Questions We Get Asked On a Regular Basis:
Who is 5 STAR Direct Marketing?
Chris Williams born in Orange, CA and raised in San Diego, CA was the Founder of 5 STAR Restaurant Marketing LLC, which is now 5 STAR Direct Marketing Co. Since 2006, 5 STAR has helped several local independent restaurateurs with their marketing solutions and get more repeat business. As 5 STAR has become systematized to a national online training forum with almost 100 members, Chris has been meeting more and more single person businesses to small size companies who are in need of affordable marketing systems. With the single person businesses and small business owner in mind, 5 STAR Direct Marketing was created in 2009 to help them build their brand awareness to generate more leads, assist in sales training and get systemized marketing in place.
How come I haven’t heard of this…5 STAR Direct Marketing before?
Well, good question. First of all, 5 STAR has just begun but is growing fast. And thankfully...you heard of us now before you spend another dime on "riskful" types of marketing.
What do I really get as a Member?
As long as you are pro-active and implementing what you are learning and following our steps in marketing, you get an increase in your sales.
What’s the time commitment?
To keep it simple, all of our services are month-to-month. Yet,we do suggest when you become an active client/member, utilize what you’re given and taught for at least 9-12 months to make sure your business stays on the right track.
Is there only one Professional Category allowed in the Community?
Community wide, there could be more than one professional category as Member’s within same industry/profession. We have learned how to work strategically together, increasing the synergy among each other and helping others in the nurturing relationships.
How does this compare to other “Networking Referral Groups” (like BNI, LeTip)?
We actually promote Referral Groups and other Networking Organizations! We don’t look at them as competitors at all. We have also coached some of our Clients and Members on finding the right group for them. While it makes sense for some businesses, it may not makes sense for others and we coach those seeking help to determine that investment.
Why don't you have long term-commitments or long-term contracts?
We don’t believe in long-term contracts that tie you down with point-less financial burdens. When Members begin experiencing results, they choose to stay with us as long as they'd like. If something were to happen as well, we want to part as friends…not as a broken contractual agreement.
Have you ever owned a business?
Yes I have and since 2006, I’ve followed my own system, faithfully and consistently.
How did you come up with 5 STAR Direct Marketing?
With the exact formula with what we have done at 5 STAR Restaurant Marketing LLC. We trained 13 local San Diego restaurants on proper marketing as well as over 70 restaurants in 20 different states. Now, we have tailored the same successful marketing system to small businesses. As we meet more and more small companies, we've realized there was a massive need of affordable selling and marketing systems. With the small business owner in mind, 5 STAR Direct Marketing was created in April 2009. We now share the same system we have trained others on in over 20 states and are ready to show you what really works in the “real world” of small business.
What do you think of your competition?
I think it is great that there is a lot of help out there to help you in your business. Only you know what a good fit for your business is and we are open to helping you choose what is best for you. No one here at 5 STAR Direct Marketing is trying to be like someone else. We are simply another source of great help in marketing your business the right way.
Why are your costs so affordable?
We know there may be other costs towards new marketing campaigns, website enhancements or other sales collateral. We wanted to make sure you have it in your budget for the other things like, postage, printing, networking events, promotional costs, book-keeping services, I.T. support and so on.
Whom have you learned all these marketing strategies and techniques from?
By surviving through a lot of trial and error marketing myself. By staying on top of technology. By just “doing” it and following through on implementation. From online courses and live training seminars. By growing and managing my own company nationally. Through other marketing professionals. By coaching and consulting several other small business owners. I am so grateful to have learned so much from other marketing gurus like: Dean Jackson, Joe Stumpf, Gary Bencivenga, Dan Kennedy, Bill Glazer, Seth Godin (my favorite author), Dan Sullivan, Zig Ziglar, Chris Baily, Greg Koch of Stone Brewing Co., All my restaurant clients (former and current), Jim Laube, Tony Robbins & Jairek Robbins, Jefferey Lant and so many others strategic alliances and solo entrepreneurs. Cheers to all of you!
So, why should I become a Member today?
Because we are experienced marketers who have the "know how" and the "how to"! You think it is expensive now to get going...wait until you hired amatuers to market your business as they take you down the road of "wasted money".
My experience over the last 15 years has come from being a national Sales Trainer, Business Development and a national Marketing Consultant with Memec/Insight Electronics, By Referral Only Inc, The Anthony Robbins Company and I also operate my own successful business, which all gives me the confidence to help you in your business.
I just don’t have the time to become successful and get organized. So, what do you expect me to do each week if I decide to become a Member?
If you can find at least 30 minutes a week to settle down, have a cup of coffee (or a beer) and spend just a few moments on line in the community, we can get a lot of accomplished.
What is your favorite pizza and favorite beer?
Wow! Great question. Pepperoni with artichoke hearts and portabella mushrooms. My favorite beer is Free Beer but overall, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Stone, IPA.
Can I call you if I have an issue on a marketing strategy that I don’t get?
Of course. We can set up a scheduled time to talk about it.
Can I hire you to be my Outside Sales Rep or Admin?
No thank you. But I will be a great referral source for you and another sales voice in the crowd when we are networking together.
I know it sounds affordable, but really…I can’t afford it. Can you give me a “break” on the price?
Right now, the price is already on a "break". Pretty soon, it is going to go up but once you are in, your price is locked in for good.
Okay. Sign me up! I want to be a member. How do I start my membership today?
It's easy: simply click on the button below!
