How to market like a drug dealer

Others recognize that although those pushing illegal drugs to others is morally wrong and some end up killing people, these guys do have skills that are effective in the legitimate business arena -

Drug dealers are ALWAYS walking their territory – drug dealers know persistence is the key – they’re very familiar with their community and people know who to go to when they need a fix.  They move about in crowds where they are a member because sales happen in an area you’re seen around.

Speaking, engaging people is constant.  A lot of time is spent building the infrastructure and fine tuning their “craft”.  It’s understood their sales are limited only by their infrastructure, not capital.  They’re targeting the right audience, they know if someone might be interested or not in what they have to offer and will slowly draw them in with each visit – the drug dealer is gaining trust the person will be a legitimate customer and the prospect is gaining trust in the dealer has what they need at a fair price.

They’re big believers in their product – confidence is so high they’re stuff is so good, each day they wake up looking forward to spreading happiness to the masses.  Dealers freely give little samples so potential customers can get a taste.  Because chances are, they’ll be back for more with cash in hand.

Sometimes dealers will even make a cautious call to give a “front” for small time or beginner distributors used to help distribute more product – give a pound now, pay back two weeks later (and you BETTER pay back!)

They take care of their current customers – drug dealers know the value of repeat business, making easy cash selling more to current buyers.  No need to spend time and effort convincing of the products quality and their ability to provide good service.  They go around visiting current customers to check on them – “How you feeling today? Anything I can help with?”,  “I’ve got a 2 for 1 dime bag special going on, let me hook you up!”

Dealers also understand customers come on hard times occasionally.  When that happens, they’ll usually hook ‘em up with some product on credit and get paid later.  If they don’t – well, let’s just say they know when to cut certain customers loose, one way or another. Some people just aren’t worth dealing with.

Competition? – if competition comes into the neighborhood, the find a way to make their product one-of-a-kind, getting their customers to enjoy that feeling of a new product addiction.  The competitor can’t complain, because you’re selling something different.

But when you’re long time customers start flocking to the new guy, it might be time to reconsider your products quality and study them to see what they’re doing right.  Are they cheaper by offering less quality product?  Maybe that will be to your advantage as you can readjust your marketing and pricing of higher quality products, targeting higher income buyers.

From “What’s it like to be a drug dealer” , a couple college kids started a little dealing to make extra cash and ultimately turned it into a huge money-making machine.  Got greedy and stupid, lost everything.  They’re working legit jobs now, having quit the dealing, but kept the lessons -

“Selling drugs was the best preparation I could have asked for, entering the real world. Now equipped to handle situations that it takes others years to prepare for. More than anything, selling drugs taught me to believe in myself and what I’m capable of. It taught me to trust my instincts and how to make difficult decisions.”

From the book REWORK-

Drug dealers get it right

Drug dealers are astute businesspeople. They know their product is so good they’re willing to give a little away for free upfront. They know you’ll be back for more – with money.

Emulate drug dealers. Make your product so good, so addictive, so “can’t miss” that giving customers a small, free taste makes them come back with cash in hand.

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**Just so it’s said – I’m not advocating to deal illegal drugs and preying on people to learn these lessons or to make money.  That would be a short lived life not recommended for anyone.  If a gun doesn’t kill you, then the stress would.  What I do recognize is their skills and lack of fear to work their territory, be persistent, and build up a business using some basic strategies.  This is just a different angle in discussing some effective marketing techniques.

We good?

Do you think drug dealers are master marketers?  What do you say?.

– Blaine