Tough Economy Stalls Traditional Marketing Results

    /24-7PressRelease/ - BEND, OR, September 16, 2008 - In the face of an ever-tightening economy, small business owners are finding it harder and harder to generate sales through traditional means such as advertising and direct mail. In an unprecedented move, a group of marketing experts are coming together in a virtual "Referral Expo" to offer free advice to small business owners on a grand scale. According to expo organizer Michael Beck, mastering these skills has become a matter of survival for the small business owner.

The Financial Times reported in late July that advertisers are cutting back spending. This trend, coupled with a tightening of consumer pocketbooks, is causing alarm within the ranks of small business owners nationwide. An informal survey conducted by Exceptional Leadership, Inc. over the past five months, confirms that key segments within the economy are reporting industry shake-outs to a degree not seen in several decades. Michael Beck, president of Exceptional Leadership, Inc., reported that the insurance, real estate, and mortgage segments have been hardest hit, but the "trickle-down" effect has now begun impacting small business owners and entrepreneurs in most other market sectors.

"In times like these, building relationships and generating referrals are the keys to success. But frankly, most professionals aren't very successful at getting those referrals. And while it used to be disappointing, now it's becoming a matter of survival," says Beck.

In an effort to slow the slide in business results, Beck has put together a line-up of referral marketing experts who have agreed to share successful referral generation strategies. In addition, they've agreed to make a difference by donating their time. The expo is open to anyone from any market segment, all at no cost, conducted over the phone in a teleclass format. The Referral Expo (www.ReferralExpo.com) is scheduled to launch on Monday, September 22, 2008.

The participating experts and organizers hope to act as a catalyst to a 4th quarter economic surge with this free, marketing event, open to all industries and professionals.

About Exceptional Leadership, Inc.

Michael Beck, organizer of the Referral Expo and President of Exceptional Leadership, Inc., is recognized as the nation's leading expert on recruiting independent sales representatives. His company specializes in helping sales leaders recruit smarter, choose better agents, be more productive, and have more success. His credentials include an MBA from the Wharton School of Business along with degrees in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He has held a variety of executive positions including CEO, COO, CFO, EVP, VP of Finance, and VP of Business Development.

If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Michael Beck, please call Susan Randle at 541-385-8751 or e-mail Susan at [email protected]

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