How do marketing companies work??!

pennypitstop_2

Hi all

I'm just starting a new venture which will involve recruiting companies (new, old, small, big) to train their staff in various skills areas - formal training sessions which lead to accredited certification for each employee.

I'm wondering if anyone had any experience of working with marketing companies - how do the fees work? Can I expect a marketing company to accept a deal where they are paid on a per-sale basis? Where I only pay them if their work leads to real custom for me? I would already have the website, business cards and leaflets ready.

I've never dealt with a marketing company before so would appreciate any help and advice you can give me.

Cheers

Penny

vivatifosi

Hi Penny,

I think you are talking about telemarketing/telesales and getting leads for your business here. I don't do such activities for customers in my business, but I did use to run a telemarketing department (without being a telemarketer myself, odd but true...).

I personally would never take this type of job on without getting either a per day or per project rate. The problem is defining what is a lead. If you employ someone to get you leads on this basis, then they will put you in front of anyone, just to get paid. This will be a waste of your time as much as theirs. If you expect only to pay where you get a sale, then you either won't find someone willing to take it on IMHO, or you'll pay a great deal for the service when you do get jobs in. Telemarketers have to hand a "job" over when they make an appointment and the age old question is who did the work to convert it to a sale.

You'd be better off drawing a shortlist of the types of companies that you want to contact and contacting them yourself. Nobody knows your business, or can engage in conversation about your business, as well as you can. You may also find that your local Business Link, Chamber of Commerce or other business start up organisation can help point you in the right direction.