to direct marketing, the EMAF studyalso showed that 75 percent <strong>of</strong> Americanssay they are most likely to pay attentionto “direct mail sent to my home.”Reach and FrequencyReach and frequency play an incrediblyimportant role in capturing consumers’attention – in other words, your marketingmessage must be in the right placeat the right time. Why?When you’re in the market for a new vehicleand you just happen to receive a generousdiscount <strong>of</strong>fer from a nearby dealer inthe mail, wouldn’t you look at it? After all,it’s in your mailbox, you didn’t have to doanything special to get it, you can read it atyour convenience, and then you can stickit on your fridge, put it in your wallet orpurse, or pass it on to your spouse.The same principle applies to using directmail to market your agency. You know peopledon’t buy insurance policies every day or everymonth. So, keeping your agency in front<strong>of</strong> your target audience, gives you an edgeover your competition when these consumersdecide it’s time to shop for insurance.Targeting the Right AudienceLet’s face it: No matter how good your<strong>of</strong>fer, or your media, it’s all for nothing ifthe right people don’t see it. That’s why theold “hit and miss” approach to advertisingdoesn’t work and is a money-waster. Youhave to get your message in front <strong>of</strong> thoseconsumers most likely to respond to your<strong>of</strong>fer. This group <strong>of</strong> people is your “targetaudience.” You’ll have the best resultsby selecting a media that uses data-basedmarket segmentation to reach the consumerswho best meet your criteria. Targetingby geographics, demographics, consumerbehavior, and consumer expenditures willensure that you reach your exact audience.The Bottom LineWhile direct mail has distinct advantagesover some other types <strong>of</strong> mediain the war to win more customersand increase your BOB, its power mustbe harnessed and used correctly to beeffective. It’s important to understandthe advantages and disadvantages <strong>of</strong>each direct marketing channel and howit can help you achieve your businessgoals. Enlisting the help <strong>of</strong> an experiencedbusiness consultant is also a goodway to find the direct mail channel thatworks best for growing your agency.Article submitted by Tina Morgan, Valpak®Communications Specialist*“Because It’s Personal: A Study <strong>of</strong> ConsumerUse and Preference for Envelopes,” releasedby the Envelope Manufacturers <strong>Association</strong>Foundation (EMAF) 2006.Technology, Support andLead Generation Vendors WantedNAPAA is looking for national, regional and local vendors that can help agents prepare for the pending New Roadsfor Growth technology transition. Specifically, we are seeking companies that <strong>of</strong>fer reliable and affordable products andservices to <strong>Allstate</strong> agents. Please email vendor contact information to Executivedirector@napaausa.org or call Jim Fishat 877.269.3476.Secondary Business Options WantedKnow <strong>of</strong> any appropriate secondary business opportunities for <strong>Allstate</strong> agents? We are looking for sideline businessesthat don’t require a significant investment or additional <strong>of</strong>fice space, but still allow agents and/or staff to earn substantial additionalincome. Please email contact information to Executivedirector@napaausa.org or call Jim Fish at 877.269.3476.22 — Exclusivefocus <strong>Fall</strong> 2007
Looking for <strong>Allstate</strong> finance assistance?Brooke Credit Corporation can help.For over 10 years, Brooke Credit Corporation has provided lending services toinsurance pr<strong>of</strong>essionals for agency expansion, acquisitions and debt refinancing.We have a unique understanding <strong>of</strong> insurance agencies, enabling us to <strong>of</strong>ferfavorable repayment terms and lower down payments.Brooke credit has funded over $68,000,000 in financing for <strong>Allstate</strong> agents and their agencies.We are actively seeking additional financing opportunities and <strong>of</strong>fer competitive lending options.• 90% - 100% financing available• Minimum loan amount <strong>of</strong> $250,000• Repayment terms <strong>of</strong> 5 - 15 years800.642.1872 x19210950 Grandview Dr | Overland Park, KS 66210NAPAA@BrookeCredit.comSummer 2007www.BrookeCredit.comExclusivefocus 23