Odd/Creative Marketing Strategies

[Dan Mackin]

I want to start a topic about what interesting methods people have tried for their marketing. What worked or didn't work. Why did it go the way it did or at least your best guess as to why. I'm not asking for anyone to give up their awesome strategies that no one else is using, but more just looking for a thread about pros and cons of different ways. 

I'll start with my current strategies for my local area as an agent. Both are being tested currently so I'll see how they pan out.

My own neighborhood is surprisingly not farmed by an agent, so it was time to slip myself into that role. My general opinion on marketing is I hate being that person that just inundates you with my face on pieces of paper. To me it's just cheesy and doesn't accomplish anything. Yes, maybe it works, but everyone does it. In my attempt to stand out in a different way I am doing something useful for the neighborhood. Movie Nights. I will be running a few movie nights through the summer in my neighborhood and possibly one other. I have purchased a whole setup for outdoor showings for the cost of a few mailings. Screen is 16ft wide and 9ft tall. Plenty for a group the size I am expecting. For those who are wondering about legality, yes I will have copyright licenses for each showing.

The second method I am using is 10 times simpler, but fairly recognizable. In my town bike paths connect practically everything. You can ride to almost every neighborhood without crossing major streets. Since this is the case my wife and I have tricycles so we can carry lots of things without issue. We are the only ones in town who have them, plus we are not at retirement age which makes us stand out even more. We get comments weekly about how they are such a great idea so I figured why not make them advertising platforms. Signs are on their way and will hopefully be attached next week.

What things have you tried that worked/didn't work?