Jeffrey McElhaugh is a digital marketing sales executive in the Philadelphia area. He has been in advertising for nearly twenty years, priding himself on staying current with trends in his field.
Jeffrey has excelled in generating new business and training successful teams for as long as he’s been working. As technology has advanced, he stayed at the forefront of marketing using social media platforms and more. Digital advertising is the best way to reach the most people and businesses need someone with Jeffrey’s experience to navigate the landscape successfully.
In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys playing and watching sports, as well as going to the movies. He also continues his education of the advertising world by reading and taking classes.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
My father began his career in advertising after he returned from serving in Vietnam. There was always some interest for me in the field. While I was in college, I decided to reach out to a headhunter. He led me to a sales position with Yellow Book just as they were entering into the digital domain. My sole purpose was the generation of new sales and I found that I was very good at it. As the shift toward technology continued, I made sure that I was learning as much as I could about it.
How do you make money?
I generate new sales by following my philosophy that when I get enough people to where they want to be, I’ll get to where I want to be. When I’m meeting with a potential client that has a new product they need to market, my first step is learning what their goal is. Based on the target market, I create the best strategy to reach that goal. I’m able to close sales because I have educated myself on the newest methods, as well as the tried and true marketing plans.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
My profit comes from a high return on investments for my clients. I was profitable with the very first sale that I closed. As I learned more about what works best, I became better at my job. It takes commitment to continually be willing to grow.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I felt very comfortable in my career from the start. I have a belief that persistence overcomes resistance and that is evident in my work history. I have worked with major accounts and have a great track record for generating lasting business relationships. The key is to not let a no be the finish line. You have to be willing to reevaluate and try again.
How did you get your first customer?
I got my first customer the good old fashioned way, from hunting and prospecting. Digital marketing was in its infancy when I started out. There were a lot of phone calls and meetings. Building rapport with clients, making sure they have confidence in your ability to help them reach their goal, that’s how you get and keep customers.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Social media is the best marketing tool available these days. There are so many platforms and you’re able to reach the most people. Most businesses are aware of this and have followed the trend. My knowledge of this world helps take their campaign to the next level.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
I have wanted to expand more for some time. I’ve recently made the decision to make a career change. Whether it be on my own or with a company, I’m not certain yet. It’s been a long process for me and I look forward to a successful transition.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I am meticulous in my work. I provide balance and structure for my clients. I believe that staying up to date on new methodologies is of utmost importance, especially in marketing. Different goals require different strategies. One company may need simple content marketing. Another would benefit more from search engine optimization. I’m able to break down the steps that lead customers to my clients.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I find a lot of satisfaction when someone I have trained is able to advance in their career. I love to see when my clients go from one office to several or from one service truck to a fleet of them. With their success comes my success. I’m able to see how my expertise has helped them reach their personal goals. That’s very satisfying.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future is about more growth and the opportunity to expand into new markets. I love what I do and I plan to keep doing it as long as I can. Businesses will always need customers and I help bring them together. I’m most excited about new products in the digital and analytical space. There are always new ideas and new marketing formats being created. Using those to successfully grow new accounts is something I look forward to.
What business books have inspired you?
I have several I have enjoyed reading. One is The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J Stanley. I have also read The Challenger Sale by Brentwood Adamson and Matthew Dixon. I read Fortune 500 Magazine frequently to stay on track with trends as well.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
I think the best purchases I’ve made that have helped my career have been the classes and certifications I’ve gotten. I am Displayed certified, Google Adwords certified, and have attained certifications in social media also. Being well educated in your field is the best way to stay relevant.