Vol XI, No. 2 - Fall 2003
Contents |
In Focus |
Mapmaking |
Geonews |
Profile
In previous issues of The Mapping Specialist we have discussed the impact of technology on the art of mapmaking. In this issue, I will outline how technology has affected the marketing of Mapping Specialists' services and products.
The marketing and sales of MSL's products and services is an integral part of our success. We have a highly productive staff and produce a superior product, but without sales generating a revenue stream we cannot survive. This notion is nothing new to all of us. Just as in map production, technological advances have produced new, innovative, and client-friendly ways to market our services. Following is a list identifying these advances and how they impact our marketing and sales.
Web Site - In many cases a Web site has replaced--or at the very least augmented--the traditional printed company brochure. With the popularity of the web, our company's Web site has become the first "impression" of our goods and services. While the Web site is not an automated sales person, it has drawn interest to MSL and gives a thorough overview of the services we provide. Reach us at www.mappingspecialists.com.
E-mail - While many of us are inundated with "spam," or unwanted e-mail solicitations, this media has become useful in marketing MSL's services. Our Web site has a "contact" e-mail link to MSL's key departments. Many prospective customers now prefer to send an e-mail versus picking up the telephone and placing a call. Pricing proposals and additional materials can be efficiently delivered through this media, bypassing traditional delivery methods (i.e., mail, express courier, etc.). This system also allows our sales team to set up groups for mass e-mails to announce new services and products. However, we still enjoy speaking with you directly about your new projects.
Digital Displays--PDF, JPEG, GIF - These software applications have provided an effective way for marketing and sales to provide additional visual samples to you. MSL has extensive archives of products we have produced. These are valuable sources of examples, especially for potential clients. The beauty of this display process is that it is quick and can be tailored to your specific needs.
Laptop Computers - In our graphics-oriented industry, the laptop computer has become a necessity for the marketing/sales team. The ability to show prospective clients on-screen samples of our work is invaluable. The ability to perform simple design changes during a meeting is an added benefit. The laptop combined with a projector has proven effective in promoting our services.
Cell Phones - Like them or not, cell phones have become a necessary tool for everyone's marketing/sales professionals. While cell phones have been around for a number of years, their new compact style has made them a more effective tool. The cell phone allows MSL's sales team to be more readily accessible to our clients. Voice messages can be checked while making sales calls and support staff can be contacted to better serve you, the customer.
It is a given that technology will continue to advance and offer many new options to all aspects of our business in the future. At Mapping Specialists, we are committed to providing our employees with the best technology available both in map production and in sales. This in turn provides our clients with the best products and service available.
- Dave Knipfer
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