Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers
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Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers
error '80040e4d'[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Login failed for user 'etelmar'.
/ASPSamp/telmar/telmarad.asp, line 12
>This is my first posting which is a little nerve racking, but here goes. >I have a problem that I am hoping someone else may have experienced and >conquered. >I am the marketing director for an Internet based network for Consulting >Engineers , Architects, and Contractors. The network serves to harness the >immense power of the internet for the above market segments. We are trying >to introduce our network as a business tool for the member firms, whereby >they can utilize the Internet to grow their business in both size and >profitability. We are very competitive in the marketplace , however at this >point in time there is not alot of competition. >My task is to enlist firms onto our network to enjoy the above mentioned >benifits. >I have had limited success with several tried and true marketing methods, >mainly networking and referals, direct mktg, advertising. >The majority of objections received to our proffer is that the internet has >"just not arrived" as a viable business tool yet. So it seems most are just >waiting to see how things shakeout. >I guess my question then "Is this common to all new or high tech offerings >or just the Internet? Is there a way to get around this? >As a policy we will not revert to scare mongering tactics with prospects. Is >there other methods available that would seem to create a sence of urgency. >Or are we off base totally? >Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated. > --------------------------------------------------------- Jim: I hope that little nerve has become unracked enough to take some constructive criticism. 1. I don't fully understand your business from the description above so it's hard to offer suggestions which will be on the mark. 2. Networking and referrals are marketing methods that are tried often but are hardly ever true. They are in the "general waste of time and fooling yourself" category. 3. "The majority of objections received ..." would be significant if you were trying to expand an already large market share. NOT "handling objections" is the most effective thing to do in your case. The best way to market a new concept, high tech or not, is to find the people who already want (the benefits of) it. That may be only a small segment of the market - my guess is for your business it's under 5 percent, now. So, don't waste any time and effort trying to convince anyone who doesn't want it that they should. 4. The best way to find out who wants it is to call the owners, presidents, or marketing v.p.s of your target market and ask them if they want what your offering. Don't try to sell them or persuade them. If they say "no" you say "good bye." If they say "yes," sign them up. If they say "maybe," insist on "yes" or "no." 5. If done properly you can probably enroll a new member about once for every 25 to 30 decision makers you talk to. Chances are it will take 3 calls per contact made. So, the average call should take no more than 2 minutes. That's the hard, quick, and effective way to do it. Other ways might work, too. Regards, Jacques Werth MktgMavens (tm)
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