Free Gorilla Strategies

Simple. Human. Proven.

These are No-Cost Marketing Strategies designed for small businesses and sales professionals who want results without complexity.

Each strategy is:

  • simple to implement
  • easy to maintain
  • grounded in real-world business behavior
When we say No-Cost, we want to be very clear about what that means.

No-Cost means you do not need to hire a third-party company to:

  • create
  • set up
  • implement
  • manage
  • or maintain these strategies
There may be nominal, incidental costs, such as minor printing, postage, or a small cost of goods. But, there are no platforms, agencies, software tools, or outsourced systems required.
These are strategies you can run yourself, consistently, without overwhelm, or some can be delegated.
They work because they are human, intentional, and repeatable… not because they are complicated.

3 FREE Gorilla Strategies

The Handwritten Notes Play

Description

A disciplined, high-trust way to build rapport, credibility, and long-term recall by doing something most businesses have completely abandoned. We recommend starting with just 3 notes per week.

Purpose

To create a lasting impression of positive character and professional competence while strengthening real human rapport and relationships over time.

The Big Idea

Handwritten notes feel personal because they are personal. When done correctly, they almost always get opened, get read, and get remembered. Over time, they definitely, yet quietly multiply goodwill, rapport, and trust.
How to Implement
  • Send 3 personal handwritten notes per week
  • Get a few packs of cards to use. A generic scenery card or humorous cover works best.
  • Hand address every envelope, do not use labels or print address to envelopes..
  • Apply a regular postage stamp (not a meter)
  • You can even send a letter with your note in the bottom right corner. For this, just use 7-15 meaningful words
  • The note does not have to be a thank-you. Appropriate note themes include:
    • appreciation
    • congratulations
    • recognition
    • encouragement
    • a short comment tied to a relevant article or idea
    • a brief question
  • Yes, you can handwrite a web link to an article or webpage. People will type it in because you sent it
Forward Plays
  • Keep a simple log of who you sent notes to
  • Limit to 2–3 notes per person per year to preserve impact
  • Rotate recipients between customers, prospects, vendors, and synergy/referral partners
Pro Tip
Consistency matters more than creativity. The habit is the advantage. Start with 3 per week then grow by 2 per week each month. When you get to 15 per week, you will be amazed at the quality of your rapport and relationships.
Cautions
  • Don’t pitch or sell
  • Don’t reuse wording
  • Don’t overthink whether your handwriting is good enough. I promise it is!
  • Don’t over-send to the same person

The Unexpected Extra Play

Description
A practical way to create a moment of surprise and goodwill that customers associate with your business long after the transaction ends. Appreciate your prospects, customers, vendors, and synergy partners by giving something small but totally unexpected.
Purpose
To increase loyalty, repeat visits, and positive word-of-mouth and reviews without discounts, promotions, or special offers.
The Big Idea
People remember how you make them feel. A small, unexpected extra, given quietly and sincerely, creates an emotional impression that far outweighs its cost.
How to Implement
  • Choose a 1–2 week window or a hand-selected group
  • Offer a small unexpected extra such as:
    • a free dessert
    • a complimentary add-on or upgrade
    • a small candle or token gift
    • a sample-sized product
  • Aim for 12–16 people per month
  • Deliver it naturally with a simple line like:
    • “Glad to see you again.”
    • “We wanted to do something extra for you today.”
Forward Plays
  • Rotate the type of extra so it never becomes expected
  • Observe which gestures create the strongest reactions
Pro Tip
Quiet generosity feels genuine. Public generosity feels promotional.
Cautions
  • Don’t advertise this
  • Don’t tie it to reviews or referrals
  • Don’t make it routine for everyone
  • Avoid anything that feels like a discount in disguise

The Relationship Deposit Play

Description

A structured way to build relationship equity with customers and vendors who support your business throughout the year.

Purpose

To strengthen loyalty, responsiveness, and goodwill by making intentional deposits into key relationships.

The Big Idea

Relationships work like a bank account. Small, thoughtful deposits — made consistently but not excessively — create trust you can draw on later.
How to Implement
  • Deliver cookies, chocolates, candies, or similar treats
  • Include:
    • regular customers
    • newer customers
    • key vendors and service providers
  • Limit this to no more than 2 times per year (absolute maximum 3)
  • Include a short handwritten note
  • Keep a simple list so this remains intentional, not reactive
Forward Plays
  • Hand delivery creates stronger impact when possible
  • Count this handwritten note toward your handwritten note log (two birds, one stone)
Pro Tip
Vendors who feel appreciated often move you to the top of their priority list.
Cautions
  • Don’t overdo it
  • Don’t reserve this only for top spenders
  • Don’t attach expectations or requests

A Final Note

You are already on the list to receive the Go Gorilla Monthly Play.
You’ll receive one practical, real-world play each month designed to help you build visibility, trust, and momentum without overwhelm.
Some will be No-Cost and others Low-Cost. Where appropriate, I may tell you about someone I know that has the same heart for small business and sales professionals as I do. Their product or service must honor the types of financial restraints we all have.
Before you go, make sure we’re connected on LinkedIn.
https://LinkedIn.com/in/jeffweavergorilla
Send a connection request and include a short note so I know where we met or how you found this playbook.
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