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What is "indirect" marketing? It is quite different than its opposite, "direct" marketing. Indirect marketing is indeed a more passive strategy. It often times happens on its own through actions that are not as aggressive and / or channeled as direct approaches.
Direct marketing, on the other hand, is more self-explanatory. People employ direct marketing when they publish their ads in the papers, magazines, online, and on the radio. Direct marketing also takes advantage of direct mail operations and the cold calling method. Direct marketing means to literally take an active role in the selling process.
Indirect marketing though does not involve a specific product or service or goal. With this technique, one is not intentionally working to push their work onto a prospective client. You are using indirect strategies when you perform a number of related activities, such as participating in community events, writing articles for publication, engaging in public speaking events, and posting blogs on the Internet. Similarly, existing clients who have had positive experiences with your company can also contribute to your indirect marketing through their word of mouth advertising.
What business owner has not experienced some form of indirect marketing benefit? Surely you have had that certain phone call- the one in which an inquirer states that he or she is in need of assistance but is not sure if you are the one that can provide it. Many companies receive such calls, but handling them in a certain manner is crucial.
In these situations, it is a good idea to begin by having the caller identify their issue. Then you can more easily analyze whether or not you can offer the product or service that would be of benefit. If so, describing the options that you provide is necessary, but what is more is that this can be done in such a way as to accurately match the description of what they are seeking. It might be appropriate to also explain several different possibilities that you are aware of that could serve their needs.
Know that in this situation much of the credibility component of the business relationship has been established. You probably do not need to go into your background or qualifications. After all, the inquirer called your office. They basically already believe that you have the potential to assist them.
With these types of interactions, the end result may not always evolve into a sale. Be okay with this. You may not have the solution required for their unique situation. Likewise, they may have reservations about pricing or other costs or financing. Sometimes people just need time to process and think about their options before they commit to purchasing. In any case, keeping the conversation helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable can make the difference.
These random calls can be extremely affective to your business. It is always best to strive for the most positive experience on the phone as possible. Especially if your company is new and just starting out, it is very important to make sure that the nature of each call handled is done so with the best of intentions. These efforts of communication, no matter how brief, are examples of the public's dealings with you. This is your chance to explain the basis of your work and really promote your image. Pleasantness and kindness should be the goal for all such activity.
If you are completing such tasks presently to boost your indirect marketing, but are feeling discouraged at the lack of apparent response, do not be. Remember that this genre of marketing works more slowly and often times has to build momentum.
There are so many other ways that you can magnify your indirect marketing possibilities. You could participate in any of the following activities, such as teaching in community or national workshops, holding city offices or serving on boards and committees, volunteering, and agreeing to speak to other businesses at local events. You can also compose educational articles and the answers to frequently ask questions. These can be published on other sites online with affiliate businesses or associations. Other executives utilize the power of press releases. These can be used to circulate free or low cost reports and are available via the public contacting you.
Each marketing strategy has its strengths and challenges, and both can prove fruitful in the long run. Keep yourself conscious of indirect techniques and be sure that you are not ignoring this avenue altogether. A combination of different marketing techniques can help you to build your business the way that you would like.
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Source by Rick Sheldon