Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

Rehabilitation Therapy Career Programs

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Author: Brad Jones
Source: articlesbase.com

If you want to build a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, get enrolled in rehabilitation therapy programs as rehabilitation therapy is one of the fastest growing career fields. Attractive job opportunities for rehabilitation therapists exist in diverse healthcare settings; these jobs are unique in that they guarantee excellent remuneration along with complete job satisfaction. Programs leading to a rehabilitation therapy career equip candidates with practical knowledge in treating, counseling, teaching and instructing individuals regarding their prescribed treatment. Rehabilitation therapists also aid in the prevention and management of physical disorders caused to patients by surgeries, injuries and illnesses. How to be Part of this Modern Day Career As per your educational qualification in rehabilitation therapy, you can work as therapist, therapy assistant or aide. To work as rehabilitation therapist, candidates must complete the two years master’s degree rehabilitation program from an accredited institution. In addition, one has to acquire a state issued license to work in the United States. Those who are interested in working as therapy assistants must hold an associate degree or certification program in rehabilitation therapy. Aides should have a high school diploma and will receive on the job training. With essential educational and other qualifications, candidates can practice in a wide range of healthcare settings such as hospitals, schools, colleges, institutions, acute care centers and rehab centers. These settings offer part time, full time, short term, long term, travel, direct or contract job assignments. Enjoy the Best Benefits Top pay and attractive benefit package is what this rehabilitation therapy career offers you. The benefit package includes: • Medical and dental insurance • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan • Professional Liability Insurance • Short-Term Disability Insurance • Additional State License • Immigration Processing (for Internationally Trained employees) • Continuing Education • Cancer insurance • Paid housing Contact a Recruiting Agency for Availing of the Best Jobs Qualified candidates can register with reliable recruiting agencies to find suitable jobs in preferred locations. Domestic as well as foreign candidates can apply online through the websites of these agencies to get a suitable placement in the United States. In the same way, employers looking for talented and certified therapy professionals can find the right match through these providers.

Rehabilitation Therapists’ Jobs — TheraKare is a reputable medical recruitment agency that provides exceptional job service. We can offer permanent, temporary or contract rehabilitation therapists jobs for qualified candidates.

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Do You Have What it Takes to Do Travel Nursing?

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Author: Connie Braddock
Source: ezinearticles.com

In many ways, travel nursing can look like the ideal job. It gives you the opportunity to learn more about different ways people live and work, from coast to coast. You get to meet new people and bond with new friends. Travel nursing also pays quite well.

If you don’t like the cold, you might prefer to take a Southern assignment. Or you can choose to spend the winter months in the South and work in northern states during the summer. If you need to take a few months off, it’s completely up to you. You just take a few months off to refresh yourself before accepting additional assignments. The majority of travel nurses report that traveling has helped them return to patient focused nursing.

Does that sound like the job of your dreams?

In reality, not every nursing school graduate will find travel nursing appealing.

If you’re thinking about it, the first question you need to ask yourself is whether or not traveling is enjoyable to you. Travel nursing involves a great deal of serious traveling, often crisscrossing the country. The average length of time for a typical assignment is 13 weeks. Assignments are often back-to-back and this can be mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting.

You need to remember you’re on assignment, not on vacation While you will have time off of course, you’ll have a schedule to follow. You’ll be asked to report at the start of your shift at the proper time. During the assignment, you’ll be expected to stay focused on the job. Travel nursing is still work, not a party.

Another question to think about is do you make new friends easily? As a traveling nurse, you frequently find yourself in a city where you know no one. There are no familiar faces. To really appreciate travel nursing, it helps if you’re able to develop friendships out of total strangers quickly.

There are a few extra challenges as a travel nurse if you have a spouse or special someone.. If they have a job that allows them to travel with you, it seems to be a little easier on the relationship. If your spouse or significant other is also a nurse, often you can find assignments in the same hospital. Hospitals welcome these tandem nursing teams, and it has worked very well for thousands of couples, as well as friends who like to travel together.

You need to be certain, before you even begin, that you’re not bothered by being away from familiar faces, including any pets. However, most agencies now will allow you to travel with a pet or another person. Just keep in mind that you will be spending a great deal of time away from familiar faces and surroundings.

So before you sign an agreement with a travel nurse agency, be certain you’re willing to make the sacrifices needed in order to have a career of travel nursing. There are particular personality traits that most experienced travel nurses share. They love to explore, they display a strong work ethic, they have faith in their medical abilities, and are usually lively and outgoing. If this appeals to you, and you have at least one year of experience in hospital work then travel nursing could be the perfect direction your nursing career should take.

Pro Travel Nursing has even more valuable information if you’re considering becoming a travel nurse. The pay is great, the perks are many, and the experience is unbelievably memorable. However, it’s not a lifestyle suited for everyone. Do some research first before seeking out a career in travel nursing. Once you decide it’s a go… you’ll never look back!

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Market Color Postcards For Increased Travel Rate

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Author: Tina Sanchez
Source: ezinearticles.com

Layout, Design, and Color Combination Strategies for Travel Businesses

The use of postcards for travel businesses is very much suitable. Since marketing postcards is a common practice, this material is easily linked with any sort of vacation or travel spot postcard graphic design . Through an online service called 4 color postcard printing, conceptualizing your promo tool’s design to something more commercialized is much easier; that increasing interest amongst your target crowd for an increase in travel rate as well.

Marketing solutions for 4 color postcard printing provides service options such as templates, online editing tools, online assistance, and more; but what’s more beneficial would the striking quality in postcard color output with bulk ordering at affordable rates. Going through this process would first require a well-rounded postcard graphic design with exceptional color blend techniques to better enhance travel packages and destinations aimed for frequent and even non-regular vacation goers.

1. Layout – Four divisions: Travel packages come in groups every season as they shift through combinations to find more affordable accommodations and airfare rates. Just the same, since 4 color postcard printing is cheaper when ordered in bulk, taking advantage of this offer by dividing the design platform into four panes can get you to promote three or four packages instead of just one. When this layout is done, your targets can have more selections on what you are offering that multiplies the chances for increased inquiries.

2. Design – Oil Painting Effect: For destinations that are known for famous landmarks, an immortalizing effect for the postcard graphic design can suggest that such place is a must-be-seen place.

3. Color Combination – Choose colors that complement photos: Matching a color that complements the scenic photo of your design can easily highlight what you are promoting. This way, your postcard graphic design and photo will both look attractive instead of one outshining the other. Your readers will appreciate this more or be drawn more to your photo.

If used correctly, using these strategies for your travel postcard design can direct the attention of your readers towards your service, raise the value of your promotion, and increase customer inquiry and sales.

More topics on 4 Color Postcard Printing can be found at My Postcard Printing

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Promotional Pens Are Effective For Direct Marketing

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Author: Gareth Parkin
Source: articledashboard.com

Promotional giveaways like calendars, DVDs, pens, pencils, keyrings or even stress balls help your prospective and current clients to remember your name and hopefully your uniqueness. It is an ideal marketing strategy that works with even small businesses with low marketing budgets. Pocket calendars are another affordable promotional item that you can give out early in the fourth quarter of the current year. However, promotional pens are considered the most effective advertising items.

Pens are a great way to say thank you for signing up for a special offer or even making a purchase. If brand identification is your goal, they can be of great assistance. By purchasing promotional pens, you can have your brand embroidered on it. They will travel to places you probably don’t go while always advertising your name much like a billboard on the highway.

A pen is something that we like to receive and is cherished by one and all. They make for a perfect giveaway and are appreciated by everyone. They are the perfect way of showing that you care and value the support extended by your interest groups. Advetising items can work as a warm gesture. And who knows your interest groups might just feel touched by this genuine thoughtful gift and if you are lucky enough you might just get some business in return. Even those who are not your customers might just want to switch to your product. All thanks to your pen.

You can use printed pens as corporate gifts or business gifts and give them to your important clients and business associates during specials occasions like launch parties, annual days, meetings, conferences, seminars or any other such event. Use branded or good quality products for the clients as this can get good publicity and profitable business deals. The clients would be impressed with them and would trust your brand to provide them with quality goods and services.

If you want to find out more about promotional pens, business gifts and advertising corporate products then check out the leading online suppliers. Online gift companies more often than not due to lower overheads can provide far more competitive price quotations. With full online catalogues, the process of ordering your gifts is generally quicker than traditional offline gift suppliers. Go ahead and thank everyone associated with your organisation today for the support they have lent to your organisation. Get your promotional items right away online.

To find out more about ordering custom printed business gifts and conference gifts and other fantastic items check out the internets leading online suppliers today.

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InHandMedia Launches New Media Network Putting Your Message Directly Into the Hands of Affluent Travelers.

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Author: Anonymous
Source: free-articles

Through its network affiliates of world leading airlines, luxury cruise lines, five star hotels and resorts, InHandMedia delivers advertisers a new segment of consumers, the so-called “the mobile unreachables.” These are affluent consumers who are not easily reached by traditional forms of media.

“What InHandMedia does, quite simply, is put your message directly into the consumer’s hands in a relaxed, controlled environment at a fraction of the cost of competing media,” explains Senior Vice President Richard Henry.

While guerilla marketing has been around for many years, InHandMedia has perfected a formula for reaching a network of affluent traveling consumers within a captive, controlled environment at a cost effective price.

“Imagine if you could own the eyes of every passenger on an airplane for less than $15 per flight,” says Henry. “Advertising on our network makes that a powerful reality and consumers can take your message with them like a portable billboard, yielding superior retention, brand recognition and response.”

All InHandMedia products offer advertisers purpose, positioning and portability. “We position your message on essential items that become easily portable mini billboards delivered directly into consumer’s hand,” adds Henry. While the marketing possibilities are endless, inventory is not. “Owning a slot in our network would be like owning a courtside ticket for the Lakers,” says Henry. “Once you have it, you’ll never let it go.”

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Personal Information: What Should You Discuss During The Job Interview

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Author: Carl Mueller
Source: articleage.com

How much personal information should you reveal during a job interview?
Quite simply, there are some things that you may not want to offer up during an interview.
We’re not talking about lying, we’re simply talking about the fact that some things are better left unsaid and don’t need to be divulged during an interview.
Depending on where you live and the local laws that govern hiring, interviewers tend to shy away from asking questions related to your sex, gender, race, religion, marital status, age, sexual preference and other personal areas especially when they don’t directly relate to the job.
If you are a woman, you should not expect to be asked if you’re planning to have children so there is really no need to offer this information up either.
Unless it’s directly related to the job and your ability to perform it, you probably won’t be asked a lot of unrelated personal questions so be careful with what information you volunteer.
There might be questions that do touch on personal issues when it is relevant to the job. For example, this could include asking you about your propensity to travel if the job requires significant travel.
Alternatively you could be asked about your ability to speak a certain language if it’s a requirement of the job.
Sometimes, personal questions are asked by inexperienced interviewers with no malice intended and they may not realize the question is inappropriate. This is no excuse for them to do this, but just watch how you react and respond to the question.
If you find that the interview is starting to move into the realm of personal questions or if you accidentally steer the interview in that direction by offering up personal information that you maybe shouldn’t have, try to steer the interview back into a discussion of the job.
The company you are going to interview with is most likely not going to tell you everything about them if you don’t ask.
If the last person who held the job you are interviewing for was fired because they had an office affair, do you think the interviewer will tell you?
Or do you think they’ll probably just tell you that “the last person who held the job left the company for another opportunity” or something like that?
Probably the latter.
You simply need to be careful with what information you choose to divulge because it can be used against you.
While certain personal information might be necessary to discuss during the interview, interviewers tend to stay away from asking many personal questions so if a question is not asked, you probably don’t have to feel an obligation to volunteer to divulge it.
Carl Mueller is an Internet entrepreneur and professional recruiter who wants to help you find your dream career.
Free newsletter: Separate yourself from other job searchers by signing up for his free monthly newsletter: http://www.find-your-dream-career.com/dream-career-finder.html
Free 5-day course: Sign up for The Effective Career Planner, Carl’s free 5-day course: http://www.find-your-dream-career.com/effective-career-planner.html
Please feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your website but please don’t change any of the content and ensure that you include the above bio that shows my website URLs.

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Carlson Leisure Travel Services Scores Extraordinary ROI and Highest Customer Satisfaction as Re-certification to the COPC-2000 Standard is Completed

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Author: Anonymousbr
Source: free-articlesbr
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Amherst, NY May 3, 2004 -โ€ Carlson Leisure Travel Services is among the top services providers for credit card companies, financial institutions, and fulfillment loyalty programs. Driven by the demand for highest quality customer service, Carlson Leisure Travel Services clearly demonstrated โ€œWorld Classโ€ distinction while implementing the re-certification process across multiple contact centers. The re-certification audit was completed in less than one week with Carlson Leisure Travel Services meeting 100% compliance requirements immediately.

Carlson Leisure Travel Services continues to make history as the first โ€ and to date, only โ€ travel fulfillment provider worldwide to achieve re-certification, and again, among mid- to large-size companies, achieving re-certification in the shortest time period. โ€œThe re-certification process clearly demonstrates our continued commitment to Contact Center Excellence, ensuring our clients the highest quality customer service,โ€ stated Eric Burdon, Executive Vice President of Minneapolis-based Carlson Leisure Travel Services, which operates customer contact centers in Boise, Idaho and St. Louis, Missouri.

Recognizing the critical importance of exceptional and consistent customer experience, the COPC certification process aligns perfectly with the โ€œBest-in-Classโ€ vision of Carlson Leisure Travel Services. Understanding the operational impact of quantified measures has driven both customer satisfaction and increased revenue. In fact, over 80% of recent, dramatic cost savings have been directly attributed to the COPC-2000ยฎ Standard implementation.

โ€œCOPC has been instrumental in our efforts to improve our business โ€ and the results speak for themselves. They have helped us combine the best of the COPC-2000ยฎ Standard framework, Six Sigma and COPC Registered Coordinator training, enabling us to successfully grow our revenue, dramatically reduce operating costs, while delivering the highest level of quality and customer service,โ€ declared Mark Steinweg, General Manager. โ€œThese efforts not only help to provide peace-of-mind to our clients and their customers, but it also strengthens our reputation as a great and secure place to work.โ€

Since its inception in 1996, Carlson Leisure Travel Services has evolved into the prominent service provider in the field of leisure travel award redemption programs and continues to enhance its valued level of customer service.

About COPC

Headquartered in Amherst, New York, Customer Operations Performance Center, Inc. (COPC) is the leading authority on customer contact center operations. COPC is authorized to issue certification to the COPC-2000ยฎ Standard, a comprehensive operations performance standard that specifies minimum operational requirements in critical functional areas. COPC services clients on a worldwide basis, and has representatives in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the United States.

The COPC Standard was developed in 1995 by individuals from Microsoft, Motorola, Dell, American Express, L.L. Bean, Intel, and other customer-focused companies who were concerned with the level of service quality provided by Customer Service Providers (CSPs). Several hundred locations in 30 countries are using the Standard to improve performance, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. Users include firms in e-commerce, computer hardware and software, financial services, healthcare, telecommunications and consumer products. For additional information about COPC, visit www.copc.com, email info@copc.com or call us at 512-250-3412.

About Carlson Leisure Travel Services

Carlson Leisure Travel Services, a division of Carlson Travel Group, Inc. (wholly-owned by Carlson Companies), provides corporate clients with employee leisure booking tools, including TripForce.com, in addition to providing financial institutions and credit card reward programs with travel award redemptions. Through its customer contact centers, Carlson Leisure Travel Services currently assists more than 6.5 million active members of client credit card loyalty programs.

Carlson Travel Group, Inc, is a subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies. Among the names in the Carlson family of brands and services are: Carlson Marketing Groupยฎ, Carlson Wagonlit Travelยฎ, Carlson Destination Marketing Services, Regentยฎ International Hotels, Radissonยฎ Hotels Resorts, Park Plazaยฎ, Country Inns Suites By Carlsonยฎ, Park Innยฎ hotels, Results Travel, Cruise Holidays, Radisson Seven Seas Cruisesยฎ, and T.G.I. Fridaysยฎ and Pick Up Stixยฎ restaurants.br
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Global Insurance Company Goes to Vermont for Web Site Development

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

Author: Anonymousbr
Source: free-articlesbr
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Middlebury, VT โ€ October 2, 2000 โ€ Evergreen Direct was recently awarded a web development assignment from The Equitable for their Members Retirement Program site. The Equitable has been a client of Evergreen for the past four years and the agency has developed a variety of integrated branding, collateral and direct mail campaigns for the division.

The web assignment involves developing a site which will appeal to both prospects and customers of Equitables Members Retirement Program. The site takes it cue from a fulfillment package Evergreen created for the Program and will be enhanced by interactive tools such as a Dow Index, a financial calculator, a unit value and hyperlinks. Evergreen Director of Account Services, Gloria Salvanelli, and Art Director/Web Master, Steve Morrisey are heading up the assignment.

Evergreen Direct, founded in 1982 in Middlebury, Vermont, is a direct response agency that specializes in generational and lifestage campaigns for the adult (35+) market . Among the 85 largest direct response agencies in the U.S., Evergreen works with a wide range of clients, including a number of independent Blue Cross and Blue Plans, Travelers Property Casualty, The Hartford, The Equitable, Troll Communications, Integrity Interactive, Expo Garden Tours and Vantage Deluxe World Travel.

For more information go to www.evergreendirect.com, or to schedule a presentation on The Power of Generational and Lifestage Marketing, contact David Boffey at 802-388-4088.br
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Membership Marketing — Its More than Magazines

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Author: Shira Lindenbr
Source: downloadbr
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Membership marketing is not new. The American Medical Association was founded in 1847, while the Marine Corps Association was formed in 1913, to cite a few examples. But membership marketing seems to be gaining traction in todays marketplace.
The worlds largest circulation magazine
Yes, its AARP, The Magazine, which arrives at 24 million households each month. According to Lin MacMaster, Director of Membership Development for AARP, the magazine is a tangible benefit, but it plays a supporting role in providing information to help individuals age with grace and dignity and lead purposeful lives. MacMaster believes people are joining for the full array of benefits.
She states that the main benefits of membership include being part of a force of over 36 million Americans who are attempting to remain healthy and live life the way they want to live it, navigating the waters as life changes. Founded in 1958, AARP is a huge advocacy organization on both the federal and state levels, says MacMaster.
The organization has three divisions – a foundation, a non-profit and AARP Services, a for-profit division where AARP partners with insurance companies and other providers, delivering unique benefits to members. Membership costs $12.50 annually; two and three year memberships are also available. According to MacMaster, the AARP card has a high perceived value and is frequently used to obtain discounts.
AARP The Magazine is not available by subscription, but does have some distribution in doctors offices. Associate members (those under 50) can get the magazine as well. While the magazine offers feature articles, news is covered in the AARP Bulletin, a full-color newspaper. Both accept advertising. AARP also offers members free e-newsletters on an array of topics, including caregiving, health, wellness and financial well-being.
Segmenting the Market
Currently, AARP is moving away from a mass approach to acquisition to a segmented approach. They are mailing their control packages less – a standard package and a snap pack – and testing packages to specific groups. Rather than what MacMaster refers to as the pu pu platter approach (something for everyone) AARP has been testing topics that resonate with the 50-59 year-old segment including caregiving, financial security and health and wellness.
They are also tweaking language and offers, testing formats and messaging, and experimenting with information offers and premiums and freemiums tied to their value proposition (Tips for financial well-being, Tips for Turning 50, pedometers). Over the last two years AARP has also done a lot of channel testing utilizing the web, AdvoSystems, FSIs, radio and TV that is showing promise.
Getting Promotional
As for renewals, AARP uses a 7-effort series. They are testing shorter and longer versions as well as different messages to different audiences (first time renewal versus longstanding member) and trying more promotionally based offers tied to longer terms. On their website, I noticed a Win-Win Membership Sweepstakes for a 16-day expedition and cruise to Antarctica. Renewals are also handled via their customer care calls for those who call in. AARP is looking to the web and all member touch points for additional renewal opportunities.
MCA – Membership with a Mission since 1913
The Marine Corps Association is the professional organization for all Marines—active duty, Reserve, retired, and Marine veterans. Annual membership costs $21 for enlisted and $32 for officers, and will be going up in April. MCA publishes not one but two monthly magazines – Leatherneck – Magazine of the Marines and Marine Corps Gazette. Both accept advertising. Bill Hughs, Director of Marketing, indicates Leatherneck offers more general interest/news while the Gazette is a professional journal, covering issues that face Marines every day. Members get a choice of magazines, and some take both. The magazines are available to non-members with 1775 current non-member subscribers.
MCA puts out 4,400 issues as single copies at base exchanges, MCA bookstores and kiosk stands inside some commissaries. The magazines are also available at the Quantico Amtrak station and other newsstands near bases. MCA currently does catalog marketing and finds 67% of their retail sales are from members, who enjoy a 10% discount on catalog products.
An Association in Flux
Almost 90,000 members strong, the association is currently reorganizing, evaluating whether the magazines are their main raison detre. Hughs states that members perceive the magazines are the main benefit. E-newsletters are also sent out to members. The membership card does not have a high perceived value, he says, as the association has not adequately promoted the other benefits which include retail discounts and travel, to name a few.
Hughs stated that MCA is taking another look at lists, affinity partnerships, positioning, segmentation and messaging. They will do research, focus groups and talk to members. Currently, 62% of their membership is over 40, and they need to do a better job of reaching younger Marines (Generation X). Hughs believes this is because theyve been using directive language in their messaging, and Gen X is not receptive to this approach. Hughs plans to change the creative, relaunch the magazine and review the renewal and expire programs to increase their membership base.
The Good Sam – a For-Profit Association for RVers
According to Sue Bray, The Good Sam Club offers a valuable package of benefits that promote the RV lifestyle. A membership survey reveals the campground discount is the top benefit, while the magazine, Highways, is next and their web-based trip routing service is third. Other benefits include Good Sam events and member-to-member online forums. Bray is unsure if the membership card has a high perceived value. Membership costs $25/year for the basic dues.
Highways is a monthly magazine which accepts outside advertising. The club also markets branded Good Sam products, such as the Good Sam Continued Service Plan, which protects members against paying huge repair bills should something go awry in their rig.
Reaching Boomers through Ads, Direct Mail, Point of Sale
Good Sam is in the mail about once a month, always testing new formats. Direct mail is their main source, but they also test E-mail marketing and send an E-newsletter to members. Their DM control is a #10 envelope 4-5 page letter, response device and membership decal. Bray says that people like the decal. They have also succeeded with a member get a member campaign. Good Sam Club utilizes a 9-effort renewal series and maintains the same offer throughout the series.
The association also sells memberships at campgrounds, RV shows and camping stores, as well as through Life and MotorHome magazines. As a result of their outreach efforts, the association has been growing 1-2% per year and keeping pace with the market.
Baby boomers getting into the RV lifestyle have helped fuel this growth, said Bray. While Good Sam is a mature organization thats been around for 40 years, they are always trying to improve and provide an enhanced benefit package to members.
The Worlds Largest Affinity Lifestyle Membership Company
Such is the claim of the North American Membership Group (NAMG) established in 1978. NAMG is a for-profit company that combines membership, publishing and merchandise marketing. The North American Hunting Club was first, followed by the North American Fishing Club, the Handyman Club, the National Home Gardening Club, the PGA Tour Partners Club, the Cooking Club of America, the National Health Wellness Club, the Creative Home Arts Club, The History Channel Club and the National Street Machine Club. NAMG has 10 clubs in all, with 10 magazines, reaching more than 4.7 million active enthusiasts and 21.8 million readers.
The company maintains that NAMGs magazines achieve something that newsstand publications cannot – a deeper reader relationship with unmatched interaction between writers, editors, and member readers.
Member benefits include
• Full-color magazine delivered 6 to 8 times a year
• Member-only interactive web sites with information archives, bulletin boards, event calendar, weekly polls, trivia contests
• Opportunities to test/keep products related to the clubs lifestyle
• Giveaways of products, services and travel
• Member-to-member forums and informational support
• Special information resource directories
• Exclusive product purchasing opportunities
• Member-only events, competitions and contests
• Discount opportunities on selected products and services
Cooking Club of America – A Closer Look
In addition to Cooking Pleasures magazine, members enjoy free product testing privileges, free recipe cards, cooking school discounts, menu ideas, a recipe reprint service, and more.
While bind-ins invite members to join, renew or give the gift of membership at $2.00 a month ($24 annually) with a hard offer, an online offer solicits members for a Free No-Risk Trial Membership for 30 days.
Those who sign up for the free trial receive a Thank You package in a #10 window envelope with a brochure extolling the benefits of membership, a letter indicating they have already received the first issue of Cooking Pleasures, and a perf-off Membership Dues Invoice for $12.00 for 12 months.
A 4-color buckslip invites prospective members to receive a free multipurpose grater (a $20.00 value) by returning the buckslip with their payment. Prospects are enticed with the possibility of winning free kitchen utensils, gourmet food, and more. The website indicates that 84% of each years dues is for one year of Cooking Pleasures.
Smart Marketing
Remember when a credit card was merely a plastic card issued by a bank authorizing payment for purchases? Now, many are portals to a world of benefits ranging from airline miles to merchandise points. So, too, membership marketers provide added value by offering magazines PLUS an array of services (and sometimes an entire community) that tie members more closely to their brand and promote loyalty. Now thats smart marketing!
Shira Linden is a freelance direct mail copywriter and consultant specializing in circulation marketing, membership marketing and direct mail marketing. For copy that gets results or a copy critique, contact Shira at 203 371-0654, via email at shira@promowriting.com or via her website http://www.promowriting.com.br
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Mark Dickinson Joins Dragon Direct Marketing

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Author: Anonymousbr
Source: free-articlesbr
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ACTON; MARSHFIELD, MA September 2, 2004 — Dragon Direct Marketing, based in Acton, Mass. and serving clients throughout the Eastern Seaboard, has recently named Mark Dickinson as Chief Operations and Sales Officer.

Dickinson, previously of the Braintree, Mass. based Dickinson Direct, will oversee growth and development at Dragon Direct Marketing (Dragon DM) as well as manage the creative, sales and administrative staff. Dickinson has also invested in Dragon Direct Marketing and holds a 50% share.

โ€œIn investing in Dragon Direct Marketing, I look forward to giving Boston direct response agencies a run for their money. I know that Kathleen Aston, as the โ€˜head dragon, will continue to lead and inspire our staff by example. Kathleens strong work ethic, boundless creativity and demand for impressive ROI are a winning combination for the company and its clients,โ€ noted Dickinson. He added, โ€œIn addition to Kathleen, the company has developed an impressive team of 10 people who continue to exceed industry standards for results and client expectations What I see here is great potential. Dragon is helping companys get to the next level.โ€

A Marshfield Hills, Mass. resident and Rockland, Mass. native, Dickinson helped build the former Dickinson Direct into a national direct mail icon. Learning the business from the ground up from his father and founder of the company Don Dickinson, Mark Dickinson ascended to Chief Marketing and Sales Officer. Grossing $26 million annually, Dickinson Direct was sold to Protocol in December, 2000.

With more than three decades of direct marketing experience, Dickinson extensive knowledge in both business to business and consumer campaigns. His expertise includes complex lead generation, acquisition and renewal and sales promotion programs. He noted, โ€œI have always enjoyed partnering with my clients. It gives me great satisfaction to help them produce a cost effective, creative direct mail campaign that produces dynamic results.โ€

Dickinson met and developed a strong business alliance with founder of Dragon Direct Marketing, Kathleen Aston while at Dickinson Direct. Aston served as Vice President of Creative Services at the company and together Dickinson and Aston grew the creative department from $800,000 per year gross to $2.1 million per year gross in just two years. As a team, Dickinson and Aston helped win a number of marquis accounts for Dickinson, including AAA, CitiBanks, Sun Trust and Travelers Group.

According to Aston, โ€œHaving Mark Dickinson on board — managing the business of our business โ€ is an important piece to our puzzle. He brings on the whole other side of operations and marketing. We look to exceed the success our team generated while at Dickinson Direct.โ€ He continued, โ€œWith Mark confidently at the helm, I can focus on cutting edge creative and killer customer service. Now with our management team in place, were looking to enlarge office space and increase personnel. We plan to relocate to the South Shore of Boston and add to our sales and account management staff.โ€

Along Came The Dragon

Dragon Direct Marketing, Inc. is a leading source for fully integrated direct marketing solutions. Dragon DM provides strategic development and creative services designed to generate maximum return on investment for the client. The companys expert creative services, from copywriting, interactive and graphic design to Direct Mail, effectively communicate the client message for the utmost impact and response.

Dragon DM is the 2004 winner of 11 NEDMA (New England Direct Marketing Association) awards and Best of Show. Catering to clients throughout the Northeast, Dragon DMs esteemed client list includes Boston Convention Center, Health Market, Archives One, SureBridge and numerous others.

Corporate headquarters are located at 471 Massachusetts Avenue in Acton, Mass., and the telemarketing division is located at 3235 Satellite Boulevard, Building 400, Suite 300, in Duluth, Georgia. For more information, visit Dragon DMs website at www.DragonDM.com, email info@dragondm.com or contact (978) 264-0660.br
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