Posted by Tom Blue on January 27, 2010 under Companies, Executives, Profiles | 
Joe Karwat has been a loyal customer of ours for a long time. He has recently started a new company – Somarus - that I find interesting. Here are his answers to our eInterview…
What do you do? 2 sentences max
Somarus provides automated B2B sales and marketing solutions using social networking techniques. We integrate all aspects of our client’s sales and marketing process through efficient use of Web 2.0 services.
Who are your competitors?
Marketo, SiverPop
What makes you different than your competitors?
Three things. The first is that we focus on making the firms staff visible on the web and use each employee’s social markers to establish a trust relationship with prospective clients. Second, we empower prospects to choose who they would like to engage with at a specific company. And third we automated and integrate everything so that there is no manual intervention. This enables tremendous scale and eases the pain associated with adding staff or staff turnover. The result is a predictable, scalable, and cost-effective sales and marketing process.
What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Educating B2B marketers that using social media means emphasizing their people, not necessarily their company.
Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
Since this is a new venture I can only rely on what’s worked for me in the past. Webinars combined with a thoughtful email campaign.
How long have you been in business?
This is a new venture based on my consulting practice.
How many employees do you have?
3
What are your revenue estimates for 2010?
We hope to $5mm this year.
What do you do?
Somarus provides automated B2B sales and marketing solutions using social networking techniques. We integrate all aspects of our client’s sales and marketing process through efficient use of Web 2.0 services.
Who are your competitors?
Marketo, SiverPop
What makes you different than your competitors?
Three things. The first is that we focus on making the firms staff visible on the web and use each employee’s social markers to establish a trust relationship with prospective clients. Second, we empower prospects to choose who they would like to engage with at a specific company. And third we automated and integrate everything so that there is no manual intervention. This enables tremendous scale and eases the pain associated with adding staff or staff turnover. The result is a predictable, scalable, and cost-effective sales and marketing process.
What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Educating B2B marketers that using social media means emphasizing their people, not necessarily their company.
Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
Since this is a new venture I can only rely on what’s worked for me in the past. Webinars combined with a thoughtful email campaign.
How long have you been in business?
This is a new venture based on my consulting practice.
How many employees do you have?
3
What are your revenue estimates for 2010?
We hope to $5mm this year.
Posted by Tom Blue on December 23, 2009 under Companies, Executives, Profiles |
Here is a recent interview with Alaa Negada – the CEO of ALXTel.
1. What do you do? 2 sentences max
We provide wholesale and retail international telecommunications services and solutions, and Broadband Satellite Internet services.
2. Who are your competitors? (just the names)
Long distance wholesale carriers are our competitors; however, they are also our customers, as is the nature of the business. They include companies like Tata communicaitons, IDT, Fusion, Banaki Group, Phonetime, etc.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
We sell our own direct routes; as a result, the rates we offer are very competitive, much cheaper than the rest of the market. Additionally, we guarantee the quality we are offering.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
I guess it would be balancing between the continual development of the company while refraining from ‘biting off more than we can chew’ so to speak. We have so many ideas and services, but the challenge lies in pacing ourselves.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR Campaign, Please be specific as our users want to know how to grow their own business.
One of the best, most fruitful strategies for us are exhibitions, particularly the ITW 2009.
6. How long have you been in business?
About 2 years now.
7. How many employees do you have?
14 hard-working, dedicated employees.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
Our expected revenue estimate for 2009 is $1.4 million, which is an increase from last year.
9. (Optional) Have you had any new press recently? E.G. Announced a partnership, a new big customer, etc.
Yes, we we’re very pleased to finalize deals with two new customers: Telecom Argentina and IDT.
1. What do you do?
We provide wholesale and retail international telecommunications services and solutions, and Broadband Satellite Internet services.
2. Who are your competitors?
Long distance wholesale carriers are our competitors; however, they are also our customers, as is the nature of the business. They include companies like Tata communicaitons, IDT, Fusion, Banaki Group, Phonetime, etc.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
We sell our own direct routes; as a result, the rates we offer are very competitive, much cheaper than the rest of the market. Additionally, we guarantee the quality we are offering.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
I guess it would be balancing between the continual development of the company while refraining from ‘biting off more than we can chew’ so to speak. We have so many ideas and services, but the challenge lies in pacing ourselves.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR Campaign, Please be specific as our users want to know how to grow their own business.
One of the best, most fruitful strategies for us are exhibitions, particularly the ITW 2009.
6. How long have you been in business?
About 2 years now.
7. How many employees do you have?
14 hard-working, dedicated employees.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
Our expected revenue estimate for 2009 is $1.4 million, which is an increase from last year.
9. (Optional) Have you had any new press recently? E.G. Announced a partnership, a new big customer, etc.
Yes, we we’re very pleased to finalize deals with two new customers: Telecom Argentina and IDT.
Posted by Tom Blue on November 19, 2009 under Executives, Profiles |
We recently did an e-Interview with Jim Buttjer. He is the President of Mosaic Home Solutions. Here is the Q&A below.
1. What do you do? 2 sentences max
Mosaic Home Solutions is a full-service solution provider combining custom homebuilding, audio/video and security systems, home and office remodeling, maintenance, and repair. From top to bottom, inside and out, we make caring for your home and business easier by combining a consultative approach with skilled trades and technology tailored for your needs.
2. Who are your competitors? (just the names)
We have many competitors in individual service offerings, but with our solution-based business model bringing multiple service offerings together, we haven’t found anyone else that competes with us on this level.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
We take a whole-home, consultative approach to meeting our clients’ needs. Many competitors focus on which products they can sell instead of listening to the client and creating a solution to satisfy the need, then helping the client choose which products they prefer based on features, functions, sustainability, resale value, and cost.
4. What are you or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Because our business model is so different, we are working diligently to develop and deliver the message of our brand and its value to the marketplace. The great thing is, once clients and suppliers and investors hear the message, they love it and embrace it.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR Campaign, Please be specific as our users want to know how to grow their own business.
In our first year, referral networking has brought in the most revenue by a small margin, complemented by online advertising.
6. How long have you been in business?
We were officially registered with the state of Illinois on Jan. 5, 2009.
7. How many employees do you have?
We have grown the Mosaic team to over 10 employees in our first year of business.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
As we are a privately held company, I can only say that our estimated revenues will be in excess of $1 million in our second year of business. Part of our competitive advantage is the diversity of our solutions and services and how they complement each other in building revenue streams – that possible competitors would find surprising.
9. (Optional) Have you had any new press recently? E.G. Announced a partnership, a new big customer, etc.
After a recent acquisition which expanded our solution portfolio, we are incorporating that element into our brand and revising our marketing and PR plans. Announcements will be coming soon.
1. What do you do? 2 sentences max
Mosaic Home Solutions is a full-service solution provider combining custom homebuilding, audio/video and security systems, home and office remodeling, maintenance, and repair. From top to bottom, inside and out, we make caring for your home and business easier by combining a consultative approach with skilled trades and technology tailored for your needs.
2. Who are your competitors?
We have many competitors in individual service offerings, but with our solution-based business model bringing multiple service offerings together, we haven’t found anyone else that competes with us on this level.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
We take a whole-home, consultative approach to meeting our clients’ needs. Many competitors focus on which products they can sell instead of listening to the client and creating a solution to satisfy the need, then helping the client choose which products they prefer based on features, functions, sustainability, resale value, and cost.
4. What are you or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Because our business model is so different, we are working diligently to develop and deliver the message of our brand and its value to the marketplace. The great thing is, once clients and suppliers and investors hear the message, they love it and embrace it.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
In our first year, referral networking has brought in the most revenue by a small margin, complemented by online advertising.
6. How long have you been in business?
We were officially registered with the state of Illinois on Jan. 5, 2009.
7. How many employees do you have?
We have grown the Mosaic team to over 10 employees in our first year of business.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
As we are a privately held company, I can only say that our estimated revenues will be in excess of $1 million in our second year of business. Part of our competitive advantage is the diversity of our solutions and services and how they complement each other in building revenue streams – that possible competitors would find surprising.
Posted by Tom Blue on November 12, 2009 under Profiles |
1. What do you do?
Modern Battery Solutions provides battery reconditioning services and sells military proven battery recovery and reconditioning systems to material handling companies, forklift and battery repair companies, distribution centers, golf courses and to individuals with the desire to establish their own battery reconditioning service. Additionally, we offer training programs and assistance in the set up of new service providers within the industry.
2. Who are your competitors?
There are too many to name but, many of them have their gimmicks and battery recon elixir and rejuvenation solutions and sulfation elimination additives and stuff like that.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
Our customers love us because we work with the originating developer, designer and manufacturer of this technology and they have an established 25 year history of US military tested, proven and accepted battery recovery systems. The versions sold by us and used in our own services are the authorized commercial versions of the original military version that are in battery maintenance facilities all over the world. These battery recovery systems are simply unmatched in price, quality and performance.
4. What are you or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Our two biggest challenges are industry rehabilitation and the time it takes to accomplish it.1.Rehabilitating the industry’s concept of battery reconditioning from the conventional means and the school of thought that says battery desulfation is possible to a degree, yet even proof that now being our present reality drudges up doubts of their past snake oil experiences. 2. Battery desulfation has been the reality for the US military for several years and has made enormous progress in both cost and waste reduction to say the least, but the commercial industry has been inundated with countless reconditioning and desulfation gimmicks that has skewed its ability to see that the real deal is finally being made available to them at a reasonably low cost.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
Our most effective marketing strategies are researching our potential clients and working to build up the trust relationships between the two of us. We send out emails followed up with phone calls and drop-in to meet our clients face to face. We let them know that we are in it for the long haul and keep the focus on the relationship and not the sale because once the relationship is established trust is no longer an issue and the risk of the purchase has been removed.
6. How long have you been in business?
We are a new company established in 2008 working with tested and true ideals from a 25 year history of working with people.
7. How many employees do you have?
We are a modest force of less than 20 employees and are primarily focused the structuring of our North American and European distribution network. A registered small business.
Below is an eInterview we did with Deborah Baker, a founder of Modern Battery Solutions.
1. What do you do?
Modern Battery Solutions provides battery reconditioning services and sells military proven battery recovery and reconditioning systems to material handling companies, forklift and battery repair companies, distribution centers, golf courses and to individuals with the desire to establish their own battery reconditioning service. Additionally, we offer training programs and assistance in the set up of new service providers within the industry.
2. Who are your competitors?
There are too many to name but, many of them have their gimmicks and battery recon elixir and rejuvenation solutions and sulfation elimination additives and stuff like that.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
Our customers love us because we work with the originating developer, designer and manufacturer of this technology and they have an established 25 year history of US military tested, proven and accepted battery recovery systems. The versions sold by us and used in our own services are the authorized commercial versions of the original military version that are in battery maintenance facilities all over the world. These battery recovery systems are simply unmatched in price, quality and performance.
4. What are you or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Our two biggest challenges are industry rehabilitation and the time it takes to accomplish it.1.Rehabilitating the industry’s concept of battery reconditioning from the conventional means and the school of thought that says battery desulfation is possible to a degree, yet even proof that now being our present reality drudges up doubts of their past snake oil experiences. 2. Battery desulfation has been the reality for the US military for several years and has made enormous progress in both cost and waste reduction to say the least, but the commercial industry has been inundated with countless reconditioning and desulfation gimmicks that has skewed its ability to see that the real deal is finally being made available to them at a reasonably low cost.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
Our most effective marketing strategies are researching our potential clients and working to build up the trust relationships between the two of us. We send out emails followed up with phone calls and drop-in to meet our clients face to face. We let them know that we are in it for the long haul and keep the focus on the relationship and not the sale because once the relationship is established trust is no longer an issue and the risk of the purchase has been removed.
6. How long have you been in business?
We are a new company established in 2008 working with tested and true ideals from a 25 year history of working with people.
7. How many employees do you have?
We are a modest force of less than 20 employees and are primarily focused the structuring of our North American and European distribution network. A registered small business.
Posted by Tom Blue on November 9, 2009 under Companies, Executives, Profiles |
Allen Stern is the owner/founder of CenterNetworks and CloudContacts. CenterNetworks is a blog focused on internet news, reviews, interviews and conference coverage. CloudContacts takes your business cards and converts them into usable technology files for importing into Outlook, Salesforce, etc. He is a bootstrapped entrepreneur so I decided to ask him questions about how he multi-tasks in between his businesses.
1. I see you have 2 companies, what do each of them do?
I run a variety of blogs – CenterNetworks, InsideTransit and HTMLCenter.
HTMLCenter started in 1996 and in the late 90s was one of the most
popular HTML help sites. In late 2008 I launched CloudContacts which
provides a business card scanning and transcription service and allows
people to connect with their contacts on a variety of chat, business and
social networks. I also provide some consulting services although I’ve
had to turn down several jobs to focus on CloudContacts (turning down
work absolutely kills me).
2. On the average week, what percentage of time is spent on
CloudContacts and what percentage of time on CenterNetworks?
Each week more time is being devoted to CloudContacts. As of now I would
guess the split is somewhere around 85% CloudContacts and 15% on the
other blogs including CenterNetworks
3. What are your biggest challenges between these 2 companies?
Splitting my time is the biggest challenge today. I enjoy working on all
of the projects I am currently involved in.
4. Which marketing tactics/strategies have produced the most readers/subscribers for your blog/company? Any new and innovative strategy that has really increased your business?
The most important advice I can provide is to get out from behind the
desk and get out into the community — both online and offline. Writing
content on your own blog is great — the key is to get out and interact
with the community. Leave comments on other blogs and make sure you note
your full name and URL in the appropriate boxes. Never spam other blogs,
instead provide valuable content. Once in a while a person will click on
your link and over time you will build an audience.
5. How long has CenterNetworks been in business?
The original form of CenterNetworks began in 1998 and the current form
of CenterNetworks began as a blog in late 2006.
6. Do you sell your own advertising on CenterNetworks?
To be honest I haven’t spent much time on sales for CenterNetworks and
the other blogs over the past couple of months. As a result the in-house
ad sales are lower than previous months. Naturally the goal is to sell
all of the slots in-house but that rarely happens for any blog. I would
guess that currently the split is somewhere around 35% in-house sales
and 65% ad networks. It’s important to note that some part of the 65% is
also direct ad sales through the ad networks and the balance are remnant
ads.
7. How much do you expect to grow/lose this year in revenues?
I would guess that the websites will generate about the same income as
in 2008.
1. I see you have 2 companies, what do each of them do?
I run a variety of blogs – CenterNetworks, InsideTransit and HTMLCenter. HTMLCenter started in 1996 and in the late 90s was one of the most popular HTML help sites. In late 2008 I launched CloudContacts which provides a business card scanning and transcription service and allows people to connect with their contacts on a variety of chat, business and social networks. I also provide some consulting services although I’ve had to turn down several jobs to focus on CloudContacts (turning down work absolutely kills me).
2. On the average week, what percentage of time is spent on CloudContacts and what percentage of time on CenterNetworks?
Each week more time is being devoted to CloudContacts. As of now I would guess the split is somewhere around 85% CloudContacts and 15% on the other blogs including CenterNetworks
3. What are your biggest challenges between these 2 companies?
Splitting my time is the biggest challenge today. I enjoy working on all of the projects I am currently involved in.
4. Which marketing tactics/strategies have produced the most readers/subscribers for your blog/company? Any new and innovative strategy that has really increased your business?
The most important advice I can provide is to get out from behind the desk and get out into the community — both online and offline. Writing content on your own blog is great — the key is to get out and interact with the community. Leave comments on other blogs and make sure you note your full name and URL in the appropriate boxes. Never spam other blogs, instead provide valuable content. Once in a while a person will click on your link and over time you will build an audience.
5. How long has CenterNetworks been in business?
The original form of CenterNetworks began in 1998 and the current form of CenterNetworks began as a blog in late 2006.
6. Do you sell your own advertising on CenterNetworks?
To be honest I haven’t spent much time on sales for CenterNetworks and the other blogs over the past couple of months. As a result the in-house ad sales are lower than previous months. Naturally the goal is to sell all of the slots in-house but that rarely happens for any blog. I would guess that currently the split is somewhere around 35% in-house sales and 65% ad networks. It’s important to note that some part of the 65% is also direct ad sales through the ad networks and the balance are remnant ads.
7. How much do you expect to grow/lose this year in revenues?
I would guess that the websites will generate about the same income as in 2008.
Posted by Tom Blue on October 27, 2009 under Companies, Profiles |
Below is our most recent eInterview with Caroline Mercado, HTI Sonar’s Marketing Director.
1. What do you do?
HTI is the world’s leader in scientific acoustic tag systems and portable, digital echosounder technology, training, and consulting for fisheries research. Track fish behavior in high-resolution 3D in real-time with remote access.
2. Who are your competitors?
Biosonics, Lotek, Vemco
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
Highest-resolution 2D and 3D fish tracks and digital echo sounders, real-time data, remote access from anywhere in the world.
4. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
Conferences and newsletters.
5. How long have you been in business?
22 years
6. How many employees do you have?
Staff of 35 and 4 managing owners.
7. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
12-13m, an increase from 2008.
1. What do you do? 2 sentences max HTI is the world’s leader in scientific acoustic tag systems and portable, digital echo sounder technology, training, and consulting for fisheries research. We help fisheries researchers track fish behavior in high-resolution 2D and 3D with remote access and with real-time capability. We work with researchers all over the globe doing amazing environmental studies.
2. Who are your competitors? (just the names) Biosonic and Lotek offer similar equipment, however, there aren’t any true apple-to-apple competitors. Because the variables are broad enough, often the best tool for a study is based on study objectives and potentially even long-term goals.
3. What makes you different than your competitors? HTI provides the most advanced tools, meaning the highest-resolution (fine-scale) 2D and 3D tag positions and the best resolution digital echo sounder data available. Additionally, both technologies offer data that can be viewed in real-time and remotely accessed from anywhere in the world! Not having to go to a receiver that’s in the middle of a large river or lake, or even out to sea is important. For us, the savings is more than time, or budget dollars, it’s fisheries data. And with smart phone technology, our biologists are watching their acoustic tag data real-time using iPhones. And if they aren’t viewing it, they still have peace of mind knowing they’ll get a “phone call” from the receiver if there is any power loss or interruption. Some project sites experience fierce weather and electrical activity. Knowing we’ll get a status call or text from deployed HTI gear is certainly helpful during data acquisition. OK, one last difference which many people don’t know, you can track 500 acoustic tags at a time, not 10’s of tags.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges? One of our biggest challenges is teaching researchers how to optimize equipment settings for different aquatic environments. Because HTI’s systems are extremely versatile, it can be a catch 22. Versatility and flexibility don’t usually equate to plug-and-play scientific research tools. So, we’re working on ways to improve this online so that say a researcher in say, Antarctica will be able to immediately access assistance to optimize his/her settings when in the field.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR Campaign, Please be specific as our users want to know how to grow their own business. I can’t say enough about contributing to professional organizations, such as the American Fisheries Society and its local chapters. We see the collective works and are inspired. We hope to inspire others with our work. Also, increasing involvement in conferences has continued to push HTI’s acoustic tag and hydroacoustic technologies farther. We’re fisheries biologists, too and we learn a lot from what other biologists are doing. Lastly, we keep informed via online newsletters and sites. It’s truly immediate gratification to get updates from new research as it happens from around world. We try to hold up our part of the deal by keeping people up-to-date and involved with quarterly publications. Ultimately, the key is collaboration.
6. How long have you been in business? HTI has been in business for 22 years and the managing owners, who are also senior scientists, average 25-30 years of experience.
7. How many employees do you have? Staff of 35 and 4 managing owners.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008? I can’t estimate yet but, already it’s been a steady increase. I’d attribute it to a broader awareness of the technology and how it provides a clearer picture of the secret lives of fish, such as salmon. This awareness is helping us improve our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and to make better fisheries management decisions. It’s beyond cool.
Posted by Tom Blue on October 22, 2009 under Companies, Profiles |
Below is our recent eInterview with Sterizon founder, Subba Ayyagari.
1. What do you do?
Sterizon specializes in wireless data collection for the purpose of Customer Retention, Loyalty and Satisfaction using Email, Mobile and Social Media Marketing. Sterizon’s targets market is brick and mortar businesses in the Restaurant, Retail, Hospitality and Service industries.
2. Who are your competitors?
FishBowl, mUrgent, Total Loyalty Systems, Constant Contact
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
All our competitors in the Email Marketing space lack the capability to capture customer information electronically while the customer is at the place of business. We are the only ones in the space who has the handheld device that is not only used for builing email lists, but also used for Surveys, Rewards programs, Mobile Marketing, Social Media Marketing etc making us a one stop shop solution for all their marketing and customer satisfaction needs.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
It’s been hiring the right sales people to do direct to business marketing. Being a company in the South East (based in Atlanta, GA), the resource pool interested in working for startups is virtually not there!
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR
We initially went with online only approach to reach our target restaurant industry. We did lot of press releases, good chunk on online content, blogging, twitter, facebook, restaurant community sites, etc. It certainly raised the awareness, and search engine rankings, but failed to lure customers for online orders.
The above techniques would have worked great if this was a software only product aiming at tech savvy audience. But, our product involves handheld device also. We still had to physically knock their doors, show the demo and then we were able to lock in the customer.
The cost of customer acqusition was very high with the knock on door approach. So, we decided to partner with our competitors, as our technology is complementing to their marketing platforms. We effectively filled the biggest gap in their solutions. We kicked off the reseller program with all the players in the email, mobile marketing space. In the last 30 days, we have 5 of the top 10 players in the space in our reseller program.
6. How long have you been in business?
We are 11 months old.
7. How many employees do you have?
2 full time.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
We came out of beta in Apr-July timeframe in phases. We might end up with >20k in revenues this year. We are projecting ~600k in total revenues for next year.
1. What do you do?
Sterizon specializes in wireless data collection for the purpose of Customer Retention, Loyalty and Satisfaction using Email, Mobile and Social Media Marketing. Sterizon’s targets market is brick and mortar businesses in the Restaurant, Retail, Hospitality and Service industries.
2. Who are your competitors?
FishBowl, mUrgent, Total Loyalty Systems, Constant Contact
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
All our competitors in the Email Marketing space lack the capability to capture customer information electronically while the customer is at the place of business. We are the only ones in the space who has the handheld device that is not only used for builing email lists, but also used for Surveys, Rewards programs, Mobile Marketing, Social Media Marketing etc making us a one stop shop solution for all their marketing and customer satisfaction needs.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
It’s been hiring the right sales people to do direct to business marketing. Being a company in the South East (based in Atlanta, GA), the resource pool interested in working for startups is virtually not there!
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR
We initially went with online only approach to reach our target restaurant industry. We did lot of press releases, good chunk on online content, blogging, twitter, facebook, restaurant community sites, etc. It certainly raised the awareness, and search engine rankings, but failed to lure customers for online orders.
The above techniques would have worked great if this was a software only product aiming at tech savvy audience. But, our product involves handheld device also. We still had to physically knock their doors, show the demo and then we were able to lock in the customer.
The cost of customer acqusition was very high with the knock on door approach. So, we decided to partner with our competitors, as our technology is complementing to their marketing platforms. We effectively filled the biggest gap in their solutions. We kicked off the reseller program with all the players in the email, mobile marketing space. In the last 30 days, we have 5 of the top 10 players in the space in our reseller program.
6. How long have you been in business?
We are 11 months old.
7. How many employees do you have?
2 full time.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
We came out of beta in Apr-July timeframe in phases. We might end up with >20k in revenues this year. We are projecting ~600k in total revenues for next year.
Posted by Tom Blue on October 14, 2009 under Companies |
Here is our latest eInterview with Steve Holand from CarryCasesPlus.
1. What do you do?
Carry Cases Plus manufactures and distributes carrying cases and shipping cases with custom foam in order to transport, protect or display your important items.
2. Who are your competitors? (just the names)
Cases by Source, AllCases.com
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
We do all of our own custom foam fabrication. Most of our competitors, come to foam fabricators like us to do their foam inserts. Because we have the technology and machinery, we are able to design and provide prototypes at no charge to customers.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Moving from a small business mentality into a structured, smoothly running manufacturing facility has been difficult. We need to change our approach in every aspect of the business. Operating procedures, office procedures, production, marketing, warehouse design, purchasing, HR, all have to evolve. It is very challenging to get everyone in the company to understand the need and then implement the changes.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR Campaign, Please be specific as our users want to know how to grow their own business.
The single biggest factor has been the Web Site with Google Adwords and SEO being most important. We have gone from a tiny local company to a national company with the help of a great web site and smart Adword marketing. You also don’t have to pay a heck of a lot of money (I did all of the work myself).
6. How long have you been in business?
Since 1986 – 23 years. My father started the foam fabricating business and I joined in 1993. In 2003, after years of making foam inserts for customer’s cases, I bought Carry Cases Plus, giving me the ability to sell the cases as well.
7. How many employees do you have?
We have 22 employees.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
2009 looks like it will and up around 2.4 million dollars which is down from 2.8 million in 2008. The packaging foam part of the business took a big hit with the recession but the case part of the business is up 2%.
9. (Optional) Have you had any new press recently? E.G. Announced a partnership, a new big customer, etc.
Earlier this year we added a spectacular new piece of equipment to our factory. It is a dual head computerized CNC router and knife cutter. This allows us to automate the sample process and create samples and finished product in 1/3 of the time it took previously.
1. What do you do? 2 sentences max
Carry Cases Plus manufactures and distributes carrying cases and shipping cases with custom foam in order to transport, protect or display your important items.
2. Who are your competitors? (just the names)
Cases by Source, AllCases.com
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
We do all of our own custom foam fabrication. Most of our competitors, come to foam fabricators like us to do their foam inserts. Because we have the technology and machinery, we are able to design and provide prototypes at no charge to customers.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Moving from a small business mentality into a structured, smoothly running manufacturing facility has been difficult. We need to change our approach in every aspect of the business. Operating procedures, office procedures, production, marketing, warehouse design, purchasing, HR, all have to evolve. It is very challenging to get everyone in the company to understand the need and then implement the changes.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR Campaign, Please be specific as our users want to know how to grow their own business.
The single biggest factor has been the Web Site with Google Adwords and SEO being most important. We have gone from a tiny local company to a national company with the help of a great web site and smart Adword marketing. You also don’t have to pay a heck of a lot of money (I did all of the work myself).
6. How long have you been in business?
Since 1986 – 23 years. My father started the foam fabricating business and I joined in 1993. In 2003, after years of making foam inserts for customer’s cases, I bought Carry Cases Plus, giving me the ability to sell the cases as well.
7. How many employees do you have?
We have 22 employees.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
2009 looks like it will and up around 2.4 million dollars which is down from 2.8 million in 2008. The packaging foam part of the business took a big hit with the recession but the case part of the business is up 2%.
9. (Optional) Have you had any new press recently? E.G. Announced a partnership, a new big customer, etc.
Earlier this year we added a spectacular new piece of equipment to our factory. It is a dual head computerized CNC router and knife cutter. This allows us to automate the sample process and create samples and finished product in 1/3 of the time it took previously.
Posted by Tom Blue on October 6, 2009 under Uncategorized |
We have another eInterview available… Thomas Lynch is the CEO of the Creditors Resource Group. They have grown quite a bit this year and it seems to be coming from their affiliate program. See below for the q&a.
1. What do you do?
CRG provides accounts receivable management software and debt collection programs
2. Who are your competitors?
There are over 10,000 collection agencies in the US. Trying to compete in such a crowded market place is challenging because if you’re not strategic about marketing efforts, your message can be lost in all the background noise created by your competitors.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
In designing solutions for both vendors and debtors CRG takes a holistic approach to curing the underlying causes of delinquency. For example, CRG offers its clients a computer software solution that was specifically developed to help them manage and improve their internal collection efforts… speeding their cash flow and reducing their exposure to bad debt losses. Another is the CRG Debt-Fund which blends traditional collection efforts with commercial lending sources to help capitalize debtor companies struggling with cash flow problems.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Each major innovation we bring to the market creates its own large-scale opportunity which often comes with significant infrastructure challenges. Scaling our organization to the level of our growth continues to be a major challenge.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
By far, our greatest successes have come from our affiliate marketing relationships. The strategy here is to find very large companies that have their own client list. Then you approach them with a joint marketing proposal that has a high perceived value to their customers and a new revenue stream for their own company. Instead of thinking WIN/WIN, you need to approach this from a WIN/WIN/WIN perspective (you win, they win, their customers win).
6. How long have you been in business?
2006
7. How many employees do you have?
10 currently, with plans to add 12-15 more in January 2010 when our new call center is complete in Tucson, AZ
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
2009 revenues estimated at $550,000, which represents a 69% increase over 2008 revenues
9. Have you had any new press recently?
In October 2009 CRG will be announcing two new affiliate joint-ventures that will change the face of the company going forward. First, CRG has entered into a multi-year contract to be the exclusive collection agency provider for business subscribers to CollectPro Software (collectprosoftware.com). In a similar deal, CRG will soon announce its new endorsement and partnership with iLumen and Sage Corp (makers of Peachtree and MAS accounting software platforms) which will promote CRG to approximately 500,000 Peachtree Analytics users monthly.
1. What do you do?
CRG provides accounts receivable management software and debt collection programs
2. Who are your competitors?
There are over 10,000 collection agencies in the US. Trying to compete in such a crowded market place is challenging because if you’re not strategic about marketing efforts, your message can be lost in all the background noise created by your competitors.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
In designing solutions for both vendors and debtors CRG takes a holistic approach to curing the underlying causes of delinquency. For example, CRG offers its clients a computer software solution that was specifically developed to help them manage and improve their internal collection efforts… speeding their cash flow and reducing their exposure to bad debt losses. Another is the CRG Debt-Fund which blends traditional collection efforts with commercial lending sources to help capitalize debtor companies struggling with cash flow problems.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Each major innovation we bring to the market creates its own large-scale opportunity which often comes with significant infrastructure challenges. Scaling our organization to the level of our growth continues to be a major challenge.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
By far, our greatest successes have come from our affiliate marketing relationships. The strategy here is to find very large companies that have their own client list. Then you approach them with a joint marketing proposal that has a high perceived value to their customers and a new revenue stream for their own company. Instead of thinking WIN/WIN, you need to approach this from a WIN/WIN/WIN perspective (you win, they win, their customers win).
6. How long have you been in business?
2006
7. How many employees do you have?
10 currently, with plans to add 12-15 more in January 2010 when our new call center is complete in Tucson, AZ
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
2009 revenues estimated at $550,000, which represents a 69% increase over 2008 revenues
9. Have you had any new press recently?
In October 2009 CRG will be announcing two new affiliate joint-ventures that will change the face of the company going forward. First, CRG has entered into a multi-year contract to be the exclusive collection agency provider for business subscribers to CollectPro Software (collectprosoftware.com). In a similar deal, CRG will soon announce its new endorsement and partnership with iLumen and Sage Corp (makers of Peachtree and MAS accounting software platforms) which will promote CRG to approximately 500,000 Peachtree Analytics users monthly.
Posted by Tom Blue on September 28, 2009 under Companies, Profiles |
Below is a recent eInterview with Mike Stoll, the Director of Photofest…
1. What do you do? 2 sentences max – Photofest rents high-end digital point and shoot cameras as an eco-friendly replacement for disposable cameras. We offer nationwide service, and specialize in weddings, graduation parties, reunions and corporate events.
2. Who are your competitors? (just the names) – Camerarenter.com and YouShoot.com.
3. What makes you different than your competitors? – Three major differences: 1) We offer package rentals (5, 10, 15 or 20 cameras) and don’t charge for the “extras”. We don’t nickle and dime our customers – and our customers really like this. 2) We’ve managed to set up price points that are significantly cheaper than our competition, while still providing outstanding customer service and a first-rate, professional product. 3) While all three of our businesses are eco-friendly (using digital cameras instead of disposable cameras results in less waste), I feel that we’ve taken a few extra steps to offer our customers an even more environmentally friendly option. Just a few examples: we reuse our shipping containers for several events (then recycle them once their service life is met), utilize rechargeable batteries for our cameras and have camera lanyards manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges? – Marketing, marketing, marketing. We provide a service that most folks don’t even know exists, so it’s very challenging to utilize online search to drive customers to our website. And though there are hundreds of sites on the internet that would help us target particular verticals (weddings, reunions, party rentals, etc), most of them aren’t set up to support nationwide businesses, and all of them are relatively expensive. Very difficult to adequately fund enough advertising to determine which sites provide the best ROI.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company? E.G. A PR Campaign, Please be specific as our users want to know how to grow their own business. – Despite the above, Google Adwords continues to drive the most leads to our website, but mostly from customers who are familiar with our particular service. Second to that is word of mouth referrals. I know that sounds cliche, but once folks see our service at a friend’s or family member’s wedding, they immediately “get it”. To tap into this customer base, we utilize small, branded information cards that are attached to each camera lanyard. Event attendees are encouraged to take these cards home with them, so they can view the photos taken at the particular event they are attending. We’ve had some success converting these types of leads into booked jobs, and I expect that success to grow as we do more and more events.
6. How long have you been in business? – We just celebrated our first year in business this past August.
7. How many employees do you have? – This is a family run business, so there are only four of us. Myself, my business partner Eric, and both of our wives.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008? – 2008 gross revenue was $2,300. 2009 gross revenue is estimated to be $6,600.
1. What do you do?
Photofest rents high-end digital point and shoot cameras as an eco-friendly replacement for disposable cameras. We offer nationwide service, and specialize in weddings, graduation parties, reunions and corporate events.
2. Who are your competitors?
Camerarenter.com and YouShoot.com.
3. What makes you different than your competitors?
Three major differences: 1) We offer package rentals (5, 10, 15 or 20 cameras) and don’t charge for the “extras”. We don’t nickle and dime our customers – and our customers really like this. 2) We’ve managed to set up price points that are significantly cheaper than our competition, while still providing outstanding customer service and a first-rate, professional product. 3) While all three of our businesses are eco-friendly (using digital cameras instead of disposable cameras results in less waste), I feel that we’ve taken a few extra steps to offer our customers an even more environmentally friendly option. Just a few examples: we reuse our shipping containers for several events (then recycle them once their service life is met), utilize rechargeable batteries for our cameras and have camera lanyards manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.
4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?
Marketing, marketing, marketing. We provide a service that most folks don’t even know exists, so it’s very challenging to utilize online search to drive customers to our website. And though there are hundreds of sites on the internet that would help us target particular verticals (weddings, reunions, party rentals, etc), most of them aren’t set up to support nationwide businesses, and all of them are relatively expensive. Very difficult to adequately fund enough advertising to determine which sites provide the best ROI.
5. Which marketing tactic/strategy has produced the most leads/revenue for your company?
Despite the above, Google Adwords continues to drive the most leads to our website, but mostly from customers who are familiar with our particular service. Second to that is word of mouth referrals. I know that sounds cliche, but once folks see our service at a friend’s or family member’s wedding, they immediately “get it”. To tap into this customer base, we utilize small, branded information cards that are attached to each camera lanyard. Event attendees are encouraged to take these cards home with them, so they can view the photos taken at the particular event they are attending. We’ve had some success converting these types of leads into booked jobs, and I expect that success to grow as we do more and more events.
6. How long have you been in business?
We just celebrated our first year in business this past August.
7. How many employees do you have?
This is a family run business, so there are only four of us. Myself, my business partner Eric, and both of our wives.
8. What are your revenue estimates for 2009? Is that an increase from 2008?
2008 gross revenue was $2,300. 2009 gross revenue is estimated to be $6,600.
