Author Topic: Email Marketing  (Read 39018 times)

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #30 on: February 05, 2011, 10:50:20 PM »
Linda I did say ALL PEOPLE. I saw Alice's remark, I am NOT against anyone who doesn't use Craigs List. I stated that your comments were CONTRADICTORY. If you need me to reply to feel better..

@ Alice, as I comprehend the problems associated with Craigs list on some isolated incidents. it is in my opinion to shut down or consider it a poor marketing tactic simply closed minded. As I also stated in my post that offering to have strangers to come into your home to sit and watch you work is equally as dangerous. These people are replying to a FREE MARKETING project posted on a FREE FORUM, as well as a FREE NEWSLETTER. So I truly don't comprehend the rationale in the replies.

Anybody replying to any ad anywhere is in fact dangerous. People lurk anywhere. People place ads everywhere. It is a BEWARE type of society we live in. I can easily have interns come work for me FOR FREE but like others my office is HOME BASED, and I don't want everyone coming to my home. I had to obtain a PO box so that people can't google me to see where I live. Just like I can google map your home and it shows a nice clear picture of the address you post as your office location.

I didn't make it personal you did. You broke down my post and made insinuations, just as you are doing now towards Michelle. Any person with half a brain can see through your posts. You ride any band wagon you can and you have a problem with anyone who mentally challenges you. You post in this forum simply because you can. As long as you were getting the praise and adoration you are ok, but once someone crosses your line, you are as vicious as a pitt bull.

My only issue is allowing someone such as your self Linda to get under my skin. I KNOW as well as others who are smart enough to say nothing simply sit back and laugh at the stupidity in this post. Everyone has their opinion but you seem to be the only person who create problem.......its funny how you are able to be a moderator of a forum when you simply can't moderate your OWN MOUTH....

BACK INTO HIATUS I GO...............

PMRNC

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #31 on: February 05, 2011, 11:03:32 PM »
And I never said NOT to use Craig's list, just as you posted the advantages, I posted the disadvantages.  I think it is YOU who seem to be paranoid about my targeting you or making it personal. Now if I'm responded to the way you responded..damn straight I'm coming back at ya.  You were the first person to find a way to make it look like big bad Linda was beating on poor defenseless Charlene.  You are the one with the problem..

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BACK INTO HIATUS I GO...............

Thank goodness!
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

dekenn

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #32 on: February 06, 2011, 01:00:41 PM »
Oh my goodness... I feel like I'm at a preschool.....

DMK

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #33 on: February 07, 2011, 03:07:49 PM »
It seems like we should all be entitled to our opinions, but I for one am grateful for ALL the opinions and experiences.  What works for some is not for others, but shouldn't be denigrated when we don't agree with it.  Just store the information, it may come in handy later.

I work for a Chiropractor.  They notoriously "eat their young".  They bicker and fight and point fingers and accuse each other of hurting the industry.  The simple fact is that the good ones will stay in business, the quacks will get sued out of business, and the immoral jerks who rip people off will end up in jail.

Oooooo that analogy works for billing too!  We all need to help each other to be more noble and to make our profession more noble.  We all get our opinions too!  Us newbies can take it all with a grain of salt and learn!

Love all you guys and respect ALL your opinions!

Dina

Alice Scott

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #34 on: February 07, 2011, 05:01:30 PM »
Well put!
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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #34 on: February 07, 2011, 05:01:30 PM »

QueenAlicia

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #35 on: February 07, 2011, 05:23:49 PM »
Ok soo...whew... Thank you EVERYONE for your opinion. I will take what I want and apply it to what I think will work best for my business.

Next question:

"I'm wondering what do you send to the ad if you own the billing service and you have NEVER done billing?? "  Well that was more of a quote from Charlene, which btw, please don't go in hiding, I appreciate your and everyone elses advice and opinion.

Since I graduated from school for billing I don't have experience ( I had a family emergency last year that put a hault in EVERYTHING!).  I am however taking more courses to stay current in billing.  What should I do when they ask for experience and references?

Thank you in advance again everyone for your help!  :)

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #36 on: February 07, 2011, 05:55:44 PM »
Queen,
I never send a resume since I am not seeking to work for them, but for them to consider another option (A billing company). What I send (same as if I had no experience) would be background on my services, and the credentials of my employees (EX: We employ billers who have a minimum of XX years of experience and are certified blah blah blah). There are a variety of people who do invest in Billing Services (entrepreneurs) who don't have any billing expertise. If you send me your email, I have no problem sending you some sample marketing material that has worked for me.

As far as services to bill for, if you comprehend the basics of billing, you can really market to anyone, however being rationale, I wouldn't try to obtain providers like Cardiology, Inpatient/hospital billing, facility billing, or surgical services. Opthalmology is also one I would stay from since the billing is medium (complex in certain areas). I would stay with general practice, mental health (psychiatry), internal medicine, or PCS services. If you find a service you are interested in, GOOGLE GOOGLE GOOGLE. You can obtain so much information online. Also there are reference books available. I usually tell people to stick to 3 specialties. Unless you are trying to hire a lot of people. if you stay with 3, you can specialize in that area and really market to those providers.

PMRNC

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #37 on: February 07, 2011, 06:28:23 PM »
I think if you are responding to an ad and it's a fax or email type of response, honesty will be the best policy. Yes obviously you can't send a resume in this situation, but I still think (IMO) that bombarding them with solicitations is not very professional. I would send them a simple letter or email (whichever they are requestiong..fax/email) and introduce yourself and your business and then ask if you can send them the additional information. You can certainly impress upon them briefly the benefits of outsourcing. I just wouldn't go with the fliers, and the hard sell to be respectful of their ad.  I'm starting to see ad's in the paper now where it says PLEASE ONLY FAX RESUME'S ONLY, NO SOLICITATIONS and that's probably why.
Linda Walker
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One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #38 on: February 07, 2011, 09:39:15 PM »
Sample of a Craigs List Ad (Vital information removed since I am applying to this ad)  ;D

Medical Insurance and Biller Manager (XXXX, NC)
Date: 2011-02-07, 6:44PM EST
Reply to: see below

Internal Medical Practice in XXXX NC is seeking an experienced billing, coding, and insurance manager for a practice. Applicant should be proficient in dealing with insurance companies and all aspects of medical office billing. Applicant will need to code using ICD-9, and CPT, processing claims, work A/R, correcting, and resubmitting any denials. Candidate should experienced, self-directed, efficient, and aggressive in billing and insurance. Full time position, available to fill immediately. Please forward resume and contact information to Providernameremoved@earthlink.net

    * Location: XXXX, NC
    * Compensation: Salary based on experience
    * Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. (This does not mean Billing services-it means Employment agencies)
    * Please, no phone calls about this job!
    * Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.


Key Points:
1. The company is seeking to hire a Biller/Billing Manager
2. Company seeks experience
3. Company requests Resume & Contact information
4. For those who don't know, the bottom half of the post is a DEFAULT. Unless you enter your information that generic do not call, do not contact is there for ALL CRAIGS LIST posting. 90% of them have this listed

My response to this ad is an EMAIL to the poster. In most ads there is a default craigs list email addy  to prevent people from obtaining information in order to SPAM or send UNSOLICITED information to them.

(Unsolicited information-does not mean a flyer!!) Unsolicited information is what you fax, email, scan, call, mail to a provider who DOES NOT ADVERTISE for something! When you send out email marketing, mail marketing, go door to door that is UNSOLICITED information. This provider is asking for a biller, and my company can PROVIDE that for him. The ONLY difference is instead of hiring a biller to work in-house, I work outside of the company. I am upfront with all my providers, when they ask the answer is "Yes I work out of the home" then I whip out the copy of my business license (one provided in each packet I prepare)

So my question would then be to ask (Linda) how does one market to a provider that is NOT advertising for a biller?? How do you send them information without it being labeled "unsolicited"? If me sending out a flyer to a company that is LOOKING for a biller is considered that, what is it for all the newbies who are trying to find ways to get a new provider by email marketing, looking for lists of new or even established providers who DID NOT ADVERTISE for a biller?

Marketing is finding unique and creative ways to reach a target audience. I stopped sending out mass brochures, flyers etc to people I found in the yellow pages because it didn't justify the cost. I received 0 return on my investment, however sending out E-BROCHURES, E-flyers, has been very successful. I get an audience who is looking for what I have to offer, however they were not expecting to receive it in the form of a Billing Service, but in a Medical Biller.

Everytime I open my mail box, I get unsolicited mail. Mail from Time Warner Cable, Carpet cleaning companies, dog groomers etc etc. I toss it in the trash. If I were seeking to hire a maid, and a maid service contacted me, I would not be upset or ready to toss that information should I feel that it would be cost-effective to what I was looking for. This is equivalent to what I have been saying. NOBODY is debating that you should OR SHOULD NOT use Craigs List. I just don't comprehend the logic of the "unprofessional-ism" in replying with a flyer, or the flyer being Unsolicited information when basically ALL MARKETING IS UNSOLICITED!!



PMRNC

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #39 on: February 08, 2011, 10:58:30 AM »
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So my question would then be to ask (Linda) how does one market to a provider that is NOT advertising for a biller?? How do you send them information without it being labeled "unsolicited"? If me sending out a flyer to a company that is LOOKING for a biller is considered that, what is it for all the newbies who are trying to find ways to get a new provider by email marketing, looking for lists of new or even established providers who DID NOT ADVERTISE for a biller?

I am not going to change my mind about Craigslist. But to answer your question, I would respond to the add with the etiquette and respect it deserves. When viewing those ad's you do not really know IF they are firm on an in-house position or maybe they were burnt by a medical billing company. With that in mind and for what they are requesting I will simply send a cover letter along with my resume. My cover letter will introduce myself and my company. It's only 2 paragraphs and I attach my resume. If you send fliers and other marketing things you are sending "unsolicited advertising" If you don't have a resume the most respectful thing to do would be to send just a cover letter and request permission to send additional information on your company. That would be a first impression after all and it should be respectful, faxing them over fliers and brochures simply is not respecting the wishes of the practice or the ad.  
Linda Walker
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One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #39 on: February 08, 2011, 10:58:30 AM »

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #40 on: February 08, 2011, 11:06:43 AM »
Nobody is asking you to change your mind about craigs list. thats a DONE DEAL!! The question you keep dodging is how do newbies send information to potential clients............clients WHO DO NOT ADVERTISE for a biller without it becoming unsolicited information??

If me sending a flier to a person who is asking for a biller is considered that, what about sending emails, brochures, post-cards, phone calls, coming door  to door, what is that called?

I want clarity on that. I hope all others DON'T USE craigs list because its been great for me. I have a meeting today at 12 with a craigs list client.

What you have basically said and wont admit to, is marketing to people who DON'T REQUEST information is unsolicited. So please tell me and the newbies what do you do, what do you send to people so it won't be unsolicited. Leave the craigs list ad out of it. We talking straight out marketing now!!!

PMRNC

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #41 on: February 08, 2011, 11:09:52 AM »
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Marketing is finding unique and creative ways to reach a target audience. I stopped sending out mass brochures, flyers etc to people I found in the yellow pages because it didn't justify the cost. I received 0 return on my investment, however sending out E-BROCHURES, E-flyers, has been very successful. I get an audience who is looking for what I have to offer, however they were not expecting to receive it in the form of a Billing Service, but in a Medical Biller.

There is an old saying that has ALWAYS been true, no matter what business you are in.. IT TAKES MONEY TO MAKE MONEY.  Every company SHOULD have a marketing budget.  Why would I open a restaurant if I didn't allocate funds to MARKET this new restraint?   0 return on your investment does not mean it doesn't work, it means you are not investing enough. The average response on direct mail is 1%.  Internet marketing of a website is 5% or higher ..but only for the ones who have taken the time and spent the money to advertise it.  

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Every time I open my mail box, I get unsolicited mail. Mail from Time Warner Cable, Carpet cleaning companies, dog groomers etc etc. I toss it in the trash. If I were seeking to hire a maid, and a maid service contacted me, I would not be upset or ready to toss that information should I feel that it would be cost-effective to what I was looking for. This is equivalent to what I have been saying. NOBODY is debating that you should OR SHOULD NOT use Craigs List. I just don't comprehend the logic of the "unprofessional-ism" in replying with a flyer, or the flyer being Unsolicited information when basically ALL MARKETING IS UNSOLICITED!!

As my mom would say.."If everyone was robbing a bank, does that make it ok for you to rob a bank?"   In my opinion, etiquette, respect wins out, It works for me in every facet of my business.  I think it's best to stand out and not do what everyone else does.

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I toss it in the trash. If I were seeking to hire a maid, and a maid service contacted me, I would not be upset or ready to toss that information should I feel that it would be cost-effective to what I was looking for.

But you might be inclined more to say hmmm  when they send you just a quick note asking your permission to send you additional information. I would.

 
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

PMRNC

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #42 on: February 08, 2011, 11:19:49 AM »
Nobody is asking you to change your mind about craigs list. thats a DONE DEAL!! The question you keep dodging is how do newbies send information to potential clients............clients WHO DO NOT ADVERTISE for a biller without it becoming unsolicited information??

Charlene, I'm not dodging you, I guess I should give a vocabulary lesson on the word "Unsolicited"??   I told you what I do. I did not say everyone should do it. I said it's the most polite and respectful thing to do. UNSOLICITED means they did NOT ask for it. If the ad says "Send your fliers, marketing materials etc.." that is fine, it's NOT unsolicited.  If it says "Send a cover letter and a resume" and you send them fliers, brochures, YES that is UNSOLICITED.  I did not dodge your questions, you asked me what do I do and I told you 3 times, I send a cover letter along with my resume and for those that do not have a resume than my suggestion is to send the cover letter with an introduction to you and your company (BRIEF) along with a REQUEST to send additional information.  

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If me sending a flier to a person who is asking for a biller is considered that, what about sending emails, brochures, post-cards, phone calls, coming door  to door, what is that called?
 

That too is called solicitation, I never go do a cold-call walk-in with a hard sell, I ask them if I can leave the information and if they say yes, great! Places that have signs that say "no solicitation" I don't bother them at all, I will mark the address and send the information via mail.

I want clarity on that. I hope all others DON'T USE craigs list because its been great for me. I have a meeting today at 12 with a craigs list client.

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What you have basically said and wont admit to, is marketing to people who DON'T REQUEST information is unsolicited.


No Charlene, you don't get to interpret what I am saying. It's not my fault you can't comprehend what I am saying. I've not DODGED YOU nor do I need to admit to anything.. YOU ASKED ME the questions remember?

We were talking about "ad's"  we were not talking about other situations, as each one requires a unique set of respectful values and etiquette.. clearly your not getting that part <g>

Bottom line if the ad requests one thing and you send another, I'm sorry to me that shows you can't follow directions, maybe you get lucky, maybe you don't. To me it's disrespectful to ignore a direct request for specific information (ie; resume with cover letter)
« Last Edit: February 08, 2011, 11:27:17 AM by PMRNC »
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #43 on: February 08, 2011, 11:24:35 AM »
First I don't know how my post got under your picture, guess you didnt' reply
OMG @ not investing enough.....you are hilarious

I guess from old posts in which I believe Alice N Michelle spoke about sending out post cards and things was NOT considered solicitation.

The thing is the ads are asking for information. The FLIER or BROCHURE is simply ADDITIONAL information that they are getting. My flyer is my RESUME!! It has my experience listed, how many years, my specialties my credentials. It includes everything that my resume does.

As a paralegal you should know the FTC law on unsolicited mail.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt063.shtm

I can opt out of Time Warner mail, or Stanley Steemer because it is UNSOLICITED mail. The people who advertise for something and I apply, I am not sending out unsolicited information. Just because I give them MORE than what they asked for there is no unprofessional or etiquette rule broken. What is unsolicited is all the newbies sending out postcards, calling companies, mailing out flyers etc to people who don't ask for it.

You just have an issue with something else, and believe me..its CLEAR as rain. Its no paranoia but I gotta go get my new client...

Have a blessed and Craigs list free day!!

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #44 on: February 08, 2011, 11:28:42 AM »
Nobody is asking you to change your mind about craigs list. thats a DONE DEAL!! The question you keep dodging is how do newbies send information to potential clients............clients WHO DO NOT ADVERTISE for a biller without it becoming unsolicited information??

Charlene, I'm not dodging you, I guess I should give a vocabulary lesson on the word "Unsolicited"??   I told you what I do. I did not say everyone should do it. I said it's the most polite and respectful thing to do. UNSOLICITED means they did NOT ask for it. If the ad says "Send your fliers, marketing materials etc.." that is fine, it's NOT unsolicited.  If it says "Send a cover letter and a resume" and you send them fliers, brochures, YES that is UNSOLICITED.  I did not dodge your questions, you asked me what do I do and I told you 3 times, I send a cover letter along with my resume and for those that do not have a resume than my suggestion is to send the cover letter with an introduction to you and your company (BRIEF) along with a REQUEST to send additional information.  

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If me sending a flier to a person who is asking for a biller is considered that, what about sending emails, brochures, post-cards, phone calls, coming door  to door, what is that called?
 

That too is called solicitation, I never go do a cold-call walk-in with a hard sell, I ask them if I can leave the information and if they say yes, great! Places that have signs that say "no solicitation" I don't bother them at all, I will mark the address and send the information via mail.

I want clarity on that. I hope all others DON'T USE craigs list because its been great for me. I have a meeting today at 12 with a craigs list client.

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What you have basically said and wont admit to, is marketing to people who DON'T REQUEST information is unsolicited.


No Charlene, you don't get to interpret what I am saying. It's not my fault you can't comprehend what I am saying. I've not DODGED YOU nor do I need to admit to anything.. YOU ASKED ME the questions remember?

We were talking about "ad's"  we were not talking about other situations, as each one requires a unique set of respectful values and etiquette.. clearly your not getting that part <g>

Bottom line if the ad requests one thing and you send another, I'm sorry to me that shows you can't follow directions, maybe you get lucky, maybe you don't. To me it's disrespectful to ignore a direct request for specific information (ie; resume with cover letter)

LMAO-sending the first letter is UNSOLICITED communication....its the "can I ask you a question" you just did scenario. If you send me a letter asking me you can send me information on my company, the letter itself was UNSOLICITED!!


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Re: Email Marketing
« Reply #44 on: February 08, 2011, 11:28:42 AM »