra Martini]

Hi Carolyn, Joanne, Gillian, Lela, Tanisha,

You hit the nail on the head...the key about the "escalator" approach is that not only does it provide clients with a system or products and programs that grow with them, it also supports them every step of the way.

Done right, you create a community for your clients to grow and thrive in and that's a win/win/win (win for your clients, win for THEIR clients since they're at their best and win for you).

I appreciate your commenting...thank you!

In full and unwavering support of you,

Sandy :-)

[Queenmarypat]

Sandy,

I just LOVE the escalator--it is exactly the process needed to create relationships that matter with your peeps! It's the difference between a numbers game and being able to focus your energy on positive, supportive opportunities for you and your business!

Yeah! I am LOVING your new video series. THANKS for sharing your brilliance!

MaryPat

[Linda Pucci]

I really like this concept, Sandy. Thank you for your skill at enunciating the discomfort with the funnel and pyramid that I felt but had not been able to put into words. As always, your info is spot on! Great job!

[Rhonda Hess]

The old funnel concept has needed an update that fits with the new biz culture. Love this escalator metaphor, Sandra. Good luck on your new program!

[Gala at A Travel Crew]

WOW!!! A Travel Crew is a boutique luxury travel firm new to the "back of the room product" biz. Since we don't have anything for the "funnel" it was difficult for us to implement. Sandra, thank you soooo much for the new "escalator" vision. This is just what we needed to move us and our product biz up each level. We're going to check out your CreateYourBestFallEver. With Appreciation, Gala Reitz