B2B and Industrial Marketing Blog
I hear a rumor that Thomas Register is dropping their rates by almost two-thirds. This after I signed at the higher rate. I suspect that these rates are being offered only to use to buy position in TR’s web listings and not for actual print space. That would make sense, otherwise they would be at risk for a major backlash.
Until I hear more…Merry Christmas.
I finally got something out of my brain that has been there every time I listen to NPR. Why don’t they offer premium services on the web for their paying members? See my comments here:
Rick E Bruner’s Executive Summary blog”
Rick’s original idea about NPR on MP3s.
I think I’m going to have fun analyzing the marketing of the CRM software sellers. I had inquired about SalesLogix the other day, to which a company rep promised me literature and a contact from a specialist. No call or literature yet, but I got an email from one of their software consultants. The email is another form, similar to one I got from Goldmine. The disappointing thing is that it doesn’t really introduce themselves.
So, I want to know more and go to their website. From the website I learn they also sell Goldmine. But I can’t find out where they are located! Even on their training sign-up page there is no indication of a location. Don’t people want to make sure the consultant is somewhat local? I do. Are they trying to avoid the issue? Probably. Am I going to pursue their company, not likely.
So what does one do? Google them! Now I know they are from NJ. And I found a nice article by their President that would be a welcome addition to a rather useless website.
Majestic Consulting Group
The B2blog has found its new home. Now I just need to get Googled!
Just got this email:
Thank you for your interest in our award-winning CRM software GoldMine and FrontOffice. You recently accessed our web site. Could you please take a few minutes to complete the attached form so I know what you are looking for in a support application? Please save the document before sending it back to me. Thank you.
And I get a one page form to fill out about my needs. The game begins.
I thought I would start my CRM project for next year by requesting information from Goldmine. There are two problems with that.
1. There are three ways to buy the software…through a retailer, through a “partner”/consultant, or dealing directly with the company. I can accept that they have multiple channels, but it does slow me down. What does someone who doesn’t want a call from a salesperson do? What does someone who DOES want a call from a salesperson do? Leading to my second problem…
In order to find out who my local “partner” would be, I had to register at the site with complete contact information. After registration they list the dealer’s info & website, plus information on the direct person at the company. But, know that I’ve registered, are these people going to be alerted to my inquiry, or am I supposed to call them??? They didn’t offer to send a brochure or a demo CD after I registered, either. For experts in sales management, I’m already dissappointed with them. I’ll wait and see if anybody contacts me.
Great article on Google. Two observations: 1. Google being privately owned is one of its strengths. 2. Google’s search results would actually benefit if they weren’t the only game in town, as people would find less benefit manipulating the search results.
Version 1.1 of Google Monitor works. Ah, I can spy on everyone now!
Google Monitor – free web promotion software
Part of the problem with TR’s EZ search sites is that they are cross-pollinating, i.e. they link to each other. Unfortunately, this generates multiple instances of EZ sites under one search. Seven different EZ sites populate the first 32 results for the “screw machine products” search I discussed on Friday. To the user this is polluting the search results, plus bumping out at least six other deserving sites.
But how to fix the problem? Google’s desire is to run a completely automated website. They undoubtedly feel that links are the hardest to manipulate and the most meaningful. But apparently that is changing. I think over time, they will adjust for such problems. One needs to watch search results over a long-term, like a stock, not over the day-to-day results.
One can register their dissatisfaction at the link at the bottom of the page, but one can only wonder what happens with those.
While checking links for the previous post, I just found out that Google Monitor that I recommended has been disabled by Google, as far as I can tell. Another reason to use a real tool like WebPosition Gold.