Determine how many customers will be coming to your event and use this information to plan your setup and to order appropriate materials and refreshments. There is generally a 1–2 percent response rate to direct mail campaigns.
Depending on the number of participants, you will need to order an appropriate amount of literature for handout materials and giveaways (if applicable). You may order advertising materials about USPS.com on the Business Connect Data Center under the “order supply” tab. These handouts are also available through MessageMaker3. Contact your area advertising coordinator for assistance with MessageMaker3 orders.
Be sure you arrange for computers well in advance of your event and that you have the appropriate hook-ups, with access to the Internet. Also be sure you have trained employees to help you with the demonstrations. It’s important to have local presence whenever possible to engage as many customers as possible. By leveraging your local resources, the event becomes a team effort. Some possible representatives include the following:
You can display literature or materials and set up the refreshments in advance. It will take some time to make sure things are properly set up. People will start to arrive up to 15 minutes early, and you want to make sure you are prepared to greet them.
Make a sign-in sheet (see page13) available to your attendees prior to the start of your session. This sheet also has a column to record any specific product or service interests a customer might have. Bring a stack of your business cards to hand out. Ask your small business specialist for suggestions or assistance.
On the Business Connect Data Center page, click on Enter Application, and then enter your ACE ID and ACE password. Note: First-time users will need to request access through eAccess. Once in eAccess, look under the header “Request Access For Me,” click on the Applications tab, and then type “Business Connect” in the search field.