Where to invest marketing dollars today to get the best response? Direct marketing. If you thought it was social media, think again. Social media is a smart supplement to your overall marketing plan, but when you want a medium that delivers solid measurable results, direct marketing wins hands down.

From Lorrie Lee: As a member of the American Cancer Society DetermiNation endurance event program, I dedicated my 26.2 mile run in the New Orleans Rock N Roll Marathon on February 28th to help the American Cancer Society save lives.

Here’s a couple of suggestions for you to consider including in your marketing plan: 1. Be organized and forward-thinking, 2. Start a ’stop doing’ list for next year and 3. Think strategically, listen to your customers, see yourself through your customer’s eyes.

The point is this: more and more products and services we see today are the result of creative thinking and innovation combined the strategic savvy of marketing experts. It’s a hybrid: 50% creative thinking + 50% strategic thinking = 100% effective.