Feedback on my latest marketing scheme

seanstevens · #1 27-10-2009, 11:22 AM

Just looking for a little feedback on my latest marketing scheme:

The plan is to send out an introductory flyer out to around 2,500 businesses (first phase). Giving a little general information on what they should do to ensure they get paid from their customers & how I can help should they need further information or help with doing the job.

I'm planning to place 2 'pretend' £20 notes in the flyer so that when they open it they will fall out. They notes will have a couple of notes on them, 1. mentioning how easy it is to lose money in business & 2. showing how little it could be to start with my services.

I'd be interested to get some feedback (I know it is hard to visualize) on this kind of marketing plan - btw: it is aimed at new companies.

EDIT: Forgot to say that at the same time I am putting an article together for a couple of local papers on prevention is better than cure when it comes to cash collections.

IP · #2 27-10-2009, 11:28 AM

I like the sound of it, an odd bonus to that is business owner parents will possibly give the fake money to young kids to play with, so your advertising will possibly be repeatedly found on the floor as a reminder

EmineG · #3 27-10-2009, 11:56 AM

Sounds like a well thought out plan, especially with the "fake" £20 note - as flyers have a generally low impact rating - makes it more memorable to the recipients. Are you planning to follow up on it?

seanstevens · #4 27-10-2009, 12:06 PM

Thanks for the quick feedback.

The aim is to get these out in early December, knowing that for many small businesses, the Christmas period can make or break them. Then follow up in mid January with a friendly call to see if

1. They remember the flyer with the cash.
2. Offer any "free" advice on collecting cash now that the Christmas period is over and customers should be paying.
3. Let them know that if they require any longer term help or advice I'm always available at affordable prices to benefit their business.

EmineG · #5 27-10-2009, 12:41 PM

Sounds like you are ready for your campaign:-). 2500 can be quite a project and im sure you already have a list going for companies who will contact you before the follow up call in Jan 10 to aviod double calling.

Best of Luck.

JohnHutson · #6 23-11-2009, 08:55 AM

It's a great idea Sean and it should stick out. It's getting harder nowadays to attract attention via traditional post and email so this sounds good.

I'd like to think this will prove to have a good result but please let us know!

Good luck! Look forward to seeing the results.

Maslins · #7 23-11-2009, 10:00 AM

Yeah Sean I'm intrigued how this turned out?

Hope you're not still procrastinating about the finer details?!

AdeTheBizCoach · #8 23-11-2009, 10:56 AM

Hi Sean, I think it's a great idea. However, the thing about explaining how you can help is a bit woolly. The flyers you send should have a specific aim, like getting somebody to call you, visit a website or even buy something directly.

Perhaps directing them to a website where they can get even more free useful information? That's what I do. Then I capture names and email addresses to follow up on. Ade

seanstevens · #9 23-11-2009, 12:36 PM

As an update:

Flyers designed and printed. They are on their way to my UK address at the moment. I worked with a designer friend to get them done properly. They have a quick outline of the services offered and how they can help.

One one side their is a promotional code to quote when calling or emailing to give that person a lower commission rate on any debt placed with me. It could be up to a 12% saving based on the age of the debt and is between 5%-15% lower than the other collectors in the area. It cuts back my profit margin to almost 0 but is all about getting the name out there and providing repeat business after the end of January at the normal rate.

The other side gives another promotional code for the credit control services, again valid until the end of January, but this time offering a free credit control handbook for any contract signed before the time and free consultancy for the term of the contract on other areas (i.e. if the service paid for is cash collections then I will offer free consultancy on credit assessment with the chance at an up-sell on related items).

I took the decision to scale back the number of leaflets to a first run of 500 with an option to get another 500-2000 printed at discounted prices with amended special offers.

I will be in the UK for a few days next week and will be working with my delivery agency (who happens to be my old man

who runs a leaflet delivery business in Windsor) to get them delivered to targeted businesses.

Out of the 500, If I can get 10 leads then I believe I will be able to convert 5 of those into real business. It doesn't sound much but it more than pays for the design and print of these + the next batch and more importantly gives me the chance to get these people to spread word of mouth which is huge in debt collection as 1 bad move and your out of business.

With my background of sitting on the boards of two credit groups in the UK and having various articles printed in the credit journals (even one in the Latin American version translated to Spanish

) then I know I can talk the talk

and convert.

I've also been speaking to the editor of the local rag and just awaiting the nod from him to get an article printed the same week as the flyers go out, so I have my fingers crossed on this one. I have made a commitment of 2 or 3 follow up articles if they accept to show that it is more than just publicity to me but also about helping small local business people.

AdeTheBizCoach · #10 23-11-2009, 12:59 PM

Good luck! Do you have pdf of the flyer? It might be something we could all spread around our client base?

Feedback on my latest marketing scheme

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