Kevin Gillen has owned his own consulting and sales rep firm since 1991. His clients include Philips, MD Public TV, ICIA's InfoCOMM Conference and many others.
Kevin can be reached by e-mail at KevinGillen@ juno.com or by phone at 301-253-9518.
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Kevin Gillen
Gillen Interactive Group Inc.
Consultant - multimedia, video & interactive"The best marketing for my company is personal networking. Getting my name and face out in the marketplace through speeches, presentations, as a moderator for panel discussions and as a judge for media award contests works for me.
It very important to network on the local level. People want to do business with a "home town team." Since I represent other multimedia producers in my line of work, it's important for me to get to know the local talent pool. I can then recommend specific people to my clients who I know can do the job.
Many people try to hide behind their marketing, concentrating on direct mail or the Internet. I think it's important to include these things in your marketing mix, but let's face it, clients want to know a person. It's important to be out there actively selling yourself and your business.
I always tell my clients there is no such thing as a dumb question. They know they can call me and ask anything about my business without feeling sheepish. If they ask me something I don't know, I answer them with an honest "I don't know but I know somebody who does." When you make the effort to take care of your clients' "headaches", word gets around that you're someone who has the answers. There's no better marketing that that.
I also believe that humor is crucial. It can make you stand out from the crowd. If it's a natural part of you, then incorporate it into your business persona. I think it's also important to get to know your clients as people. What are their interests? What about their families? It's all part of the "lost art of conversation" that can bring you big benefits.
What's the best "marketing idea" you've ever heard of or seen?
The fellow with the resume t-shirt. I saw him at a trade show wearing a t-shirt that had his resume silkscreened on the front and back. He was handing out resumes and talking with everyone who would listen. People loved him. He was doing something that was unforgettable. That's great marketing."
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