An interesting take on telemarketing.

I was just on my way out the door and phone rang.

Eli:"Hello".
Telemarketer:"Hey Eli What's up"?
Eli: "Not too much, just on my way out the door. Who is this"?
Telemarketer: "This is Sarah, and I was just wondering if you would like to purchase our food rather than paying high prices at the grocery store"?
Eli: "You know what Sarah. I took a class on Direct Marketing and researching all forms of direct marketing, and I'll tell--you're the first telemarketer who kept me on the phone for more than 10 seconds. Thank you Sarah, but I'll pass".

The telemarketer was able to obtain my attention because for the first few seconds I felt like I was speaking to somebody I knew. You know those awkward moments when somebody calls and you feel bad for not recognizing the voice of your friend. That is exactly how I felt when speaking to Sarah.

Have these people not got the point already. People HATE telemarketers, ask one person who actually enjoys being interrupted by a telemarketer, especially at dinner time (which is when they seem to call 90% of the time). It's not the 50's anymore, people have call display and they can instantly suspect a telemarketer on the phone within the first two words the person speaks. Also, because of the internet, people are looking for products and don't need to be informed on their purchases as much as they used to. So why the hell are businesses still using this approach? Does it still work? It must, I would like to believe that decision makers of big corporations aren't stupid.

If you own a business and are thinking of using telemarketing as a sales strategy, you will probably gain more leads by personalizing your message. This means using your personal database and inform customers on up coming sales promotions or sales. Also, be sure to NEVER call between 4:30 and 6:30, this is when families are having supper, and you never want to anger your current customers.

Never preach to people, inform them on how you can help them.

Scent Marketing. Direct to the brain.

The Pizza Shop in our school just introduced garlic bread sticks (mmm...) we all love the smell of garlic bread sticks, don't we? Every single time I walk down the hallway all I can smell is that wonderful scent of garlic...much like an Italian high classed restaurant. The scent is extremely recognizable. Every time I smell that pungent, sweet garlic and bread smell; all I want are bread sticks from the Pizza shop in our school.

My question: Did they do this on purpose?

Scent marketing has become a popular fad in today's society. Real Estate agents use this technique when showing homes to prospect buyers. The agent will place a freshly baked Apple Pie or cookies on the kitchen counter to give the home a very 'homey' feeling. Does this approach work? For me...it sure has.

I want you to think of anytime you have strolled past a pizza store or bakery in your hometown and been drawn in to purchase.

Can you think of any times you have been lured in my scent marketing. Feel free to post your opinions.

Superbowl. Where nonfootball lovers watch for commercials

This blog is going against all that I believe in. But the fact is, the Superbowl is the one day of the entire year that millions gather around their television to see two things: The game and the advertisements.

Monday, the day after the big event, a majority of discussion around the water cooler is the most impressive or controversial ad the office saw during the Superbowl. Companies pump millions of dollars worth of traditional media to be a part of the most popular event in America, which, in turn; portrays the status of a branding. {A company who can afford to spend a million dollars on a 30 second ad must be doing something write in their business}.

This will be one of my blogs where I can actually announce that traditional media blows direct marketing out of the water. Why? Because millions of people around the world are watching television for a four hour span just to see the advertising. I can think of dozens of occasions of non football telling me they only watch the event for the advertising.

Can you remember any of the hundreds of messages you were exposed to today? Maybe? But probably not. But I can bet that even if you did not watch the Superbowl, through word of mouth, you will hear of at least one memorable commercial from the Superbowl.

Seth Godin-The Importance of blogging as a marketing tool.

Communicating with The Big Boys in B2B.

So what do I mean by "The Big Boys?" These are men/woman with jobs, they carry briefcases to work and highly sophisticated, educated men/woman. What behaviors and traits separate these individuals from the working class hero? First of all, luxurious brands seem to appeal to this bunch because it portrays an image of success--and in some cases--professionalism. So what are the appropriate tools and imagery that will these people tick, think, and buy.
First of all, managers/bosses and supervisors tend to have more knowledge about the product you are trying to pursue them with. This can include: fax machines, telephone services, printers and security systems. Always keep in mind as well that you can offer them a new product or service ONLY if it is better than the object they already have or your company offers better customer service.
Be sure to check in for "Communicating with The Big Boys in B2B - Part II"

The Story behind the current title.

You are driving home from work and usually the first thing you do before reaching the driveway is grab the mail. When you get inside you throw the stack on the counter and a first glance it’s easily recognizable what is considered important, and what you know as junk. I bet these exacts thoughts have crossed through your mind when ciphering through the envelopes, “ Gotta pay phone bill, damn creditors, garbage, garbage, hmm a letter from the bank; wonder what the hell they want, garbage.” Well those two things you claimed as being ‘garbage’ are actually your friends.

Lets face it, the market is changing, people are changing and businesses are starting to realize they need to be more honest to their customers. The sleazy salesman who is ripping you off and in your sub conscience knows you’re being taken for is slowly fading away—with exception of buying food at the theatre; haven’t figured that one out yet. The fact is, with cities growing rapidly and organizations sprouting like weeds, businesses are fighting for brand loyalty and repeat business, and will offer GREAT incentives to keep their current customers.

The point of this blog is to inform people to take advantage of the great offers being given to you in the mail. Also, businesses have moved towards sustaining a relationship with their clients, like a friend. They’re no longer trying to take advantage of their customers because they know that 80% of their business derives from 20% of their customers. So take advantage of those offers and stash some savings away for 2012.

Eli Nicholson