The Difference Between Leads and Prospects

Are you having trouble converting your leads into sales? The problem may not be your products, your marketing or your sales force. The problem may be your definition of a lead. Many small businesspeople will use the terms “lead” and “prospect” almost interchangeably. But a good salesperson will tell you there’s a big difference between the two.

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Don’t Discount Using Coupons to Attract Business

Coupons are a hot commodity in today’s economy. In fact, a new study shows that 72% of consumers are using more coupons than they did just six months ago.¹ Thanks to the recession, coupon redemption grew by 27% in 2009² as consumers reviewed their finances and adopted a new, more frugal approach to shopping. Now 89% of people surveyed said they use coupons when shopping.³ Retailers across the spectrum from Target^® to Neiman Marcus^® are using coupons to lure in prospective consumers. Even Yahoo^® Inc. reported the term “coupons” ranked first on its list of economy-related searches last year. And with the economy slow to recover, the power of the mighty little coupon doesn’t look to be weakening anytime soon.

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What’s New in Direct Marketing Solutions?

Once upon a time, blanketing entire ZIP codes with postcards was the extent of most companies’ direct marketing efforts. But thanks to the rise of technology and the Internet, more personalized communication with existing and potential customers has turned the business of direct marketing into a whole new ballgame. It can mean big bucks to marketers who are able to capitalize on the emergence of new media and techniques to reach and target potential customers. Read more…

Attracting New Customers on a Budget: 12 Low-cost Marketing Ideas

There are very few companies out there that don’t need to attract new customers. But making a big splash in a gigantic pond can be exceedingly difficult without a big-time marketing budget or ad agency behind you. However, what you lack in cash can sometimes be made up for by a little imagination. Few successful entrepreneurs would argue over the importance of advertising your business. After all, there still isn’t a better way to establish a brand, gain exposure, sell products or services, and make money.

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