I’m not an Oprah fan. But I respect her marketing game. Especially considering she’s not a marketer.

Sure, she’s a big-time media player. And with a major syndicated TV show, a national magazine, and later the OWN Cable TV network under her belt, she was in competition for the title: “Queen of All Media”

But outside of promoting those media properties, Oprah never overtly marketed anything in her heyday.

The Oprah Bump

Despite not being an overt marketer… Think about how her millions of followers hung on her every word… “Oprah Book Club” recommendations turned authors into household names. In turn, making their books not merely Bestsellers — I mean, how pedestrian in the Oprah world — but multi-million selling grand slams!

And think about how many products became huge hits and all the people who turned into celebrities in their own right thanks to featured appearances on Oprah…

Dr. Phil, who holds a Psych Ph.D. from a cut-rate college and employs rather dubious methodologies, blew up BIG TIME thanks to his Oprah connections. In fact, his celebrity was rivaling Ms. O herself for a while there thanks to his top-rated daytime show and book series.

Dr. Oz, who is a bit more palatable than Doc Phil, also became an A-lister with his own show and book series, is another Oprah creation.

And if you’re familiar with the empowered women’s entrepreneurial movement, you’ve probably heard of Gabby Bernstein and Marie Forleo.

Gabby is a bestselling author and highly sought after coach who takes a spiritual approach to self-help and personal development.

Marie Forleo founded B-School, a reoccurring business development program geared toward women entrepreneurs that grosses multiple 7-figure revenue annually.

And both of these gals heavily tout their Oprah connect, putting pix of themselves with the Anointed One front and center across all of their marketing channels.

How Did Oprah Do It?

So, how is that Oprah had such tremendous influence?

Imagine you’re hangin’ with your best friend enjoying a morning cup of coffee in your kitchen — BFFs style! After a sip of Starbucks French Roast, she mentions a great book she just read. She also raves about a new doctor she just had an appointment with. And she highly recommends a new local Italian restaurant.

Now, the odds are, you’re gonna give the book, the doc, and the pasta fazual a shot. Because when your BFF speaks, you listen.

And that’s exactly what Oprah is (or was, anyway in her daily talk show days) — A BFF. Only, instead of a one-no-one morning coffee date, she rapped to millions of households across the country.

And when she recommends a book, doctor, etc… Millions took note and took action.

Selling Without Selling

Oprah’s impact is a prime example of selling without selling. Once upon a time, there was no such thing as a mass market. Goods and services were all local. And Word of Mouth was the ONLY marketing going.

Business and product success depended on one thing: The recommendation of satisfied customers to their family, friends, and community circle.

Oprah did the same thing. Only, her community circle was GINORMOUS!

How Can You Put Oprah’s Approach To Work For Your Business?

There are actually a number of marketing tools that can help you do exactly what Oprah did — in terms of selling without selling. Albeit on a much smaller scale.

Some prime examples? Well, there’s…

• Email newsletters
• Social media updates
• And targeted direct mail

That provide valuable content, which helps keeps your business top of mind. All without overtly selling anything.

But thanks to this continual “top of mind” communication, when the time is right — Your business is at the top of your prospects’ list!

Need Help Selling Your Business Without Selling?

I can help! Let’s chat about some communications strategies that can help you develop relationships with your clients and prospects… 310.466.7893 | ryan@ryananys.com