At the ClickZ Live 2014 conference in New York, Michelle Killebrew presented an interesting case study of an IBM campaign called Rethink Business. It got me thinking (or, should I say,…
Read MoreRuth Stevens
How many leads do you need to generate? Use this simple calculator.
One key to successful B2B lead generation programs is to calculate exactly the right number of qualified leads to provide to sales—as part of your campaign planning. If you generate…
Read MoreBeware of dubious data providers: A 9-point checklist
Are you hounded by email pitches offering access to all kinds of prospective business targets? I am, and I hate it. As a B2B marketer, I am always interested in…
Read MoreMarketing automation is not marketing strategy
Too often, these days, I am hearing B2B marketers mouth claims like “We got this new [fill in the brand] automation tool, so now we can reduce headcount.” Or, “Once…
Read MoreMarketing ROI in B2B: Why is it so hard, and what can we do about it?
The other day, I had the pleasure of discussing the challenges of marketing ROI with Jim Obermayer, CEO and executive director of the Sales Lead Management Association, on his Internet…
Read MoreB2B prospecting data just keeps getting better
The most reliable and scalable approach to finding new B2B customers is outbound communications–whether one is using mail, phone, or email, or using rented or purchased lists. B2B marketers typically…
Read MoreWhere to get an education in B2B content marketing
I recently got my hands on a copy of Joe Pulizzi’s new book, Epic Content Marketing, and I can’t say enough good things about it. Truth is, as content marketing…
Read MoreLead qualification: the secret sauce of B2B lead generation marketing
The Number One rule in B2B marketing: Never, ever, pass an unqualified lead to your sales force. Why? Because they’ll hate you in the morning… But seriously, if the role…
Read MoreBuilding your B2B marketing database
Your most important tool in B2B is, arguably, the marketing database. Without a robust collection of contact information, firmographic and transactional data about customers and prospects, you are adrift when…
Read MoreHow to create a B2B content audit
In the B2B marketing world, content is used primarily to 1. Attract new prospects, and 2. Develop the relationship over time until the prospect is ready to see a salesperson,…
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