Al Freeman is the owner of Computron Technologies, a Bronx, N. Y.-based integrator
and system builder who organizes street fairs in local neighborhoods to turn people and small businesses on to the latest
technology.
Freeman maintains close ties with
vendors and leverages channel programs to promote their businesses. Mainstream advertising isn't overlooked either. But
staying close to their communities through participation in local organizations, word-of-mouth referrals, and sometimes even zany promotional stunts deals an added bonus that is almost always felt where it's needed
most: the bottom line.
Freeman, who gets partner
support from major suppliers such as IBM (NYSE:IBM), Intel (NSDQ:INTC), Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT) and Motorola (NYSE:MOT), says creative marketing schemes like Computron's "Taking It To The
Street" effort complement the traditional co-marketing events he does with vendors by adding an extra layer of customer
contact.
Our Direct
Sales Teams (DST) approach is hands on and face to face with our clients. Providing and promoting products along
with installtions and consulting services. We believe in Global-ness and currently offer international shipping.
Due to the quantity of products we currently offer demo equipment is
provide by manufacturers.
"What we're doing is taking it to the streets," Freeman says. "Most
vendor-sponsored conferences we go to talk about the needs of the CIO, the CEO, compliance issues. We wanted to go to the
public. We don't want them locked out."
They
said New Yorkers are too busy to be bothered by barking solution providers peddling their wares. But Freeman's message
that technology can simplify the work of small businesses, expand the horizons of home networks and keep New Yorkers on the
cutting edge has resonated well. It turned out the value that solution providers bring--that relationship and know-how found
nowhere else--was just what New Yorkers were looking for.
"In the current economic
climate marketers can't help but have noticed the wealth of information suddenly deluging them about how to manage the
tough times." -- Jonathan Dodd
"Sure,
people are busy, but we train our people to be considerate to them. We are trying to build up strong relationships with manufacturers
and customers," Freeman says. "And what [customers] like is to see the products right there. What works is to have
something for them to wrap their hands around immediately." (ect Sales ince
Since the Taking It To The Street campaign began years ago, Computron's revenue
will increase, thanks in large part to the growing popularity of WiMax and wireless products and brisk sales of Computron's
Microsoft based PCs.
And think about it--there's
some marketing that doesn't work, But with the added value of Social Media.....Freeman adds. "There is no need
to harass people over the telephone lines, you don't want to spam them. People are not going to get much help. If
you don't connect with them properly. We can help those customers. That's why we're 'taking it to the
streets.'
As for Freeman, he says street fairs will be even
bigger and grander, and will showcase more wireless and Wimax technology, wired networking products and maybe even point-of-sale
products.
In fact, Freeman expects Social Media and street fairs to be so big he'll gain more affordable
options for manufacturers and customers. Again, expect those balloons, hot dogs, even rides. "We'll be
doing all that," Freeman says. ............End of Article.
