Testimonials for Marathon Workshops
Our experience with Marathon Press was so much more than we anticipated. We had assumed this recent seminar would result in some new ideas that would possibly facilitate our existing marketing efforts at our studio. But now, after spending two days at the Marathon head quarters in Nebraska, we realize just how short sighted we were. With all of the resources they have provided for us and the far reaching marketing tools that are now in place for us, it has changed the face of how we do marketing. After 38 years in business with very favorable results in our own marketing efforts, we now feel like we've moved from the minor leagues into the major leagues of marketing with Marathon. We can't thank you enough, Barb for convincing us just how valuable and even necessary it is to be involved with this outstanding company. Oh, and one last thing, everyone at Marathon Press from the employees to the President of the company, are the very best of people who welcomed us into their family and their homes. We are truly grateful for this time well spent.
Best Regards,
Paul and Doug Trace
Tears are flowing...It has been quite a journey and the web site looks phenomenal!! Thank you, thank you!!!! You are a wonderful part of this whole journey I am on and you make it so fabulous! My heart is so grateful for all of you at Marathon!!! How far we have come since that phone call. Linda! Hard to believe and all the hard work is being seen right now. I can't quit crying...got to go take my husband to the dr. and I am losing it over being happy! I am overwhelmed!
Love and hugs and champagne bubbles,
Kay
Hi Linda.. you had asked me to offer a few comments on the workshop that I recently attended. In all honesty it is hard to fix "perfection". I found the workshop immensely helpful for my studio. Having joined the MBP (at least to start) it is going to give me the drive and direction I have needed to build our new web site and finish the marketing pieces I have been wanting to do. I really liked being able to understand more about your Marketing Partnership Program. Constructive criticism?? Ummm lets, see.. I guess I joined everyone else there in feeling a little overwhelmed at first.. there was a lot to think about.. Ann (Montieth) did a great job during the initial lecture and her notes will prove invaluable. The class size was perfect and the facility was great. I really enjoyed meeting all of the Marathon people.. everyone was so warm and I feel that each person went out of their way to make us feel welcome AND let us know that they appreciated our business!! The homework (or at least hotel-work) assignments were excellent and they offered everyone time at night to catch up on their initial postcard and brochure designs before meeting with the designers the next day. I could easily see this expanded into a 3 day event with people leaving Wednesday as opposed to Tuesday morning. The food, hospitality and hotel were top notch.. having the bus to and from the airport makes things very easy for each person. I really recommend these workshops for any photographer that is sincerely interested in pulling their marketing plan together. These workshops will help the photographer-businessperson to complete marketing materials and finish their dream web site. The workshop rates an A+ in my book!
Greg Stangl M., Photo., Cr., CPP
Hi Everyone!
I hope this letter finds you well and that you are all having a great Fall season.
I just returned from the Marathon Press Marketing Workshop!! Oh My Gosh! What an awsome learning experience! The people at Marathon Press are first class all the way!
You know, I thought I was pretty darn good at marketing, HA! Come to find out I have barely scraped the surface...but now, watch out world, I'm coming on strong with a really great marketing plan for next year.
I was totally unaware of of all the products and services that Marathon Press has to offer. You really need to check them out if you haven't already. They are going to make my life so much easier! I just can't wait to get started with all the time and money saving services they have to offer!!
The first one I want to implement is their "Client Connections" program. This is a really effective way to keep in touch with your clients. You all know (if you read the SDS binder on customer service) how I feel about thanking your clients often. Well, this is the perfect way. After the session you or your sales staff can go onto the Marathon web site and send a personalized thank you card complete with your clients image on it. You can write your own personalized note and you can also put an offer on it. Like, your next session free, or 15% off a frame. Now, I prefer to give them something that has nothing to so with my business. So, I am planning a gift promotion with a friend of mine who owns a gift shop....I will send the thank you card will say...
"Thank You so much for your business, I really had a great time photographing your family. Sara has grown up to be such a beautiful little lady. I am honored to have been your family photographer for these past 4 years, seeing Sara grow up has been an absolute joy for me!"
Then in the offer section it will say...
A GIFT FOR YOU, FROM CINDY
Take this card to "The Picket Fence"
(located in the Ohio Valley Shopping Plaza next to Krogers)
To recieve your gift of XXXX (whatever the gift will be)
Compliments Of Studio C Ceative Images.
This will be a really great way for me to thank my clients with a small gift and help my friend Becky out at the same time!
Now this thank you card will be printed, addresses and mailed by Marathon Press right from their Norfolk Nebraska location!! Cool, huh! It is so easy and time efficient, you just can't go wrong with it.
AND...these card are available with different greetings on them too. Happy Aniversary, Happy Birthday, Portrait Reminder and Holiday Greetings. Can you just imagine the possiblities with these cards?
I haven't been able to sleep since I got back..I got so much great information to market and promote my business I'm beside myself!
Marketing is the the single most important aspect of a successfull business. If you guys want to get a real grip on your marketing...and you should, because people can't come and spend their money... in your studio... if they don't know that you exist and what you have to offer!
I would highley reccommend this worshop to everyone, in fact, it was one of the best decisions I made for my business this year!
If you want more information on the "Client Connections" or the "Marketing Workshop" call Marathon Press at 1-800-228-0629.
Have a Great Day!