To Blog or Not to Blog...That Is the Question

At dgs, we have chosen the former. And, we've already seen results. So far so good - we feel we made the right choice. To date, all of our posts have been picked up by Google and other feeds, and we have a few followers.

So, this begs the question... Why do some clients resist?

Perhaps the main reason is the most obvious reason. With a blog in its purest form, you give up some measure of control. You allow comments from the peanut gallery, and invite discussion and potentially criticism. BUT, don't the benefits outweigh the risk? From a message standpoint, authenticity is key. If a blog is a blog in its purest form, don't customers and prospects appreciate the transparency?

Blogging is a hot topic. We don't have all the answers, yet. But, we're willing to give it a go to learn the dos and don'ts and reap the benefits along the way.

Let us know what you think.

Just a Click Away

dgs Marketing Engineers has launched a new and improved flash-based website that captures the our unique spirit and dedication to excellence. Live as of July 1, the new site not only details our capabilities, personnel and current client roster, but also provides snapshots of some our most resounding success stories.

dgsmarketingengineers.com

Please visit us often to check out the latest client projects and news.

How We're Helping to Make It Better

One of our long-time clients, GF AgieCharmilles, recently launched a web site dedicated to helping the struggling manufacturing industry get back on its feet - quite literally, they wanted to help Make It Better.

Together, all partners in this effort have created and gathered the tools, technology and resources you need to help your business survive these times and come out better on the other side. The heart of US manufacturing still beats strong. Together we can restore this country's manufacturing industry to what it once was, to what it deserves to be -- the cornerstone of innovation and progress for the global economy.

dgs Marketing Engineers recently had the opportunity to contribute an article to this site, and we appreciate the opportunity to participate.

Our clients really do the greatest things.

A Virtual Experience Like No Other

This was an exciting week at dgs Marketing Engineers. Not only are we preparing for one of our favorite holidays, but we launched the new Mazak Virtual Technology Center. Talk about cool...

The Virtual Technology Center is an innovative, new online resource that brings the latest advancements in machining technology, product development, training, service and support to the customer's fingertips. Developed in response to the ever-increasing challenges faced by manufacturers, the virtual site provides everything from machine demonstrations to application training to online Q&A sessions with Mazak Corporation President, Brian Papke, as well as MazakTV, an online video resource with channels for industry segment content, engineering insights and machine information.

Customers gain access to Mazak's Applications, Training and Services Departments, which feature a wide variety of content, including CAD images, parts and training videos and demonstrations, ranging from the simplest of machines to advanced multi-tasking and 5-axis machines. They can also visit a machine gallery that offers videos, machine specifications and 360-degree 3D models and animations of the latest Mazak machine tools.

The site is free to all users and can be accessed via MazakUSA.com or directly at VirtualMazak.com.

Check it out when you have a chance.

Creating a Campaign That Gets Inside Their Heads

When marketing to technically-minded people, it’s absolutely vital to understand where they’re coming from and what they want and need. Without that basic information and the resulting ability to talk in their language, any creative campaign will fall short of capturing their interest.

Once the appropriate research has been done, it’s time to move on to the fun stuff. A strong creative campaign can come from anywhere and the unlikeliest sources can oftentimes provide your best options. To capitalize on this, as many people as possible should participate in the initial brainstorming sessions for a new campaign. The entire team should be provided with an overview of the information gathered on the target market and then given a couple of days to see what they can come up with.

When it’s time to hold the first brainstorming meeting, a casual environment goes a long way in encouraging unbridled creativity. There are no bad ideas at this early stage. An entirely unrealistic, off-the-wall suggestion might be just the springboard needed to discover a truly unique approach. Maintaining a light air and allowing participants to throw out ‘bad’ options will go a long way in drawing out the highest possible levels of creativity.

As the brainstorming session draws to a close, the goal should be to have three to five solid concepts. As these options are evaluated, a smaller team of employees should explore what each of them would say to your audience. What ideas are most closely linked to the benefits you can provide to potential customers? Which will grab a target’s attention and pop into their head for days to come? Are there unintentionally negative connotations to any of the possible campaigns? Carefully answering these questions will draw you to the best option for achieving your goals.