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New Thought Resources
These are some of our favorite marketing resource sites. Got a suggestion for something we should add? Email us and let us know!
- MarketingProfs
- Just like it sounds. A bunch of academics who write articles and tutorials on everything from branding to blogging. Lots of free content, but some is for paid members only, which we are, so if you see an article you like that is marked "premium," just shoot us a note and we'll get it for you.
http://www.marketingprofs.com
- ClickZ
- We've never been sure if this is pronounced "Click-Z" or "Clicks," but we are certain that it's a wealth of information, particularly on Internet marketing. But while this site is information-rich, it's not the best organized. Call us if you get lost!
http://www.clickz.com
- Search Engine Watch
- The rules of search engine marketing change just about every day. But this guy is obsessed with keeping up with it, so if there's something you want to know, go here first.
http://searchenginewatch.com
- Media Post
- They bill themselves as the "home on the web for media, marketing and advertising professionals." Quick way to pull lists of local media outlets.
http://www.mediapost.com
Printing
- PrintingForLess
- Use their instant quote calculator to get an idea on printing costs for basic things (business cards, brochures, folders, letterhead). E-mail us for a special code that will get you $25 off your first order! And ask for the Red Team. We work with them all the time and find their service and work to be excellent.
http://www.printingforless.com
- Envelope Mall
- Cheap prices on envelopes of all shapes, sizes and colors.
http://www.envelopemall.com
- Shutterfly
- We alternate between Shutterfly and Snapfish for photo developing and photo gifts, but Shutterfly gets the nod in terms of usability. They run specials all the time.
http://www.shutterfly.com
Gift Ideas
- Red Envelope
- We love the way their site is organized so you can search by occasion or recipient. Unique gifts that are perfect for that special client's birthday, grand opening, or holiday.
http://www.redenvelope.com
- FindGift.com
- This is a shopping directory that pulls product ideas from hundreds of sites. It's also organized by recipient or occasion and has great ideas!
http://www.findgift.com
- Edibles, Inc.
- How'd you like an edible greeting card with your message (or logo) printed right on it? We send these all the time and clients love them.
http://www.ediblesinc.com
- LadyFortunes
- Cute smiley-face Oreos, giant fortune cookies (great to wish someone luck on a new venture or journey), and cookies that can be personalized with your logo. Imagine passing those out at your next luncheon or speaking engagement. Fun!
http://www.ladyfortunes.com
If you're looking for promotional items and you're sick of pens or mugs, contact us. We have literally hundreds of ideas and resources that fit every budget and will help you stand out from your competition.
Recommended Reading
- Creating Customer Evangelists
- We've heard these authors speak a few times and like their focus on turning your customers into fans. They submit that you don't need to spend money on advertising. You need to invest in understanding what your clients want. Krispy Kreme is an example they often site. They never spend a penny on advertising.
- The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
- Most of us start a company because we understand the technical aspects of what we do (the example they use is a baker who knows how to make great baked goods), but we fail because we don't have a clue how to run a company. He tells you how.
- Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't.
- Unless you love research methodology, skip the first chapter or it will put you to sleep. Love the chapter on Level 5 leaders.
- Guerrilla Marketing: Secrets for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business
- One of the marketing classics most of us had to read in college. Great tips on low-cost ways to grow your business.
- Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind
- The original focus guys, this is another one we had to read in college. It's so good it retains a permanent place on our bookshelves. We refer back to it every time we create a positioning strategy for someone.
- Advertising Copywriting
- Philip Ward Burton authored this. It's expensive, but the best book you've never heard of (we think) on advertising writing and another one from Sherean's collegiate era. Burton was her professor. He could never pronounce her name, though, so he opted to call her "Smith" when she took his classes.
- Forget Perfect
- Not a business book but a humorous read for women from a local author and good friend. She bills herself as "a working mother, a motivational speaker, and a 15-year marriage veteran who's done the laundry, worked for a jerk, overdrawn her checking account, and lived to tell about it." She speaks all over the country and has a great website, too.
Marketing Strategy/Planning/Research |
Testimonial
"I looked at a number of agencies but decided to work exclusively with New Thought Marketing because of their creativity and hands-on account management. For 2 years NTM has worked with us to establish a clear brand and maximize use of our resources in the most appropriate way. I have been particularly pleased with the way NTM challenges us to think differently, and as a result we are well positioned competitively with use of our website, social media and marketing materials. One of our most important campaigns is the Holiday mailer, and for 2 years NTM has created and implemented an eye-catching marketing campaign which resonates with our clients.."
Kristen Hirst, Senior Vice President,The North of England
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