Walt Disney’s marketing tips

Picture 6My greatest teacher when it comes to all things marketing was not a professor or professional mentor. 

It was Walt Disney.  

Somehow, in the midst of ROI, measurability, counting clicks and studies that can track a person’s eye movements to see what part of an ad captures their attention first — we have forgotten that marketing and branding is ultimately about wooing and winning someone’s heart.

But Walt never did.

At MMG, we talk a lot about creating a love affair with your customer… but Walt knocked it out of the park and his cast members continue to do it today, with every guest interaction and every new story told.

A few years ago, in the midst of one of our annual pilgrimages to the Mouse, I wrote a series of blog posts that later became an e-book spotlighting some of the many ways that Walt Disney demonstrated his marketing chops.

These are tips that any business — B2B or B2C — can employ.  I'd love to share it with you and have you share it with others.  

Download it by clicking on the link:  Walt Disney's marketing tips

 

A hat tip and a hug to CK for being the one who said… "you know, this would make an awesome ebook" way back when.

 

 

 

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9 comments on “Walt Disney’s marketing tips

  1. Cyndi Papia says:

    I’ve always thought of Walt Disney and the parks are the gold standard for customer service, marketing and delivering what they advertise. They just get everything right.

  2. Joshua Paul says:

    Drew, here is a recent post I put together that I think you and your readers might find valuable. It highlights some of the Disney marketing magic that you cover in your eBook. http://bit.ly/bfue8l

  3. Niki Davis says:

    Thanks for sharing this..rest assured that 20 tourism marketing students will be reading this soon!

  4. Tracy Keith says:

    Really loved this post–your list was spot-on! Disney knows their business very well. It’s about capturing the imagination, but they are very detailed and smart in their execution. I am partial to the Mouse myself and now you have me thinking about booking a trip to Orlando…

  5. Tracy says:

    Thanks for the ebook, Drew. I worked during my college days for 5 years at Walt Disney World. Walt really did know his stuff. If any of your reader’s would like to see more about Walt, check out “Walt: The Man Behind the Myth” CNBC on Thursday, Febuary 3rd, 2011 at 9 p.m.

    Here’s a link from WDW Radio about the upcoming show. http://www.wdwradio.com/2011/01/walt-the-man-behind-the-myth-the-film-biography-to-air-on-cnbc-feb-3/

    (No, I do not work for CNBC, but I know it will be worth watching.)

    Thanks again.

  6. Cyndi,

    And none of it is by accident! That’s the point we often miss because they make it seem so effortless.

    Drew

  7. Joshua,

    Thanks for sharing the link — you and I must be kindred spirits! I’ve been to WDW at least once a year since it opened in 1971!

    Drew

  8. Niki —

    Thanks for passing it along!

    Drew

  9. Tracy,

    I have the DVD of the show you’re talking about (I think) and it was excellent. The more I learn about him, the more I can see what a natural marketer he was!

    Drew

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