If running an ad in a popular magazine or newspaper will drain a small company’s entire annual budget for advertising, doing so is not good financial sense. No matter how many customers that media may reach, it is almost a necessity for small businesses without brand name clout to install a personal touch in their marketing efforts. The price for not doing so is invisibility. Mass marketing may result in consumers simply ignoring your advertising, or having your ads not seen by consumers who are a good fit for your products or services in the first place.

With direct marketing, at least one of these negatives is resolved. Customers do not ignore direct marketing; when you talk to a customer, or when they open your mailing, your business has their undivided attention. The second part of the equation—being certain that you contact the customers with the most potential—is solved by using marketing data and compiled leads.

Leads lists are compiled based on certain consumer habits, and offer your business the opportunity and information needed to get your products and services to the right consumers. Credit repair travel leads, for example, are a fantastic source not only for companies who offer credit repair services, but any type of financing services. A business involved in the timeshare industry may have great success using both sweepstakes leads and travel leads, by contacting consumers who are interested in vacation services, or may be interested in entering contests to win tours or cruises.

Well-researched direct marketing strategies such as these are the key to a strong customer base on a low advertising budget.

In the 1960s and 1970s, paneled walls experienced a rise in popularity, among professional decorators and laymen alike.  But four or five decades later, they are considerably less appealing.  Paneling can be difficult or expensive to remove, and there are easier alternatives to giving a paneled room a much needed update.

One option to consider is simply painting over the paneling.  Painting paneled walls is not much different than painting unpaneled walls, but there are a few specialized steps that can be taken to ensure the highest quality results.

First, wash the walls thoroughly using a solution of dish detergent and water.  Paneling, especially if dark, may hide more dirt and oil than painted walls, so this step is particularly important.  Allow the walls to dry completely before continuing.  Next, consider whether the grooves in the paneled walls will compliment your decorating scheme.  If not, you can use spackle or drywall to fill them in.  Sand for a smooth finish, or leave un-sanded for additional texture.

Before you prime the walls, sand all over lightly with a 220 grit sandpaper.  This helps the primer and paint adhere to the wall.  Use a stain-blocking primer, and allow to dry for 24 hours, and finish with an interior latex paint in the color of your choice.