On August 6, 1991, the world changed forever. It was not the fall of communism, flat screen TV’s or even the word processing system printer by Brother (there was such a thing, I had one in college). Most businesses didn’t know it yet, but in the grand scheme of everything a business manager or owner does on a daily basis, this is the day of the … [Read more...]
The Show Must Go On
Water Quality Products Magazine - April 2017 Funnel trade show excitement into business advantages back home. It’s spring again and that means many of you will be attending trade shows and conferences. You may have even worked on new certifications and training programs to improve your expertise. Many of you have traveled to the WQA Convention … [Read more...]
To Buy or Not to Buy
Water Quality Products Magazine - Sep 2016 Offers & sales to new customers require more than a price What is the best sale price or special offer to attract a potential new customer? Is it a dollar discount? Is it a percentage off? Is it a free add-on? I am asked this question time and again, particularly when I meet … [Read more...]
Marketing Tech & Tools
Water Quality Products Magazine – Jun 2016 Optimizing online marketing tools for your business Cutting marketing expenses when business is slow is about as logical as taking the batteries out of your clock to gain an extra hour. Or, as Henry Ford famously said, “A man who stops advertising to save money is like a man who stops a clock to … [Read more...]
Sales & Marketing: Educating the Buyer
Water Quality Products Magazine - Feb 2016 Marketing to stubborn buyers requires a dedicated approach... "My water is perfect; I have a well.” “I live near one of the freshest reservoirs in the state—why would I pay to install a water softener or filter?” “I’ve read that I need those minerals in my water to survive, so why would I … [Read more...]
King Data; Putting Data to Use in Direct Marketing Campaigns
Water Quality Products Magazine, July 2015 You may have heard the saying, “Garbage in, garbage out.” But have you ever taken the time to think about what it truly means? How about this one: “You’ll get out of it what you put into it.” Or this: “The chain is only as strong as the weakest link.” I am sure at least one of these sayings is familiar … [Read more...]
Marketing for the Now
Water Quality Products Magazine - Feb 2015 The importance of including a marketing plan in your budget Imagine for a moment that you have decided to open your business all over again. For argument’s sake, let’s say you have moved into a brick-and-mortar office building. On day one, your first order of business is to get your operations up … [Read more...]
The Three-legged Stool
Water Quality Products Magazine, April 2014 The three essential parts of a successful direct marketing campaign. Imagine settling into your favorite restaurant, pub or even lunch counter. You are hungry or thirsty, and ready and willing to spend your hard-earned money. You see one seat left at the bar or counter, and it is a stool with three … [Read more...]
For Everything There is a Season…
Water Quality Products Magazine, Jan 2014 The primary definition of the word “season” on Dictionary.com is: “One of the four periods of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter), beginning astronomically at an equinox or solstice, but geographically at different dates in different climates” — and that is generally the way we tend to think of … [Read more...]
Play it One-on-One
Water Quality Products Magazine, Apr 2013 Consistent Marketing for Customers New & Old It is no secret that every business wants to find the magic solution that will profitably increase business year over year. We have all sought that proverbial silver bullet. However, in nearly 20 years of working in the marketing and direct marketing … [Read more...]
