Teramedia on Direct Marketing

The Facts on Email Appends

FACT #1: We process more consumer and business email appends that any other vendor in the US.

FACT #2: Many of our competitors use AppendPro as their primary or secondary append source.

FACT #3: We offer an industry-first 30-day email appending deliverability guarantee.

FACT #4: We have the highest match e-mail append rates in the industry; consumer is 17-42%, Business is 23-78%.

FACT #5: We consistently beat our nearest competitor's pricing by 22%, or more.

FACT #6: We are the only company to offer complimentary demographic or firmagraphic selects on all appends.

Learn more: http://www.teramedia.com/email-appending-append.aspx

New Timeshare Owner Lists

NEW LISTS AT TERAMEDIA: These highly-selectable and direct-marketing-sold consumers have purchased their timeshare for an average of $14,500; making them ideal prospects for offerings that resonate with their lifestyle and financial means such as travel, entertainment, memberships, and big-ticket merchandise.

Across all 50 states, Canada, and beyond you can confidently tap into these highly connectable, big-ticket buyers...across multiple channels.

US Timeshare Owners from Premier - NEW

Universe: 3,475,057 - Postal | Phone

Canadian Timeshare Owners from Premier - NEW

Universe: 101,254 - Postal | Phone

Timeshare Tour/No Buys from Teramedia

Universe: 87,238 - Postal | Email | Phone

Timeshare Owners of America from Teramedia

Universe: 1,341,810 (Postal | Email | Phone) Please review the data cards above or contact us at (407) 420-1108.

Meet the New "Kids"

Welcome to the stage...Bruce Hammer. Bruce has been providing list and data solutions to the direct marketing industry for more than 20 years. Bruce joins Teramedia from American List Counsel where he served as Vice President and specialized in maximizing revenue for some of ALC's premier publishing and catalog accounts including Wall Street Journal, Robb Report, Barron's, US News and World Report and SmartMoney. Aside from belting down some serious ROI for his clients, Bruce is also the drummer for The Grapes, check out their myspace page.

Introducing Gary Cottingham! Gary brings to Teramedia years of advertising and direct marketing experience. Having worked with legendary agencies as Young and Rubicam and Saatchi and Saatchi as well as direct marketing firms Webcraft and most recently The Craig Business Group, Gary's expertise in account management, database marketing and the development and application of analytical techniques will help Teramedia to grow its agency and direct sales divisions. Gary earned his BA from Brockport State College and his MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology. Gary has a BA from Brockport State College in New York, and an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology.  Gary is married with three grown sons.  He lives and works in Tampa, Florida.

Welcome abroad gents!

Cyber Monday is not a day of the week.

It's true, Mondays reign as the biggest online shopping day during the holiday season for four years running, but the much touted Cyber Monday is not actually the busiest.

The single biggest days of the 2007 online shopping season are predicted to take place on Mondays - December 3rd, 10th and 17th.

What’s more, many smart email marketers are targeting consumer prospects at the office, via their business email address. View special offers.

Here's a list compiled from the suggestions on how to prepare for this year's remaining Cyber Mondays:

Message specifically to weekend shoppers: On Mondays, marketers should attempt to message to consumers who have been shopping in stores during the weekend. Specifically, traditional retailers should align the product promotions in their online advertising with those promotions occurring in their brick-and-mortar stores.

Target the workweek lunch hour: The noon-to-3 p.m. EST hours are typically the time of day when consumers buy. Marketers should tailor holiday email messages to at-work audiences.

Target Men: Data suggests that men are nearly twice as likely to purchase holiday gifts online.

Slow on Saturdays: Each week during the holiday season, the data shows a dramatic spike on Monday, followed by a gradual decrease throughout the week and ending with the softest sales volume on Saturday. Sunday begins a slow climb that spikes on Monday.

Get personal, early: Personalized, monogrammed or other custom made products, for example, are more likely to peak earlier. Low consideration or perishable items such as gift cards or food, however, are more likely to peak later, on December 10th or 17th.

DMA07 Photo Journal

Win a Magnum of Wine at DMA Booth 1805

If you’re going to the Direct Marketing Association’s Annual Conference, join Teramedia at Booth #1805 and you could take home a Magnum of Premium Wine, courtesy of V12 Group.

If you would like to brainstorm, review progress, or receive a VIP invitation to the V12 Group Annual Cocktail Party, please contact your Teramedia representative today or simply visit us at booth #1805.

In Remembrance of Marissa

A year ago Sunday Marissa Schineller, our close friend and colleague, unexpectedly passed away.

For me, there’s not a week that goes by that I don’t think of you. You are missed.

DMA07 Is Heating Up

The DMA07 is fast approaching and meeting schedules are booking quickly; set up a meeting or simply visit us at booth #1805 and meet with representatives from our List Management, List brokerage, and Database Services divisions. Drop by our snazzy new booth and pick a coveted invite to V12 Group's annual cocktail party, which will be held at Monday, October 15 from 5-8 at the Bella Lounge in Chicago.

You’ve Been Acquired, Now What?

In case you haven’t heard, Teramedia has been acquired by V12 Group. For more information, read our press release and the letter from our CEO.

So what does this acquisition mean to our clients, employees, shareholders, investors, and vendors? Hell…what does it mean for me?

For our clients it means that Teramedia will continue to provide best-in-class multi-channel lists and data services. Only now we will have additional processing and procedural resources, which will benefit our customers on every level and help us to creative innovative products, faster.

Our employees will receive many tangible benefits and increased opportunities as they are now part of something bigger, something very big. I hope they feel, like I do, that the future is bright and filled with virtually unlimited possibilities.

It is our sincerest goal that the shareholders in V12 Group will get a strong ROI for the trust they have put into the team we’ve built and the relationships we’ve fostered. For our part we will continue to do what we’ve always done...succeed.

- Scott Hardigree

Food Pirates and Lemon Cake

Thanks to all of the Teramedia team members pictured above, who made our first company retreat a huge success. They came from across the State and with families in tow. They gathered at the Ron Jon Resort in Port Canaveral for a meeting of the minds; principles spoke, important announcements were announced, and team-building exercises were exercised.

The meeting was great, as meetings go, but it was not until our cruise that evening until the retreat’s most memorable memories were made.

I dedicate the evening to all in attendance and with respect to Mike Huckaba and his heightened culinary senses and to Mr. and Mrs. Chang who, when faced with unrelenting awkwardness, persevered.

Amanda and Justin...wish you were there.

Corporate Retreat or Duel to the Death?

Next Friday, August 17th, all of our offices will be closed for our inaugural corporate retreat. We’re all packing up for a day of announcements, synergies, and paradigm shifts at the Ron Jon Resort in Cocoa Beach FL.

I can see the DM News article now:

Company Trust-Building Retreat Ends in Lack of Trust, Eight Seriously Wounded

Teramedia’s company retreat ended in disaster when employees are injured after attempting multiple synergy building shifts.

Eight employees were hurt during an exercise (involving puppets, a dozen eggs, a bed sheet and a slideshow) when personal synergy streams between several team members crossed, which resulted in an energy singularity that ripped a hole in reality.

World renowned scientist and ghost buster Dr. Egon Spengler explained, “Never cross the streams. It would be bad, really bad. And I mean end of the world kind of stuff.”

Matthew Mader, one of the executives was committed to the nearest asylum following a case of what experts consider advanced post-traumatic stress disorder. Since the incident, and ever since, he only mutters “Close ‘em Matt! Close ‘em Matt!”

Steps have been implemented by the company to ensure that the employees never attempt synergy/trust/team exercises ever again. These precautions include mandatory use of the company’s new screensaver which reads “you’re replaceable”, creating a tattle-tail rewards program, and choosing one guy (randomly) to be the office be-otch.

Irritating PJs Have a Silver Lining

The email promotion we ran list week was, among other things, a recruitment ad. Okay, it was primarily a recruitment ad. It was mailed to our entire prospect list which consists of list brokers, DM agencies, direct marketers, and our vendors.

From the choice emails and phone calls we received from a few of our broker clients, the promotion hit a nerve; the phrase that comes to mind is “biting the hand that feeds”. Ouch.

In hindsight I would have omitted our broker clients from the mailing; apologies to all of the offended.

On a positive note, the promotion resulted in an impromptu interview with Tim Parry, Senior Writer at Multichannel Merchant. Thanks Tim!

In other news, we recently announced a suite of voter lists.

Undisputed Champs of the World!

Ah yes...I can see it. The second half of the year is in sight. And despite a record breaking first half we can't look back now. How did we do it? Well that's a secret but I can tell you that it couldn't have been done without our most valued asset...our dedicated staff. Despite our growing pains we have a assembled of talented staff of DM professionals who strive for professional perfection and genuinely care about our clients' successes. I would also like to give special thanks to Anna Sarkissian, Matt Mader, Tobi Milgram, and Mike Huckaba for going above and beyond the call of duty.

I look forward to closing out the year strong and maintaining our title as the undisputed multichannel list services company. Again, thanks to all!

- Steve

DM Days Debacle: The Final Chapter

It’s final; we’ve been relocated to DM Days booth #623.

Now that the storm has cleared and the dust has settled we find ourselves at a peaceable resolution. As you may recall from our recent post DM Days Debacle we lost our booth (and the marketing dollars that went toward the promotion of said booth) due a DMA error.

The original make-good proposed by the DMA fell far short of our expectations; however after several choice words and venomous emails; we’ve grown our booth size by 100% (less the giant pillar in the middle of our new space), received a full refund for our ‘07 booth expenses, 50% credit on the ‘08 show deposit and slew of miscellaneous items such as attendee lists and carpet.

Did we come about the good side of the deal? Not really. I just wish I had my old booth back.

Lists you want, baby we’ve got ‘em

A day in the Life of a List Management Dream Team

Shocking as it may be, the list business is not always filled with bountiful counts and glamorous trips. This business, as with any business has its ups and downs, but we have grown an appreciation for every intricate detail of this industry. As some of you may already know, we are Teramedia’s self proclaimed List Management Dream Team, working side by side to provide our customers with the utmost service available. Either way you look at it, if you need counts, recommendations, or are ready to rent any of our numerous lists, we are your go-to girls.

Our day starts at 8:30 am, with a copious, steaming cup of coffee, and good half hour spent, you guessed it, cleaning out of our inboxes. Once the caffeine kicks in, we really get in gear, alternating between answering emails, returning phone calls, and frantically running to and from IT to ensure that everything is not only done, but done right.

We’ve been told time and time again that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and this has become a philosophy that we live by. This is the reason that our coworkers hear the constant click of high heels as we physically go to other departments to do things that probably could have been done, but not necessarily as well, over the phone. This is why many of you probably see our names in your inbox promoting new lists or giving you counts and recommendations when you didn’t even ask for them.

You’ll probably hear from us again this week, with the new release of Software Buyers from SystemDoctor, and the releases of VoIP News from Tippit, IT Decision-Makers from Tippit, and IT Security from Tippit, so be ready!

With the upcoming DM Days show in New York, we are getting excited to meet and greet some more of the people in this niche industry that we call home. We will continue to go about our daily activities striving to be the best that we can, and to make sure that everyone is content and coming back for more. At the end of the day, we truly enjoy helping our customers and seeing our efforts rewarded with great campaigns. We pride ourselves on being the ones that will stay late to make sure a broker gets a count for their biggest client, the ones that will check on the status of an order on Saturday morning, and the ones that our clients turn to for every need, every count, and sometimes for nothing more than a smile.

DM Days Debacle

We booked our booth for the upcoming ‘07 DM Days expo while at last year’s show. Almost one year ago we waited in line, deliberated over our many options, used or priority points, and finally decided upon booth #753.

It’s a 10x10 corner booth on major artery...great location. We ordered furniture specifically for this location, as we planned to fully utilize the fact that we’re on an unobstructed corner.

I get a call yesterday from one an unnamed DMA exhibits manager. Let’s call her Gaye D. no wait that too obvious; let’s call her G. Dullaghan. Okay that’s better.

I’m not one to shoot the messenger, but this mystery DMA rep proceeds to inform me that they’ve double booked our booth and we have to be moved. Don’t even get me started how they just discovered this oversight and why they think Teramedia should move as opposed to the other party. Let’s focus on the solution.

To make good they’ve selected an alternative location for us; booth #623 which is also a corner booth. Sounds good right? Wrong.

If you’ve ever gone to tradeshow you know that corner locations are worth their weight in gold. So the only reason why booth #666 was passed up by EVERY other exhibitor, including the DMA, is that it’s best used as a storage area.

To be fair, it would be a decent location if you could make the giant column (that would block Teramedia from our clients, vendors and prospects as well as prevents the spot form being a corner booth) magically disappear. Let’s not forget though that they also offered to give us the space “around” the monolith as added-value and pay for few small items. No thank you.

Combine our printing and promotional costs coupled with the effects of “lost” customers and a generally crappy location; and we could easily lose tens or thousands of dollars. We can’t let that happen.

I know that organization makes mistakes, but this one is going to be expensive.

New BtoB and IT Lists from Tippit

This summer many BtoB mailers are migrating their budgets away from direct mail in favor of email. A perfect time to introduce our newest list management client Tippit Inc.? We think so!

(Drum roll)

VoIP-News, which provides business decision-makers and IT professionals with up-to-date information on VoIP and internet telephony, is Tippet’s flagship product.

Other titles include Daily Wireless, an online news and information source covering all aspects of the wireless marketplace for business. Daily IPTV covers everything from content and convergence to standards and protocols and emerging trends and technologies.

IT Security is premiere destination for IT professionals. IT Security provides in-depth product reviews, buyer's guides, product comparisons, news, market analysis, white papers, and other information IT managers need to buy the latest hardware, software and services for their business. IT Management is a fast-rising news and information publication covering the business IT management marketplace. Launched in late 2006, IT Consulting is a new site that helps businesses research and evaluate the latest technologies and services in key areas of IT consulting.

Network Security Journal covers all the aspects of network security for small, medium and enterprise-class companies. Launched in April 2007, SoftwareDeveloper.com covers software tools and techniques for software development.

Last but not least is Homeland Security Weekly which covers the latest news and information on fast moving topics of homeland defense, counter-terrorism, emergency management, disaster preparedness, critical infrastructure protection, and increasing the public's overall level of awareness and readiness.

Tippit is becoming dominant player in the BtoB and technical publishing arena and files are completely new to the market. To learn more contact a Teramedia List Manager today.

It’s Good to be Bert

Congratulations to Bert DesRosiers with GlaserDirect on winning the Teramedia $500 drawing at this year’s ACCM show in Boston. Bert (photo right) is pictured with our CEO along with…well…I don’t know her name, but she seems nice.

Even though I haven’t been fully briefed, I understand this show was one of the best on record. On behalf of our show delegates Steve Hardigree, Tobi Milgram, Jeff Graham, Amanda White and Kim Wiede I would like to thank all of our list management, list brokerage, email append and list services clients, that made this show such as huge success.

Congrats Bert!

Hit the Inbox Like You Own It

The direct marketing industry is always improving upon itself; I suppose that’s why I like it. Yet despite this constant evolution, the principles of successful DM remain true.

If you put the right offer…in front of the right person…at the right time…through the most effective channel, you’ll gain a new customer!

With testing, modeling and analytics all of these elements are getting easier to identify.

But what happens if you can’t put the offer in front of the right customer? The deliverability of direct mail is a no brainer; if the address is clean and updated, then it will be delivered. The same stands true for a telemarketing campaign. Opt-in email however is an entirely different animal.

When you couple real-time results with the economical and environmental benefits, the power of an effective email marketing campaign is undeniable. The challenge is deliverability. There are many factors that effect the penetration of the message:

The List:

• Clean list – weed out bounces and traps
• Ensure subscribers have added sender to their safe list
• White listing with the ISP of your list subscribers
• Reasonable list usage, do not overmail or undermail your list
• Respect all opt-out requests

Mailing Techniques:

• Untilze Domain keys
• SPF (Sender Permitted Framework)
• Fast and accurate DNS

Reputation:

• Bonded sender programs (useful after list cleanup)
• White listing and feedback loops (AOL)

Message Content:

• Healthy text to image ratios, too many images is a killer
• Keywords or phrases commonly used in spam (Free, Offer, $, !, Stock, Hot, etc.)
• Proper grammar, punctuation and capitalization
• Formatted for subscribers anticipated email client (key messages above the fold, etc.)

In today’s environment hitting the inbox is a constant challenge.  What works today, may not work tomorrow.  The key to ongoing success is constantly maintain your lists and monitor your deliverability by ISP so adjustments can be made quickly to ensure consistent response from your list.

Happy Days

Yes, we’re a bit behind on blogging and it’s no wonder. Between the successful reorganization of our List Management and List Brokerage divisions, the hiring of new List Brokers and Email Append representatives, the addition of dozens of new lists, and with a show schedule that would make the Rolling Stones reconsider their career choices; we’re lucky to be cheery much less bloggy.

Nevertheless, I just had to give special recognition to our newest team members such as Karen Pflueger and Amanda White, our list management dream team; Jeff Graham who is now spearheading sales; our newest list brokers Jeremy Needleman and Adam Kessler as well as Jason Marcus in IT, Karyn Low in the front office, and 20 year list veteran Paul M. Reardon. We’re expecting big things from all of you. No pressure (Okay pressure). Never being satisfied, we’re searching for a few more professionals to open remote offices. Since our recent reorganization, we've got even more tools and resources to help you breathe new life into your career. View all Direct Marketing Jobs.

Beside smiling faces, we’ve also added a several new business lists, including BiX and VendorPick. More to come!

I almost forgot. If you’re going to the ACCM join us booth #231 for what Penton claims to be largest conference for catalog, internet & multichannel merchants on May 21-23. In attendance will be CEO Steve Hardigree; Tobi Milgram our VP of List Brokerage, Jeff Graham and from List Services as well as Amanda White and Kim Wiede in List Management. To set an appointment please contact Karyn Low. Next stop DMdays!

Time for Change

It’s been said that spring is for lovers; besides sounding a little dated, the expression doesn’t really translate well in list business. Love may not be in the air, but positive change certainly is.

Where to begin, oh yes, we’ve completely reorganized our List Management department, created a sales manager and CTO position, recruited a small army of list brokers, added three new tradeshows to our annual schedule and dozens of new clients to our list management and list brokerage roster.

And if that we’re enough, we’ve got to add more office space here in Orlando to accommodate our appetite for growth. Currently we have a contract to a nice place on Orange Avenue. We’ll see!

ARDA is Over. Now Get to Work.

A three day show, a year of preparation and weeks to recover from great meetings with my friends, clients, marketing companies, new resorts and travel clubs in an industry that is very close to my heart.

I want to personally thank all of you for your strong support in making Teramedia an important part of your marketing campaigns, across all channels. Your input on building new programs with multi channel marketing programs from the inception to the execution will help all of our team at Teramedia help you in our mission for 2007 to build long term relationships, excellent work ethics and lists that will increase your ROI.  Let this year be a year built on solid business practices and always remember that, “Good Business Starts with Great Relationships”.

Thanks again for a great show and to all of you welcome to the family of Teramedia clients. Special thanks to those who joined us for our dinner at Shula’s including Art and Jorge at Gateway Marketing,  Fred at WG (sorry you missed the dinner), Dave, Cindy and Mark at Timeshare Relief, Step and Cindy at Hahn, and Mitch at RII Stroman; your support over the years has helped to make me who I am today.

Best regards,

Tobi Milgram, V.P. of List Brokerage

DMCNY - Thanks for the Memories

I arrived in NYC on March 8th to find it was 20 degrees. I have to tell you I don’t miss that cold weather. I used to live in Long Island, Mineola…but it’s very nice to visit. The purpose of my trip? To attend the DMC luncheon and lecture. The list of panelists included Richard Shaw, President and CEO of Shaw Wunderman; Rob Mason, brand manager on Johnnie Walker; Kevin Dean, VP of product marketing for Equifax and last but not least Stefanie Pont Managing Partner at Pont Media Direct, List Leader of the year, Current Chair of the DMA List and Database council, and world-class list broker.

The topic of the day was “What Mass Marketers Can Teach Us About Direct”. For me two points stood out. Firstly, were the strategies on how to sell direct response to mass marketers as well the growing need for DMers to use mass marketing techniques to track their conversions. For example, the transition of bringing the direct mail metrics and email marketing metrics together will lead to a better response and more cost effective campaigns. “It is very hard to sell metrics to someone who is used to mass marketing. You know that you’re going to loose money on the acquisition, but the blessing of direct marketing is that you can show up with results,” said Stefanie Pont. The multi-channel campaign model will become more critical as postal rates increase for the direct marketer going for brand recognition and internet advertising becomes a more cost effective way to track conversions.

After the luncheon I went to the Hotel for a quick change and then I met up with Stefanie at “Asia de Cuba.” I had mixed feeling about Asian and Cuban food mixed together, but it was the most amazing meal I’ve had in a long time. I asked Stefanie about how she was able to make such an impact on the industry. She shared a few secrets and gave me a few pointers. I would tell you, but then I would have to kill you. Later I met up with a few clients at Buddha bar. “Don’t jump on the Buddha”.

- Katharine DeFalco

Have a Holly, Jolly ARDA

Like Christmas, ARDA comes but once a year and for Tobi Milgram, our big cheese in list brokerage both annual events have a lot in common.

As the most recognized broker in Timeshare, ARDA gives Tobi the opportunity to meet all of her clients. Unlike other industry shows ARDA brings out the big guns. You will not find the CEO of AARP at the DMA’s annual expo yet the power brokers of the nation’s largest timeshares will all be present at this show, many of them will be seated at Tobi’s table at Shula’s!

Matt Mader, our newly crowned EVP will also be in attendance along with Jeff Graham. Steve and Scott Hardigree will also be present.

If you would like to set up a meeting please give us a call ASAP. Slots are filling up quickly

You Get What You Deserve

Matthew (Matt) Mader has been promoted to EVP at Teramedia. Matt is what you call a “lifer”. First as an account executive, then VP of Data Services, Matt has worked alongside our CEO Steve Hardigree for nearly ten years. Matt has helped to train and grow our South Florida sales office on multiple levels. If you'd like to congratulate Matt. call him at (877) 837-2369 or send him an email.

A Whirlwind of a Winter

It’s been a very busy winter here at Teramedia, primarily because we’ve had the good fortune of bringing in several new clients under management; some of their corresponding lists are new to the market while others are just new to Teramedia.

Most notability in the consumer list arena is VentureActive’s multi-channel list and Engagence’s suite of highly targeted internet-aggregated lists; investment news publication subscribers from InvestorsInsight, MarketBrowser and Investors observer; and NewsMax.com’s email list which is comprised of conservative readers.

In business lists we’ve won B2X’s business exchange list. B2X is a list exchange for large volume multichannel business list marketers.  Lastly are Vendor Pick, a business lead generation portal and Medalliance a medical professionals list.

This influx of new clients, is in time with the hiring of two new list managers Karen Pflueger and Amanda White, both are recent graduates of UCF; however do not let their tender years mislead you. These young ladies have been trained by the best in the business and they are taking no prisoners! If you’re a list broker please get to know and Karen and Amanda, before they get to know you. :-)

Additionally our VP of List Management, Katharine DeFalco, and VP of List Brokerage, Tobi Milgram, have once again broken the company sales records!

We’ve also brought on Alex Wolfgang as a Marketing Assistant and Mike Huckaba as our newest database specialist. Welcome aboard all.

Super Sunday for the List Business

If you’re a full-time direct marketer, there’s no doubt that you have either heard about or watched SalesGenie’s 30-second spot that ran during the first half of the Super Bowl.

Let's talk advertising for a minute. Set aside the argument that most of the impressions were wasted on non-qualified prospects...and that leaves us with the commercial itself. Either it was the most brilliant advertising move of our time or it’s more proof that direct marketers should stick to direct marketing.

I mean, the spot was begging for a big finish filled with quirky characters or least a punch line--but no--they played it straight. Straight and cheesy. When compared with Bud Light’s “Rock. Paper. Scissors” and GoDaddy’s “Marketing Department”, the SalesGenie spot sank like a Steven Segal ship in a Tarantino sea. Maybe that’s what made it good? You know, the old “it’s so bad, it'll stand out” trick. No? I'm with you.

Don’t get me wrong, the commercial says volumes about the changing perception of the list business. But was it a success? As for infoUSA, you’ll have to ask Mr. Gupta but for the list industry I say yes!

The Calvary is Coming!

We are very excited to welcome Karen and Alex as the newest additions to the Teramedia team.

Karen will be helping to grow our List Management and List Brokerage divisions. By surveying our existing and prospective clients, Karen will help us to better understand our customer’s needs and in turn provide them with only relevant and timely information. She’s doing a great job! :)

Alex, who will start on Tuesday, has joined our marketing department and although a direct marketing greenhorn; Alex has shown an uncanny understanding of the business thus far. We’re expecting great things from him. :)

If Mike could ever get a new Database Technician hired in IT…I’d be making an announcement for his department too. :(

Teramedia Execs at Shop.org

Steve Hardigree, Teramedia CEO, and Jeff Graham, our VP of List Services, will be attending the Shop.org expo held this year at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL, January 31-February 2, 2007. This the annual Internet and multichannel kickoff event focuses on bringing together Internet and multichannel retailers and service-providers, like Teramedia, for a look into the key issues facing direct and interactive marketers such as best practices in multichannel list marketing. To set up a meeting contact Jeff at 407.420.1108 x. 209

Katharine DeFalco Hits the Big Time

Katharine DeFalco (or KK as she is known around the office) has recently been promoted to VP of List Management at Teramedia. Talk about a true work-your-way-up-the-ranks scenario! First, Katharine served as an Account Coordinator, then List Manager, and then Sr. List Manager, finally hitting the big VP position. What's next for KK? All I know is that she had better not start gunning for my job. If you'd like to congratulate Katharine call her at (877) 837-2369 or send an email to katharined@teramedia.com.

Getting Ready for ARDA

Once again the American Resort Development Association’s annual convention is being held in Orlando. This is very good for Teramedia for three reasons. First, our VP of List Brokerage Tobi Milgram will be attending. Although Tobi is an acclaimed business list and non-profit broker she got her start in Timeshare and is widely known as the most trusted source for quality timeshare leads and timeshare owner lists. After countless years in the space…she knows everybody in the space. I do mean everybody. Tobi is going to have a field day! Tobi will be amongst other Resort professionals at the ressort sales and marketing forum which she has been a part of for four years now.

Secondly, the publisher’s of one our most popular List Management files, VacationTree, will also be exhibiting. VacationTree will be debuting their new website, new DRTV spot, and a host of new services which are all designed to generate leads for travel marketers and generate qualified tours for timeshare marketers. We can’t wait to see those guys.

Last but not least ARDA throws the best parties, last time the show was in Orlando ARDA paid to shut down Universal Studios early and open it up to their exhibitors and attending. Open bar, great food, virtually unlimited rides and roller coasters. Can the DMA say that? I think not.

Matt Mader, Steve Hardigree, and Scott Hardigree will be rounding out the ARDA exhibitor’s roster for Teramedia. Much more to come!

Teramedia in Las Vegas

Michael Barnes our CIO and Matt Mader our VP of Data Services, will be attending the Affiliate Summit 2007 West at Bally's Las Vegas January 21-23. To set up a meeting to discuss Data Licensing, revenueBOOSTER, List Hygiene, Email Appends, or eCOA please Email Matt at your earliest convenience. 

We Hate to be Cocky. But We Told You So

There were many paths that we could have taken to stake our claim on the list industry. Many years ago, discussions in upper management grew heated as we searched for niches that supported our strengths. “Should we specialize in travel and vacation lists?” After all we are headquartered in Orlando and many of our clients are destination marketers. “ No. We should go exclusively B2B Lists.” The demand is on the rise and CPMs are still holding steady.

Although business lists are our crowning glory and travel is where we got our star, we decided that we shouldn’t limit ourselves to a particular industry segment. Instead we decided to do what we have always done. Concentrate our on efforts on multi-channel lists and alternatively sourced lists, such as internet co-registration lists. Even though we are happy with our decision and our success supports it...it’s nice to know that the test of the world is finally coming around to our way of thinking. >> Read the supporting article in DM News.

Email Marketing Rocks My Socks

At least twice a week I receive a call at work from a stock broker. The problem is not that I don’t think it’s a great idea to invest my daughter’s future on the advice of a guy I’ve never met, yet calls me by my first name, who rings me up to offer me a super-sweet opportunity that he’s not going to take advantage of himself. It’s not even that they’re bad sales guys. In fact, they’re usually pretty good...well at least they’re graduates of the Dale Carnie Institute. You can tell by the canned “If I told you I could get a 47% return would you say that was good?” lead in. The problem is that I do not invest in the stock market...ever.

The direct mail offers I get at home aren’t much better. Just last week I received a very expensive-looking piece from BMW. It informed me that I could FINALLY put myself into the pre-owned model of my choice. Why now? Because according to the creative “I’ve come a long way baby”. After breaking out a refreshing Virginia Slim I thought to myself...well...at least they got  my car preference correct but they might want to suppress their customers before sending out a $6 direct mail piece that makes me want to light up and reminds me that I could have saved a bundle if only I’d been smart enough to buy used.

For me at least opt-in email, as a marketing vehicle, continues to get it right. I receive daily offers that are relevant to my business interests…mostly DM and list centric. But it’s not just business emails. ProFlowers, Sprint and countless others peak my consumer interests. So why is email succeeding where the other channels fail? Because like many other desk jockeys, it’s my channel of choice and I’m very active in it. Marketers that reach me via email have had the opportunity to learn from my responses. Unlike mail and telemarketing…I simply don’t respond (positively at least) so they haven’t been given the chance. Still, there is lesson to be learned for those terrestrial list marketers. Whether it’s the most basic of practices of suppressing your customers (duh) or suppressing non-responders…know your customers and know your prospects.

List Research Tools are the Devil

SRDS. mIn. NextMark. They’re great at getting the nitty-gritty on almost any list but they’re also one of the contributing factors which have led to our current feudal direct marketing system. Think about it, the average Google-searching small to mid-sized direct marketer must think that infoUSA (or any number of complied data resellers) are the alpha and omega in lists. Do they know that they can also rent subscriber lists or buyers lists or multi-channel lists?

So how are list research tools contributing to this growing divide of “Knows” and “Know-nots”? It’s by design. Their primary function has been to provide the list brokers and agencies with detailed list information and they do a great job of it. Unfortunately its overkill for the common marketer, not to mention that the technology they use is not exactly cutting edge (Sorry mIn). Suffice it to say, there are a number of reasons why they’ve never made it to the main stream. Try searching for mailing lists on ANY search engine and finding an unbiased tool…forget about it. At least NextMark is trying to make a play, but it's too late. They simply can’t compete with a troop of 800 lb. gorillas in paid search and it’ll take decades to catch up in organic search.

Ironically the tools that were designed to help the list manager may ultimately contribute to their demise. It’s funny but I never though about it until we launched our new Direct Sales Division...for which I’m charged with marketing. The division’s mission is to provide small and mid-size businesses with brand-name, multi-channel subscriber lists which have historically the domain of larger direct marketers. Wish me luck!

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers? THE OUTSIDE.

Thanksgiving is funny. It’s the only holiday that has become completely disassociated from its origins. Sure…we still see icons of Pilgrims and Indians in ad campaigns and school yards but no one ever says--"Let's all take a moment to reflect on the contributions of those guys with the cool shoe buckles"--while they’re sitting around the turkey table. Now that I think about it; that’s largely why I like the holiday. It’s all about family and traditions--that don’t go back any further than the oldest person sitting at the table.

If you’re not as warm and fuzzy as the rest of us you can still have fun at the table this holiday. For instance, when everyone goes around to say what they are Thankful for, say, "I'm thankful I didn't get caught" then sit down, slowly, and refuse to say anything more. Or you can take the so-cal approach and only talk about the tragic and abusive conditions known to exist at turkey farms…people really love that when they're hungry.

Teramedia Execs Head to NYC for ad:tech

On the road again. I just (couldn’t be happier that someone else from Teramedia) is on the road again.

With my last trip to San Fran for the DMA06 now only a memory I’m reminded that have officially filled my travel quota for the year (woohoo!!!). Luckily a few of us…namely Steve Hardigree, Matt Mader and Mike Barnes still have a few air miles to burn so they’ll be attending the NY ad:tech.

If you would like to set up a meeting please email them or call me at 407.420.1108 x.205.

I also need to mention that we've hired two faces around here. Tobi Milgram joins us as VP of List Brokerage (read her interview with Jim Emerson from Direct Magazine) and Marcus Titus is our newest list brokerage associate. - Scott

DMA06 Takeaways

Maybe it was the quarter mile sprint that I did at LAX (in a suit and tie mind you) or maybe it was the 6 hour redeye back to o-town...but I’m wiped. The good news? I was really impressed with the show and very pleased with the outcome of my meetings, whether planned or Not. If I were to distill the entire experience, I’d say that I took away 4 key points.

POSITIVE ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS? No talk of diminishing returns, shrinking universes, soaring costs or impending governmental regulatory doom. In fact everyone was really excited about the biz. Weird…I know.

THE “NEXT NEW BIG THING” DIDN’T SHOW. You know, in 1997-1998 it was opt-in email; 1999-2002 it was CRM Apps and Modeling; 2004-2005 Blogs, RSS and Multichannel. This year? Nada. Well...there was some talk of SMS and MMS marketing but it’s clearly not ready for prime time.

WE NEED A BIGGER BOOTH NEXT YEAR. Our current booth is just too small for both practical and selfish reasons. Besides needing more elbow room and a dedicated location of sit with clients and vendors; I just WANT a new and bigger booth. Vanity? Ego? Maybe but I’m doing it anyway. Too late it’s already done.

NEXT TIME I FLY, I’M DOING IT DIFFERENTLY. Never accept a flight that requires a connection. Always fly first class...no exceptions. Never have four really big beers and fly cross country...for an assortment of reasons you’re next-seat neighbor will hate you for it.

All and all it was a great show and so-so trip. I want to say a special ‘thank you’ to Kim, Katharine and Matt as well as all of you that I was able to meet with and I apologize to those I missed. I owe you lunch. - Scott

Going to the DMA06?

We’ve got a really cool promotion that we’re doing at this year's show. As you may know multi-channel lists are our claim to fame AND we want everyone to try cross channel list marketing. Sure...maybe our are selfish but it just works better! So to motivate the even coldest shoulder we're treating one lucky marketer to 100,000 multi-channel names from any list we manage...complete with all channels and free selections. Enter To Win

The winner will be selected at DMA06 booth #1943; however you DO NOT have to be present to win!

The World Doesn't Stop

Things are finally beginning to get back to normal, since Marissa’s passing. The extra responsibilities involved in losing a valuable team member coupled with the pressure of the upcoming DMA show have made it easier to throw yourself into your work, but it’s still really weird.

On the brightside, we've hired some new new faces around here. Alisa Vergara has joined our list management department as our newest accounts coordinator and Njegos Nincic has joined our IT department as a database specialist. Welcome aboard ya!