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Derek Miller

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Principal, ProPrinters

58 points

Sales and promotion agency. Strong background in print, print production.

We run sales contests, with incentive travel, sales promotions for product launches, trade shows.

Feb. 26, 2012

Derek Miller and 2 other people answered this question

What are your thoughts about use of telemarketing services for a service based, startup?

I would have a copywriter write the scripts for you. In addition if you can afford it I would soften the market with a teaser direct mail. Send a postcard for a low cost entry, i.e $19.95 air conditioner tune up service. You have to ... more

Feb. 26, 2012

Derek Miller and 6 other people answered this question at this roundtable

Successful Strategies for Prospecting [11/10 @ 12:30 pm]

If cold calling doesn't work anymore why are appointment setting companies so successful?

who said cold calling doesn't work? We prepare that first "phone call" with a creative dimensional mail piece, so when we call we aren't say I am Joe Smith with xyz did you get my brochure, or I am Joe Smith and I am calling ... more

Aug. 21, 2011

Derek Miller and 16 other people answered this question

Do sales people need a killer instinct to succeed?

The killer instinct is okay if it is an inwardly channeled motivation toward some predetermined goals and objectives that causes the sales person to channel that energy in a creative fashion.
In addition, the killer instinct is okay if it is professional persistence, because (depending on ... more

Sales Performance

Aug. 21, 2011

Derek Miller and 3 other people answered this question

How can I generate more leads from my referral sources?

I have two ideas.
Depending on the value of the "lead" you can offer incentives. If you provide us with a lead that we convert to a sale we will offer you "X" based upon the size of the sale. Don't give cash, offer some nice ... more

Lead Generation

Aug. 10, 2011

Derek Miller and 2 other people answered this question

What are the key components of a successful incentive program?

There has to be "middle rewards". If the contest or program is all loaded so that only the top producers win, then those middle performers or generally 60% of the participants won't be motivated knowing they don't have a chance.
There needs to be the Big ... more

Human Resources

Aug. 10, 2011

Derek Miller and 4 other people answered this question

What's the most successful incentive-based contest you've ever done with your employees?

This depends on what the incentive is for. There are trips, points base program (similar to American Express Membership rewards), then there are spot recognition programs etc.
Many factors to consider. more

General Management

Human Resources

Employee Contests

Employee Engagement

Aug. 10, 2011

Derek Miller and 7 other people answered this question

What are some ways that I can convert traffic on my site into leads and customers?

Brett
i have a program that was used by Radio Shack, that increased their subscribers dramatically. It was an interactive game, that people got to play for a "chance" at prizes, and in turn "opt-in".
Radio Shack determined that each email was worth about $5.00 to them. ... more

Lead Development

Marketing Automation

Aug. 10, 2011

Derek Miller and 13 other people answered this question

Is direct marketing still working?

Yes, and no. Proper direct mail works. I notice my mailbox is still full. Weren't we going away from direct mail. No way. People are actually becoming more numb to email, it goes into spam folder etc.
In the B 2 B world it can work ... more

Direct Marketing

Jan. 5, 2011

Derek Miller asked a question

HR People have you experimented with incentives?

Human Resources

Oct. 12, 2010

Derek Miller and 6 other people answered this question

What do you think are some downfalls of salespeople?

I think people become too product knowledge based and then talk too much about their product.
I think they don't ask enough questions, open ended questions, and then listen. You need to get clafication on answers, asking why, how etc.
If we ask enough questions, ... more

Sept. 28, 2010

Derek Miller and 8 other people answered this question

What's a good email blast service?

does media-mail allow for an RSS feed from your blog?

Email Blast Service

Marketing Automation

Sept. 18, 2010

Derek Miller and 1 other person answered this question

Where can I find a small franchise opportunity?

Well in some areas depending on where you live there are franchise shows where various companies exhibit.
Do you want to buy a new one or somebody looking to sell? more

Franchise Business

Small Business Franchise Opportunity

Start a New Business

Aug. 30, 2010

Derek Miller and 4 other people answered this question

What sales incentives programs do you use? Do they work for your team?

Mary as one who sells incentive programs and most recently to a major pool parts manufacturer for its 2500 dealers, programs do work. They just have to be the right program and have good incentives, and not cash.
Studies show merchandise based rewards give a ... more

Marketing Automation

Aug. 22, 2010

Derek Miller asked a question

How many non-retail small business owners work weekends?

Small Business Owners

Aug. 15, 2010

Derek Miller answered this question

To which method of communication do your customers best respond?

Each customer is different. Some are email junkies and some like the phone and some like to see my beautiful face. Don't try to put everyone in the same box. more

Information Technology

Business Intelligence

Aug. 15, 2010

Derek Miller and 4 other people answered this question

How do you establish a line of credit for business if you're just starting out?

I don't know what type of business you have or your cash flow situation. Are you a bill and collect etc. Do you have a long time between the purchashing of your goods and final payment.
The one option would be until you get some ... more

Business Line of Credit

Financial Services

Aug. 15, 2010

Derek Miller answered this question

What low investment franchise opportunity would you invest in?

why do you think these are low cost? Why are you looking for low cost? HR Block obviously because it is a 4 month business. more

Entrepreneur Magazine

Investment Research

Aug. 12, 2010

Derek Miller and 2 other people answered this question

What business books are you reading now?

Frank Bettger life. Thanks for the link. I just ordered 3 books from Amazon and love adding new books to my list. I have become a business book junkie. more

Aug. 9, 2010

Derek Miller and 4 other people answered this question

Does your company do any direct mail marketing?

I do direct mail all the time and preach direct mail. It is what you mail that drives them.
If it is the same old boring door hangers no good. I have a direct mail program that has been used by Target, Green Giant, Casinos ... more

Direct Mail Marketing

Aug. 3, 2010

Derek Miller asked a question

Account follow up

Account Follow-up

Aug. 3, 2010

Derek Miller and 5 other people answered this question

Does anyone know where I can get a list of B2B marketing agencies?

Can I ask what you are using this for?

July 31, 2010

Derek Miller and 1 other person answered this question

Virtual/online sales presentations: what works?

If you can be at the customer, this is the best. You can see how they are responding to your presentation. If they are figidy, checking their blackberry during a webex, you don't know it.
I prefer to see eyeball to eyeball, IF POSSIBLE more

Online Presentations

July 16, 2010

Derek Miller and 2 other people answered this question

How much does social media play a role in your decisions to purchase items for your business?

Social Media Promotion

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