Direct Marketing

Kennedy dares marketers to dramatically simplify their marketing, refocusing on what works. Updated to address the newest media and marketing methods, this marketing master plan — from marketing master Kennedy—delivers a short list of radically different, little-known, profit-proven direct mail strategies for ANY business. Strategies are illustrated by case history examples from an elite team of consultants—all phenomenally successful at borrowing direct marketing strategies from the world of mail-order, TV infomercials, etc., to use in ’ordinary’ businesses including retail stores, restaurants, and sales.

Jim Kobs is a respected leader in the field of direct marketing, a strategic thinker, an effective teacher/lecturer, an award-winning creative thinker, a noted author and a good friend. Profitable Direct Marketing incorporates the wisdom of his years of experience and is an important addition to the library of every serious direct marketer. -- Jonah Gitlitz President Direct Marketing Association, Inc. This eagerly awaited new edition provides the know-how needed by every advertising, promotion and direct marketing manager who wants to succeed in the age of the individual. Highly recommended for both the basics and its advanced strategic insights. -- Stan Rapp Coauthor of MaxiMarketing Like Jim Kobs himself, his book is so wise, so clear, so well-organized, and so knowledgeable, I can't imagine a better place to get a broad grasp of the direct marketing of today and tomorrow. -- Thomas L. Collins Coauthor of MaxiMarketing Before you spend another dime to promote your product or service, you should read Jim Kobs' book to ensure that you are maximizing your investment. Getting the most out of direct marketing requires not only careful planning and execution, but rigorous analysis. Jim Kobs shows you how to do it, from start to finish. -- John Schlactenhaufen Vice President Sales &Marketing Dictaphone Corporation Jim Kobs covers it all . . . . Strategy, tactics, basic rules and advanced concepts are all addressed in what is becoming a must read for anyone using or contemplating a direct marketing program. -- Stephen E. Toman Executive Vice President Grolier, Inc. Finding this book is like finding your glasses . what seemed vague and obscure becomes clear. -- Susan J.McIntyre Direct Marketing Manager NIKE, Inc. This second edition updates, reinvigorates and adds fresh knowledge and insights to Jim Kobs' masterful work. -- Barrie M. Spelling Vice President, New Business Colgate-Palmolive Company Profitable Direct Marketing is a goldmine of information for immediate (and enjoyable) reading, and is an invaluable reference source for years to come. -- Richard S. Hodgson Author of Direct Mail and Mail Order Handbook

Direct Marketing in Practice is a practical manual for all managers and marketers getting to grips with the powerful techniques available to skilled direct marketers. The book shows how to: · Plan a direct marketing campaign · Integrate new technology with conventional direct marketing practice · Maximise the impact, efficiency and return on investment of your activites · Evaluate the success of a campaign - and improve on it next time! Accessible and illuminating, each chapter in the book includes review questions and exercises to help you practice what you have learnt. In addition, the authors have used their considerable experience in the field to assemble many examples of best practice worldwide. These place the theory in a practical, real-world context, and demonstrate what a dramatic effect direct marketing can have on sales and profitability. Those contemplating or starting a career in direct marketing will find Direct Marketing in Practice an invaluable guide to contemporary practice. It is essential reading for all undergraduate students of marketing and business, as well of those undertaking professional examinations in this area.

In a marketplace increasingly defined by customer categories with high expectations for service, quality, and responsiveness, companies are discovering that traditional mass marketing approaches are giving way to more targeted approaches that communicate directly with their customers. But to many consumers, direct marketing has a bad reputation, associated with intrusive door-to-door salesmen, dinnertime phone solicitations, junk mail, and, most recently, e-mail spam. In Direct Marketing in Action, a team of experts in the field dispels common myths and misconceptions about direct marketing and showcases the most current practices, principles, and techniques. The authors cover the full range of issues that must be considered in developing an effective direct marketing strategy, including competitive analysis, information and data management, media and channel selection, building brand loyalty, and measuring the results of campaigns. Bridging the gap between research and practice, clearly defining terms and concepts, and featuring numerous examples, Direct Marketing in Action will serve as an essential handbook for marketers and a comprehensive overview for students, teachers, and researchers. From the dentist who sends check-up reminders to his patients to the hotel chain that customizes room amenities based on their guests' profiles, direct marketing is infused with the idea that the best allocation of our marketing dollar is one that focuses on and communicates with our particular micro market—and reinforces the distinctive benefits that we provide to those customers. In Direct Marketing in Action the authors cover the full range of issues that must be considered in developing an effective direct marketing strategy, including competitive analysis, information and data management, media and channel selection, building brand loyalty, and measuring the results of campaigns. Bridging the gap between research and practice, clearly defining terms and concepts, featuring numerous examples, and presented in a format that can be read cover-to-cover or in modular fashion, Direct Marketing in Action will serve as an essential handbook for marketers and a comprehensive overview for students, teachers, and researchers.

Through examples and case studies, this book demonstrates how to adopt the methods, technology and techniques pioneered in direct marketing and apply them in the broader context of integrated marketing.

Direct marketing is widely acknowledged as one of the most popular and effective marketing communications tools. Marketing professionals, and those studying for marketing qualifications, need to have an overall understanding of the scope and potential of this whole area.

...aims to motivate, inspire, and educate readers about successful direct marketing. --dustjacket