"A mastiff dog may love a puppy cur for no more reason than that the twain have been tied up together."
--- Alfred Tennyson
Now is the time to follow up with those prospects of old. Remember, it was only a short time ago some of us were singing "Old acquaintances should not be forgotten" or something like that. Anyway, this is the time to renew those relationships.
If you make an effort to get into the face or mind of your prospects, your chances of them calling you with their business, increases substantially. You don't have to be a pest, but just available.
"Never treat your audience as customers, always as partners."
--- Jimmy Stewart
Come up with a reason for calling your prospects. There are many reasons for calling. Check your file or Customer Relationship Management software for likes and dislikes of your prospect (you did record this information, right?). If they were interested in a removable vinyl sign, call them to let them know of a new idea you have for them. If they like the new LED lights on Broadway, call to let them know that you found a way to create a sign that looks like it should be in Times Square.
Come up with a reason for calling, and stay fresh in the mind of your prospects. Don't use cheap flattery or lie about calling. Truly think of a way to help your prospect and call with that in mind.
"A man trying to sell a blind horse always praises its feet."
--- German Proverb
Another good way to stay fresh in the eyes of your prospect is to make it a point to contact them on a regular basis. Come up with your own company letter singing your praises to send to them, either by email or snail mail. Include helpful tips for marketing a business, keeping track of taxes, etc.
This is a good way to provide useful information on a recurring basis and still let your prospects know that you are there for them.
"A business exists to create a customer."
--- Peter Drucker
Next, find a way to send out something tangible to your prospects. Some companies can send samples. That is great! Others cannot and thus have to be creative and send promotional items with their company name on them. These should be items that the prospect can use.
If promotional items and samples cannot be sent, send cookies, tickets to ball games, or helpful books. It doesn't have to cost you a fortune, but should be valuable to your prospect.
"Profit in business comes from repeat customers, customers that boast about your project or service, and that bring friends with them."
--- W. Edwards Deming
Finally, don't be afraid to toot your horn. Use testimonies from satisfied customers to show prospects how good you really are. Send them in your newsletter or in a follow-up letter after your first meeting. This shows your prospects a nonbiased point of view and gives references that help to put your prospects at ease.
"Remember, you only have to succeed the last time."
--- Brian Tracy
Put it on your calendar and make it a habit to follow up with prospects from trade shows, phone inquires, referrals, and your sales calls. It is really up to you to turn these prospects into lifelong customers. It only takes a little time and energy, but puts you far ahead of the competition.
Extreme Makeover: Business Signage Edition
By Johnny Duncan & Fastsigns
Fastsigns International, Inc. chose 4 different businesses to receive a signage makeover. The four businesses chosen for the makeovers pondered many of the same things when they learned that they were selected for this free signage makeover. Would it draw in new customers? Would it boost sales? Would anyone even notice? The results speak for themselves.
Read the article...
What is Lenticular Imaging and Why Should You Know About It?
By Izzy Bromberg
Lenticular imaging technology of today has morphed an old print technology into new stratospheres and consequently breathing new life and profit potential for printers and marketers alike.
Read the article...
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View the archive now
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Advertiser - Digital Signage 2007
Digital Signage 2007
Discovering the Power of Digital Signage,
Influencing Buyer Behavior and Increasing ROI
March 26 - 28, 2007 · The Standard Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
www.iqpc.com/NA-11167-001/si
The 2007 Digital Signage Summit will feature back to back case studies across all industries on how to make better use of Digital Signage (DS) technology to increase your bottom line.
Hear from:
REUTERS AMERICA, INC. | AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR | ACCUWEATHER, INC. | MEDIA PLACE (a Harley-Davidson, Inc case-study)| BORDERS GROUP, INC. | NIKE | THE WEATHER CHANNEL INTERACTIVE | MAYO CLINIC | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA | BIRMINGHAM | CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (CBC) | NASTECH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY, INC. | HONEYWELL ADI
Learn About:
- Laying the Framework and Considering Network Connection to Prepare for A Digital Signage Project
- Using Interactivity for Digital Signs
- Determining the Right Content
- Benchmarking Best Practices for Enterprise Digital Signage
- Understanding the Idea of Constituent Outreach
- Using Digital Signage in the Global Retail Market
- Understanding How Brands and Content Providers Evaluate Signage Partnership Opportunities
- Integrating Digital Signage as a Part of the Overall Advertising Mix
- Using the Partnership Model
To register call 1-800-882-8684 or visit us online at www.iqpc.com/NA-11167-001/si
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Sign in the men's room above the urinals in a Florida Rest Area: (sent to us by Steve Scalph)
Outside of a farm in North Carolina with the picture of a German Sheppard on it:
"I make it to the fence in 2.8 seconds. Can you?"
Inside a K-Mart somewhere in the US:
"Socks: Buy One Get One Free!"
Have you seen any funny signs lately? Why not share them with the world? Send your comments, suggestions, and hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.
