Surprisingly, this is not a topic that seems to be widely covered in marketing blogs and discussions. I love my clients. But sometimes I am frustrated by how long it takes from the beginning of the creation of a marketing program to its final implementation. Programs that should take a few weeks often take months. This is especially a problem in the fall because, although September and October are traditionally terrific months for B2B marketing efforts, November and December are full of breaks and holidays that typically reduce results. Here are his four great suggestions: 1. MORE >>

had this experience last week when reading the words of Peter Helmer on the MENG Blend blog. It’s always nice to read someone else’s very solid argument in favor of some B2B marketing position I advocate. His post “For an Effective Elevator Speech, Obey the Ten Commandments” discussed one of my favorite topics — [.]. B2B Marketing Messaging Web Site Copy Business Communications Elevator Pitch MORE >>

This quick, readable NextMark blog — 16 Tips to Direct Mail Marketing Success by David James of Bethesda List Center — includes these two recommendations and all the right steps that go between. Today’s B2B marketing directors have a long list of marketing options from which to choose: automated email marketing, direct mail lead generation, telemarketing, customer profiling, database enhancement, content creation, Web site re-designs, social media initiatives, trade shows, user conferences — the very scope boggles the mind. The opportunities are great. MORE >>

As you can see, this blog is focused on B2B marketing  best practices – the techniques and tactics that have been tested and proven to generate greater business  marketing results and success. There are, however, barriers between the marketing department and its ability to use these best practices — and they are all human. Barrier #1: CEO. The vital job of the head of the B2B company — regardless of size — is to think strategically, have a vision for the future and help guide the company toward it. Barrier #2: Product Manager. It’s a big and important job. MORE >>

Blog Reprints. eBook of Blog Reprints. Recently I sat in on a great Webinar put on by Brian Carroll of MECLABS Applied Research. Brian is the organizer of the LinkedIn B2B Marketing Roundtable of which I am a member. Instead of the speaker being a B2B marketing resource, this Webinar was a real-life case study presented by a true B2B marketer, Michelle Levy, Associate Vice President of Marketing Programs for ECI Telecom. Help aligning content offerings to the buy cycle from Sirius Decisions. Success measured against Marketing Sherpa’s Email Marketing Benchmark Report. Games. MORE >>