List of 15 Australian Business Directories

[marketingweb]

Originally Posted by mybusinesshelp

This place is definately for getting help and also offer advice for free - I understand you were genuinely trying to run a campaign although I can't sit back and not let people know they can get that information for nothing elsewhere.

Amanda,

As much as i've been playing a bit of "tough love" with Jenish (payless) and having a bit of fun, I tend to agree with him that you have kind of hijacked his thread and it isn't really very good form from yourself.

Even though he is still learning in the "how to execute it correctly" and "what to offer" categories, his principle of offering something digital in exchange for survey results and customer data is used by hundreds of organisations online, and it's actually good marketing practice. For example, i'm sure you have seen the "download our white paper on social media" type emails or links - and all you need to give them in exachange is your contact details so they can try to "sell" you.

Originally Posted by mybusinesshelp

... although I can't sit back and not let people know they can get that information for nothing elsewhere.

I'll let you in on a little secret Amanda. Everything you are selling or potentially could be selling in your line of business can be had for free or at a cheaper price online. Everything. But that's marketing - showing / convincing the customer what you have is of value to them, and is worth some of their money or time in exchange - in this case time.

Besides which: I just received Jenish's list (of 20), and there were actually 3 on there I wasn't aware that look quite good, so well worth the 5 minutes to do his survey. Your list isn't that special and of course isn't the same.

I know this may sound harsh and I'm NOT trying to make an enemy of you at all, I promise. I just think it's a little disapointing that someone running a small business advice site as yours (and quite a good one) would hijack an idea of someone new in business who is determined to have a crack at it, when all he was asking for was 5 minutes of time. I may be harsh on here, but it's only blunt advice. I'm not sure what you motive was.

Matt

[mybusinesshelp]

Hey Matt

This is what i love about this Forum - we both have supported this post in one way or the other. I had no intention to hijack this post but to provide another way to get the same thing - something I am sure all businesses strive to do whilst offering some suggestions.

If you check out all my previous comments over my time here you would see I am all about helping small business - you may have worked that out by my blog name My Business Help? ;-)

I am all about sharing what we know and I think it is fabulous that you have taken the time to help Payless in their journey and defend them like this - a great forum moment I say.

Well I take on board what you have said and will make sure not to hijack another post (regardless if it wasn't intentional) and just skip to the advice.

And Matt - I have no enemies - nor any competition for that matter...so its all good ;-)

Amanda

Originally Posted by marketingweb

Amanda,

As much as i've been playing a bit of "tough love" with Jenish (payless) and having a bit of fun, I tend to agree with him that you have kind of hijacked his thread and it isn't really very good form from yourself.

Even though he is still learning in the "how to execute it correctly" and "what to offer" categories, his principle of offering something digital in exchange for survey results and customer data is used by hundreds of organisations online, and it's actually good marketing practice. For example, i'm sure you have seen the "download our white paper on social media" type emails or links - and all you need to give them in exachange is your contact details so they can try to "sell" you.


I'll let you in on a little secret Amanda. Everything you are selling or potentially could be selling in your line of business can be had for free or at a cheaper price online. Everything. But that's marketing - showing / convincing the customer what you have is of value to them, and is worth some of their money or time in exchange - in this case time.

Besides which: I just received Jenish's list (of 20), and there were actually 3 on there I wasn't aware that look quite good, so well worth the 5 minutes to do his survey. Your list isn't that special and of course isn't the same.

I know this may sound harsh and I'm NOT trying to make an enemy of you at all, I promise. I just think it's a little disapointing that someone running a small business advice site as yours (and quite a good one) would hijack an idea of someone new in business who is determined to have a crack at it, when all he was asking for was 5 minutes of time. I may be harsh on here, but it's only blunt advice. I'm not sure what you motive was.

Matt

[mybusinesshelp]

Hey Payless

Apologies for the percieved hijack of your post - was not my intention and hope it hasn't hindered what you were trying to achieve.

If you need any advice or help please do let me know :-)

Amanda

Originally Posted by paylesstoners

Hi Guys,

Ok not a publicity stunt or anything but i have collected a list of around 15 australian business directories. I want to share it with you guys. I am a newbie here, just as a favour if you guys would answer a couple of questions i would send the list to your emails. You may already know all of them(think tht you helped a newbie out)

To answer the questions go to my website and then go to the contacts page and fill out the form with answers there.

Q.1 Your Details (Your name, business, website etc.)?

Q.2 What Printer do u use at work and home?

Q.3 Where Do you normally purchase your inks and toners?

Q.4 Which do you prefer Genuine or Compatible and why?

Q.5 Would you buy it from me if i was able to supply your needed ink and toners at a cheaper price?

It would be greatly appreciated as this me help know more about my audience.

Forum administrators if this is not allowed, please let me know i won't do it again

And guys don't forget to put ur email address so i can send the list.

Forgot to mention they are FREE to list your business details.

Click here to take survey

Thanks a lot Guys
Jenish

[paylesstoners]

Hi guys,

after reading those 4 comments i burst out in a laugh. two people helping but different ideas.

Matt i sent 20 because i thought if people expected 15 and got 20 they would be happy.

Guys don't have any hard feelings for each other or me bcoz of a tiny forum post.

Amanda (i did say tht it can be found from google) but anyways it would be great if you would spare 5 min and do the survey, i would really appreciate it.

It is on survey monkey now. Survey

Thanks
Jenish

[marketingweb]

Ok, so Jenish has send me the list of directories as promised, including over delivering with 20 instead of 15. All good.

He's also used the opportunity to sell me on a toner cartridge for my laser printer, and his price looks good. But i'm not in the market for a toner yet, so how is he going to get a sale from me? Lets work through this.....

I would genuinely buy from Jenish as his price is good and he seems a decent guy, but unless we continue communication I could forget who he is in 6 months time, and when I go to buy a toner not have a chance of remembering.

SO Jenish - your business challenge is how to remain "top of mind" (not just to me, I'm using this as a learning exercise for you).

A couple ideas I could think.

Some sort of a reminder service, whereby you ask customers why they buy or when they contact you, how long their toner/ink normally lasts. Say they say about 3 months. In 2.5 months you send them a professional email seeing how they are going and if they are ready to order yet. Of course to be successful you will need to AUTOMATE this somehow as putting a note in your calendar manually or something isn't a long term solution.

Second, IF someone orders (may not work in my case as I haven't bought yet), send each person a sticker with their toner (with your details on it), and a note to stick it on their printer. If even 1 in 3 actually do this, when they go to order, your details will be right there for them to reorder from you - your sort of business is built on reorders. Or if your low budget extends to it, magnets are another idea (if it was me I would send both). They are a brilliant low cost product for the sort of items people only use a few times a year, and only half remember - like plumbers, electricans, lawm mowing guys and toner cartridge salesmen! This goes on the fridge, and again when i'm ready to order it's right there.

Hope this gives you some more ideas and may get your thinking of more. I'm not joking around, I really will buy from you, but you have to work out a way to remind me in 6 months time, in a professional manner so I remember you (my toner will probably last that long). One idea that would NOT work would be bombarding me regularly with emails on specials on models not relating to me, so you will have to be more creative than that.

Matt

[paylesstoners]

Cheers,
I didn't think of it that way, thats another technique.
Thanks heaps. Really Really appreciate your help.