| Author |
Message |
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP
Senior Member
Username: david_axt
Post Number: 1341
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 03:31 pm: |    |
When I started my website (www.localproductreps.com) I imagined that product representatives would sign up in droves. Well that has not proven to be the case. In fact the opposite is true. For some reason it has been challenging to get representatives to sign up. This is very puzzling since it is free to sign up and there is nothing really to lose. By signing up the rep gains more visibility and can actually get more work.
What do you suppose is holding the reps back from signing up and how can I more effectively encourage them to do so?
Thank you!
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Specifications Consultant/Web Publisher
www.localproductreps.com |
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg
Post Number: 657
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 03:42 pm: | |
Hi David.
First thing I would probably do would be to ask the reps from large companies to spread the word amongst their co-workers. For example there seem to be at least a few folks from Custom Building Products who are listed but others who are not. Perhaps a shotgun email suggesting 'spreading the word' to those already listed to suggest that co-workers or independent reps who service the same lines consider signing up.
The other part of this is occasionally remind us to use the website. Nothing succeeds like success. If reps start getting contacted by Architects and Specifiers through your website, the word will spread. |
David J. Wyatt, CDT
Senior Member
Username: david_j_wyatt_cdt
Post Number: 50
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 04:49 pm: | |
It reminds me of an aphorism attributed to Yogi Berra:
"If people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's gonna stop 'em" |
Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski
Post Number: 1732
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 05:10 pm: | |
Or this one from Yogi on why he no longer went to Ruggeri's, a St. Louis restaurant: "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded." |
David J. Wyatt, CDT
Senior Member
Username: david_j_wyatt_cdt
Post Number: 51
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2013 - 08:23 am: | |
Seriously, though, I have been thinking about David's website.
I have thought from the beginning that it was a good idea. But, no matter how good an idea is, it takes people a long time to come around to it, even if it is free. Think how frustrating it is for a priest or a minister to have a message that does mankind some real good, yet so few people bother to listen.
Maybe the fact that it is free is part of the problem. Many people do not perceive value in something they do not have to invest in. A modest fee along with a set of tangible benefits might increase interest and awareness.
I also think product reps need assurance that architects, owners and spec writers will use the site. Otherwise they will spend their time somewhere else. Consider posting some technical content. This might draw spec writers, which in turn may draw more product reps. There are plenty of writers who just need a place to be read, perhaps even some of the product reps.
In any case, you should think of ways to make your site the most happening place around. To get more out of it, you have to put more into it. Unfortunately it will not grow on its own.
Since your website mission doesn't really compete with 4specs, you might also consider talking with Colin about your present dilemma. He knows a lot about making a successful website. |
George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: geverding
Post Number: 702
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 20, 2013 - 11:24 am: | |
Waiter: "Hey Yogi, do you want your pizza cut in six or eight pieces."
Yogi: "Make it six. I'm not too hungry today."
Another story from the Hill in St. Louis.
George A. Everding AIA CSI CCS CCCA
Allegion PLC (formerly Ingersoll Rand)
St. Louis, MO |
Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski
Post Number: 1733
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Friday, December 20, 2013 - 02:14 pm: | |
We ACTUALLY had a waitress tell us, when we asked how big the pizza was (there were three of us and we weren't sure if a medium would suffice), that the pizza was 8 pieces! And she was serious! She must have been a Berra niece...
We just looked at each other for about 30 seconds before bursting into laughter - which she didn't understand. |
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI ,SCIP
Senior Member
Username: david_axt
Post Number: 1342
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Friday, December 20, 2013 - 02:26 pm: | |
Thank you Ken and David. You have given me a lot to think about. I just need to ramp up my marketing efforts.
Since my website benefits everyone on this discussion forum, I encourage specifiers to use my site and to spread the word to their coworkers, clients, and product representatives. Thanks!
David G. Axt, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Specifications Consultant/Web Publisher
www.localproductreps.com |
|
4specs.com Home Page