Derik Ellis - Boise, ID

Simple Prospecting Tools for Web Development Firms

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:02:00 -0400

Many small web development firms struggle with their sales efforts. At your size it’s common not to have a full time sales person and your team is probably made up of programmers or designers. You can practice similar sales principles that produce new business relationships.

Start with some effective traditional methods to prospect. I would not consider these techniques the most innovative methods but have worked for me thoroughly. Your first step and often your biggest challenge will be locating that new business relationship.

Start noticing things that are around you all the time. Purchase digital voice recorders for your team and begin monitoring. When you’re driving around and see a billboard, new office openings or anything promoting a business, go ahead record the business name and the adjacent marketing message in the add. Make sure that when you’re driving you record advertisers using the radio to promote their business and when at home do the same with television commercials. Businesses using traditional advertising efforts understand the need to invest in their advertising. Make sure you search for their online presence, call and make an appointment with them if you believe your product or services will be a benefit to them.

Open the phone book. The dollars spent for a full page add in a month can often be more than or equal to the price of a complete website. I have found it easy to ask the business to downsize to a half page add and invest in a new website.

Create networking relationships. Thinking that you need the sales person personality to network is a complete myth. It’s all about energy, how often are you out representing your business? Attend entrepreneurial groups, create some social networking entities online, attend chamber meetings or any local event that influential people will attend. Make conversation with people, anyone can become an advocate for you if create a meaningful relationship. Remember this is not the time to try and sell someone something, sure answer their questions, but this is the perfect opportunity to get to know them. People open up to you when you show more interest in their business then in your own. Over time your efforts will be rewarded. Just being out there will set you apart from most.

How to Measure the ROI of your Web Projects

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:13:00 -0400

How to Measure the ROI of your Web Projects

The Importance of Measuring the ROI of your Web Projects

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:12:00 -0400

The Importance of Measuring the ROI of your Web Projects

5 Ways to Increase Your Website's Usability

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:11:00 -0400

5 Ways to Increase Your Website's Usability

10 Tips for a More Effective Home Page

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:10:00 -0400

10 Tips for a More Effective Home Page

I can’t stop laughing when I watch this video. Great start...

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:08:00 -0400

I can’t stop laughing when I watch this video. Great start to the day….

“5 Ways to Increase Your Website’s Usability” http://tinyurl.com/mppzg7

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:50:39 -0400

“5 Ways to Increase Your Website’s Usability” http://tinyurl.com/mppzg7

Google is creating a new social network! http://tinyurl.com/2u8lpx

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:50:39 -0400

Google is creating a new social network! http://tinyurl.com/2u8lpx

Friday mornings should always start with a 12 oz 3 shot Mocha.

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:35:57 -0400

Friday mornings should always start with a 12 oz 3 shot Mocha.

“10 tips for a more effective home page.” http://tinyurl.com/nuwvbz

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:35:57 -0400

“10 tips for a more effective home page.” http://tinyurl.com/nuwvbz

Yahoo Mosh: Yahoo’s next new social media. http://tinyurl.com/3bozx2

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:35:57 -0400

Yahoo Mosh: Yahoo’s next new social media. http://tinyurl.com/3bozx2

RT @Kelly208 Launch of the new Boise Young Pros website tomorrow! Check it out & mingle at...

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:39:53 -0400

RT @Kelly208 Launch of the new Boise Young Pros website tomorrow! Check it out & mingle at @HijinxComedy Friday at 5:30pm for the @BYP

Fine tunes in the office today. Dave is rocking the guitar!

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:52:25 -0400

Fine tunes in the office today. Dave is rocking the guitar!

Fingers crossed! We might get our new business cards tomorrow in time for the #BYP.

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:52:24 -0400

Fingers crossed! We might get our new business cards tomorrow in time for the #BYP.

“Intersection and Search and Social Media” http://tinyurl.com/r5nf88

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:02:56 -0400

“Intersection and Search and Social Media” http://tinyurl.com/r5nf88

Picture day @tsuvosocial! We will be posting our new pictures on our tumblr account today.

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:02:56 -0400

Picture day @tsuvosocial! We will be posting our new pictures on our tumblr account today.

“The importance of backlining” http://tinyurl.com/nd45rp

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:02:56 -0400

“The importance of backlining” http://tinyurl.com/nd45rp