Posts Tagged ‘USLBA’

Let’s fight vanity scams together

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

Let\'s fight vanity scams together

I’ve been intrigued by the legs Awards for sale: Not a rewarding experience has had since I posted it on July 22nd, just under a month ago.

The Ballard Agency received an award from the U.S. Local Business Association that was clearly a deceptive marketing tactic similar to the phony domain name and Yellow Pages bills that are sent in hopes your A/P department will pay them in error.

To date, there have been 22 comments from people that received an email notification of the award, thought something was fishy, then pulled up the blog post after doing a Google search.

Tim Brosnan from the Centre Stage summed up what it was like to receive the award well:

A quick visit to the USLBA Web site dispelled any excitement I might have felt about our professional theater in Greenville, SC winning a national award.

Who else in Greenville had won awards?
No answer.

What’s the history of the USLBA?
No answer.

Who runs it?
No answer.

Is there a phone number to call?
No.

Now what do we do?
Buy a plaque.

What’s the plaque cost?
Enter all your contact information to find out.

Now I have a new term to toss around at cocktail parties: “vanity scam.”

“Vanity scam” is my favorite phrase of the week.

A few takeaways:

  • Social media powers word of mouth and illuminates questionable marketing and business practices. The #1 response when Googling “US Local Business Association” is the USLBA, but #2 is my blog post. It takes seconds to reveal the truth.
  • Just because a business doesn’t participate in social media, doesn’t mean people aren’t talking about it. The USLBA hasn’t weighed in to defend their actions yet. The conversation is happening without them.
  • Together, we can make a difference.

    • Please share any vanity scams or other questionable marketing practices you come across. Whenever possible, I’ll post them, and we’ll do some good—together.

    Where have you seen questionable marketing practices such as false advertising, bait and switch, vanity scams and such?

    Comment below to share your story.

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    Posted in no trust, social media, social networking, word of mouth | 49 Comments »

    Awards for sale: Not a rewarding experience

    Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

    The Ballard Agency has won plenty of awards in their 45 year history, but this isn’t one they were interested in:

    The Ballard Agency - Best of Bellevue Award

    Chris Ballard, President of the the Bellevue-based insurance brokerage was surprised his company was selected. He’d never even heard of the U.S. Local Business Association.

    Here’s the email he received, with hyperlinks removed:

    I am pleased to announce that Ballard Agency has been selected for the 2008 Best of Bellevue Award in the Insurance category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

    In recognition of your achievement, a 2008 Best of Bellevue Award plaque has been designed for display at your place of business. You may arrange to have your award sent directly to Ballard Agency by following the simple steps on the 2008 Best of Bellevue Award order form.

    The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

    Also, a copy of the press release publicizing the selection of Ballard Agency is posted on the USLBA website. USLBA hereby grants Ballard Agency a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display this press release in any media formats and through any media channels.

    In order to provide you with the best possible service, you have been assigned an award code that can be used on our website for quick access to your award information and press release. If you have any questions or comments, please include this code with your correspondence.

    Sincerely,

    Ashley Carter
    Selection Committee Chair
    U.S. Local Business Association

    After doing a little sleuthing, the folks at the Ballard Agency realized it was a marketing scheme to sell overpriced plaques.

    Chris didn’t appreciate having his time wasted, but took the time to share it with me, and now you.

    Here’s a marketing tactic I hate: Winning fake awards or being “nominated for a “who’s Who” list, and all you have to do is pay for $100 award!

    Clearly, this is a deceptive marketing tactic in the same category as the phony domain name and Yellow Pages bills that are sent in hopes your A/P department will pay them in error.

    “The only way they’d ever get our business is on accident,” says Ballard.

    And that, my Responsible Marketing friends, is no way to grow a business.

    So, have you or ever been targeted for one of these “faux-wards?”

    Comment below to share your experience.

    UPDATE: Let’s fight vanity scams together is a follow-up to this post.

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    . . .

    Full disclosure: Outsource Marketing is a Ballard Agency client.

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    Posted in deceptive marketing, no trust | 106 Comments »