Hi!

I need some advice. I am about to start a marketing campaign targeted at my cold market (home-based and small businesses). I need to create a plan that will allow me to get the best "bang for my buck" without spending a lot of bucks!

I was thinking about the following plan:
Week 1 - postcard that acts as a coupon
Week 2 - follow-up with a phone call
Week 3 - handwritten note thanking them for talking to me, asking them to keep me in mind in the future and passing my info on to someone who may need my services

Does that sound a bit much? Should I space it out? Maybe change the order?

Please help!

Barb Everett

Hi Barb,
You won't really know until you give it a try and your plan sounds great to me - although someone else might jump in here with advice on the timing, I think it sounds reasonable... you don't want to wait so long that they've forgotten the postcard, etc.

I have never ever called a cold prospect - so more power to you and I will truly look forward to hearing what you decide to do and how it goes.

I'll say this, I did send out a (very expensive) postcard campaign and it was not a total failure but also not as successful as I would have hoped. I'm sure if I had taken the time to follow up with each of them it would have converted more.

Looking forward to hearing how this goes...

__________________

Hi Barb

I think it is a great idea and agree that the time period sounds ok. I would suggest you keep in tough with them after the thank you note. Send them something of value once a month and give them a call at least every three months to ensure you are in their minds all the time. By doing that you will start to build a relationship with your "cold market".

Wishing you all the best!

__________________
Co-founder Be Virtual Assistant Wise
http://be-virtual-assistant-wise.co.za

Have a plan and work it is the only way you will find what works for you. Doing something is better than not trying anything new. My coach did tell me when I send out postcards/letters to follow up with a phone call or you have wasted your time and money!!
You go girl!!

__________________
Janet Falkenberg
ExecuStrive, Details Get Done

Barb,

First of all...CONGRATULATIONS to you for being willing to undertake something many veteran VAs have yet to do - establishing and following through with a targeted marketing plan. Yay for you!

I just attended a great teleseminar this afternoon led by Patty Benton, author of The Marketing Train System (www.everywomansnorthstar.com) that related to the importance of presenting yourself as a virtual professional. She had many great ideas to consider, but here are just a few:

• Your virtual communication is usually the first impression your target market will get of you - be sure it is an accurate and professional representation.
• First impressions in the virtual world are as important as in the "regular" business world.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread!!!
• Be true to yourself and the uniqueness of your offerings.
• Remember, your business is a gift of service to your clients.
• Ultimately, your virtual communications should serve to create trust and build relationships.

Anyway, I just thought that some of these nuggets of marketing wisdom may be of use to you. Good luck!

Best wishes for your continued buiness success.

__________________
Susana Sifuentes-Prieto
"A partner in your success - virtually... strategically... wholeheartedly."