You've probably bought a book or two at one of the major chain bookstores. When you're checking out, you get asked if you have the "discount card." The card is not free. It usually cost 10 bucks or so. But you get a 10% discount on most of your future... Read More

©2004 Jeffrey DobkinIf you're in direct marketing, you're continually looking for new list sources - everybody's tired of mailing to the same lists. If you're not in direct marketing and thinking about putting a mailing together, here's something a little different: take a look at marketing through associations.Why would anyone... Read More

When marketing your practice, as well as designing yourbrochure, web site, business card, flier, advertisement, orother marketing effort, we recommend investing the time andeffort needed to effectively address all these tips. Notone of them can be omitted. Tip 1. MARKET FOR YOUR DESIRED PROSPECTS, NOT YOURSELF What looks good to... Read More

I nearly panicked recently! Well, maybe a slight exaggeration but here was a situation I had not been in for some time. The freezer had broken down and the dilemma I faced was ? a speedy solution was necessary BUT I did not know anybody who repairs freezers. For the... Read More

TIP #1: Avoid the "Too Much Information" Syndrome I've seen many a marketing postcard that just has too much information on it. Too many words set in tiny type is an all too common problem. And the poor recipient, who only has limited time in his/her day,... Read More

As I was preparing for a presentation recently, I was trying to figure out why small businesses have trouble marketing themselves consistently. If we know we need to be marketing, why don't we just do it? Is it for a lack of planning or that we're just not sure what... Read More

Step 1: Where Am I Now? Before you decide where you want your marketing plan to take you,you need to find out where you are now. How have you positioned your business in the market? How do your customers see you? You may want to ask some of them for... Read More

Customer endorsements are an inexpensive and easy sales tool, particularly for someone just starting out. Here are some tips on how to get them and use them: Send follow-up letters. Two to four weeks after working with a customer, send a survey letter or postcard. Be sure to leave space... Read More

If you've never done a postcard mailing, you're probably wondering, "What should I budget for?" Here are three items to account for: 1. If you're a designing woman (or man), then you'll need to get that great postcard design out of your computer and into the hands of the postcard... Read More

I've heard a lot of people lament the fact that they just sent out a big postcard mailing, and, alas, no one called. Hey, it's happened to me. I've sent cards that I thought were so good that I was sure my phone would start ringing off the hook.... Read More