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This question has been closed, and points have been awarded.
Metrics On Results From Marketingprofs Questions
Posted By: Kamran on 1/23/2007 10:40 PM (CST) 250 Points
Dear All,

I am curious about a phenomenon, about the inputs we provide to others on this forum. I would really appreciate knowing, what impact did our contribution made to the bottom line of an enterprise.

Do we have any statisitics or any other feedback on the advice provided to questioners. I mean, we usually get points and that seems to be it. I haven't received any other indication of whether the advice was adopted / implemented or no. Did the questioner contact one of the experts and offer him / her some paid work or no? what did happen, after the question was closed? Did one of the experts contact another experts and said that, let explore possibilities of collaboration?

Any information in this regard?

Regards

Posted by: SRyan ;] Member Response
1/23/2007 11:06 PM (CST)
Hi, Kamran...

I'd guess that about 90% of the questions posted here are from visitors who get here via Google, share a dilemma (realtor tagline needed urgently -- yeesh!!), and never come back or communicate with other forum participants again.

It's that other 10% that keep things juicy here. I'm sure some of the top-ranked experts will shed some light about why that's so.

Don't hang around here expecting applause and oodles of gratitude. Keep participating because it's a great way to learn stuff, a place to connect with other smart marketers, and just a whole lot of darned fun!

Glad to have you on board! ;]

Shelley
 
Posted by: adammjw Accepted Answer
1/24/2007 3:00 AM (CST)
What will be interesting to know is what percentage of expert points is awarded on the basis of inactivity or no feedback on the part of the persons who as questions.

Rgds

Adam
 
Posted by: Kamran Author Response
1/24/2007 3:10 AM (CST)
Ryan / Adam,

Thanks for the quick response.

It seems that, we do not have any concrete data.

Ryan, 80:20 or in this case 90:10 rule for the inputs, we give. I am not expecting any applause (never received any in all the free of cost activities, I did). But still, it would be nice to know some details.

Another point, how many questioners, just accept ALL answers to a question, without judging them for benefits? Any idea?

Regards

Kamran
 
Posted by: NuCoPro Accepted Answer
1/24/2007 7:06 AM (CST)
I've been involved since the Forum Beta period, so I've seen the history unfold.

1. No way of knowing the "outcome" of advice being implemented, but I know it has been on MANY occasions.
2. I and others, even more so, have received paid work as a result of linkages from the Forum.
3. There have been numerous instances of Forum "experts" linking up on projects.

BTW - I agree wholeheartedly with Adam on the "REALTOR TAGLINE" questions. :)
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Accepted Answer
1/24/2007 9:40 AM (CST)
This is an open forum, no statistics. If someone uses their points, they may register as another person to ask another question. This is something I do not worry about.

I have gotten business, I have gotten eMail with Thank You's, I have made great friends, and have partnered on several projects led by other members of the forum.

And, I have made great friends from around the world. I don't believe stats are that important. The important thing is that the forum is growing, which is concrete evidence that its focus is working for tens of thousands of people around the world. Many people use the forum as a guide for their degree programs, and just watch the answers. (Greetings to all of you). I know for a fact that there are members of the Fortune 100 and Global 100 who also watch, and read the responses.

One of my best clients called me because they were reading responses. This site is a teaching tool for each of us, in every arena of marketing, as well as small business owners, and yes...even RE Agents needing a 'catchy' tagline...Yeesh.

They all deserve our respect. Each have a marketing issue that they believe is important to their success. Therefore, it is. It is we, who have chosen to spend our free time here, and share what we know and have learned from others, who must accept whatever comes...and help those with their dreams. Points are great, but not the determining factor for participation.

And, if you are a RE Agent, and reading this...go to "Search Questions" area and you will find hundreds of taglines for your use.

Finally, it is we who participate who enjoy the greatest benefit. We learn from our peers all we have forgotten during the years, as we have become hard, synical business persons.

I believe MarketingProfs helps to bring us back to center, and escort us, and demonstrate to us why and how we have become who and what we have become.

Good Question - Why did you ask it?

Randall
WMMA
"We can help you realize your dreams."
 
Posted by: bob glaza Accepted Answer
1/24/2007 6:35 PM (CST)
I'm a new member to KHE forum - already it's paid for my MarketingProfs subscription - which is dirt cheap!

How has it paid? By time saving and networking. Imagine building a network by having to travel the distances between each of us. Just as Randall responds. Its a teaching and learning tool with some sharp minds involved.

Tough to quantify - but still a good question spawning conversation, Kamran
 
Posted by: carrie77 Moderator Response
1/25/2007 7:01 AM (CST)
Randall -

As always, thank you for your sane voice of reason. The value of the forum is not in the points awarded, it is in the knowledge shared and contacts made.

KHE is unique in that members do share without worrying about "what's in it" for them. Unlike Karman, I don't think anyone's inputs are unappreciated or useless. Even if not exactly what someone was looking for, being shown diverging paths is often more of a help.

As to to concern about someone accepting all responses. I am on this forum at least twice a day. I would hazard an educated estimate that 99% of people who ask and close their question are discriminating and award points to the responses that gave them the most assistance. I am the wild card! If a question has had no activity in 10 days or has been open over 2 weeks and is no longer generating buzz, I close it. Since I did not ask the question, I won't make judgments about responses; therefore, I give everyone who responded points.

Carrie
 
Posted by: Kamran Author Response
1/25/2007 11:58 AM (CST)
Dear All,

I apologize, if I gave the wrong impression. As a marketer (at least, I try to think that, I am one), I want to quantify as many things as I can. So when I am asked, I have figures to back up my claims. I just brought the same philosophy here to KHE.

Randall (WMMA) says, growth of forum is concrete evidence of its effeciveness. I say, more evidence is needed to convince people.

I am a newbie here and have hardly participated in the discussions. Even with MY limited inputs (it took me 90 minutes total spread over a week or so), the results were amazing (got an offer to test drive a car in my Country - I live in Pakistan & KHE is US based).

Carrie, I gave inputs to the dreamers, because I wanted too, not because I wanted or expected a return. I expect my monetary return from my day job, KHE is a labor of love.

Butif this labor of love is generating a return (in whatever form) for us, then those of us (experts / volunteers / dabblers), who have received some response (financial, networks etc), have a duty to sing praises of KHE out loud here. Those of us, who have benefitted from the advice, should also say it out loud.

Gary (Vevolution), Randall (WMMA), you have received business through KHE. e.g. you say that due to your inputs on the forum, your revenues has increased by ?% etc.

Bob Glaza (Bobg) joined in september and already feels that his subscription has paid off. Wouldn't you say that is a terrific return on investment (4 months)?

If KHE can give these kinds of figures (Gary's, Randall's and Bob's etc), wouldn't that increase the value of KHE? wouldn't it get sponsorship / ads / subscriptions / attention etc?

We get our reward by meeting some very sharp people. Shouldn't we try to give some reward to KHE for giving us the opportunity to help people? to learn? to network? to gain business? Afterall, if KHE is there, then we are here, No KHE = No Us.

In the end, I apologize for my delayed response. I am travelling and have limited access to Internet.

Thanks to all of you, who have answered so far.
 
Posted by: Marketing-Riot Accepted Answer
1/25/2007 2:35 PM (CST)
I believe we give back to KHE by assisting with questions in the first place and that we help make the forum strong via that participation. I also find this a useful forum as a sounding board for me...so that I get a better feel of what value my ideas have as I offer assistance to others.

This is a great placee to learn from one another. Since I discovered KHE I have added numerous ideas to my personal collection, site links, research sources, etc.

Donna
Marketing Riot
 
Posted by: NuCoPro Accepted Answer
1/25/2007 3:02 PM (CST)
Kamran,

Our Forum is a global community dedicated to providing all types of marketing suggestions/comments/ideas to our fellow participants. I don't participate to get business, although that has happened, but it is minor - no real impact on company operations.

I participate to learn and to share. It's great to know that spending five minutes of your time can provide invaluable assistance to someone you've never met before - perhaps on the other side of the world from you! I've "chatted" with people from literally everywhere on the globe in this forum and my life has been broadened by it.

And I couldn't begin to guess how much, on incredibly diverse topics, I've learned through my participation. There have been countless things that I have been able to put to use, or to pass on to others.
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Member Response
1/25/2007 3:44 PM (CST)
Kamran: I do not support my business on this forum. I energize my business from the information shared by people from around the Big Blue Marble.

To begin to explain the benefit would take months. It is endless. And, it is not counted in dollars. My earnings from KHE, compared to my other efforts is so minute, it isn't worth mentioning.

My "payoff" is in a thank you, a special note from someone who has had benefit of my experience. If you need validation, stick around and develop your own spreadsheets, based upon whatever criteria serves your purpose.

You seem to want to establish reasons to be able to sell ads n' such for KHE. Fantastic!! That's great. That would be a wonderful project for you to pursue.

My goals are to stay ahead of Marcus and get ahead of Michael (lol).

My personal KHE goals are to:
1. Assist those who ask...taking every post as seriously as possible...knowing it is important to the poster.

2. Learn from those more knowledgeable than I. And, that is a long list.

3. Become a better marketing consultant for my clients. They deserve the best I can give to them.

I need no more validation than to achieve these goals.

The money takes care of itself. All (99.9998%) of my annual revenue comes from referrals. Based upon that alone...I have increased revenue for White Mountain Marketing Associates by 122% this year (2007), so far.

KHE is part of my fun. If I'm having fun...KHE works for me.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: telemoxie Accepted Answer
1/25/2007 8:27 PM (CST)
Kamran: It seems to me you are missing the whole point of this worldwide community and forum. That is truly sad, I honestly feel sorry for you.

To answer your direct question, I have gotten a few small projects, mostly difficult ones - but this is surely not a moneymaker for me. I participate for other reasons. Believe me, there are plenty of easier and less time consuming ways to find business..

I do not believe you will discover the value of this forum and worldwide network with your ROI calculator.

When I think back over the advice we have given - some of the most helpful and needed advice was to folks who were in a tight spot, and needed some real world advice or encouragement. We have given young people direction and guidance. We have advised folks to get out of difficult jobs or situations.

I approach each day thankful that I have a support group who can keep me more up to date in this rapidly changing world.
 
Posted by: Kamran Author Response
1/25/2007 11:00 PM (CST)
First, I think I should have selected a better caption for the question. this one seems to be inappropriate.

Second, I agree with all of you (Donna, Gary, Randall and Dave), that all of us get returns from KHE in non-monetary terms and that KHE has enriched our lives in different ways. I joined KHE for the same reason (NOT for financial gain, but to learn, help people and become a better service provider to my clients).

Third, I am not interested in selling ads & such for KHE (would not know, who to approach in US - different market). I just want some concrete facts available to KHE, if THEY want to do this.

Fourth, Paraphrasing Tom Clancy, "the only stupid quetion is the one not asked". If I am missing the point, then I can only improve myself by learning and learning can only take place by asking questions, even questions like this.

Fifth, a few general things.
a. Randall, Congragulations on the increase in business.
b. Again Randall, what is the the big blue marble and I am guessing that, marcus & michael are colleagues.
c. Dave, I am also thankfu for the support group. But the opportunity to talk things out with experts, who keep you jumping is more important for me.
d. Gary, I am based in Pakistan and for me, you are at the other side of the globe. In fact, I would say that 80% of the people live on the other side of the world from me. now where else, can i interact with such a great bunch of people?
e. Donna, reading the articles has been a great plus point for me, generating ideas and avoidng making mistakes.

Finally, thank you to all. so far it has been an interesting ride.
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Member Response
1/26/2007 10:07 AM (CST)
1. Big Blue Marble: Earth from the perspective of the moon.
2. Marcus is #3..Michael #1 in Top 100 Consultants on KHE.
They are highly respected colleagues and KHE members...well, Michael is (lol).

The best to you.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: mrgiordano2000 Accepted Answer
1/26/2007 10:08 AM (CST)
Jumping in a bit late on this.

As a web developer with limited Marketing experience this web site has been tremendous in the Marketing assistance and knowledge I have gained from simply reading questions and answers.

I have limited amounts to offer this community so I focus on Web Critique and have hopefully helped others as much as I have been helped.

I think a majority of the people here feel the same way, this forum is active, the information is valuable, and the community is extremely talented in many fields. To try and quantify that would be near impossible.

Most of what we offer is subjective. Advice on a particular question may have no value to the original poster but provide a tremendous value to someone else.

Overall I don't think you can measure subjective principles in any quantitative way. Simply knowing there is a way to help and receive help is the only way to assign a value to this community.
 
Posted by: jpoyer Accepted Answer
1/26/2007 2:48 PM (CST)
Interesting thread. On one hand, I can see how it would be neat to see with concrete examples how we are helping people, but on the other hand, I feel like I have gained more from reading everyone's posts, and having to really think through my own (we're in company of some heavy gurus here) before hitting that post button; so to me, seeing the growth in my own thinking is "reward" enough. And every now and then, someone contacts me off forum and they thank me for my help, and that's gotta be one of the best things ... big warm fuzzies to know that I might have made a difference for someone who I may not have crossed paths with otherwise ....

I would almost be more interested in hearing what everyone thinks about what I have to say about things. I might get brave and post that someday. Sort of like sending out invitations to the choir christmas party you decided to host at your house in 8th grade (what was I thinking?), and wondering who would show. Sometimes, I am awed by the responses I read here, and the only thing I regret is that I just don't have more time to be more involved.

I actually sent a potential client here yesterday to post his dilemma about his tagline, because I knew he would get a lot of great feedback and it WOULD REALLY help. And yeah, that might cost me some business, but the reason I do this is not because I want to make a million dollars. I want to work in a profession when I can really make a positive difference for people. And on so many levels, this whole ... marketing jungle thing is really "it" for me.

And I think on some level, that's why many of us do this. We enjoy sharing with others what we know, and we enjoy the prospect of helping just because. And there are enough side benefits, like everyone else has mentioned, that makes it even more worthwhile.

Jennifer
XPRT Creative
 
Posted by: telemoxie Member Response
1/26/2007 4:01 PM (CST)
I'm still trying to decide if you are deliberately trying to insult our entire forum with your headline, or are doing it accidentally.

It is certainly one of the most negative question headlines I have seen. It is sad to see it come up every time I go to the main MarketingProfs page.

You have said above that you regret the headline. Yet by leaving the question open, you leave this negative comment on our forum main page, so that everyone who volunteers their time by participating in our forum can be insulted by it.

Which is it?

1) you intend to insult us, or
2) you have no sense whatsoever of how to communicate in a civilized manner.

My guess is number 2. That, as a person unfamiliar with business customs, you insult others unintentionally. The amazing thing is: you continue to leave this negative message on our page, despite our friendly comments.

As someone who has spent many hours trying to offer what little help I can, I take personal offence at your headline, and ask you to close this question.

I will continue to offer "free advice" - despite your judgement and pronouncement that such advice is "unappreciated and useless".

p.s. If you would like to try to learn about doing business in a less hostile and argumentative manner, I will be happy to try to advise you. For example, if I were you, I would begin by reading the book, "How to make friends and influence people".
 
Posted by: Kamran Author Response
1/27/2007 4:32 AM (CST)
Randall,
Thanks for the information. You are the kind of person, I would like to be. someone, who keeps his cool, no matter what.

Giordano,
I have been and am involved in giving subjective inputs. The issue is that, as a Developmental Professional, we are told to quantify our oupts. They (funding agencies etc) are not interested in the fact, that we make a difference in the lives of people. They want facts & figures and giving them quantifiable results gets difficult, if not impossible at times. But still we have to try, thus the question.

Jennifer,
I believer that, everyone is great. The only difference is that, the known great ones are never afraid to share their views. People like us, we are not brave enough to share ours.
You sent a client to this place, because though, you were not able to help him, but others here would be. You didn't make any money now, but is he or she going to forget about this? My opinion, the client will remember that, you acknowledged your ignorance and tried to help. So hopefully, a long term relationship will start. I wish, I can be this good with all my clients (some are just too difficult to be pleasant to).

Dave,
I apologize for the offence, I caused you. But isn't there a famous saying, that "I might not agree with you, but I will defend to death, your chance to say what you think".
If my judgement & pronouncement are wrong, please let me know about it, in no uncertain terms. But at least give me the chance to express my opinion for however long, I have that opinion.
I would like to take you up that offer for help.

All,
I am summarizing the discussion so far, everyone is sharing expertise and offerring, because they want to and because it is fun.
People have received individual feedback (thank yous etc), they have also received paid work, but there are no specific figures.
Finally, KHE has helped particpants develop themselves through all the questions, comments and articles.
 
Posted by: carrie77 Moderator Response
1/27/2007 6:15 AM (CST)
Hi Everyone -

I am closing this question and awarding points because I think it is time to do so. No, it hasn't run it's course or been open for 2 weeks, but the question title upsets members and the asker has never requested it be changed.

Thank you everyone for your valliant defense of the Forum and understanding what it is here for.

Thanks for participating!
Carrie
 
Posted by: Kamran Author Response
2/14/2007 1:20 AM (CST)
A Clarification

I have been told in no uncertain terms, that people found the title objectionable.

To be honest about it, I could have phrased the title in a better way and despite all my follow up efforts to make amends, the title still rubbed people the wrong way.

What I wanted were useful and meaningful metrics to help me convince people that Business Advisory Services (inputs by experts to a business or consultancies) are effective and efficient. Right now, where I work, BAS, especially free BAS are considered to be useless as well as unappreciated. Hence the title of the question.

Metrics on results from MarketingProfs questions would have served me as a case study, which I could have shared with others around me and tried to convince them of the benefits of BAS.

So I would be asking the moderator to change the title and I apologize to all people, who were offended by the title.

Regards
 
Posted by: Tommy Valentine Member Response
3/19/2007 3:57 AM (CST)
While I'm certainly not a marketeer, I think of myself of being creative and I just like to help people with my ideas. Whether they use it or not is up to them.

Who knows, maybe I can launch a company into super stardom with a catchy tagline. That would be nice!
 


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