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Attention Professional Marketers: Would You Agree ...Premium Member
Posted By: W.M.M.A. on 2/10/2007 8:04 PM (CST) 250 Points
...that the more we learn and know about each other's projects, the more we may be able to assist one-another to increase our profitability and grow our businesses?

It is not about points, it is about long-term relationship development, and growth. I am willing to put up a few points to learn about how we (WMMA) can help you...how you can help my firm...and, how we can impact our various businesses.

I believe if we began to communicate, on, and/or off-forum, and share the types of projects we are working on, and/or particular issues, we may be able to...who knows ?

My clients may need to meet someone in a specific business or vertical in which you have direct access. You may know that person. If you believe in the 6 Degrees program, you are closer than you know to taking a next-step for either your firm or for your client firms.

What types of projects are you working on? In which areas would you like to have more contacts/introductions? Do your clients need introductions in any specific areas?

Here it is, my fellow colleagues, the informal launch of The KHE Professional Network.

If you attend local networking groups, this is no different, except for the fact that it is global, and there are potentially thousands of new opportunities and hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased revenue for you and/or your clients, and potentially that "one opportunity" you have been seeking, that could make a difference in your company.

So, what do you think?
What are you working on?
Who do you need to meet?
Any concepts you have in your mind that you would like to launch, but there is something missing? It may be here.

WMMA is willing to sign any NDA/NPA, if necessary.

Randall
WMMA

Posted by: CarolBlaha Accepted Answer
2/10/2007 8:15 PM (CST)
Hi Randall-- you are da man!

This is a great idea -- I've learned and appreciated any of your posts I have read. It would be wonderful to fusion market and network with you.

My focus is sales. I train and mentor companies to find, acquire and retain profitable customers. If you click on my name, you'll find my website.

Carol
Sell Well and Prosper tm
 
Posted by: Billd724 Accepted Answer
2/10/2007 8:24 PM (CST)
Randall --

You rascal! Now I understand what you were suggesting to me in an email not too long ago. ;-)

I commend your largess . . . and know it will be coming back to you many, many times over.

I'll plan to follow-up with you directly . . . I agree with Carol that you're a good soul and abundance, not scarcity, is driving you on this project.

I have, potentially, much to contribute into such a venture. Let's talk very soon.

Kudos, Randall . . .

Bill '-)
 
Posted by: msumner1* Member Response
2/10/2007 8:32 PM (CST)
I do Web design and development, and I have a lot of friends who do software development in C++ and C#.

I have also been a computer/network consultant, and worked as a paralegal at a law firm in Bethesda, Maryland specializing in personal injury cases.

I want to meet people who are starting new businesses and need Web sites and office networks. There are some brilliant minds on this forum though, so I'd really like to get to know everyone here.

Great post!
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
2/10/2007 8:58 PM (CST)
Carol: I thought you would be one of the first to respond. Thank you, for your kind words. This project could lead to the largest breakfast networking meeting in the history of...breakfast networking meetings.

Bill: Great site. Again...thank you. Like many of our colleagues on the site, we're "gittin' er done".

We have learned to follow our own advice, (our clients watch us closely-keeping us focused), and keep our business and marketing strategies fluid...in pencil as I used to say. Although we have plenty of work, we have no objections to growth. Of course, keeping overhead down, increases the size of thenumber in the 'bottom, right-hand-corner' of the P&L, bringing on new personnel, and opening other offices, as necessary, are not out of the question. The development and nurturing of new relationships, and introduction to new concepts is very exciting and usually fruitful. Thanks again, Bill.

Michael, thanks for the info. You are in a very competitive market. How do differentiate yourself? One of my local colleagues is also in "IT" support business. We had a long conversation about the term "IT". So many businesses state that they are in the "IT" business...but, what does that mean? "I am in the IT support business." What is that? I believe the business consumer is confused as to the true meaning of the term, and the various areas of "IT". When one enters into this field, and truly defines their position in the arena, I believe they will have more opportunities to put themselves before the various decision makers. Thanks for the response.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: msumner1* Accepted Answer
2/10/2007 9:43 PM (CST)
I set myself apart from the crowd by having the ability to explain extremely technical problems to client in a way that makes perfect sense to them. I have a lot of teachers in my family, and they have rubbed off on me.

One of the main complaints people have about their IT department or the IT company they use is that the technician tries to belittle them with overly technical jargon. People don't like to feel stupid, and I take great care not to let that happen.

After I stopped doing IT work for a living, I called my clients and referred them to other companies so they wouldn't be stuck with a bad one. Some of them still call me to this day when they have problems, even though I haven't worked IT for over a year.

At my last non-technical job, I would pitch in and fix problems so we didn't have to wait for our IT company to pay us a visit. I would explain what was going on to my coworkers as I fixed the problems. One day a new printer arrived and I went downstairs to set it up. When I got there, they already had it plugged in and networked throughout the office without any help from me. It really made me feel good to see that they weren't afraid of technology any more, because when I started there they would call me down to clear a paper jam.

I'm trying to build a Web development business now, and I'm still feeling out the market and trying to position myself. It's a work in process, but I find software allows me to be more creative and presents me with more challenges than working in IT did.

To me, IT is a blanket term that holds little meaning, but I often use it to avoid using technical job titles/duties that others may not understand. A company in the "IT business" probably offers a variety of services from networking, databases, hardware, software, security or consulting. The problem with most IT work is that certain disciplines flow into others, so it's hard to give it a name.
 
Posted by: michael Accepted Answer
2/10/2007 11:01 PM (CST)
Randall,
Excellent timing. Seriously. I've been mulling over the fact that there are some projects I'd rather not do, but feel I must go after anyway.

I'd like to get back to what I really know and that's travel industry marketing. I've done too much other stuff that I don't enjoy when someone else here could do it (maybe as well) and really enjoy the project.

AND...well forget it for now. Just some stuff brewing that might help some of you all.

Michael
 
Posted by: telemoxie Member Response
2/11/2007 11:44 AM (CST)
I would be happy to try to work together in some way. My business model is to work on long term projects for small clients (typical client is a President of a specialized firm with 5 or fewer employees). This means I'm walking away from larger projects that some of you may have an interest in.
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
2/11/2007 11:56 AM (CST)
This is exactly the type of response I was seeking. Now, shouldn't we use the "Post a Project" section, so KHE stays involved in this process. If it weren't for KHE, we would not have the relationships we have.

????
Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: telemoxie Accepted Answer
2/11/2007 12:43 PM (CST)
I personally would not recommend using the Post a Project section. I have referred specific potential projects to specific folks, based on my personal relationship with them and my understanding of their expertise.

If I feel that a certain expert can help a prospective client, I would prefer to continue to refer folks to that expert alone, or possibly to a small list of hand-picked experts...

For example, it has been fun reading Carol's posts, and we serve related and similar types of companies. I feel that I have a pretty good idea of the sort of project she would be excellent at - and would prefer to make a one-to-one introduction in those cases.

Naturally, I would like to get to know Carol and other folks better - for example, I'm glad to know that Michael knows the travel industry well... but I think an alternate solution might be a "get acquainted" session, which could result in targeted referrals, rather than a more sterile web-based approach.

I'm no expert on networking... but I have been to networking meetings where one member will get to know another, and will then introduce them to the group... could a similar sort of approach make sense here?

In my particular case, I have dramatically scaled back my own marketing (ever seen an uglier web site than mine?) in part because I do not know what I would do with more business if I got it. But, if we each had a list of specialists to whom we could refer folks - we could each spend more time doing what we love, and what we are best at.
 
Posted by: NuCoPro Accepted Answer
2/11/2007 12:54 PM (CST)
Randall,

Count me in! I have a couple of ideas on how we can have regular verbal communications at no cost. Since we're spread all over this might be very useful.

It sounds like you may have some ideas on how to "organize" our professional network, so perhaps we can arrange a meeting to kick around how this may work.

Great Idea!

Gary
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
2/11/2007 2:27 PM (CST)
Dave, if more knew what you did...it would change the "new plans" you have been working on. That may be good.

Gary...send me the ideas, and let's do some kicking.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: Blissful Member Response
2/11/2007 2:47 PM (CST)
Why re-create the platform that LinkedIn already has? Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems the easiest way to accomplish this is by setting up a KHE group on LinkedIn...yes/no?
 
Posted by: BARQ Accepted Answer
2/11/2007 4:38 PM (CST)
Randall,

We provide B2B marketing support to SMB manufacturers in the US (with HQs in US, EU and Pacific Rim), particularly those in material handling, metal working, power / hand tools and process equipment. Our core competnecy is in marketing design and brand stewardship. We partner with small firms or independent contractors to provide associated servicers from trademark registration and CRM to specialty illustration and web programming.

Our clients have been located from OR and CO to MA and NJ -- we are located in NC.

Our team works on a per-job basis without contracts or retainers, but we build long-term relationships with companies which may have in-house marketing people, but need a trusted partner to hand off projects that take time, expertise or attention that is not available internally.

Our business was founded 24 years ago to address the needs of business marketers who don't need (or trust) the typical big agency way of doing business -- just a dependable, trustworthy supplier.

We are currently in need of web programmers who take our web designs and all creative elements (copywriting, site organization, photography, illustrations, etc) and make it work flawlessly on all common browsers -- and at a price that allows us to get paid for our organization, creative and brand stewardship contribution.

Other infrequent needs include localized assistance doing personnel and customer interviews to identify / confirm a client's percieved core values or brand.

Although the popular belief is that manufacturing in the US has a diminishing future, we believe that effective marketing and branding will help US companies compete better on a global scale.

Let's see where this goes! Thanks for getting it rolling, Randall!


BARQ
SELMARQ
Brands' Best riend
 
Posted by: BARQ Member Response
2/11/2007 4:44 PM (CST)
Don't know HOW my message gets repeatedly posted!!

BARQ
 
Posted by: msumner1* Member Response
2/11/2007 5:31 PM (CST)
Jeff, I have been doing Web development in PHP and MySQL for 6 years. If you ever need a programmer feel free to contact me! Visit my profile for bio and contact information.
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
2/11/2007 6:57 PM (CST)
DavidBliss:
Not trying to reinvent anything. LINKEDIN is just that, a link where everyone signs up to be in everybody else's "network". That kind of ends it. And, that is LINKEDIN.

This is MarketingProfs. Although I do not represent MarketingProfs, in any way, I believe that the more we know about each other, the more we can slowly begin to utilize the services of our 'associates'.

If I need (due to a client need/desire) to enter the New Zealsnd markets, I am going to need help. If I am "aware" and "aware" is the keyword, in my opinion...if I am aware that someone on this forum has roots in those markets, I have an opportunity to assist my clients to enter the marketplace, through a strong relationship, already nurtured through MP/KHE.

That's all I am suggesting. No reinvention....UNLESS, it is a reinvention of the old "Lions Club or Rotary Club" concept that you work closely with those in your 'neighborhood' or 'city'.

Thanks to MP/KHE, everyone is assembled, and already has knowledge of their site colleagues. I want to know more. I want to provide more. I want my colleagues to know that if there is any market in which I have traction that I can help them enter...just ask.

If Wayde asks me for assistance to enter the largest medical center community in the country "The Texas Medical Center, in Houston, Texas" and Wayde tells me he has a practice management client that needs some introductions...I am more than confident, through my relationship and knowledge of Wayde's company, that if I make the introductions, the prospects, will be well-treated, and respected.

I am seeking to expand the relationship aspect of our association with each other.

I see that you are an "enthusiastic advocate"with experience in B2B, with alot of experience the sports product marketing field.

Already, I am keeping my eyes open for opportunities for you. See...easy.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: wordofmouthguru Accepted Answer
2/11/2007 8:10 PM (CST)
Excellent idea. This community certainly offers a wealth of perspectives on marketing issues. I'm sure there are also a wealth of viable strategic partnerships and alliances that such a network would develop, foster and promote.

gL Market Research is a full-service marketing consulting firm specializing in market research, brand management, strategic marketing, brand marketing, sports marketing and sponsorship management.

We are currently working with a state public health agency to determine the impact of a recently completed advertising campaign. The campaign was targeted to women 18-44 and was designed to increase awareness of the availability of help for perinatal depression, aka, the "Baby blues".

We are also working with local chambers of commerce to develop member satisfaction assessment programs.

We can be reached at [Email address and URL AGAIN deleted by staff. Please read the Important Guidelines.]
 
Posted by: Blissful Accepted Answer
2/11/2007 8:26 PM (CST)
Randall,
Your goal is certainly worthy -- and I much appreciate your keeping your eyes open for me! -- but I thought the point of people filling out their profiles on MP is to avoid all 200K MP members responding to your "question" by telling everyone else what they do? If someone needs a resource among the MP community, is there not a way to search on profiles?

As you may know, LinkedIn goes beyond "just" networking to establish an orderly system of introductions and permissions to enable control of how one's network gets leveraged. It appears MP doesn't do this, but I haven't studied the MP site long enough to know.

LinkedIn also has profiles and Q&A functionality, but the KHE system is obviously more focused on marketing. That's why I'm suggesting there be a separate MP/KHE "private" user group, which would help MP/KHE participants network amongst themselves only...while also being a part of the larger LinkedIn network.

With all due respect,
Dave
 
Posted by: mbarber Accepted Answer
2/12/2007 10:16 PM (CST)
Gidday Randall, tad busy so apologies for the delay.

The website (lufg.com.au) says pretty much what I do and where I want to play. I'm pretty confident that you've seen my brain at work enough to understand me :-)

Whilst I can dabble in most areas of business, other than giving some strategic assessment of their approach, I tend NOT to get involved in Marketing or Branding stuff (yes yes I know this site is 'MarketingProfs'...). I prefer and am more helpful for my clients in working with them on strategy development across a wide domain.

What I do extremely well is help clients see additional perspectives that they might not have considered and often these are things that would blindside their business. I pretty much NEVER tell the client what they should do and almost ALWAYS make them aware of things that I believe are worth further consideration and inclusion in their thinking.

This year I am focusing on completing the second book, enhancing the use of my downtime by finding additional short term projects to get involved in, and increasing my reach into overseas markets, in particular New Zealand and Singapore (though am spreading a feeler into both the UK and Sweden). I am keen to learn how I can do what I do better and how I can run and develop my business more effectively.

I am attracted to clients and projects that challenge my brain and working with clients that have a desire to do what they do with greater elegance than they do now. I have very little desire to take on a client for the sake of the cheque, no matter how big the cheque.

Marcus :-)
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
2/12/2007 10:23 PM (CST)
Thanks Mate: Anything I can do for you...I'm here..just ask.
Thanks for update.

David, I want to go further. I'm sure there are a lot of sites one can go to get whatever one wants. I want to stay here, and build and grow the relationships on KHE. Many of us are linkedin as well, but generate the most amount of growth information on KHE.

If I had my druthers, I would build KHE before LinkiedIN. I have loyal collegues all around the world, with whom I have had relationships for many many months. I will continue this growth on this site.

Randall
WMMA

Couldn't hurt...could it?
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Author Response
2/13/2007 8:28 AM (CST)
This has run its course. I will continue to move forward w/concept. Anyone interested in forming what I will tentatively call "The KHE Group" just let me know.

Great Rest of The Week, all.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: A-Lux Member Response
2/13/2007 7:52 PM (CST)
Hi Randall,

Please keep me in the loop as well. This is a great idea. I belong to Linkedin and soflow and ZoomInfo etc. but I have gotten no business leads from those places.

I have extensive publishing experience and work with several publishing companies.

I am trying to get enough clients so I can have my own consultancy.

My email is in my profile.

Thank you. And thank you for starting this opportunity.
 


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