Attendees of a special seminar featuring world-renowned marketer Andy Owen took away valuable tricks of the trade about direct mail last week. The lunch-time seminar, attended by almost 100 business professionals, was hosted by Integrated Mailing Solutions (IMS), the specialist business communications division of Isle of Man Post Office. The aim of the event was for Andy Owen, one of the most respected individuals in the international communications industry, to share his knowledge and expertise about how to do effective and successful direct mailings and see a positive return on businesses? marketing expenditure. The lively, passionate and hugely entertaining presentation was very well received by delegates and his personal, fast-paced and fun style had the audience?s attention throughout. Attendee Philip Thomson, Copy Editor, Duke Marketing said: “Our business combines several ways of speaking to our customers, including email and regular direct mail contact and our experience with direct mail certainly supported the central theme of the talk, that direct mail is still a formidable way of doing business. Andy?s talk was entertaining and enlightening and reassured us we are getting some things very right. It also gave us plenty to think about in terms of how we can build on our already strong direct mail campaigns, particularly in terms of personalisation, presentation and testing. Andy?s examples of „dos? and don?ts? will make us think very carefully about how we put together direct mail packs in future, but, importantly, the talk has reinforced our belief that direct mail is worth investing in. I?d like to thank Andy and the Isle of Man Post Office for providing us with this opportunity.” Meanwhile fellow attendee Stella Craine, Marketing Manager, King Williams College, had very similar sentiments. She said: “I thought the event was well organised and Andy Owen delivered a very interesting and lively presentation. The benefits of direct marketing were certainly reinforced and it was good to take back some interesting ideas and thoughts.” Lisa Duckworth, Commercial Director of Isle of Man Post Office said: “The feedback we have received from delegates has been phenomenal and it?s been beneficial to know how much useful information they have taken away. Andy clearly demonstrated that direct mail is not a redundant marketing medium and if created and written correctly can generate some staggering results on return on investment.” “Here at Isle of Man Post Office our direct mail team in IMS team can take of everything for a business and that?s because no other organisation on the Island manages the entire process under one roof like we do. From the input of data to despatch in our outgoing mail streams, the service is as fast as it gets. IMS also offers a range of other services including print and personalisation, fulfilment, scanning and data capture. We were delighted Andy was able to visit the Island as a guest of Isle of Man Post Office. It was fantastic for us to be able to attract such a high-profile professional and give us all food for thought.” To find out how IMS can help your business?s direct mail campaign, call 698444 or visit www.ims-iom.com for more information. -Ends-