Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Dave,

There is very successful company here that does on-site support and networking called Data Doctors at www.datadoctors.com

So successful they now franchise - everybody here knows of them.

Early on the founder bought a HumVee (not a Hummer H2, but the real thing) had it painted bright, red logo'd up, and parked it all kinds of events. They now do the same with a number of Hummers and somehow manage to always have them strategically located at major events.

They also have hosted a radio show for many years. The founder writes in the local press, has a cable show and is very often quoted in local press, he long ago became the "go-to" guy for the press when they need a local soundbite.

These 2 PR tactics alone have been instrumental in getting them where they are.

Of course, they also provide excellent service at a fair price.

I hope that helps.

Who is your target audience? Are you after individual home users, small businesses, medium- or large-size businesses?

The answer will probably be different depending on your primary target audience. For example, you would want to approach the CIO at a large company (with several locations and numerous high-capacity T1 or T3 lines) using a very different pitch than you would use with a senior citizen who is using a dial-up connection and a trial subscription to AOL.

Your question reminded me of the SNL-sketches with 'the company's computer guy', which feature a computer guy who talks down on whomever asks for support and uses each opportunity to make them feel stupid. It may be fun to spoof off those recognizable situations and contrast them with your client's competent AND friendly support. Just a thought...