The word marketing embraces several concepts including sales, advertising, packaging, product management, finding prospects, and there may be more.
Locating possible customers is perplexing and hard work since they are normally scattered throughout the general population. Here are a few suggestions for doing that.
1. The public library may be a fruitful source. At least it is in Dallas. There a skilled and helpful staff has available volumes of reference material as well as Internet connections. Over a year ago I received help by personal visits and by phone calls and email. Call before going to be sure that they have the information you seek.
2. Chambers of Commerce maintain rosters of members arranged by business or profession. Data include names, addresses and phone numbers.
3. Everyone is aware of the Yellow Pages originally found in telephone directories and now also on the Internet.
4. Trade Associations publish lists of members with a variety of information about each. A few years ago the Southwestern Printing Association gave me an attractive booklet showing useful information about printing companies including kinds of equipment and the names of executives.
5. Business and social clubs have members who may be prospective customers. Sales persons are traditional members of service clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, etc.
6. Networking groups are often sponsored by Chambers of Commerce or by trade groups and industries. Those looking for contacts gather for snacks, drinks and an exchange of information and business cards or for the opportunity to rise and for 30 – 60 seconds to tell about their business. Occasionally participants will donate door prizes and thus gain more attention. An alleged slogan from the public relations fraternity may serve. i.e. “It’s not so important who you know, but more important is who knows you.”
7. Directories listing companies in the business you wish to explore. For senior care in Dallas and other cities there are directories entitled “New Lifestyles” that list retirement and assisted living residences as well as nursing homes, residential care service, memory care, home care and rehabilitation.
` 8. Local newspapers and other periodicals often have articles or ads that may lead to discovery of a prospect.
