by Karen Post, a.k.a. The Branding Diva®

In May of ’07, I moved to Savannah, GA. from Tampa, FL. My reasons were all over the board. I needed a personal change, I had been in a toxic relationship that clearly was something I need to get away from. Business-wise, two of Oddpodz largest and most supportive investors lived right outside Savannah, and I’m a lifetime adventurer, free bird and free agent. Because I can be spontaneous, make change, when I want to, I do.

Before I moved to Savannah, My business partner Jocelyn and I toured the town. It was historic, quaint, full of charm and a growing community of creative people from SCAD, The Savannah College of Art and Design, adds to the eclectic mix of diverse arties. One year and a few months later, it is still all those things, but what it was not for me, and my desire to move outweighed the positives of Savannah.

Which brings me to what’s really important to people really matters. It matters in living choices, purchasing products, picking friends and being loyal to brands.

I don’t regret my move to Savannah. I met some really wonderful people, learned a lot about small town cultures that make up our great America and had some very interesting experiences. I lived in two parts of Savannah, the downtown area and then the rural out skirts. I had not really inventoried my values in awhile. This past 16 months clarified a lot for me.

I don’t like rats, mice or gnats.
I really dislike parking meters, parking tickets and parallel parking. I don’t respect people who are over the top religious and equally over the top rude when you don’t share the same beliefs as them. I’m not crazy about having to travel through Atlanta to get most places. Blatant racial divide is so 1960s and out of my zone.

I’m a modern, city girl.
I love safe parking lots near places I want to go and sometimes valet parking. I really love 7 days a week active tennis environments, pro sports, cool shopping and being 13 minutes away form one of the best airports in the US. I like lots of people, for business and personal reasons. I appreciate professional broadcast news. Sophisticated convenience is really important to me. And I prefer bright blue oceans with white sand.

Beach

My move back to Tampa feels right. I’ve been here a week and I so appreciate things I had taken for granted. Even the tropical storm this week was OK. Last week, out of the blue, the toxic relationship guy invited me into his Facebook network, of course I ignored him, and was thrilled to learn he no longer trolls the street of Tampa. He’s in NC. Social media is a wonderful thing.

So back to understanding what’s truly important to your buyer and for you as marketer. Demographics are good to know. Gender and age is sometimes key. Buying history can be an important indicator too. But uncovering what really moves them, turns them off and makes them happy is the magic insight.

I have lots of exciting things to share with you about the move back to Tampa, my new work space, my reconnections, the Superbowl and my new furry friends. Till then, listen, ask questions, observe and find out what really matters for you and your customers.

About the author: Karen Post, a.k.a. The Branding Diva® is an international authority on branding, marketing, and entrepreneurial matters. She is has been featured as a business expert in print publications; on TV, radio, and on Web channels. Karen authored the best-selling book Brain Tattoos, Creating Unique Brands That Stick in your Customers’ Minds and she is co-founder and CEO of Oddpodz.com, an idea engine for creative professionals and business. Her work has benefited large and small organizations in the United States and around the world.