Business is experiencing a new age -- the age of alliances. Companies are looking for a business or marketing partner who is trying to reach the same targets -- then teaming up to share resources. The problem is, alliances often fail. Most from lack of research, poor planning or trying to run before walking. Ask these questions when entering into an alliance:
A partner should bring to the table what you can't and vice versa. It's better for both of you in the long run to be candid. Be sure to understand your partner's capabilities, competence and methodologies. A successful alliance does not mean that you will always agree with each other. Often those differences can be an opportunity for to learn from one another.
While they are hard to come by, you can still get one if you know where to look. There are services such as www.mytollfreenumber.com which own blocks of memorable 800 numbers (as well as 888, 877 and 866). Depending on your needs, you can find a premium 800 number to use for specific geographic areas only (businesses across the country can share the same toll-free number, while having exclusive rights to the toll-free number for calls originating in selected zones) or for the entire United States.
These toll-free companies make their money from the set-up fee, a monthly fee based on the value of the number and on the number of zones selected, and by providing long distance service. While the long distance rates may be slightly more, if you believe your response rate would be higher with a memorable 800 number, then it might be worth the investment. In some cases you can negotiate to buy the number and switch it to your long distance carrier.
So don't give up hope. If you really want a memorable 800 number, you probably can get one. You just have to know who to call.
Remember in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy opened the door of her tornado-tossed home and stepped into a world of bright, rich color? MGM knew the power of using color to get attention.
Likewise, in ad design the proper use of color is critical. Color alone can communicate many things. It can set a tone. Lead the eye. Color can organize information and attract attention. For example, bullet points or subheads instantly attract more attention with the simple addition of color.
Bright, bold colors can create a sense of excitement and adventure, while softer, muted tones might convey a calmer, more relaxed mood.
Skillful use of color can be used to move the viewer through an ad from the key thought or image to the body text and finally to the close and call to action.
Color is a powerful attention-getting tool, as demonstrated in this poster. The simple use of one color created an impactful and memorable solution that really generated results.
Finally, be aware of what your competitors are doing with color in their advertising materials. Is it to your advantage to be similar or do you want to stand out from the crowd?
The faster the world moves, the more visually driven it becomes. And one of the most powerful tools you can use to stand out is not the Great Oz, it's color.
Before initiating any research study, ask yourself these questions:
You may find that you don't have the time or money for proper research, or that the information already exists. But, if you do need to field a study, the answers to these questions will help pave the way to your success.
A business colleague sends you an e-mail with a heartwarming story that you are asked to pass on to everyone you know. And then another well-intentioned e-mail spells out dreadful things that Company X is doing and encourages you to forward the e-mail to everyone you know. Tempting? Well, most e-mails that urge you to send to as many people as you can, even some of the virus alerts, are likely to be Internet hoaxes.
E-mail is a perfect medium for spreading rumors and urban legends, because it doesn't take too long to hit the send button. But, it doesn't make you look very smart if you're spreading false information. My favorite resource to check it out is www.urbanlegends.about.com. Type in a key word and it will explain the origin of the hoax or urban legend. Some have been around for years, so be sure to check it out before you forward.