Second Helping Episode 3: Charcoal vs. Gas: The Age-old Debate
In this episode of Grill’a Marketing, Seth addresses the age-old debate of charcoal vs. gas. Some clients want to achieve the authenticity and smoky aroma of charcoal. Other clients want the ability to exercise the speed and control only gas can deliver. Charcoal is ideal for low and slow cooking that provides a depth of flavor that cannot be matched. Nevertheless, gas should not be underestimated as it affords a consistent temperature and offers a dependable result. Acknowledging that not all clients have the same needs, Sonic Promos thrives on providing adaptable services and a comprehensive approach: If you are cooking with charcoal, you know it can sometimes be challenging to realize the perfect attention-grabbing message. Authentic charcoal flavor takes time, but consumers will appreciate the genuine, deeper connection that a thoroughly planned campaign can create. On the other hand, if you are cooking with gas, you have greater control and the ability to adjust and adapt your messaging quickly. Consumers appreciate a message that can be tailored and modified in accordance with their changing needs. Whichever method your brand strategy or next campaign requires, Sonic Promos can help. We know that a brand’s marketing mix requires a wide array of both low and slow and precision-oriented techniques. Through end-to-end program services, Sonic supports your campaign from development through delivery. We know that “effective marketing requires control and precision” as well as authentic messaging. No matter what combination of marketing capabilities you are looking for, talk to Sonic and we can give it to you however you want. Grill Master Tip: Participate in the Sonic Promos BBQ Test Kitchen Survey. Further instruction and a taste of success will follow!
Second Helping Episode 2: The Right Balance of Flavor for your Marketing Mix
In Episode 2 of Grill’a Marketing. Seth has a soon-to-be delicious opportunity in the form of uncooked chicken tenders. The goal is to produce delicious chicken while getting the greatest ROI from the time and effort he spends preparing it. Two preparation options are available, so Seth analyzes the attributes of each one to determine the best course of action: MARINATING ADDING A RUB Method · Targeted advertising · Engaging content · Thorough research · Strategic planning · Eye catching visuals · Catchy slogans · Effective social media Function · Builds anticipation · Delivers comprehensive messaging · Adds instant bursts of flavor · Grabs attention Result · A deeper connection with your audience · A buzz around your event or program Pros · A lasting impression · Delivers quick results Cons · Takes time · May not have a lasting impact We can see that both marinating and adding a rub can lead to delicious chicken, but which does Seth choose? The answer is the option that is right at the time. Like a dry rub, short-term marketing has its merits. Short-term social media campaigns can lead to a larger audience and greater brand recognition. Nonetheless, they might not resonate with current customers or leave a lasting impact. In contrast, long-term marketing can lead to a deeper connection with consumers. That connection will not form, however, without considerable effort and patience. Selecting the right marketing campaign requires us to “find the balance between acquisition and retention.” Keeping in mind Seth’s assertion that “effective marketing and communication can make all the difference,” it is imperative that marketers consider the goals of their respective campaigns before deciding upon the appropriate marketing mix. Sometimes choosing between two marketing mediums involves recognizing that each method has the potential to provide effective marketing and communication in its own way. It is up to us, as marketers, to do the in-depth consumer research that will help determine what marketing strategy audiences will be most receptive to at a given time. Choosing the right strategy is about optimizing the use of each marketing method available. “The key is finding the right balance.” Grill Master Tip: If you’re marinating something boneless, make sure you get it out of there within two hours, otherwise it’s going to be really rubbery. BONUS TIP: Participate in the Sonic Promos BBQ Test Kitchen Survey. Further instruction and a taste of success will follow!
Introducing Second Helping!

Introducing SECOND HELPING! You binge-watched the entire Grill’a Marketing series and you’re still craving more? The Second Helping blog will provide you with the deconstructed version of each episode. You won’t even have to scroll to find the recipe! Our first post is up now! We’ll be publishing a new blog post every Tuesday and Thursday for the next few weeks.
Second Helping. Read More About Episode 1: Don’t Let Perfection be the Enemy of Good
Episode 1: Don’t Let Perfection be the Enemy of Good In this episode of Grill’a Marketing, Seth demonstrates how to avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism in order to deliver tasty and timely results. Whether grilling chicken or selecting the right marketing campaign, a good strategy implemented now is better than a perfect one delivered too late. Marketing can be a zero-sum game and time is not an abundant resource. We know there are plenty of ways to turn raw chicken into a flavorful meal, but because consumers are hungry, “this chicken needs to be cooked today.” A Deloitte 2021 Global Marketing Trends survey of 2,447 global consumers determined that 58% of them were able to name a brand that quickly pivoted offerings to react to COVID-19’s “new normal.” 82% of respondents said new, relevant offerings increased their desire to do business with those brands. The key word in Deloitte’s survey is “quickly.” The brands that executed successful marketing campaigns during the pandemic were those that operated with a sense of urgency. In what ways did Seth operate with a sense of urgency? Seth recognized the goal: delicious chicken today. Seth recognized the constraint: time. Seth took inventory of the resources available: dry rub, bowl, refrigerator. Seth weighed his options: Rather than spend countless hours mapping out ways to attain the perfect Suprême de Volaille Fermière à la Crème, Seth seized an opportunity and used the resources available now. Projected ROI? Delectable chicken faster than you can say ‘Suprême de Volaille Fermière à la Crème.’ The reason we as marketers need to seize an opportunity is that it might fly the coop at any moment. We do not have time this quarter to raise the most expensive chickens in the world from Bresse, France, that are “rested in wooden cages called ‘épinettes’ in rooms with low diffuse light while they eat, dream and chill out.” While other grill masters are seasoning that idea indefinitely, guests at Seth’s BBQ are already on their second helping. You can seize an opportunity too! Participate in Sonic Promos BBQ Test Kitchen Survey. Further instruction and a taste of success will follow!