WRITTEN ON February 7th, 2012 BY admin AND STORED IN Secret Diary of a List Broker

Tags: databroker, secret diary of a list broker, telemarketing

As a data broker, I am a cog in the direct marketing machine and very much an advocate of ‘good’ outbound marketing.  Few can argue that there isn’t a place for successful outbound telemarketing within the marketing mix.

What I can certainly argue against and make no apologies for is the current use of offshore call centres and how UK brands just don’t seem to understand what their customer perceptions are.

And no, I am not going to make this warm and fuzzy and call them contact centres or Contact Ambassadors or other such guff – they are call centres plain and simple.  Mice on the wheel, power diallers on, input the telephone numbers and off you go.  I am not saying that’s how all call centres work of course, just the ones that I seem to be unfortunate enough to receive calls from.  

I suppose this highlights just how many companies still make poor choices for direct marketing strategy and techniques.

Today I received a very rude call from an offshore call centre based within the sub-continent.  There are many things that gall me about these calls such as the delay, the apparent rudeness of the staff (I appreciate this is merely language barrier nuances but it’s still a factor – eg “Hello – this call is about the internet right?”  I don’t know, is it?  Is that a question? ) and how when challenged, the staff are quite happy to talk or even shout over you.  

However, you could easily get that from poor telemarketing companies in the UK as well so it’s important to recognise that balance.

What irritates me the most is the obvious lie about the contact centre employees’ name.  It’s infuriating.  I have never been called from the sub continent and not had someone speak to me with a very western name – how strange.

I even had ‘John Connor’ of Terminator fame call me last week.  Today it was ‘Jessica’. When googling common first names of those regions, western names are nowhere to be seen; so why is it that I am recipient to such tremendous mathematical odds.  Why can’t this million to 1 chance be given to me in the shape of a lottery ticket instead?

What is as equally depressing is that the call centres feel that have to do this or are being told too. That’s poor in itself.  But be that as it may, how can I ever put trust in the brand (are you reading this big UK telecoms/utilities/banks ?? ) when within 10 seconds their ambassador has already lied to me!!?  I would have far greater respect if they introduced themselves with their correct name.

So the next time that Simon Walsh or Louis Cowell calls me asking about my broadband I will be ending the call.  However if you are called Rakesh, let me know and it will be nice to speak to you. Maybe the next time my broadband goes down, I should give the repair line a call and say that my name is ‘Mick Dundee’ – see how they like it.

Databroker is a huge fan of telemarketing as we see the results that our clients get using our data as fuel for great campaigns.  To get the most ROI from your telemarketing, give us a call and like your beef shopping – “Buy British” speak to UK telemarketing companies.  They will do a great job.  0161 941 5700 or email info@data-broker.co.uk

Click Here for more honest opinions and refreshing candor in “The Secret Diary of a List Broker”

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WRITTEN ON January 27th, 2012 BY admin AND STORED IN Databroker Approved Partners, Guest Blogs, Leading Expertise

Tags: databroker, databroker approved partners, newton fox telemarketing

We have a great guest blog today from one of our Databroker Approved Partners: Chris Newton from Newton Fox Telemarketing.

Chris discusses the “perfect” time to make a telemarketing call; whether the perfect time acutally exists or whether we just make excuses not to make that call?

Perfect Time To Call?

All these recent bank holidays have reminded me about a principle I have known for many years now but is still widely ignored by most. It concern the debate about when to make sales calls and, more forcefully, when not to.

Conventional wisdom has it that there are certain times in the day that are no good for making cold calls, like 9-10am, (too early), 12 -2pm, (lunchtime), and after 4pm (too late).

Then there are the bad times to call in the week, like Monday morning, (too grumpy) and Friday afternoon (too sleepy). Then there’s the bad times of the year to call. Bank holiday weeks (everyone’s on holiday), summer (same reason), December (everyone’s in party mode) and January (too grumpy again!)

So, let’s see. We’ve now reduced the working week from 37.5 hrs to 16 and got rid of at least three months off the working year. Not bad if you’re a sales person, eh? So let me ask you a question. Who do you think started these myths? That’s right, sales people. Sales people who would rather be on the golf course than in the office. Sales people who want an extended lunch break every day and two months at Christmas.

Think about it. Was your last Monday morning really that different to your last Tuesday morning? Really? And what about lunch. When was the last time you, or anyone you know for that matter, went out for a two hour slap up at lunch-time? Most people I know grab a sandwich at their desk if they’re lucky.

As for Friday afternoons? Most people are in a good mood, reluctant to start a new project and so are often very receptive. Even if these people were right (which twenty five years telesales experience tells me they’re most definitely are not) then why follow like sheep? You’ll be the only sales call on a Monday morning giving you a distinct advantage.

There is a serious consideration here and it’s about attitude. If you’re the person tasked with promoting your company and its services then you should be on the phone at every conceivable minute. The very second you start saying to yourself that there might be a better time than another to pick the phone up you’ll start analysing and over analysing until one day you’ll reduce your working week to just a couple of hours here and there because ‘they’ say that’s how it works.

Well, I say absolute rubbish! Get on that phone, morning noon and night. I once called a company who said I was ‘wasting my time’ because the guy who makes decisions works nights and doesn’t start until 11pm. So I rang at 11.30pm and asked if I could come to see him. Now? He asked, very surprised that someone was actually making a “sales call” at such an hour. “Yes,” I said, “right now. Why not?”

I got the business and the company went on to spend an awful lot of money with my business in the following months.

So, the next time you hear yourself or someone else saying that this isn’t a good time to call then ignore that voice and get on with it. You’ll be very glad you did.

Follow @New3Chris

Chris Newton, founder of Newton Fox has spent almost three decades in direct sales and launched four separate companies from a standing start to multi-million pound concerns during that time.  Chris attributes his success to hard work, honesty and a willingness to put the customer first at every stage of the sales process.

Newton Fox came into existence to help any business realise its full potential and Chris, together with wife Julie, has put together a formidable team of well trained sales professionals to help achieve this.

For more information on Newton Fox and any of the services they provide please contact Chris on 01204 368491 or alternatively e-mail chris@newtonfoxtelemarketing.co.uk

If you would like more information on the Databroker Approved Partner scheme then please contact us on 0161 941 5700 or email info@data-broker.co.uk

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WRITTEN ON January 26th, 2012 BY admin AND STORED IN B2B Telemarketing

Tags: b2b data, b2b telemarketing, databroker

A massive 84% of B2B brands view telemarketing as “important” and above, with a huge 60% of those stating that telemarketing was with “Critical” or “Very Important” to their organisations.  Here at Databroker we tend to agree!

According to a new survey conducted by B2B Marketing Magazine in association with The Telemarketing Company, telemarketing remains an essential tool in generating sales and nurturing those hard earned leads in the B2B world.

Within the new digital age of tweets, +1s and like buttons, this is great news for the tried and tested marketing behemoth.  Telemarketing can and does get results.  And the results of the survey prove it.

Top uses of B2B telemarketing

The top three objectives of B2B telemarketing campaigns were: 75% use telemarketing for prospecting/lead generation, 68% for booking sales appointments and 64% use it for following up direct mail.

This shows that telemarketing plays a vital part in lead generation and lead nurturing.  Nothing is as powerful or can get your message across better than a well executed phone call. 

This isn’t to say that other forms of marketing such as email, direct mail and the new social media era do not have their part to play in generating sales.  The increasingly favoured ‘drip’ approach of having a constant flow of marketing messages going out to your target audience, rather than one-hit wonder campaigns, shows that continual communication works best.

B2B telemarketing investment on the rise

More good news, telemarketing investment is on the up.  45% said spend is higher this year than last and 31% say that spend will increase further in 2012.  Another encouraging note, 75% said that the economic doom and gloom has resulted in an increase of telemarketing budget as marketers fall back on the fail safe methods of getting their message across and their sales up.

No they weren’t “the good old days”…

Despite all of the above, this doesn’t give the green light on a zombie like resurrection of the much maligned cold calling of days gone by.  Poor quality B2B data, rude telesales staff and inappropriate offers are all a big no no.

None of these impressive statistics can be achieved without the right fuel.  Getting the B2B data lists right is a solid platform to build a successful telemarketing campaign.  Put the wrong list in and get a poor return out.

A telephone number is not just a telephone number. At Databroker we can tell you the meaning behind the numbers and advise you on the right selections for your telemarketing campaign. 

Jack of all trades = master of none

One more handy hint:  Stick to the experts at every stage, don’t allow telemarketing companies to source your data and don’t allow data companies to conduct your telemarketing, this is a recipe for disaster.

We love telemarketing and we love making your telemarketing campaigns better.  Call Databroker today for free and impartial advice from the B2B Data experts.  0161 941 5700 or email info@data-broker.co.uk

Databroker Business Data advice – rocket fuel for your telemarketing.

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WRITTEN ON January 25th, 2012 BY admin AND STORED IN New Business Startups

Tags: business data, databroker, list broker, new business leads, new business startup data

**Stop Press** Brand New, New Business Start-up File Now Available

Databroker are pleased to announce that we have a brand new, unique source of New Business Data.  Never before been available this top quality new business start-up data is new to the market and is generated, checked and qualified on a daily basis. 

New businesses spring up on a daily basis and are in need of your products and services from day one.  Get in touch with these brand new companies within days of them starting up with new business start-up data from Databroker. 

Whether it be telecoms & utilities, website & email services, office supplies & furniture, training & recruitment or simply just a vending machine to make the coffee, all new businesses need new suppliers to help them set up.  Don’t wait for new businesses to be published in the directories, contact them today whilst they are in the lucrative start-up phase.  The early bird catches the worm after all!

Databroker can also source relocated business data and businesses which have opened a new office or branch.  Databroker provides impartial advice on the different sources of new business startup leads available and will recommend the best new business start-up data for your product or service.

This premium data can be delivered daily, bi-weekly, weekly or monthly direct to your inbox
- Daily New Business Data
- Weekly New Business Data
- Monthly New Business Data

Speak to relocated businesses or new business start-up decision makers before your competitors do with new business startup leads from Databroker, 0161 941 5700, info@data-broker.co.uk

Databroker, trusted, impartial list-broker advice.

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WRITTEN ON November 29th, 2011 BY admin AND STORED IN Email Data, Email Marketing

Tags: databroker, DMA, email data, email marketing, list broker

The 2011 DMA Email Tracking study in conjunction with fast.MAP and Alchemy Worx has found that segmentation and targeted content = happy consumers. 

The annual Email Tracking Study monitors 1800 UK consumers in their experiences, perception and responses to email marketing.

The number of consumers who stated that they are interested in over 50% of the marketing emails they receive has jumped to a massive one-in-three compared to just one-in-ten in 2010.

As well as the increase in email marketing relevance, the study has also revealed that the number of consumers who sign up to receive regular email marketing from brands is also on the up.  50% of consumers surveyed stated that they receive 20 or more emails from trusted brands.

Commenting on the findings, Chris Combemale, DMA Executive Director, said: “The massive rise over the past year in the number of emails that consumers report as being of relevance to them is a direct consequence of improved targeting and segmentation techniques, as well as a greater understanding of the kinds of content that are appealing. This will be a great boon for business.”

So the message here is clear, email marketing success depends on the clever use of email data and email marketing.  Ensure that your email data is segmented into prospect groups and that your email marketing messages are correctly targeted with relevant and interesting content.

If you get your segmentation & targeting right you will then reap the rewards of increased open, click-through and conversion rates to your email marketing campaigns.  As well as increased conversion, get your content right and your customers will sign up to regularly receive your marketing messages, and once that happens you have a lovely warm prospect base which you can lovingly nurture till the cows come home…

You can find the full results of the tracking study on the DMA website

For more friendly, free and impartial advice on email data and email marketing then contact Databroker, 0161 941 5700 and info@data-broker.co.uk

Databroker; impartial , trusted data advice.

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WRITTEN ON November 23rd, 2011 BY admin AND STORED IN B2B Data

Tags: b2b data, databroker, list broker, solicitor mailing list

Databroker is pleased to announce they have access to a DMA approved specialist solicitor mailing list supplier.

Solicitor mailing lists and solicitor mailing data from Databroker can help you target individuals in the legal profession and get your products & services in front of over 42,000 solicitor contacts.

This B2B data is of premium quality and all companies and contacts are thoroughly researched and regularly updated by a dedicated legal team.  Lists can be selected by a range of specialist categories such as employment law, consumer law, fraud and taxation as well as job title and geography.

Solicitor Mailing Lists Summary

- Solicitor Job titles: Managing Partner, Senior Partner, Partner, Solicitor
- 42,513 Solicitor Contacts
- Within 8,253 Companies
- Extensive range of specialism’s

To get your product or service in front of thousands of Solicitor contacts today, call Databroker today on 0161 941 5700 or email us at info@data-broker.co.uk for friendly and free advice.  Databroker; trusted, impartial list broker.

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WRITTEN ON November 22nd, 2011 BY admin AND STORED IN Fun Stuff, Secret Diary of a List Broker

Tags: databroker, list broker, secret diary of a list broker

22/11/11

Secret Diary

Note – for all of you companies trying desparately to jump on the PPI bandwagon, conducting telemarketing campaigns with pre-recorded messages this one is for you:

NO: PPI IS NOT AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.   You are also not consumer champions even if you do put little clipart trophies on your adverts.

Databroker will NEVER supply data to PPI companies for voice broadcasting.  We will continue to campaign against this type of marketing as the negativity it creates damages the overall industry.

And just because you mention Lloyds TSB in your message doesn’t give you any credibility.

Can we start a hashtag or a movement against the constant violators of TPS or marketing ethics? Maybe #PPDie #FoxtrotOscarPapaPapaIndigo #SaynotoVB

That is all. #justsaying

Should you want advice on non PPI data give Databroker call today for free, independent and above all trustworthy advice on data and direct marketing.  0161 941 5700 or email info@data-broker.co.uk

Click Here for more honest opinions and refreshing candor in “The Secret Diary of a List Broker”

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WRITTEN ON November 17th, 2011 BY admin AND STORED IN Secret Diary of a List Broker

Tags: b2b data, b2c data, business data, data lists, databroker, list broker

17/11/11

We get many emails from dubious companies offering data.  We can spot them a mile away and more than anything, they make us chuckle.  

But of course there is a serious side; these companies exist because innocent people are being duped by their sales pitch and/or dazzled by the seemingly amazing “cost effectiveness” of their product.

The age old saying of “buy cheap, buy twice” is never more appropriate here.  But buying poor quality data can cost you in more ways than one.  Damage to your brand and reputation by using poor quality, often illegal data is not a risk you can afford to take.

So here is Super-Databroker once again coming to your aid in our crusade to clean up the data industry.  Check out an example of the types of companies you should avoid like the plague.

We have changed the names for obvious reasons.   Our comments & thoughts are highlighted.

Hello,

My name is BRUCE KING and I’m curious to know if you may require our Email Lists or Email Marketing services for your company, clients, partners, etc.  

{Probably not Bruce but go on, hit me}

Our Services are the Optimum Solutions for anyone’s concern towards Sales in terms to Increase their Profits, Market Shares and Return on Investments.

{eh?  If that’s not mumbo jumbo sales spiel jargon I don’t know what is!!   In fact that entire paragraph doesn’t make sense.   And whilst I am at it, go easy on the capital letters Brucey.

You do have a solid grasp of English right? I mean being an American company you should be fine on that score…. Oh wait, I get it.  You are not actually an American company at all are you?  This is just a game of Let’s Pretend to be credible and legit.  Woo-hoo, I love a mystery.  You got me hooked Brucey.}

{Ok so 1 word, 2 syllables , sounds like Collox…} 

If you feel this is not for you but you know somebody who may be interested in the review of lead generation, then please feel free to forward this email to them and I’ll be happy to help.

We are a Multi Channel Database and Marketing Solutions Company specialized in B2B Data, B2C Data, Direct Marketing Lists, Consumer Lists, Tele-Prospecting Lists, Email Lists, etc. across the Globe for all Industry verticals with a data pool over 20 Million opt-in & dual verified contacts.

{Dual verified; Wow!  What does that mean?  It sounds great though!  Verified by two people? Verified twice ever?  Verified GTI diesel Turbo?  Don’t stop at Dual Bruce, if it’s not quadruple opt-in next time, I will be disappointed.}

Primary Services Include – Target Based Lists(B2B & B2C), Email Broadcasting, Email and Data Appending, Reverse Appending, Data Cleansing, Tele-Prospecting, Email Marketing, Data Entry Projects and many more.

Customized List – We also build and source contacts for your target audience, if you could help me with your specific target description by mentioning any of these like Industry/SIC Code of Companies/Product Users/Title or Job responsibility, Geographical Area, Revenue Type, Size of Company, etc.

Our Universal Database  {hey big is best right!  And that sounds BIG!! } Comprise Complete information like Company Name, Company URL  {is this a tongue twister?  makes Peter Piper picked a pot of pickled peppers read easy. And for goodness sake Bruce what in the blue hell are you doing with all those capital letters?}, Full Name, First Name, Last Name, Title, Telephone Number, Fax Number, Physical Address with City, State, Country, Zip Code, Industry Type, Employee Size, Revenue Size, SIC Codes and more importantly with their Direct Email Addresses.

We will deliver the lists with unlimited usage license and you can use them for Multi-Channel Marketing Practices.  {So we can actually use the data we buy from you?  Glad we got that cleared up}

E-Blast – We help you reach out your target audience by deploying emails on your behalf, through the fastest, effective & most efficient delivery mechanism.

USP’s of our Co.: fastest deliverability {according to who?}  affordability {is that a USP?}, working based on clients budget allocations {I don’t think this is unique Mr King} global coverage, assurance on services {erm, I should hope so?}, unlimited usage on lists {that’s not unique either perhaps we should explain to him what USP stands for}, etc.  Our objective is to tend helpful service at the lowest prices to serve businesses that indeed need us.

Let me know your thoughts towards purchasing or using our Services. { ….}

We’d like to help you develop your business.

Thanks and waiting for your response. {don’t wait up }

Warm regards,

Bruce King

Business Development

T: XXXXXXXXXXXXX

The lesson here is simple if you come across any “too good to be true offers” or any “Leading Data Suppliers” who don’t seem to be able to communicate in simple English, then be warned and stay on your toes, you could be heading for a fall.

Of course the obvious way to avoid scammers all together and be safe in the knowledge that your B2B data and B2C data will be high quality and legally compliant is to speak to a list broker such as Databroker.  Give us a call today for free, independent and above all trustworthy advice on data and direct marketing.  0161 941 5700 or email info@data-broker.co.uk

Click Here for more honest opinions and refreshing candor in “The Secret Diary of a List Broker”

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WRITTEN ON November 15th, 2011 BY admin AND STORED IN News

Tags: Direct MAi, Direct Mail, Direct Marketing

Research shows that the future is bright for the Direct Mail Industry

Annual research conducted by fast.Map on behalf of TNT Post UK has showed a positive outlook for the future of the Direct Mail industry.  The results come from a study of marketers and consumers combined with a survey conducted by TNT Post UK to its customers.

Over three-quarters of respondents expect direct mail volumes to grow or maintain stable in the next 12 months.  Whilst most encouragingly well over two-thirds believe that DM is the most important marketing and promotional medium despite the rise of digital and social media channels.

The positive outlook reflects a revival of direct mail spending by financial services and FMCGs.

Further insights into consumer habits regarding the receiving and reading of direct mail showed that the majority of recipients preferred to receive DM with the morning post and that most recipients read the DM piece as soon as it arrives.

Commenting on the results Lieneke Happel, Director of Marketing and Strategy, TNT Post UK said: “We are pleased that direct mail continues to be seen as the most effective promotional tool used by marketers and that it is holding its own in a very competitive landscape. The consumer insights were revealing and present some creative opportunities for DM users.

For free and impartial advice on data, direct marketing and direct mail speak to the experts.  Contact Databroker on 0161 941 5700 or email info@data-broker.co.uk

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WRITTEN ON November 11th, 2011 BY admin AND STORED IN B2B Data

Tags: b2b data, databroker, list broker, PR Mailing Lists

PR mailing lists and PR contacts can be quite difficult to get hold of as many business data providers focus on gathering the senior decision maker or MD contacts only, neglecting other business functions such as PR.  Databroker is pleased to announce they have access to a DMA approved specialist PR data and PR mailing list supplier.

This B2B data is of premium quality and all companies and contacts are thoroughly researched and regularly updated.  All records within the specialist PR mailing list have mailing, telemarketing and email details. Lists can be selected by campaign type, job title and geography.

PR Mailing Lists Summary

- PR Job titles available: PR Director/PR Agency Owner/Marketing Director/Communications Manager
- 13,353 PR Contacts
- within 10,161 Companies

To get your product or service in front of PR professionals today, contact Databroker on 0161 941 5700 or email us at  info@data-broker.co.uk for friendly and free advice. 

Databroker; independent list broker offering impartial, trusted data advice.

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