Full Version: Sales/Marketing Idea

From: MIKEY (JADEPUTTERS) [#4]
 14 Nov 2004
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#1] 14 Nov 2004

Laura, If you don't mind me asking, do you do a good business? I am in the midst of doing the same thing in the Wyoming/Colorad area. I think there is some real potential. I also just attended a laser seminar sponsored by a couple of suppliers and a major laser manufacturer and this topic came up. One point that was made was that on some occations it may be nessesary to push the responsibility for obtaining permission onto the customer. They may have to either bring you a signed release form from the photographer or have them sign saying they have permission to use the photo's. It's a grey area and one you should avoid but at least you will be covered. Email me if you want to share ideas. Mike Picture It In Stone mschulte@bresnan.net

From: John (ICTJOHN) [#5]
 15 Nov 2004
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#1] 15 Nov 2004

I really think the personal phone call - or even better a personal visit would end up with a better response. I get sooooo many un-solicited letters in the mail, sometimes I look at the address & pitch them and the others, I read 1 paragraph and pitch them.

So if you can, practice what you want to say and even come up with all scenarios to over come their doubts and take a sample of your completed product, it will sell itself.

Let us know which way you go and your results.

Good luck.

From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#6]
 16 Nov 2004
To: John (ICTJOHN) [#5] 17 Nov 2004

You're probably right so I took a deep breath today and made my first (soft) sales calls. I would like to visit in person but thought I should try the phone first - it's quicker and less expensive.

So far so good! One photographer was very greatful that we are concerned with copyright issues and another was very interested in the products. Most were interested in hearing more since I mentioned a commission, one was a bit skeptical and requested everything written out on letterhead (which I have ready to mail tomorrow) and another all but hung up on me after interrupting me before I got to the point where they realize I'm not a telemarketer!

So, I feel much better about making more calls tomorrow and in the future...got a little more than half the photographer yellow page listings to finish with this marketing blitz!

From: John (ICTJOHN) [#7]
 17 Nov 2004
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#6] 17 Nov 2004

Good Job!

Now when you are finished with YOUR yellow pages, you are most welcome to market for me as I hate to do that just as much as you!
(this forum is where I can say "do as I say, not as I do!) anyway maybe your success will motivate one of us to get up and make that call!

You never know what is waiting right around the corner, maybe that "Dream Job".

 

From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8]
 17 Nov 2004
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#1] 17 Nov 2004

Laura, You have already figured out the solution to your dilemma. You said yourself that so far the products have sold themselves. That is the key. Invest your time in creating samples, samples and more samples. Include your potential client's name or logo on the sample whenever possible. There is something about seeing their company's name or logo on a product that makes it become your own. Why do you think the promotional pen companies send out sample pens with company names on them? You should mail the samples with an introductory letter. Make sure your letter is an easy read, using bullet points, or it will not get read in many cases. You have many good bullet points you can pull out of your proposed letter. With the process mentioned above, you have now opened the door for a follow-up phone call or visit. You will know immediately if the prospect has any interest at all and will have saved yourself much time. Time is money in our business.

From: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#9]
 17 Nov 2004
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8] 17 Nov 2004

I agree that a hard, working sample is a great sales tool, but, PENS? I gotta tell ya...over the years I have recieved 100's of unsolicitated pens...to the point that I would feel the envelope of an obvious "junk mail" and if I felt a pen in there, I would grasp the pen, tear it out, write a line with it and if I liked the way it wrote, I kept it...if not...in the trash with the rest of the material! Hurts less to lose the pen to a customer when you have nothing invested.

It is important, in my opinion, to come up with something new and creative. I don't know what that is but it has to be out there. I just don't think pens at any price are an attractive foot in the door item anymore. I do believe that quality pens are great awards, gifts, or items to hand a prospective client in person. They have to be a quality writing instument though...if I don't like the way it glides on the paper...out it goes.

I'm working on a new item that may be a perfect item to get ones attention...just not sure I can bring it to market at a low enough price.

Doug

From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#10]
 17 Nov 2004
To: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#9] 17 Nov 2004

Doug,

You misinterpreted my post. I in no way would waste my time with a promotional pen. I was using the example of the high-volume pen distributors who market their product through the mailing of personalized samples. Many companies have been quite successful with this marketing tactic.

I was recommending that she produce some good samples on substrates that will display her photo engraving capabilities. Mailing these out to prospects will open the door to further, more comfortable conversations with them.

From: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#11]
 17 Nov 2004
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#10] 17 Nov 2004

Glad to hear that I misunderstood what I thought I had read!

Now back to work on that perfect giveaway product! :-)

Doug

From: UncleSteve [#12]
 17 Nov 2004
To: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#11] 17 Nov 2004

Perfect self-promo?

An engraved, round disk! On one side it says "TUIT" and on the other side it says "You said you would try our service when you got one so......"

About the size and weight of a silver dollar so it can be used as a small paper weight on the prospects desk.

From: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#13]
 17 Nov 2004
To: UncleSteve [#12] 18 Nov 2004

Interesting Unc...I was given one at a show in California that I attended this summer by a customer/friend....still in my pocket. Not heavy enuf to be a paperweight, but I pull it out and look at it frequently.

Doug

From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#14]
 17 Nov 2004
To: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#9] 18 Nov 2004

Doug,
There was a discussion on the board awhile back about letting the customer decide if the price is too high. If you have the time and don't have to invest a great deal of money work on that product. You may be surprised.

Dee

From: Doug (JDOUG5170) [#15]
 18 Nov 2004
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#14] 23 Nov 2004

Dee, I hear you.

The sad thing is, I've had 100 sitting, waiting to get into the finish room!


Doug

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