This really and truly is the easiest (and most profitable) small business direct marketing tip youll ever get.
And when I say easy I really mean EASY.

This really and truly is the easiest (and most profitable) small business direct marketing tip youll ever get.
And when I say easy I really mean EASY.

Its a no-brainer.

Once I tell you what it is youre probably going to say, Oh that? I already knew that.

But if you own a small business and are doing this I can tell you right now youre an exception. If this is such an easy and profitable small business direct marketing tip why isnt everyone using it?

Thats a good question. I dont know. Maybe most small business owners think its too much of a hassle?

Not so.

It doesnt take much time. Costs little. You could even pay a high school geek to do the computer stuff for you if you dont feel like messing with it.

The financial rewards can be huge… if you do it right. But this seems to be a small business direct marketing tip most people are happy to ignore.

So whats the big tip?

Simple.

Every time you do business with a new customer ask them if theyd like to sign up for your free e-mail alert. Tell them you periodically offer specials and discounts for customers and ask them if theyd like to be included on your list so they can know when you have them. Many customers will gladly sign up.

Then use your list.

Offer your customers something

specific
limited
and of value to them as well as yourself.

Lets pretend… just for discussions sake… youre the owner of Little Town Diner in Smallville.

Youd place a little E-mail address sign-up book right next to the cash register. Include spaces on each page for customers to write-in both their name and a Email address. Have the cashier invite customers to sign it.

Build up your list of names. Its valuable.

Suppose every Wednesday is a slow day at the diner. On Wednesday mornings you start sending out an Email like this one to your list.

Hi (Customers Name),

Pat here from the Little Town Diner. Howd you like for me to do the cooking tonight? I just got a HUGE shipment of chicken breasts in today and Ive got to move these babies out!

So Im running a SPECIAL today

Pats 2 for 1 Special (today only- – eat in or take out)

2 juicy, tender barbecued chicken breasts… 2 baked potatoes or French fries on the side… 2 servings of string beans or cole slaw…AND…2 slices from any of our delicious pies-of-the-day (your choice).

Dont want to eat out? No problem.

We can have your dinner packaged and ready for you to pick up at your convenience if you place your order before 3pm. Let us know about what time youll be in for your pick-up.

**********

Or heres another way you could apply this small business direct marketing tip

**********

Hi (Customers Name),

Pat here. I want to say, thank you for making Little Town Diner a part of your dining experience. Serving folks like you is what makes our business so enjoyable.

To formally say, thanks Id like to offer you a special discount this week. If you visit us between now and Sunday tell your waitress you want the Thank You Discount. You and your family can order anything on our menu and get 20% off.

Now remember – - you have to ask for the discount to get it. This offer is just our way of saying, thanks for choosing us to serve you.

Thanks Again,
Pat

**********

Theres no limit to how you can use this.

If youre a tree trimmer you could use this small business marketing tip too.

Lets pretend you drop off some of the wood from your tree cutting business to someone who makes mulch. This person tells you one day, Ive got a LOT of excess mulch here Id like to get rid of for cheap. Do you know anyone who might want some?

So you e-mail your list

**********

Hi (Customers Name),

Fred here from Smallville Tree Trimming Service.

Ive got a friend who has a lot of mulch. They practically want to give it away. You can have as much as you want for $xxx per yard. Every yard of mulch covers xxx square feet.

If youd like some call 800-555-5555 and place your order. Itll probably go quickly at this price so call and reserve yours now.

Ill even drop it off at your home to save you the hassle of having to pick it up.

Sincerely,
Fred

You then split the profits with your friend who is in the wood mulch business. The people on your list know you. They trust you. Youve done work for them before. Theyre more likely to buy from you than from anyone else.

Many on your list arent going to be interested in mulch. Some of them will… and theyll be glad you contacted them with a great deal to help them out.

This small business direct marketing tip applies to ALL types of small businesses.

Get your message out. The people most likely to buy from you are waiting to hear from you. You can contact them for next to nothing. Anytime you want.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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5 Ways of Using Direct Marketing

Direct marketing is the best way to attract and obtain clients.

By William Dupree

Direct marketing is attractive to many marketers because in most cases its effectiveness can be measured directly. For example, if you were to send out one thousand solicitations by mail and you receive seventy responses, then you know that the mailing led to a seven percent response rate.

Any medium that you choose to use to communicate directly to your prospects is being employed in direct marketing. These 5 methods are examples of direct marketing that you can use to obtain prospects and increase sales for your business.

Direct mail

One of the most commonly used mediums in direct marketing is direct mail. Direct mail allows you to design marketing pieces in many different formats. Direct mail can include envelope mailers, catalogues, self-mailers, snap mailers, dimensional mailers, brochures, and postcards. When you write your direct mail piece make sure you know your target market, and how you are going to appeal to their wants and needs. Write your objective and refer to it often. Don’t lose sight of where you want to go with the piece that you are writing. You can purchase a mailing list of businesses and services in your target market from a list company, or you can develop your own list by gathering email addresses on your web site.

Telemarketing

Telemarketing is a direct marketing sales technique that has the advantage of speed in a marketing campaign. When you are a conducting a telephone solicitation you should first introduce yourself then offer an incentive in solving a problem that you know exists (to do this would require you to do some research on the business or what individuals would be looking for in your product). Ask question that you know will lead to a yes answer (keep prospects on phone answering yes to your questions). Describe your product or service and how it solves the client’s needs. Ask if they have any questions. You now can ask for a face to face meeting, or to get permission to send information via mail or e-mail, or make another brief follow-up call. If unavailable, ask what would be a good time to call back.

E-mail

The most common medium today for direct marketers is e-mail because of its low cost, and because customer responses can be generated rapidly. You must understand that the internet is a different medium. The copy that worked for you in postal mail will not on the internet, not as e-mail. In e-mail copywriting, the subject is the headline, you must write succinct headline-3 to 5 words. Your subject determines whether your e-mail gets read or not. Next, make it personal. People on the internet want personal notes. Next, get to the point keep it short and simple. Next, give them an incentive to act by giving them a reason to buy now. Next, include a call to action to tell people what you want them to do. Don’t leave them wondering what to do next. Next, drive people to your web site (don’t try to close the sale in the e-mail). Next, build relationship with your clients. Listen to their want and needs. Treat your clients like you would treat yourself. Next, you must follow through on your promises that you made to your client. Do what you said you were going to do.

Direct response

In direct response marketing the customer responds to the marketing message directly. An example, of this would be infomercials, where prospects view a television presentation of a product offering, and can make a purchase with a credit card over the telephone or internet. You can use communications in magazines, newspapers, radio, e-mail, and direct mail to solicit a response. For example, order forms or coupons in magazines and newspapers to purchase products, or receive discounts on products are techniques that have been used very successfully in increasing sales. These same offers are distributed by e-mail and tell and toll-free numbers, which in today’s marketing world, is more economical and faster.

Personal selling

Making personal sales calls on prospects is another technique of direct marketing. You should first conduct research on the companies, or the target prospects that you are trying to sell your product or service too. You can also buy a list from a reputable list company. If you take this route make sure that you have complete information on your target market. When making a personal sales call you must write a sales presentation before hand. This presentation should be written to fit the needs and desires of the prospect that you are presenting your product too. Your presentation should provide clear examples, or even demonstrations of how your product or service will accomplish this. Your presentation should contain more that just one way your product can be of service to your prospect. You must also be prepared to handle objections and questions that the prospects will have.

About the Author

William Dupree is the owner of I.M.P.S. (Interactive Marketing & Promotional Solutions Inc.) (www.intmktprosol.com) a sole proprietorship marketing firm located in New York City that specializes in developing interactive marketing strategies for small businesses. Prior to founding I.M.P.S. in 2005, Mr. Dupree was a senior partner at E.D.L. Marketing for twelve years. Before joining E.D.L. he worked for the Diamond Marketing Group.

Antennas Direct to Exhibit CEA-909A-Enabled Smart Antenna Sept. 4-7 at CEDIA Expo 2008, Booth 935 (Broadcast Newsroom)
ST. LOUIS, BUSINESS WIRE — St. Louis-based Antennas Direct introduced the first CEA-909A Smart Antenna for digital television . Antennas Direct, in partnership with the National Association Broadcasters, believes the Smart Antenna will peak consumer interest in over-the-air antenna technology.
Source: www.broadcastnewsroom.com

Tangoe appoints new chief marketing officer (Computer Business Review)
As chief marketing officer, Mr Gosselin will oversee the consolidation and rollout of the company’s solution offerings, manage all marketing activities, and direct product marketing worldwide. In addition, he will direct Tangoe’s channel and partner marketing support both domestically and overseas.
Source: www.cbronline.com

DMA Career Center Launched; Largest Online Career Center for Direct Marketing Professionals (Direct Marketing Association)
August 26, 2008 The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) has launched the newly designed DMA Career Center , the largest online career center for direct marketing professionals.
Source: www.the-dma.org

Marketing Matters: Is It an ad, or…What is it? (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
I was interested in a recent article in a leading marketing trade magazine, Advertising Age, about the relatively flat advertising spending in the past year up about 1.7%, led by super-marketer Proctor and Gamble s 7.1% increase in measured media. This is a significantly smaller increase than in any year since the recession in 2001.
Source: www.charlestonbusiness.com

Antennas Direct to Exhibit CEA-909A-Enabled Smart Antenna Sept. 4 … – MarketWatch
Antennas Direct to Exhibit CEA-909A-Enabled Smart Antenna Sept. 4 …MarketWatch - 8 hours agoFor additional information on Antennas Direct, visit www.antennasdirect.com. KolbeCo Marketing Resources Scott Kolbe w. 636-379-3895 x. 13 c. …
Source: news.google.com

CMARC awarded direct marketing franchise (Woburn Advocate)
The direct marketing company Money Mailer has announced that it has awarded a franchise to CMARC, a nonprofit organization and leading provider of programs and services for people with disabilities.
Source: www.wickedlocal.com

MonArc Corporation’s (MONA) To Be Acquired by a Chinese Direct Marketing Company (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
MonArc Corporation, www.monacorporation.com, today announced that it has reached a preliminary agreement to effect an acquisition of a Major Chinese Direct Marketing Company with over 7,000 member shareholders.
Source: biz.yahoo.com

Stratasys To Ship New Direct Digital Manufacturing Machine (ThomasNet)
Accuracy and Repeatability Rivals Injection Molding MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 7, 2008 – (NASDAQ: SSYS) Stratasys announced it has begun commercial shipment of its new FDM 900mc direct digital manufacturing machine. The company says it has taken a record number of orders for its large-format machines. “We presold 17 units – much more than expected,” says FDM product manager, Patrick Robb. “We …
Source: news.thomasnet.com

Canadian Premier Life Insurance Company and AEGON Direct Marketing Services, Inc. Win International Stevie Award (wallstreet:online AG)
AEGON Direct Marketing Services, Inc. and Canadian Premier Life Insurance Company, affiliated companies,
Source: www.wallstreet-online.de

>

5 Ways of Using Direct Marketing

Direct marketing is the best way to attract and obtain clients.

By William Dupree

Direct marketing is attractive to many marketers because in most cases its effectiveness can be measured directly. For example, if you were to send out one thousand solicitations by mail and you receive seventy responses, then you know that the mailing led to a seven percent response rate.

Any medium that you choose to use to communicate directly to your prospects is being employed in direct marketing. These 5 methods are examples of direct marketing that you can use to obtain prospects and increase sales for your business.

Direct mail

One of the most commonly used mediums in direct marketing is direct mail. Direct mail allows you to design marketing pieces in many different formats. Direct mail can include envelope mailers, catalogues, self-mailers, snap mailers, dimensional mailers, brochures, and postcards. When you write your direct mail piece make sure you know your target market, and how you are going to appeal to their wants and needs. Write your objective and refer to it often. Don’t lose sight of where you want to go with the piece that you are writing. You can purchase a mailing list of businesses and services in your target market from a list company, or you can develop your own list by gathering email addresses on your web site.

Telemarketing

Telemarketing is a direct marketing sales technique that has the advantage of speed in a marketing campaign. When you are a conducting a telephone solicitation you should first introduce yourself then offer an incentive in solving a problem that you know exists (to do this would require you to do some research on the business or what individuals would be looking for in your product). Ask question that you know will lead to a yes answer (keep prospects on phone answering yes to your questions). Describe your product or service and how it solves the client’s needs. Ask if they have any questions. You now can ask for a face to face meeting, or to get permission to send information via mail or e-mail, or make another brief follow-up call. If unavailable, ask what would be a good time to call back.

E-mail

The most common medium today for direct marketers is e-mail because of its low cost, and because customer responses can be generated rapidly. You must understand that the internet is a different medium. The copy that worked for you in postal mail will not on the internet, not as e-mail. In e-mail copywriting, the subject is the headline, you must write succinct headline-3 to 5 words. Your subject determines whether your e-mail gets read or not. Next, make it personal. People on the internet want personal notes. Next, get to the point keep it short and simple. Next, give them an incentive to act by giving them a reason to buy now. Next, include a call to action to tell people what you want them to do. Don’t leave them wondering what to do next. Next, drive people to your web site (don’t try to close the sale in the e-mail). Next, build relationship with your clients. Listen to their want and needs. Treat your clients like you would treat yourself. Next, you must follow through on your promises that you made to your client. Do what you said you were going to do.

Direct response

In direct response marketing the customer responds to the marketing message directly. An example, of this would be infomercials, where prospects view a television presentation of a product offering, and can make a purchase with a credit card over the telephone or internet. You can use communications in magazines, newspapers, radio, e-mail, and direct mail to solicit a response. For example, order forms or coupons in magazines and newspapers to purchase products, or receive discounts on products are techniques that have been used very successfully in increasing sales. These same offers are distributed by e-mail and tell and toll-free numbers, which in today’s marketing world, is more economical and faster.

Personal selling

Making personal sales calls on prospects is another technique of direct marketing. You should first conduct research on the companies, or the target prospects that you are trying to sell your product or service too. You can also buy a list from a reputable list company. If you take this route make sure that you have complete information on your target market. When making a personal sales call you must write a sales presentation before hand. This presentation should be written to fit the needs and desires of the prospect that you are presenting your product too. Your presentation should provide clear examples, or even demonstrations of how your product or service will accomplish this. Your presentation should contain more that just one way your product can be of service to your prospect. You must also be prepared to handle objections and questions that the prospects will have.

About the Author

William Dupree is the owner of I.M.P.S. (Interactive Marketing & Promotional Solutions Inc.) (www.intmktprosol.com) a sole proprietorship marketing firm located in New York City that specializes in developing interactive marketing strategies for small businesses. Prior to founding I.M.P.S. in 2005, Mr. Dupree was a senior partner at E.D.L. Marketing for twelve years. Before joining E.D.L. he worked for the Diamond Marketing Group.