Hello,
What is the best way to get the contact information? When doing a direct mail. What works best?

The answer depends on a variety of factors, really. Do you have a specific target audience in mind? Sometimes, the best way is good old fashioned research and manual extractions of data. Other times, you can buy lists.... and other times (especially with email) you should get their permission first.

Here's an example: One of the things that I do is mortgage loan closings as a Notary. The better paying jobs are those that come directly from Title Companies and banks, rather than a signing service.

The best way I have found to get that direct work is though hard core research. I go down to the County Clerk's office and I pull the deeds that were recorded in a certain time period for certain areas and I record the name of the lender, the title compnay, the notary...and other information that might come in handy. After awhile, it's easy to spot a pattern and see which companies are actively closing loan in an area. That's important... you need to follow the work!

From there, I get their contact information and will send a note saying something like, "Congratualtions on all the closings you had last month, I hope the trend continues. If you need a signing agent, I live just a few miles away... etc, etc."

What I say differs, of course, but those personal messages get a lot of response. I've received several thank you notes back. But, I have definitely received phone calls for work, too, because they remembered my note.

I'm not a fan of impersonal, unsolicited direct mail. That's why I always indicate my reason for writing. In many cases they're thrilled somebody noticed their hard work.

My example is a bit extreme... but it's important to know your audience and send them something that they will look at, and hopefully keep.

How you get the data should be fairly natural if you know who you want to target.

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Marian Harmon, Certified Virtual Assistant
www.crossmydesk.com

I'm just starting out and was wondering if I should just copy email addresses from the net or if I should ring first to find out if they would have a need for a VA. Another idea I had was to send KitKat's ('Have a break, have a chat with Kat') with my business card attached to businesses in the area. Do you think that would trigger a positive response?

Unsolicited emails are considered spam - NOT the way to attract clients! I recommend a combination of networking (both social and professional) and direct mail (as Darlene said there are quite a few ways to find lists - search 'mailing list' and 'postcard' on this forum) for ways to find/create mailing lists.

I like the idea of the Kit-Kats but think you would be better off to hand-deliver those rather than mailing them (and, of course, you would want to deliver king-size Kit-Kats). And again, you will want to have a target market in mind and specific locations for 'drop-offs' rather than a random scattering.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Originally Posted by Marian

My example is a bit extreme... but it's important to know your audience and send them something that they will look at, and hopefully keep. How you get the data should be fairly natural if you know who you want to target.

Not at all extreme to me Marian it shows tenacity and your desire to be successful at what you do.

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Cathryn Branch, MPA 'We will either find a way, or make one.' Hannibal

Yes, I thought the KitKat's would have to be special (like kingsize) and I will definitely make sure to research my target market before I deliver them. I thought about focusing on small design agencies who are busy enough to have a constant flow of admin work but can't justify spending money on a part-time or full-time employee.

I wouldn't feel very comfortable with emailing out of the blue as I know what I do with emails I didn't ask for (straight hit the 'delete' button).

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!

It is very important to identify your ideal clients as KC mentioned above. Additionally, you want to make sure that you can adequately follow up on those people that you market to. If you have an opt-in email database, you are at an advantage because you can set up a series of email blasts all in one shot. However, if you are considering direct mail by sending out 500 letters (or post cards, which are my fav) for example, do you have the means to pick up the phone and follow up if needed. Also, with any type of marketing, consistent follow through and multiple touches are key. Someone may not need your services now, but if you do not stay in front of them, how will they remember you in the future when they may need your services. Just some thoughts to consider as you consider your marketing options!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

If you decide to extract information from the internet, there is a program called egrabber that will help you do this VERY quickly. I've checked it out, and it is very cool, but it's just not the way I like to get clients.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

eGrabber is definitely a cool tool but I feel the same way about getting clients this way, it just doesn't sit well with me! Postcards are a cool tool, I will definitely send the Kit Kat's (but I don't think they come in king-size in the UK) and then follow up with a phone call.

Would it consider as spam if I met them in person and have their name cards?

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Joey Wong - Virtual Assistant Service - Your Partner in Achieving Business Success
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