| "ON-HOLD"
IDEA. If you must place callers on hold (and we all know
how much a caller loves that!), include a background message
that gives the caller a "secret" word which - if
repeated - will earn them a discount on your product or service. |
| MARKETING IDEA.
This is my all time favorite that I like to repeat from time
to time: Don't forget to include your business brochure
or other sales information in the envelopes you use to pay
your bills! |
| FOLLOW UP! Want
to amaze your customers?
Give them a call (or e-mail) a few days after a purchase and
ask if they are satisfied or if there is anything you can
do for them. You will be amazed at the loyalty this can build. |
| BUSINESS
CARDS. When printing new business
cards don’t forget to 1) include your e-mail address;
2) your website address; and 3) utilize the back of the card
for additional marketing information. The back of the card
can be printed for only a few dollars additional. |
MARKETING.
The Internet is a powerful marketing tool. Try these folks for
sending your news releases electronically:
http://www.newsbureau.com/:
http://www.internetwire.com/
http://www.newstarget.com/
http://www.xpresspress.com/
http://www.urlwire.com/ |
| PHONE
ETIQUETTE. Don't commit the absolute worst phone sin of all
- putting a caller on hold. The caller's time is as important
as yours. If you have call waiting, get rid of it now. The customer
that you are speaking with is the most important customer at that
moment. |
| HOT MARKETING
TIP. Consider selling your product through the Home Shopping
Network. Call them at 1 800 436 1010. A representative will take
some preliminary information about your product. If they are interested,
you will be contacted within 72 hours for additional details.
Products must have wide appeal and be available immediately in
fairly large quantity. |
| BUSINESS CARDS.
About to get new business cards? Don't forget - use them to full
advantage. Include the obvious info but be sure to include your
e-mail address and URL, if you have one. Use the BACK of the card
to advertise your product or service. |
| MARKETING TIP.
When have you last contacted your existing customers? Remember
they are your best source of additional sales. Send a card, a
flyer, a special deal. Stay in touch with these folks. |
| MARKETING IDEA.
Use pre-stamped post cards from the post office to send a thank
you and special offer or announcement to all your current customers. |
| MARKETING IDEA.
Print up some bookmarks with your advertising information, bookcover,
website information or other pertinent marketing information.
Use them as giveaways and inserts for all your mailings. |
| POWERFUL WORDS
to use when writing sales literature, news releases, and other
advertising pieces: FREE, YOU, YOUR, NOW, MONEY, NEW, EASY. |
| BUSINESS CARDS.
A tip worth repeating: Market with your business cards. Use the
backside for a product picture, description, ordering info, short
sales message. Printing costs are only slightly higher for this
additional printing. And don't forget to include your URL and
e-mail address (if applicable). |
| STATISTICS.
A new federal website, http://www.fedstats.gov, provides a wealth
of statistical info including demographic data of use to small
businesses. |
| REVERSE TELE LOOKUP.
Trying to find out who belongs to a phone number? Searching for
a phone number? Try out this fantastic resource: http://www.555-1212.com/white_us.htm |
| LOOKING FOR
an area code, an address, a location somewhere in the U.S.? Try
this fantastic resource: http://www.555-1212.com/aclookup.html |
| MARKETING TIP.
The most successful promotional activities begin by building them
directly into the elements of your Website. Your Website awareness
will increase tremendously with a very targeted crosslinking campaign
and banner placement on other sites within the same industry but
non-competitive websites. This will increase traffic, and results,
more rapidly than a mass program of listing to hundreds of search
engines and directories. |
| AREA CODES.
Looking for the area code for a city or the city for an area code?
Here is an easy to use resource: http://www.555-1212com:80/aclookup.html |
| MARKETING TIP.
Here is one of our favorites. Have you noticed that in nearly
every bill you receive it contains sales literature? Return the
favor! Stuff one of your catalogs, brochures or news releases
into EVERY bill you pay including telephone, electric, mortgage,
etc. You never know who is opening the mail. |
| QUICK MARKETING
TIPS.
1. Keep at it! Test
new ideas frequently.
2. Get in front of
your customers as much as possible.
3. Don't forget that
your EXISTING customers are important too.
4. Write, publish,
talk!
|
| MARKETING RESOURCE.
Need some demographic data? Regional economic information? Check
out The Dismal Scientist at http://www.dismal.com which offers
comprehensive and timely economic data and analysis at the metro,
state, and national level. The site includes forecasts, demographic
information, and thousands of economic statistics. |
| CONSUMER INFORMATION
CATALOG. Get a copy from the Computer Information Center,
7D-7, POB 100, Pueblo, CO 81002. It's free and contains some interesting
free and inexpensive small business related publications. For
example, "Copyright Basics" 50-cents; "General Information concerning
Patents" $2.25; "Guide to Business Credit for Women, Minorities,
and Small Businesses" 50-cents; "Resource Directory for Small
Business Management" 50-cents; "Starting a Business" Free. You
can view all these publications at the Consumer Information Site
at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov. |
