This offline marketing idea will work and it will get you to fall for it every time.

150 replies
A lot of people talk about drop cards and dropping pens with your info ect and how they put them here and there. Well I came acrossed something the other day that will get someone to pick it up everytime hey I fell for it and if you would have seen it would would have to. So what am I talking about I was in walmart and I walked by a $100 dollar bill folded in half on the ground and boy did I think I scored I hurried up and picked it up only to open it and see that it was a drop card that looked so good you would have thought it was real but it was short and felt fake. These cards are so good and I almost bet they are getting picked up where ever they are since they look like real money. I thought dropping pens was a good idea now these were cool. There was a website on the drop card, but I don't want people to think I am promoting them so if you would like that info send me a pm. The best part and the funniest it to hide out and watch the suckers who think they found $100 dollars like I did pick them up lol.
#fall #idea #marketing #offline #time #work
  • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
    Not sure this is a valid business strategy. People don't like to be duped and 99% of them would go straight in the bin.

    Oh....and successful business people don't hide out and 'watch the suckers' LOL


    Originally Posted by tonyaphx View Post

    The best part and the funniest it to hide out and watch the suckers who think they found $100 dollars like I did pick them up lol.
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    • Profile picture of the author LisaSchwartz
      we used that in real estate services last two decades, was very popular marketing method then. I think I read somewhere in another post (sorry do not remember the link now) where audio business cards are very clever as well. And you can put your audio message inside when you hand out the cd to the prospect. a very unique tool. If a person is very interested in the service they call. We've had success with this method.
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      • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
        Interesting idea. Thank you for sharing.

        Could be an even more valuable idea to use with some of your business clients...especially if the "card" included some kind of discount offer or special introductory gift that matched the dollar value of the fake bill.

        With cards and promotional items that resemble real currency be sure to check the laws so you don't get arrested for counterfeiting. (Usually the laws involve size and what's written on the item).

        Kindest regards,
        Andrew Cavanagh
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          This concept still is a very powerful and highly effective marketing tool. We use this printing service regularly for our promotions.

          (not an affiliate link)
          Million Dollar Bill and Billion Dollar Bill at Wholesale Prices
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        • Profile picture of the author Vagabond 007
          Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

          Interesting idea. Thank you for sharing.

          Could be an even more valuable idea to use with some of your business clients...especially if the "card" included some kind of discount offer or special introductory gift that matched the dollar value of the fake bill.

          With cards and promotional items that resemble real currency be sure to check the laws so you don't get arrested for counterfeiting. (Usually the laws involve size and what's written on the item).

          Kindest regards,
          Andrew Cavanagh
          I agree with this. And will add...

          To use as marketing YOUR service, I personally wouldn't use this idea. As someone else mentioned, some people may feel duped and then may associate you with that feeling, thinking you aren't an ethical person. Not good.

          Also, what are the odds of a business owner (potential clients) picking up one of these fake bills? 1 in a million? You always have to remember that there are people out there who you DON'T want to work with. Spray and pray marketing isn't a good strategy unless you like working with people who will nickel and dime you, annoy you, take up lots of your time, etc.

          However, another idea using these fake bills where you CAN use them for marketing your services, is to mail them to potential clients. Staple them to the top of your letter. The old "I attached this bill to the top of my letter for 2 reasons" direct mail piece.

          Anyway, I think these fake bills would work better for an actual business where the fake bills are actually a coupon for their product or service.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
      Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

      Not sure this is a valid business strategy. People don't like to be duped and 99% of them would go straight in the bin.

      Oh....and successful business people don't hide out and 'watch the suckers' LOL
      Looks like you've a lot to learn if you think this simple strategy doesn't work.


      I always laugh at comments along the lines of "Successful people don't do...".
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      • Profile picture of the author kevin timothy
        Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

        Looks like you've a lot to learn if you think this simple strategy doesn't work.


        I always laugh at comments along the lines of "Successful people don't do...". Shut up with your ignorant blanket statement.
        Wow, although I agree with you I think you were a bit harsh with this poster. lol. I have to admit, it took a little work outta me to refrain from falling out of my PC chair with laughter.

        Not only was that a blanket statement, but there was really no reasoning or logic left behind as to why he/she felt that way about the "counterfeit" marketing tactic. I tell you what though, I saw something like that way back in the 90's, and I can vividly remember me jumping all over the ad....of course I picked it up. But like wbinst2 stated above, if you're duping people on this type of marketing, don't you think that the prospect will assume that you (or your offer) is a fake too. Maybe just like the card

        Just a thought.
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      • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
        When was the last time you saw a business person hiding out & getting off on watching people pick up stuff off the ground. Bizarre!

        That stuff is for kids.

        Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post



        I always laugh at comments along the lines of "Successful people don't do...".
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
          Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

          When was the last time you saw a business person hiding out & getting off on watching people pick up stuff off the ground. Bizarre!

          That stuff is for kids.
          I've had quite a few laughs when I first got mine.

          I'll be a liquid millionaire by 24, unless something goes horribly wrong, does that qualify for a successful business person?

          Just because one is deemed successful or a business person does not alter their DNA the day they're deemed so. They still have a sense of humor, still laugh, still dream. They're the same as those deemed unsuccessful.

          If you're unable to laugh at a prank, then you need some help.
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          • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
            Of course i can laugh at a prank but thats a completely different thing to calling it a valid business marketing strategy.

            And i don't think you're an authority to judge who needs help.

            Anyway, whats a 'liquid millionaire'? Do you mean your assets have liquidity like cash and shares and not real estate? Very unlikely ate your age.

            But this place is full of liars and scammers so i'll take what you say with a large grain of salt.

            I was called a 'peasant' in a pm yesterday for refusing to buy a couple of WSO's from a forum member for a few bucks. I'm still undecided whether to put that little exchange on the public forum. Some 'interesting' charcaters around here LOL

            Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

            I've had quite a few laughs when I first got mine.

            I'll be a liquid millionaire by 24, unless something goes horribly wrong, does that qualify for a successful business person?

            Just because one is deemed successful or a business person does not alter their DNA the day they're deemed so. They still have a sense of humor, still laugh, still dream. They're the same as those deemed unsuccessful.

            If you're unable to laugh at a prank, then you need some help.
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            • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
              Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

              Of course i can laugh at a prank but thats a completely different thing to calling it a valid business marketing strategy.

              And i don't think you're an authority to judge who needs help.

              Anyway, whats a 'liquid millionaire'? Do you mean your assets have liquidity like cash and shares and not real estate? Very unlikely ate your age.

              But this place is full of liars and scammers so i'll take what you say with a large grain of salt.

              I was called a 'peasant' in a pm yesterday for refusing to buy a couple of WSO's from a forum member for a few bucks. I'm still undecided whether to put that little exchange on the public forum. Some 'interesting' charcaters around here LOL
              I couldn't give a **** if you believe me or not, I'm just calling you out on your bull****. I find it humorous you believe "successful business persons" do not watch others for laughs.

              You're free to review my previous posts, it's more than obvious I know what I'm talking about.

              But hell, I'd be jealous if I wasn't in my shoes, too. I'll take the unlikeliness as a compliment, thank you.
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            • Profile picture of the author The Kid
              Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

              Uh, it wasn't exactly a coded message.


              You said you're not sure how it'd make one's company look, and I told you the one's I've shown it to loved it and it's led to a lot of business. Thus, it made a good enough impression for them to want to work with me?
              No need to get snappy, my OP wasn't coded either. :rolleyes:

              If you pay close attention, I said "as a drop card (NOT as something you hand over to a person who has come to see you, or who is interacting with/has interacted with you) this is like shooting in the dark and may not make your company look that well if you're offering marketing services."

              Pray tell, how does that statement warrant you informing me of the rave reviews and business you've gotten by handing them out to potential clients? The ONLY argument I was making was in reference to the $100 bills usefulness as drop cards.

              I realize wbnist2 and a few others are giving you a hard time about this topic, but I'm not decretiding what you have to say. If you re-read what I wrote, you'll see I either agree with you (like when I mention their usefulness for MLM marketers, who's target is any and everyone... much like your pizza buddy and whomever you worked for giving away iTunes dowloads), or I didn't even say much on the matter (like when I excluded the use of the $100 bills as anything but drop cards)... And I purposefully excluded the use of the $100 bills as anything but drop cards because, well, the OP was about using $100 bills as drop cards... not business cards or the like.

              For reference purposes, here is my OP.

              Originally Posted by The Kid View Post

              Ugh, yeah, I'm in the middle here.

              As a drop card (NOT as something you hand over to a person who has come to see you, or who is interacting with/has interacted you), this is like shooting in the dark and may not make your company look that well if you're offering marketing services.

              One area that I know they are good for though, are those marketing MLM Opportunities simply because any and everyone is a target.

              A simple $100 biz card with a "Want more of these in your life?" or something like that with a phone number and/or website link, dropped all over grocery stores, wal-mart, and any other highly trafficked area, works wonders.
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  • Profile picture of the author tonyaphx
    Well when I picked it up I didn't feel duped, I was like awh you got me. What you have on them is a saying sorry this cash isn't real but the opportunity to make real cash is with your website name on it. I wasn't saying hide out all day long or anything and watch people pick them up either I was just more thinking about like when I picked it up if anyone was watching me since I picked it up so fast is all I was saying. I plan on trying it out and see how it works out for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Creativegirl
    Funny to read this. I got duped in a Christian bookstore with one of those! I had a budget of what I wanted to spend and when I happened upon a $100 tucked in a book that one could easily think someone left on purpose, especially in this bookstore, it stopped me dead in my tracks. Needless to say I went over my budget, just thank God I didn't try to pay with it. Actually I figured it out before paying but I did feel duped. Good point is I read a fantastic book that I would have otherwise passed up.

    Now your tie to web and marketing is very good. That could be played out very effectively as a self promotion but I personally wouldn't put them in books!
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  • Profile picture of the author avg
    Hello buddy.
    A lot of people talk about drop cards and dropping pens with your info ect and how they put them here and there. Well I came acrossed something the other day that will get someone to pick it up everytime hey I fell for it and if you would have seen it would would have to.
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    So much for the idea of targeting a qualified prospect.

    More like farting into a hurricane and hoping someone smells it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      So much for the idea of targeting a qualified prospect.

      More like farting into a hurricane and hoping someone smells it.
      Quite a simplistic way to view this.

      Let's use the example mentioned above about finding a drop card in a book. What if the card was for a local Christian book club? Sounds pretty targeted to me.
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      • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
        Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

        Quite a simplistic way to view this.

        Let's use the example mentioned above about finding a drop card in a book. What if the card was for a local Christian book club? Sounds pretty targeted to me.
        I think it's a great idea if you're running for office, or trying to appeal to a far more horizontal demographic - but not so much for targeting a highly specific decisionmaker.

        Okay, what's your specific target as a marketing consultant? A business owner... senior management.

        Right?

        So what place are you going to go where business owners are concentrated en masse sufficient to justify such a schticky, shotgun tactic?

        A chamber of commerce meeting? Business networking events? So we're going to slink around a hotel meeting room slyly dropping fake Ben Franklins? What happens when someone picks up your thing while you're there and makes a deal about it? I can assure you that such a thing wouldn't be perceived as being very professional in the groups that I attend... you know... a room full of millionaire business owners. The very kind of successful person that you previously offered up a snide comment about with your "Successful people don't..." garbage.

        And as marketing consultants, shouldn't we be "eating our own dogfood" when it comes to practicing solid marketing fundamentals?

        I suppose that a classy "shut up with your ignorant blanket statement" is next. Warning sent. Let's not get personal with the attack. Sure, attack the idea if you disagree, but not the person.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
          Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

          I think it's a great idea if you're running for office, or trying to appeal to a far more horizontal demographic - but not so much for targeting a highly specific decisionmaker.

          Okay, what's your specific target as a marketing consultant? A business owner... senior management.

          Right?

          So what place are you going to go where business owners are concentrated en masse sufficient to justify such a schticky, shotgun tactic?

          A chamber of commerce meeting? Business networking events? So we're going to slink around a hotel meeting room slyly dropping fake Ben Franklins? What happens when someone picks up your thing while you're there and makes a deal about it? I can assure you that such a thing wouldn't be perceived as being very professional in the groups that I attend... you know... a room full of millionaire business owners. The very kind of successful person that you previously offered up a snide comment about with your "Successful people don't..." garbage.

          And as marketing consultants, shouldn't we be "eating our own dogfood" when it comes to practicing solid marketing fundamentals?

          I suppose that a classy "shut up with your ignorant blanket statement" is next. Warning sent. Let's not get personal with the attack. Sure, attack the idea if you disagree, but not the person.
          Warning returned via another thread you replied in. Heed your own advice.

          And, who said they had to be a shotgun tactic? If you're using it as such, of course it's not targeted. It's all about how you use the tool, not the tool itself.
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          • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
            Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

            Warning returned via another thread you replied in. Heed your own advice.

            And, who said they had to be a shotgun tactic? If you're using it as such, of course it's not targeted. It's all about how you use the tool, not the tool itself.
            The problem with your little warning is that you have no basis. We clearly have a public demonstration of your stellar behavior directly calling webinst2's statement ignorant and telling him/her to "shut up". Quite professional there Mike.

            And the "use of the tool" overall is in reference to the original post... quite clearly the "shotgun tactic" of dropping things on the ground.

            If you want to get into a pissing match, the be sure that you aren't comparing apples to oranges and leaving a Grand Canyon sized gap in your logic and position.
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            • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
              Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

              The problem with your little warning is that you have no basis. We clearly have a public demonstration of your stellar behavior directly calling webinst2's statement ignorant and telling him/her to "shut up". Quite professional there Mike.

              And the "use of the tool" overall is in reference to the original post... quite clearly the "shotgun tactic" of dropping things on the ground.

              If you want to get into a pissing match, the be sure that you aren't comparing apples to oranges and leaving a Grand Canyon sized gap in your logic and position.
              Ah, so clearly I DO need to spell out every little detail for certain people.

              Let's make this a bit simpler for you.

              For anyone to make a statement along the lines of "Successful people don't..." is absolutely an ignorant statement. By many regards, I'm very successful and I use drop cards. Why? Because they work. Have I watched the reactions of those I intentionally placed them for after they've picked them up? Yes. Why? Because, for one, it's a gauge on their response to the tactic. Some absolutely love it, then go around sharing it with others around them. Others, not so much.

              You turned the relevance, as well, after you replied to my reply of your first comment in this thread.

              I see it's perfectly fine for you to twist the OP and use several examples, but not for others to do the same.

              In regards to your logic and position, learn about logical fallacies, namely circular reasoning and then read your counterarguments again.
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              • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
                Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                Ah, so clearly I DO need to spell out every little detail for certain people.

                Let's make this a bit simpler for you.

                For anyone to make a statement along the lines of "Successful people don't..." is absolutely an ignorant statement. By many regards, I'm very successful and I use drop cards. Why? Because they work. Have I watched the reactions of those I intentionally placed them for after they've picked them up? Yes. Why? Because, for one, it's a gauge on their response to the tactic. Some absolutely love it, then go around sharing it with others around them. Others, not so much.

                You turned the relevance, as well, after you replied to my reply of your first comment in this thread.

                I see it's perfectly fine for you to twist the OP and use several examples, but not for others to do the same.

                In regards to your logic and position, learn about logical fallacies, namely circular reasoning and then read your counterarguments again.
                Logical fallacies... like the difference between B2B and B2C?

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    • Profile picture of the author Vagabond 007
      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      So much for the idea of targeting a qualified prospect.

      More like farting into a hurricane and hoping someone smells it.
      HAHA!! Now that's funny!

      Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

      Quite a simplistic way to view this.

      Let's use the example mentioned above about finding a drop card in a book. What if the card was for a local Christian book club? Sounds pretty targeted to me.
      Michael beat me to it. Basically, you are comparing apples to oranges. Here on this forum, we are helping each other with how to effectively help business owners grow their business and in return get paid for guiding them on that. This is NOT some Christian forum where we are discussing ideas to grow our local book club.


      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post


      And as marketing consultants, shouldn't we be "eating our own dogfood" when it comes to practicing solid marketing fundamentals?
      EXACTLY!

      This idea is up there, in my opinion, with placing flyers on car windshields in parking lots that some here seem to think is a great marketing strategy.

      Dan Kennedy teaches the 3M's...Message, Market, Media. You must target the right message, to the right market, using the right media.

      Know the most important of the 3? Market. Random people wandering a book store is NOT your target market. Since you are missing the most important piece of the puzzle, your market, the message and the media is dead in the water.

      This also reminds me of people who use fake thumbnails for their YouTube videos just to get as many views as possible. Sure, you get the eyeballs, but if you've ever been duped by this, you probably felt annoyed at this person. I bring this up because last night I came across this. I clicked away 2 seconds in when I realized it was a bait and switch.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
        Originally Posted by Vagabond 007 View Post

        HAHA!! Now that's funny!


        Michael beat me to it. Basically, you are comparing apples to oranges. Here on this forum, we are helping each other with how to effectively help business owners grow their business and in return get paid for guiding them on that. This is NOT some Christian forum where we are discussing ideas to grow our local book club.


        EXACTLY!

        This idea is up there, in my opinion, with placing flyers on car windshields in parking lots that some here seem to think is a great marketing strategy.

        Dan Kennedy teaches the 3M's...Message, Market, Media. You must target the right message, to the right market, using the right media.

        Know the most important of the 3? Market. Random people wandering a book store is NOT your target market. Since you are missing the most important piece of the puzzle, your market, the message and the media is dead in the water.

        This also reminds me of people who use fake thumbnails for their YouTube videos just to get as many views as possible. Sure, you get the eyeballs, but if you've ever been duped by this, you probably felt annoyed at this person. I bring this up because last night I came across this. I clicked away 2 seconds in when I realized it was a bait and switch.
        How am I comparing apples to oranges?

        It's a direct example that someone used a drop card for, I only twisted its purpose.

        Again, it's not the tools itself but how you use the tools.

        Imagine people taking things for their intentions instead of literal.:rolleyes: I didn't know I had to spell out every.single.detail.
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  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    These cards do work best for coupons.
    You can get them in different values.
    I have seen the $100, $20, $10, and $5.
    Then use them as a coupon. Hand someone a $5 with the card saying something like... "Save $5 on your next purchase of $30 or more"

    Toss Cards
    These people offer 5,000 for $79 (No, this is not an affiliate link)
    They also have a couple videos showing people stopping to pick them up.

    But, you can just Google: $100 Drop Cards
    You will see all kinds of results.
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  • Profile picture of the author coby8740
    Umm...yeah, not a good business strategy - especially if one is looking to build a viable, long term business - that would involve leveraging. Can't be done effectively driving around all day dropping off "cards".

    TD
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  • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
    Another way to look at this is....


    The website mentioned above says they are business card sized...

    A lot of people spend a lot of money trying to make their business card unique. Whether it be plastic cards or whatever... This would be a cost effective way to have a unique biz card created for you.

    They ask for your card... or you meet someone new and they want your contact info....

    You hand them what looks like a folded $100 bill... They are going to remember it... It makes for a good conversation piece. Creating an opportunity to billed rapport even further and make you likeable. After all.... people do business with people they like.

    Another thought would be to combine it with an offer.... maybe to create urgency. On the card... have the statement....

    "Mention this card to get your first quarter discount $100 off your marketing services!"

    The OP mentioned one idea that these cards are good for.... but really... if you put some thought into it... and think outside the box. I am sure you can come up with some kind of way to leverage the ingenuity of these cards....
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  • Profile picture of the author myob
    Originally Posted by tonyaphx View Post

    ...the funniest is to hide out and watch the suckers who think they found $100 dollars ...
    Actually what's really funny is seeing the reaction of the self-annointed "experts" who scoff at this age-old and still very effective marketing technique.

    I often hand out full-sized "million dollar" bills with my contact info on the back whenever I go to seminars, conferences, chamber of commerce events, restauraunts, stores, etc. This has opened up quite a few lucrative deals for my company without much effort.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vagabond 007

      ...the funniest is to hide out and watch the suckers who think they found $100 dollars ...



      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      Actually what's really funny is seeing the reaction of the self-annointed "experts" who scoff at this age-old and still very effective marketing technique.
      Wait, so you guys like the idea of waiting around to watch "suckers" pick up fake money and then feel duped? What a great mindset to have. :rolleyes:

      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      I often hand out full-sized "million dollar" bills with my contact info on the back whenever I go to seminars, conferences, chamber of commerce events, restauraunts, stores, etc. This has opened up quite a few lucrative deals for my company without much effort.
      Way to miss the difference here. YOU are going to where business owners are. It's a more targeted market.

      You also get to hand out the bill and interact with the person you are handing it to. They get to talk to you, get a feel for what you're like, see your body language, etc. A hell of a lot different than just dropping the fake bill somewhere and waiting for "suckers."
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      • Profile picture of the author The Kid
        Ugh, yeah, I'm in the middle here.

        As a drop card (NOT as something you hand over to a person who has come to see you, or who is interacting with/has interacted you), this is like shooting in the dark and may not make your company look that well if you're offering marketing services.

        One area that I know they are good for though, are those marketing MLM Opportunities simply because any and everyone is a target.

        A simple $100 biz card with a "Want more of these in your life?" or something like that with a phone number and/or website link, dropped all over grocery stores, wal-mart, and any other highly trafficked area, works wonders.
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    • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      Actually what's really funny is seeing the reaction of the self-annointed "experts" who scoff at this age-old and still very effective marketing technique.

      I often hand out full-sized "million dollar" bills with my contact info on the back whenever I go to seminars, conferences, chamber of commerce events, restauraunts, stores, etc. This has opened up quite a few lucrative deals for my company without much effort.

      That's not the context that was used to describe how the fake bill was conveyed to the prospect.

      Handing a fake bill to an already pre-qualified prospect because of your proximity isn't remotely how this was presented in context.

      I would bet my entire personal worth that you have never gotten a random phone call from a business owner who has picked up your silly million dollar bill off the ground at the gas station and thought, "Oh I have to hire this marketing consultant right this very second."

      Never happened. Never will.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
        Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

        That's not the context that was used to describe how the fake bill was conveyed to the prospect.

        Handing a fake bill to an already pre-qualified prospect because of your proximity isn't remotely how this was presented in context.

        I would bet my entire personal worth that you have never gotten a random phone call from a business owner who has picked up your silly million dollar bill off the ground at the gas station and thought, "Oh I have to hire this marketing consultant right this very second."

        Never happened. Never will.
        Then you assume wrong.
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Some of these knuckleheads here obviously have never tried drop card marketing. It's still among the top 5 leading ways of generating leads, LOL! Do a search for "drop card marketing" and you will see just how well received and how effective this method really is. Oh, and Michael, it even works at gas stations.
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          • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
            Originally Posted by myob View Post

            Some of these knuckleheads here obviously have never tried drop card marketing. It's still among the top 5 leading ways of generating leads, LOL! Do a search for "drop card marketing" and you will see just how well received and how effective this method really is. Oh, and Michael, it even works at gas stations.
            I'll casually poll the CEOs of my top 100 clients and ask them how many would respond to such a tactic.



            I'm quite familiar with drop card marketing. I also know it is a generalized marketing strategy designed for far less targeted products and services. Realtors, tax preparers, etc... where a far larger CONSUMER market would be inclined to respond. Auto sales, insurance agents... have at it.

            Yes, for those things, I already agreed. Drop cards can work.

            But for a very specific B2B service, you aren't targeting anyone. You're scattering a random marketing message.

            But then again we have people on this forum who advise that someone go flyer windshields to find a business owner who would respond to their offer.

            If it were that wildly successful in the B2B world, you'd see drop cards with billion dollar companies offering B2B products and services all over the place.

            But, alas, you don't.

            But whatever. Toss your fake bills.
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            • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
              Ah, the argument of "if x isn't doing it, then clearly it isn't viable."

              I had drop cards made up for about $65. Clients directly related to these cards? 3. The total annual revenue from these 3 clients? $74k.

              Sounds like a pretty profitable tactic to me.

              When are you going to stop your blanket statements, also?

              Here, I'll correct you and name several major companies that use drop card marketing.

              Universal Music
              Disney
              MTV
              Warner Brothers
              Jagermeister
              Diesel
              Hurley



              Are they large enough companies for you?

              Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

              I'll casually poll the CEOs of my top 100 clients and ask them how many would respond to such a tactic.



              I'm quite familiar with drop card marketing. I also know it is a generalized marketing strategy designed for far less targeted products and services. Realtors, tax preparers, etc... where a far larger CONSUMER market would be inclined to respond. Auto sales, insurance agents... have at it.

              Yes, for those things, I already agreed. Drop cards can work.

              But for a very specific B2B service, you aren't targeting anyone. You're scattering a random marketing message.

              But then again we have people on this forum who advise that someone go flyer windshields to find a business owner who would respond to their offer.

              If it were that wildly successful in the B2B world, you'd see drop cards with billion dollar companies offering B2B products and services all over the place.

              But, alas, you don't.

              But whatever. Toss your fake bills.
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              • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
                Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                Ah, the argument of "if x isn't doing it, then clearly it isn't viable."

                I had drop cards made up for about $65. Clients directly related to these cards? 3. The total annual revenue from these 3 clients? $74k.

                Sounds like a pretty profitable tactic to me.

                When are you going to stop your blanket statements, also?

                Here, I'll correct you and name several major companies that use drop card marketing.

                Universal Music
                Disney
                MTV
                Warner Brothers
                Jagermeister
                Diesel
                Hurley



                Are they large enough companies for you?
                Again Michael, you're talking APPLES to ORANGES.

                Every one of those companies you cited are... get this...


                B2C

                C = CONSUMER

                We're in the B2B business.

                That's why I stated B2B. Scroll up and read.

                I will suggest that you cannot find a publically traded B2B company that widely uses drop cards to identify a business decisionmaker.

                It's simply not targeted. Period.

                But hey, if it works for you personally, go for it.
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                • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                  Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

                  Again Michael, you're talking APPLES to ORANGES.

                  Every one of those companies you cited are... get this...


                  B2C

                  C = CONSUMER

                  We're in the B2B business.

                  That's why I stated B2B. Scroll up and read.

                  I will suggest that you cannot find a publically traded B2B company that widely uses drop cards to identify a business decisionmaker.

                  It's simply not targeted. Period.

                  But hey, if it works for you personally, go for it.
                  Those companies mentioned above also do b2b, as do all businesses.

                  If drop card marketing isn't targeted for you, then you're doing it wrong.

                  Drop card marketing is not solely throwing and scattering them everywhere in public.
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                  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
                    Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                    Those companies mentioned above also do b2b, as do all businesses.

                    If drop card marketing isn't targeted for you, then you're doing it wrong.

                    Drop card marketing is not solely throwing and scattering them everywhere in public.
                    Okay, so show us something that any one of those companies do as a B2B service.

                    They should have a page on the web about it somewhere.

                    I'll be happy to even volunteer to call and talk to the director of marketing to find out if they're marketing that B2B service (assuming that you can present one) via drop cards.

                    Ladies and gentlemen... place your bets.
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                    • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

                      Okay, so show us something that any one of those companies do as a B2B service.

                      They should have a page on the web about it somewhere.
                      Sure.

                      MTV - advertising
                      Universal - CD creation, you can use their plants if you're an indie.
                      Disney - entrepreneur center
                      Warner Brothers - movie rentals to companies like Netflix
                      jagermeister - event promotion
                      Diesel - also event promotion
                      Hurley - also event promotion
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                      • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
                        Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                        Sure.

                        MTV - advertising
                        Universal - CD creation, you can use their plants if you're an indie.
                        Disney - entrepreneur center
                        Warner Brothers - movie rentals to companies like Netflix
                        jagermeister - event promotion
                        Diesel - also event promotion
                        Hurley - also event promotion
                        So the ad exec in charge of the MTV account at the agency is tossing drop cards at gas stations to sell air time on the network?

                        The production manager of Universal's duplication plant is leaving fake Ben Franklins at the Dunkin Donuts restroom to promote CD dupe services?

                        Is this your claim?

                        To clarify... you claim that those companies use drop card marketing, and they're engaged in B2B something or other, so therefore, you're making the logical connection in support of your argument that they're promoting their B2B services through drop cards.

                        Is this what you're claiming?
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                        • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                          Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

                          So the ad exec in charge of the MTV account at the agency is tossing drop cards at gas stations to sell air time on the network?

                          The production manager of Universal's duplication plant is leaving fake Ben Franklins at the Dunkin Donuts restroom to promote CD dupe services?

                          Is this your claim?

                          To clarify... you claim that those companies use drop card marketing, and they're engaged in B2B something or other, so therefore, you're making the logical connection in support of your argument that they're promoting their B2B services through drop cards.

                          Is this what you're claiming?
                          You didn't say they had to be using drop cards, you simply asked what those companies did that was a b2b service.
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                          • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
                            Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                            You didn't say they had to be using drop cards, you simply asked what those companies did that was a b2b service.
                            I'm just trying to get a clarification on your claims.

                            That's it.


                            My entire argument is based on the position that B2B marketing is different than B2C, and the use of a drop card or fake bill isn't effective for B2B because it's not targeted.

                            I stated that large B2B companies don't use such a method because it's not targeted. I can cite a massive list of B2B companies that would never use such a method because it's not targeted.

                            You claimed that large companies do use drop card marketing, and cited the list of predominately B2C companies, claiming that they're technically B2B because they do have some sort of B2B tangent somewhere.

                            So are you, or aren't you claiming that the B2B efforts of these B2C companies are using drop cards to specifically promote their B2B offerings?

                            Because that's the crux of my position.

                            I state again, B2B products and services are not promoted by B2B companies or B2B divisions of predominately B2C companies because... it isn't targeted. If it were successful, billion dollar companies like Cisco or EMC would be doing it.
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                            • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                              Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

                              I'm just trying to get a clarification on your claims.

                              That's it.


                              My entire argument is based on the position that B2B marketing is different than B2C, and the use of a drop card or fake bill isn't effective for B2B because it's not targeted.

                              I stated that large B2B companies don't use such a method because it's not targeted. I can cite a massive list of B2B companies that would never use such a method because it's not targeted.

                              You claimed that large companies do use drop card marketing, and cited the list of predominately B2C companies, claiming that they're technically B2B because they do have some sort of B2B tangent somewhere.

                              So are you, or aren't you claiming that the B2B efforts of these B2C companies are using drop cards to specifically promote their B2B offerings?

                              Because that's the crux of my position.

                              I state again, B2B products and services are not promoted by B2B companies or B2B divisions of predominately B2C companies because... it isn't targeted. If it were successful, billion dollar companies like Cisco or EMC would be doing it.
                              I gave you my personal experience using them for B2B.

                              Again, it's as targeted as any other form of marketing. It's all about the HOW. If you're using it to just throw it around Wal-Mart and hope a $1m+ revenue business owner picks it up, then clearly the odds are exceedingly stacked against you.

                              I did not claim they're predominately B2B companies. I said ALL companies are B2B in one way or another, and those mentioned above are B2B in several ways.

                              Do they use drop cards for building B2B relationships? Can't say, haven't even worked with or spoken with any of them.

                              I'd imagine, however, there are some that use them in a form of a business card. While not those companies, I know several local business owners who use them. One is a bajillionaire land developer.

                              For you to say drop cards are untargeted is simply incorrect. Drop cards do not hand themselves out. The person hands the cards out or drops them wherever foot traffic may be.

                              To use your argument, EVERY form of marketing is untargeted because it's not the product or medium itself that does the marketing, but it's how the mediums are utilized, thus the method. Again, it's all about the HOW.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      Actually what's really funny is seeing the reaction of the self-annointed "experts" who scoff at this age-old and still very effective marketing technique.

      I often hand out full-sized "million dollar" bills with my contact info on the back whenever I go to seminars, conferences, chamber of commerce events, restauraunts, stores, etc. This has opened up quite a few lucrative deals for my company without much effort.
      Exactly.

      It's more than obvious who has used drop cards and who hasn't.
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    • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
      So throwing stuff on the ground for people (prospects) to pick up is an age-old and still very effective marketing technique?? Hello!!

      How many people picking them up would be even remotely qualified prospects? 1%? Less?

      I can't believe this strategy is given creditability on an internet marketing forum.



      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      Actually what's really funny is seeing the reaction of the self-annointed "experts" who scoff at this age-old and still very effective marketing technique.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
        Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

        So throwing stuff on the ground for people (prospects) to pick up is an age-old and still very effective marketing technique?? Hello!!

        How many people picking them up would be even remotely qualified prospects? 1%? Less?

        I can't believe this strategy is given creditability on an internet marketing forum.
        How are you trying to quantify his prospects? You do not even know his target demographic.
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        • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
          Huh?? Do you mean qualify? Do you know what it means in a marketing/sales sense?


          Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

          How are you trying to quantify his prospects? You do not even know his target demographic.
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      • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
        Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

        So throwing stuff on the ground for people (prospects) to pick up is an age-old and still very effective marketing technique?? Hello!!

        How many people picking them up would be even remotely qualified prospects? 1%? Less?

        I can't believe this strategy is given creditability on an internet marketing forum.

        We're talking about a forum where, in all seriousness, people discuss putting flyers on car windshields at the shopping center as a viable strategy to promote their web marketing services to business owners.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
          Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

          We're talking about a forum where, in all seriousness, people discuss putting flyers on car windshields at the shopping center as a viable strategy to promote their web marketing services to business owners.
          I admittedly was laughing pretty good at that.
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          • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
            Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

            I admittedly was laughing pretty good at that.


            Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

            Meh, I don't like perpetuating problems.
            Trying to change an ocean current only leaves the current unaltered and the engineer very tired.
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        • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
          True. Pretty funny that one.

          Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

          We're talking about a forum where, in all seriousness, people discuss putting flyers on car windshields at the shopping center as a viable strategy to promote their web marketing services to business owners.
          What i find interesting is offline consultants cold calling on the phone to prospect. Why dont they use 'offline marketing strategies' to get clients. :confused:
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          • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
            Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

            True. Pretty funny that one.



            What i find interesting is offline consultants cold calling on the phone to prospect. Why dont they use 'offline marketing strategies' to get clients. :confused:
            Because it's easy to sell an idea to someone who doesn't know any difference.

            I submit 99.998% of the WSO forum as supporting evidence.
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          • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
            Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

            True. Pretty funny that one.



            What i find interesting is offline consultants cold calling on the phone to prospect. Why dont they use 'offline marketing strategies' to get clients. :confused:
            Cold calling isn't an offline strategy?
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            • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
              Its probably the worse one possible and anyone can do it. What i meant is why don't offline marketing consultants use the strategies they sell to clients to get their own clients.

              Would they suggest a customer get on the phone and start cold calling to prospect and charge them for that info?

              Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

              Cold calling isn't an offline strategy?
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              • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

                Its probably the worse one possible and anyone can do it. What i meant is why don't offline marketing consultants use the strategies they sell to clients to get their own clients.

                Would they suggest a customer get on the phone and start cold calling to prospect and charge them for that info?
                That obviously depends on how quickly the "consultant" is trying to get customers. SEO takes time. Direct mail takes time. To hell with radio, and TV. Can you show me a faster way than spending 2 hours cold calling to get a client?
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                • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
                  Sure can. JV!

                  Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                  That obviously depends on how quickly the "consultant" is trying to get customers. SEO takes time. Direct mail takes time. To hell with radio, and TV. Can you show me a faster way than spending 2 hours cold calling to get a client?
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                  • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                    Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

                    Sure can. JV!
                    To make sure I'm following, give me an example.
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                    • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
                      I did a JV with a local accountant for him to contact his small business customer base with an offer of a free online marketing audit from my business.

                      I did very well from that. Very fast. It s what's called 'centre of influence' marketing.

                      And is just a touch more professional than cold calling not to mention throwing stuff on the ground and hiding. And a lot more successful and less work. But thats just one example of many.

                      I think when it comes to business and marketing there are a lot of amateurs on here. Thats cool, but they shouldn't make out the are are experts cause there might actually be experts on here.

                      As a side note i sort of believe that if you wouldn't suggest a marketing technique to your client (as an offline marketing consultant) you wouldn't do it yourself. Would any consultant here ask their client to throw fake dollar bills on the ground. Would anyone expect to be paid for that? I would expect to be laughed at.





                      Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                      To make sure I'm following, give me an example.
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                      • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                        Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

                        I did a JV with a local accountant for him to contact his small business customer base with an offer of a free online marketing audit from my business.

                        I did very well from that. Very fast. It s what's called 'centre of influence' marketing.

                        And is just a touch more professional than cold calling not to mention throwing stuff on the ground and hiding. And a lot more successful and less work. But thats just one example of many.

                        I think when it comes to business and marketing there are a lot of amateurs on here. Thats cool, but they should make out the aye are experts cause there might be experts on here.
                        Right, and how'd you get the accountant's contact and how long have you known him?
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                        • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
                          You don't need to know him, theres just gotta be something in it for him. Its a strategy used for a long time, you juts have to know how to do it.

                          Stop questioning me under the guise of doubting what i'm saying when you don't really have a clue what i'm talking about.

                          You just go from one thing to the next as you get proven wrong on the first thing.

                          Mate, i think you're all tip and no iceberg.

                          Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                          Right, and how'd you get the accountant's contact and how long have you known him?
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                          • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                            Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

                            You don't need to know him, theres just gotta be something in it for him. Its a strategy used for a long time, you juts have to know how to do it.

                            Stop questioning me under the guise of doubting what i'm saying when you don't really have a clue what i'm talking about.

                            You just go from one thing to the next as you get proven wrong on the first thing.

                            Mate, i think you're all tip and no iceberg.
                            I know exactly what you're talking about, I just don't think it'd happen faster than cold calling.

                            You're the one confused reverting back to the drop card method when you were supposed to be comparing it to cold calling. Would you like any more hand holding?
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                            • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
                              You're the one who brought up cold calling. Hand holding? What are you talking about? :confused:

                              Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                              I know exactly what you're talking about, I just don't think it'd happen faster than cold calling.

                              You're the one confused reverting back to the drop card method when you were supposed to be comparing it to cold calling. Would you like any more hand holding?
                              Re cold calling to get clients fast. Why do people need clients 'fast'? Don't they have a viable business? No one should need clients fast.

                              This thread is getting ridiculous. I think i'll leave it there. Whats that saying about arguing with idiots............................
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                              • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                                Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

                                You're the one who brought up cold calling. Hand holding? What are you talking about? :confused:



                                Re cold calling to get clients fast. Why do people need clients 'fast'? Don't they have a viable business? No one should need clients fast.
                                Are you truly that simple to not know what you replied to?

                                I'm not the one that brought up cold calling.

                                You are the one that said it's the worst offline strategy.

                                You then said a JV is faster at getting clients than cold calling.

                                You then compared JV to drop card marketing when JV was supposed to be compared to cold calling.

                                Why would someone need clients fast? Uh, why would someone needs clients slowly? To start, one would probably be starting almost giving something away as to gain referrals and testimonials. This would lead to more than likely being a loss leader, which telemarketing is one of the best and fastest ways to get the prospects to become clients because of your price point. If you're trying to TM and peddle $2500/mo services, then obviously it's not the best method, but that is not what was being discussed initially. You're confused.
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                                • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
                                  This thread has become so convoluted with your trying to support your posts i lost the plot a bit. Plus i have a hangover on a Sunday morning here.

                                  I said lots of strategies are put forward on this forum as fact when they are just theory and people buy them cause they don't know the difference. I used cold calling as one of those strategies.

                                  Then you defended cold calling as the fastest way to get clients. Then i said no, a JV Is.

                                  I proved that to you with a good example. I cant see where i compared JV to
                                  dropping stuff on the ground. I did make a side note tho, but it wasn't a direct comparison.



                                  Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                                  Are you truly that simple to not know what you replied to?

                                  I'm not the one that brought up cold calling.

                                  You are the one that said it's the worst offline strategy.

                                  You then said a JV is faster at getting clients than cold calling.

                                  You then compared JV to drop card marketing when JV was supposed to be compared to cold calling.

                                  Why would someone need clients fast? Uh, why would someone needs clients slowly? To start, one would probably be starting almost giving something away as to gain referrals and testimonials. This would lead to more than likely being a loss leader, which telemarketing is one of the best and fastest ways to get the prospects to become clients because of your price point. If you're trying to TM and peddle $2500/mo services, then obviously it's not the best method, but that is not what was being discussed initially. You're confused.
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                                  • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                                    Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

                                    This thread has become so convoluted with your trying to support your posts i lost the plot a bit. Plus i have a hangover on a Sunday morning here.

                                    I said lots of strategies are put forward on this forum as fact when they are just theory and people buy them cause they don't know the difference. I used cold calling as one of those strategies.

                                    Then you defended cold calling as the fastest way to get clients. Then i said no, a JV Is.

                                    I proved that to you with a good example. I cant see where i compared JV to
                                    dropping stuff on the ground. I did make a side note tho, but it wasn't a direct comparison.
                                    Code:
                                    I did a JV with a local accountant for him to contact his small business customer base with an offer of a free online marketing audit from my business.
                                    
                                    I did very well from that. Very fast. It s what's called 'centre of influence' marketing. 
                                    
                                    And is just a touch more professional than cold calling not to mention throwing stuff on the ground and hiding. And a lot more successful and less work. But thats just one example of many.
                                    That's not a direct comparison? LOL!

                                    You're pretty good at backpedaling.
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                            • Profile picture of the author John Durham
                              Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                              I know exactly what you're talking about, I just don't think it'd happen faster than cold calling.

                              You're the one confused reverting back to the drop card method when you were supposed to be comparing it to cold calling. Would you like any more hand holding?
                              FACT IS... The EVIDENCE suggests, by reading through the posts here in the last 60 days, that cold calling has produced more offline success stories faster than any other method being talked about.

                              All you have to do is read around to see that. There are new people popping up everyday saying they made their first few sales cold calling... Hell ATT cant be dumber than us right?

                              Its their main strategy. Merrill Lynch cant be dumber than us right?

                              Its their main strategy for landing MULTI Million Dollar clients...

                              The WF evidence itself shows that cold calling beats everything else hands down when it comes to landing offline clients, no contest. Its easy enough to look around here and see that. Not really arguable anymore.
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                              • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                                Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

                                FACT IS... The EVIDENCE suggests, by reading through the posts here in the last 60 days, that cold calling has produced more offline success stories faster than any other method being talked about.

                                All you have to do is read around to see that. There are new people popping up everyday saying they made their first few sales cold calling... Hell ATT cant be dumber than us right?

                                Its their main strategy. Merrill Lynch cant be dumber than us right?

                                Its their main strategy for landing MULTI Million Dollar clients...

                                The WF evidence itself shows that cold calling beats everything else hands down when it comes to landing offline clients, no contest. Its easy enough to look around here and see that. Not really arguable anymore.
                                I agree completely. It's how I started nearly 7 years ago.
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                                • Profile picture of the author John Durham
                                  Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                                  I agree completely. It's how I started nearly 7 years ago.
                                  I did 11 years ago... and now eleven years later, there are 50 different examples between here in the tmf just in the last few months alone, that prove it still works the same today. No different.

                                  Funny thing is that the companies who were selling them by the HUNDREDS of sites per day 10 years ago, are still selling HUNDREDS of site per day today... still using telemarketing. lol
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                                  • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                                    Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

                                    I did 11 years ago... and now eleven years later, there are 50 different examples between here in the tmf just in the last few months alone, that prove it still works the same today. No different.

                                    Funny thing is that the companies who were selling them by the HUNDREDS of sites per day 10 years ago, are still selling HUNDREDS of site per day today... still using telemarketing. lol
                                    Now why would they do that? Cold calling is the worst offline strategy!
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                                    • Profile picture of the author RaptorGabe
                                      Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                                      Now why would they do that? Cold calling is the worst offline strategy!
                                      I've used it, but I def don't like it. Do you have some that is easier? thanks for any tips
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                                      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
                                        Originally Posted by RaptorGabe View Post

                                        I've used it, but I def don't like it. Do you have some that is easier? thanks for any tips
                                        Nobody ever said doing what the successful people do is easy... just WORTH it!
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                                      • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                                        Originally Posted by RaptorGabe View Post

                                        I've used it, but I def don't like it. Do you have some that is easier? thanks for any tips
                                        I don't particularly care for it either, but it's effective.

                                        If you're looking for tips, check out The Telemarketing Forum - Index there are some great discussions going on.
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                                      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
                                        Originally Posted by RaptorGabe View Post

                                        I've used it, but I def don't like it. Do you have some that is easier? thanks for any tips
                                        There are some guys right now I know of who are experimenting with Voice Broadcasting though and seeing some degree of success, thats an exciting can of worms to open right there!

                                        My friend Al says some of his life Insurance clients generate 100% of their leads with it.

                                        I tried it for "collections" and replaced 4 telemarketers, I think we are just learning the potential for offline with it though.

                                        Still in its infancy in our genre... it can be perfected Im sure.
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                                        • Profile picture of the author RaptorGabe
                                          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

                                          There are some guys right now I know of who are experimenting with Voice Broadcasting though and seeing some degree of success, thats an exciting can of worms to open right there!
                                          Wait Voice Broadcasting? Sorry I'm lost
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                  • Profile picture of the author AidenChong
                    Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

                    Sure can. JV!
                    Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                    To make sure I'm following, give me an example.
                    Let me see, I take the JV as something like Jay Abraham or Bob Serling is doing, licensing JV?

                    That is one of the fastest methods that I know as well.

                    I'm slowly going into that as well, in my local area.

                    Aiden
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                    • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
                      All I can say is that I want this guy dropping my cards.


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                    • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
                      Originally Posted by AidenChong View Post

                      Let me see, I take the JV as something like Jay Abraham or Bob Serling is doing, licensing JV?

                      That is one of the fastest method that I know as well.

                      I'm slowly going into that as well, in my local area.

                      Aiden
                      Yes, but you have to form the relationships.
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                      • Profile picture of the author AidenChong
                        Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

                        Yes, but you have to form the relationships.

                        No doubt about that, sir.

                        How quick could it be? It all goes back to how a person conduct the JV. I've learned about this from Jay Abraham's materials, and also Bob Serling's as well. Both who has a lot of students, and they themselves has done a lot of licensing JV as well.

                        Not sure how everyone define the word quick or fast, but 4-5 figure retainer fees upfront + % of sales at the back-end, I would opt for that (long term), rather than hit it quickly.

                        There are a lot of people doing this drop card marketing in my local area as well. I can imagine it is a lucrative strategy, but I might not venture into that.

                        Anyway, thanks for those who had posted in this thread. There are a lot of very constructive points given out in here.

                        Thanks!

                        Aiden
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

        So throwing stuff on the ground for people (prospects) to pick up is an age-old and still very effective marketing technique?? Hello!!

        How many people picking them up would be even remotely qualified prospects? 1%? Less?

        I can't believe this strategy is given creditability on an internet marketing forum.
        PM me, and I'll send you a free report on how to work this effectively. As I mentioned previously in this thread, drop card marketing is one of my top 5 easiest, simplest, most effective ways to drive traffic to your website and/or have your phone ring. I promote this and other techniques as an offline marketing consultant to large network marketers, income advisors, bankers, real estate companies, financial planners, insurance agents, car dealers, and yes to CEOs of consumer marketing/sales companies. Just because we have a few people slamming it, this does not diminish its effectiveness. :rolleyes:
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        • Profile picture of the author wbinst2
          No thanks. Do you hide out and watch people pick them up?

          Originally Posted by myob View Post

          PM me, and I'll send you a free report on how to work this effectively. As I mentioned previously in this thread, drop card marketing is one of my top 5 easiest, simplest, most effective ways to drive traffic to your website and/or have your phone ring. I promote this and other techniques as an offline marketing consultant to large network marketers, income advisors, bankers, real estate companies, financial planners, insurance agents, car dealers, and yes to CEOs of consumer marketing/sales companies. Just because we have a few people slamming it, this does not diminish its effectiveness. :rolleyes:
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          • Profile picture of the author myob
            Originally Posted by wbinst2 View Post

            No thanks. Do you hide out and watch people pick them up?
            You'll have to read my report to get an answer to that one.
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  • Profile picture of the author MWGrubb58
    Michael is right about making sure we have a prospect that is a target.

    However, once we have a target, why not use something catchy?

    I use the audio business card because it looks classy in a nice DVD case and can be QUICKLY customized to specific markets.

    I also use a HIGHLY DETAILED CUSTOM $1,000,000 bill that is ENGRAVED and made like the real thing for impact. If you are chatting with someone briefly and they look to be a prospect.... leave them with something they won't forget.
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  • Profile picture of the author dannn
    Yeah, but if you drop cards on the floor or street you can be prosecuted for littering
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    And now we'll quote the OP to see if that's the example that was used.

    Originally Posted by tonyaphx View Post

    A lot of people talk about drop cards and dropping pens with your info ect and how they put them here and there. Well I came acrossed something the other day that will get someone to pick it up everytime hey I fell for it and if you would have seen it would would have to. So what am I talking about I was in walmart and I walked by a $100 dollar bill folded in half on the ground and boy did I think I scored I hurried up and picked it up only to open it and see that it was a drop card that looked so good you would have thought it was real but it was short and felt fake. These cards are so good and I almost bet they are getting picked up where ever they are since they look like real money. I thought dropping pens was a good idea now these were cool. There was a website on the drop card, but I don't want people to think I am promoting them so if you would like that info send me a pm. The best part and the funniest it to hide out and watch the suckers who think they found $100 dollars like I did pick them up lol.
    Tossing fake bills on the ground in Wal-Mart.

    And you stated that the odds are stacked against you in this circumstance.

    So it seems that you've agreed with me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
    To address your edit:


    Show me where the OP said this was targeted for business owners.

    This sub forum is NOT "Offline Marketing For B2B", but simply "Offline Marketing". This include B2C.
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    • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
      Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

      To address your edit:


      Show me where the OP said this was targeted for business owners.

      This sub forum is NOT "Offline Marketing For B2B", but simply "Offline Marketing". This include B2C.

      Offline implies that you're promoting online marketing to offline businesses.

      Isn't that the business you're in Michael per your sig links?

      Are you promoting online services to offline companies?
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
        Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

        Offline implies that you're promoting online marketing to offline businesses.

        Isn't that the business you're in Michael per your sig links?

        Are you promoting online services to offline companies?
        Ah, loaded questions. What's with you and the logical fallacies?

        Again, look at the name of this subforum.

        "Offline Marketing Discussions". Offline marketing is NOT B2B, but simply offline marketing. Any form of marketing that is NOT marketing online. Direct mail, TV, radio, etc.

        This has been construed many ways throughout the threads since this subforum was created but it's intent was for offline marketing ideas, not B2B SEO services and the like.
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        • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
          Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

          Ah, loaded questions. What's with you and the logical fallacies?

          Again, look at the name of this subforum.

          "Offline Marketing Discussions". Offline marketing is NOT B2B, but simply offline marketing. Any form of marketing that is NOT marketing online. Direct mail, TV, radio, etc.

          This has been construed many ways throughout the threads since this subforum was created but it's intent was for offline marketing ideas, not B2B SEO services and the like.
          Michael, the genesis of the entire term "offline" as related to this forum is in the context of selling traditional bricks and mortar businesses on the idea of hiring you to do traditional internet marketing stuff for them.

          It started with Andrew Cavanagh's (sorry Andrew, I can't ever remember how to spell your last name, so if I got it wrong it's not intentional) first WSO "Offline Gold" in 2007 (-ish?).

          That's why the majority of the discussions center around consultants selling internet marketing solutions to other business - the very business that you promote that you're involved with in your sig.

          Now if you're claiming that it's something different, then maybe you should send Paul or Allen a message and have them clarify for everyone who may be so mistaken as what you're suggesting that I am in this regard.
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          • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
            Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

            Michael, the genesis of the entire term "offline" as related to this forum is in the context of selling traditional bricks and mortar businesses on the idea of hiring you to do traditional internet marketing stuff for them.

            It started with Andrew Cavenaugh's first WSO "Offline Gold" in 2007 (-ish?).

            That's why the majority of the discussions center around consultants selling internet marketing solutions to other business - the very business that you promote that you're involved with in your sig.

            Now if you're claiming that it's something different, then maybe you should send Paul or Allen a message and have them clarify for everyone who may be so mistaken as what you're suggesting that I am in this regard.
            I guess I'm in the minority that differentiate marketing and sales.
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            • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
              Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

              I guess I'm in the minority that differentiate marketing and sales.

              Well that would make two of us, but I am not quite sure what that has to do with this discussion.

              Would you like to start a new topic "the difference between marketing and sales"?

              I'd be happy to contribute.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
    Maybe my view is just construed because this is still just "marketing" to me, not "online/offline" marketing, as I started in this business when there wasn't such a thing as "offline marketing".
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    • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
      Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

      Maybe my view is just construed because this is still just "marketing" to me, not "online/offline" marketing, as I started in this business when there wasn't such a thing as "offline marketing".
      We agree on this, but the context of "offline" on the Warrior Forum has a very specific meaning. See above.

      I've been in the marketing consulting business since before the internet.
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  • Profile picture of the author David_Nilsson
    What happened to using direct-response marketing?:confused:

    - Right MESSAGE
    - Right MARKETS
    - Right MEDIA

    I heard it's all the rage these days with guys like Dan Kennedy, Frank Kern etc.

    But that's right (your business is different) and this type of marketing wouldn't work for your clients/prospects.

    Dave
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  • Profile picture of the author tonyaphx
    I guess by saying watching the suckers pick them up was a wrong choice of words. Mainly I would like to see there response to it when they pick it up as to hiding out if it looks like money on the ground it wouldn't take long for someone to pick it up. This type of drop card mainly depends on the type of product you are selling or promoting for it to work. As for it working at walmart if it's a work at home opportunity then I am sure there are a lot of people who are at walmart or even working at walmart who would like to know of a way to make more money. The person who posted the link about the 5000 drop cards that site was even cheaper to the one that I found on the card so thanks for that info. It is interesting to read everyones ideas and thoughts on this type of marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author RaptorGabe
    Hmmmm I'm going to have to try this for my Local Business Marketing Clients....sounds like this works in alot of different fields. Has anyone offered this as a service?
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Was just having a laugh on skype w mgtarheels... We agree there is ONE thing more effective than telemarketing: A national halftime superbowl ad on TV.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    @ Mr Grant

    I was being sarcastic on that one... but thats interesting. I can see it working for a pizza shop just not an offline marketer.

    When some mother shopping for toys picks up the drop card is the campaign over?
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I can see for a pizza shop how it might work bigtime, but for an offline marketer I see it as a way for a sale to drizzle in here and there... nothing quantifiable, predictable or scalable... could be wrong.

    As many streams as possible are good.

    Originally Posted by myob View Post

    Exactly. But just give it up Michael, no one is ever going to believe us.
    ...and we all are going to spend eternity in hell because we wouldnt listen. "If only I had believed". lol
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      I can see for a pizza shop how it might work bigtime, but for an offline marketer I see it as a way for a sale to drizzle in here and there... nothing quantifiable, predictable or scalable... could be wrong.

      As many streams as possible are good.
      As with all methods, it's all about the HOW. There has to be a method to the madness, and my method of showing them off as an ice breaker seems to work wonders
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        It's all in the wrist; HOW you throw it on the ground.
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      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by mgtarheels View Post

        As with all methods, it's all about the HOW. There has to be a method to the madness, and my method of showing them off as an ice breaker seems to work wonders
        Cool. I feel ya.

        My brother uses them. He doesnt drop them but he gives away a $500 bill with his pic on it, and people do keep them and show them to others actually. I have shown mine to about 10 people.

        He stuck one in my guitar case and I found it after returning from his house and thought HOLY CRAP!!! (Its not unlike Mike to surprise you with something like 500) then opened it and was disappointed, but amused. I kept it and do show it to people.

        Good idea for a business card.

        Edit: The more you guys talk about it, and the more I think about my bro's card... Im sold. Next time I make biz cards they are gonna be $500 bills.

        Prob wont drop them in Walmart, but that is the most effective biz card I can think of.
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          As I mentioned early in this thread, I often hand out full-sized "million dollar" bills with my contact info on the back whenever I go to seminars, conferences, chamber of commerce events, restauraunts, stores, etc. This has opened up quite a few lucrative deals for my company without much effort. And just as with ANY other power tool, it's best use is most likely not just for dropping on the ground.
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          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by myob View Post

            As I mentioned early in this thread, I often hand out full-sized "million dollar" bills with my contact info on the back whenever I go to seminars, conferences, chamber of commerce events, restauraunts, stores, etc. This has opened up quite a few lucrative deals for my company without much effort. And just as with ANY other power tool, it's best use is most likely not just for dropping on the ground.
            Cool. You are inspiring me. I believe its a great biz card idea... I dont think most people would ever lose it. Still have mine. People stare at it on my counter like "Does he really leave big bills laying around like that"? Then they are shocked when I show it to them because it looks real. Quite the novelty.
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            • Profile picture of the author myob
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              Cool. You are inspiring me....
              It's mutual.
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            • Profile picture of the author lewiswharf
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              Cool. You are inspiring me. I believe its a great biz card idea... I dont think most people would ever lose it. Still have mine. People stare at it on my counter like "Does he really leave big bills laying around like that"? Then they are shocked when I show it to them because it looks real. Quite the novelty.
              Can you post a picture of it?
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        • Profile picture of the author tonyaphx
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          Cool. I feel ya.

          My brother uses them. He doesnt drop them but he gives away a $500 bill with his pic on it, and people do keep them and show them to others actually. I have shown mine to about 10 people.

          He stuck one in my guitar case and I found it after returning from his house and thought HOLY CRAP!!! (Its not unlike Mike to surprise you with something like 500) then opened it and was disappointed, but amused. I kept it and do show it to people.

          Good idea for a business card.

          Edit: The more you guys talk about it, and the more I think about my bro's card... Im sold. Next time I make biz cards they are gonna be $500 bills.

          Prob wont drop them in Walmart, but that is the most effective biz card I can think of.
          You do keep them and show them to others because of how real it looks. I showed a few people and I even looked up the website just out curiosity. It's good thing the drop card is short that way I don't mistake it for real money and pay for my fast food with it then I might feel stupied.

          From my experiance I have used pens that had one of my websites on them I would put a few at the banks atms, but knowing my luck the first person who took a pen probably took them all since it was free. I didn't drop enough pens to see how well it worked. I don't even have the website anymore. The money drop card will be fun I can't wait to try it.

          I plan on getting the money drop cards soon, and I will keep everyone posted on how it is working out for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    John,

    I respect your opinion but I think much of the evidence is tainted because people don't want to make an effort to just go out and meet people. This makes it appear that telemarketing is being more successful and as it stands now, its what most people are doing so I see your point.

    However,

    I'd pit any closer who goes face to face against a telemarketing appointment setter any time. While the sales people are waiting for appointments, the closer is already out writing business.

    Again, I'm not saying telemarketing isn't effective, I am sure it is. I just don't think its the "MOST" effective.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      John,

      I respect your opinion but I think much of the evidence is tainted because people don't want to make an effort to just go out and meet people. This makes it appear that telemarketing is being more successful and as it stands now, its what most people are doing so I see your point.

      However,

      I'd pit any closer who goes face to face against a telemarketing appointment setter any time. While the sales people are waiting for appointments, the closer is already out writing business.

      Again, I'm not saying telemarketing isn't effective, I am sure it is. I just don't think its the "MOST" effective.
      Answered Here Russ:

      http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...e-clients.html
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  • Profile picture of the author brandony
    That's a pretty good one. I'm surprised there weren't any kids who had a string tied to it, pulling it along.

    Bandit signs have worked really well for any marketing I ever do (the 18X24 plastic chloroplasts signs)...
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  • Profile picture of the author luckymom78
    I like this idea sounds like it should work. I will have to give it a try where can I order drop cards like these? Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author skylarw
    I saw one for an apartment locator that said: "We pay you a $100 rebate when you let us find you your new apartment home!", or something along those lines. Since half of the poplulation or more live in apartments, I would say that one is pretty darn targeted. Why not get a free $100 bucks back the next time you move?

    Seems like this method may not be for everyone, but may just be a perfect compliment to an established marketing strategy for some.

    BTW: When did this forum grow so many smart asses?
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    • Profile picture of the author joshril
      I have a business partner on a project locally that recently got some "drop cards", and I must say, they're pretty cool and everyone I've shown them to thinks they're really neat.

      With that being said, these will work best for B2C marketing that appeals to a relatively broad market. I believe Michael Hiles and a few others have pointed this out throughout this thread.

      The ONLY way I could see these working in a B2B setting is to use it as your business card and hand it to someone in a networking setting, etc. They are unique if used as a business card, and you will definitely stand out more than you would with a traditional business card, but dropping these hoping a business owner will pick them up is a waste of time in my opinion.

      Joshua
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