postcard mailing - direct mailing list resource?

[Robin Finnell]

ok, so i'd like to do my first postcard mailing to try & drum up some biz in my local area.

i'm pretty poor right now, so even the price to buy the kit from that site you sent me to is waaay above my budget.

so where can you go to get some genuine leads? i went to www.infousa.com and couldn't get a list there for less than $450, and i'd bet at least half of the leads are not applicable to someone like 'lil 'ol me (i.e. branch offices of huge co's, etc.)

do most of you target your leads to a certain type of demographic? small businesses?

as always, many thanks for any help you can provide.

[Jeff Fisher LogoMotives]

Robin -

The most successful mailing list is going to be the one you develop yourself. Target those businesses in your area with whom you would want to do business. If necessary, give them a call and ask who buys design services - so your mail gets to the person who makes such decisions. Your local Chamber of Commerce, or other business organizations, may have their directory posted online or their own mailing list available for purchase. The business section of your local paper is always a great source of local business information as well. Years ago I spent some time compiling my own list of small businesses, nonprofits, corporate communication departments, ad agencies, design firms, etc. In a short period of time I had over 500 names on my list. I sent out a direct mail piece and within a month had ten new clients - and potential clients were still contacting me about possible projects five years later.

Good luck! - J.