What is the cost of an audio newsletter?

Since each company has unique requirements, the production costs of audio newsletters can vary. Please contact us directly at (719) 577-4000 to receive a quote for your own audio newsletter program.

How often should I have an audio newsletter produced?

Based on 13 years of producing hundreds of programs, we recommend either monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly production. Once you’ve launched your audio newsletter program, you’ll discover that your field sales force quickly becomes conditioned to receiving the programs on a regular basis, so you’ll want to take advantage of a captive audience actually ASKING for your messages. Frequency and repetition are key to making these programs a success.

CD vs. MP3 Formats: Which should I use?

Both formats serve different needs. Since many salespeople have idle windshield time in their cars, audio CDs are particularly effective, since virtually all automobiles now have built-in CD players. For those salespeople who prefer to listen to the programs using MP3 players, clearly the MP3 format works best. Keep in mind that while MP3 players are very popular (and trendy!), some people believe that they have made audio CDs obsolete. This simply is not the case. The number of cars that can play MP3 files is very small and few people will use portable MP3 players with headphones while driving for obvious safety reasons. (See the following FAQ on listening environments.)

Which listening environment is most effective?

Cars: Many salespeople spend considerable time in their cars, driving to and from sales calls. This is, by far, the most wasted time in their daily schedule and is time perfectly utilized by audio programs (just ask any salesperson how often they use this time to listen to motivational audio programs.)

Airplanes/Airports: For those salespeople who spend time waiting in airports or actually in the air, audio newsletters can also be effective. Here, MP3 players can be used to great advantage, as well as audio CDs.

Office: While most salespeople can play both audio CDs and MP3 files in their office, this is an environment almost always crowded with phone calls, emails, face-to-face meetings, webcasts, etc. One of the unique value propositions of audio newsletters is to reach salespeople outside of their offices when they’re not being bombarded with other forms of communications.

Do audio newsletters replace other communication tools I’m currently using?

Audio newsletters complement the tools you’re currently using and provide synergy with them. They often fill a void that has existed for many years and (finally) make your salespeople’s downtime more usable and much more productive. Think of audio newsletters as another arrow to add to your communications quiver.

My sales force consists of Independent Manufacturer’s Representatives (Reps). Do audio newsletters work well with them?

Audio newsletters are particularly effective with Manufacturer’s Reps. Reps routinely carry 10-12 different company’s products, with each company having hundreds, often thousands of different products for the Reps to sell. The need to increase “share of mind” is critical with a Reps sales force, as it will result in their spending more time selling YOUR products over those of the other lines they represent. On top of that, because audio newsletters are unique both in format and where they are used, your message will instantly stand out from the communications methods used by the Reps’ other lines.

What is the shelf life of an audio newsletter?

Depending on the material presented, audio newsletters can have a usable life of many years, making them excellent reference materials. For example, some audio newsletter segments cover topics that are “future proof”, such as case history interviews with successful salespeople, topics covering fundamental technologies, corporate histories, sales closing techniques and many others. In short, many salespeople create an audio newsletter library and use it frequently, extending your investment in the audio newsletter program.

Why use audio instead of video?

Both audio and video are effective ways to train and communicate. Clearly, video is somewhat restricted to venues where you have access to a video player and, most importantly, the ability to watch it, which rules out driving a car. Video is also five to ten times more expensive to produce than audio, often making it a luxury you can’t afford, especially if the message can be effectively communicated via audio.