Your Questions About Direct Marketing Companies

Jere answers:

You have to give us more to go on. What IS the 800 number that you need an address for?

Some company, some 800 number that does direct marketing out of Grants Pass, Oregon really isn’t enough information.

When you get the number, try going to this website to see if you can look it up:

http://www.whitepages.com/9900/reverse_phone

http://www.anywho.com/tf.html

Jere answers:

Well, first you need to look around and see what other companies supply with the same product and do a comparison (analyze your strengths and weakneses as well as advantages you have over other products).

Then, describe your product and decide how you want to position it for your target clients (usually this requires research)
you may want to emphasize on quality of your product, uniquness, or that it is of modern style, or classic, etc.

Then identify the channels through which you are going to outreach your clients: direct marketing, or other channels.

Then describe what kind of marketing materials you will prepare (printed material, website, sometimes wood samples help)

and then attach a budget

Jere answers:

The Marketing Mix is known the elements that make up the marketing process. They include:
Price
Product
Place
Promotion
They are also known as the 4 “P’s.” It is important for an organization to have a good understanding of the marketing mix. Each element is important when developing a marketing plan.
Price: What is the highest amount that the customer will pay for the product or service? Many times setting the incorrect price level is the beginning of the end for an organization. An organization must be sure that the price is not too high or too low. Mistakes either way will hurt the organization’s income. When an organization is starting out, it is important that they focus their price levels on breaking-even. A break-even analysis is necessary to determine the price to set to avoid a loss.
Product: What you are trying to sell to the customer. An organization needs to have an in depth understanding about what it is they are marketing. Development of the product’s size, quality, design, brand name, packaging are important when trying to match with customer’s needs and wants. An organization should explain how their product’s features benefit the customer.
Place: Where the customer meets the product. The question is how does the customer get to that place? An organization needs to make sure the product or service they are offering is in the appropriate location where its target markets can reach it. An obvious example of poor placement is developing a ski resort in Houston, TX. It is also important to look at the transportation that could be necessary to reach its customers and the geographical barriers that might exist. A B&B will not get many visitors if they have to travel on a poorly lit, gravel road.
Promotion: The method in which the customer will gain knowledge about the product and be persuaded to purchase it. There are many different types of promotional activities that can be used to help gain knowledge, exposure, and desire to purchase
Personal Propaganda: creating and distributing your own brochures, newsletters, fliers, posters.
Promotional Activities: coupons, give-aways, sponsorships of community events, trade shows.
Professional Organizations: being involved with a professional organization or association in your field.
Media Relations Campaign: a plan to develop contacts and relationships with the local media.
Advertising: Print ads (newspapers, yellow pages), Outdoor ads (Billboards), Broadcast ads (TV and radio), Direct mailings.
When planning these different activities, it is very important to estimate what they will cost and factor that into the organization’s operating budget. When working from a small budget, it is important to take advantage of all opportunities of free publicity. Having a working relationship with the local media will be very useful when trying to generate publicity. Instead of having to spend money on a print ad in the newspaper, you can have an article written about your organization for no charge. It is also important for small budget organizations to create their own personal promotions. An organization can gain exposure by wearing a T-shirt with their logo on it around town.
A recent trend focuses the marketing mix directly on the customer. Instead of the 4 “P’s”, there is the 4 “C’s.”

Customer value: how much the customer values the product.
Cost to the customer: also includes customer’s time and energy, along with price of the product.
Convenience for the buyer: similar to place.
Communication: similar to promotion.
Many organizations that offer services struggle when trying to apply the 4 “P’s” concept to their marketing plan. They are missing one of the “P’s,” product. Services are intangible, produced and consumed at the same time, rely heavily on the organization’s personnel, and the performance of personnel. Marketing services require a complete dedication to understanding the customer. Everyone on staff in the organization must have a complete understanding of the customer, a relationship with the customer. Relationship marketing is an important concept for service-based organizations, and is discussed in more depth in the Marketing Trends section.

Jere answers:

Hi Spot,
Wow, you’re a very creative person. How about volunteering at a local tv station? I volunteered for a local cable company about 3 years ago. Be willing to do ANY type of work – even if you begin by running out to get coffee. While you’re there SOAK up as much as you can. Be persistent, show you’re strong interest. Go for it!
Best of luck

Jere answers:

Social media marketing is beginning to grow at an astounding rate but keep in mind that social networks are for socializing and networking! The way I market products and services through twitter is well, not one that is observed by everyone but I believe is the best way period. I use platplatforms like Twitter to educate and connect with my audience about my products and services not sell. I explain why they should do business with me. I then direct all traffic to my blog where I begin the pre sell and information collection process. You are building your own list aren’t you?

I would be happy to work with you if you like, just go to http://www.CashFlowTubes.com to get started!