There are over a Billion or so computer and Internet users. That's one BIG marketplace!

Finding ways to directly reach out and contact this huge consumer base has always been a problem for the small web site owner and most online/offline businesses. Those who have devised ways or methods to reach this huge marketplace have reaped the rewards.

Microsoft comes quickly to mind with its Windows Operating System and all those default features such as MSN that's pre-loaded onto your computer. But for the little business owner accomplishing this feat for just a small percentage of this 'Billion Plus Club' is an enormous task - but again, the rewards are worth it.

One of the best ways or places to reach and touch these computer and Internet users is the DESKTOP. Place a direct link to your business, web site or product directly on the desktop of your potential customers or interested parties.

Many successful online sites and businesses have done just that - developed a software program or programs that go directly onto the computer desktop. This is usually some interactive program that the user accesses daily, whether they're online or off.

These businesses keep their brand name, company message, and live links constantly in front of their customers 24/7 - 365 days of the year. Designed properly, this can be a very powerful marketing system, bringing in targeted traffic, building leads and over time creating brand loyalty or company awareness that's worth its weight in gold.

These programs can also be very 'viral', designed so that users recommend or pass them along to family, friends and colleagues. It's also the right situation where a smartly designed program or site can hit the 'Billion Plus Club' in a head-on collision. Resulting in instant mass promotion and name recognition.

One such example was 'Hotmail'.

The 'Hotmail' phenomenon surprised everyone. How that simple email program suddenly spread everywhere almost overnight was amazing. There have been numerous examples since. The viral nature of the Internet can be very beneficial to those who can harvest it!

Although not on par with the 'Hotmail' example, there's a viral technique any company, no matter how small, can use. It's a system that's so simple, its almost laughable, but sometimes the simple stuff works best. Especially if you want to reach the largest demographic of this 'Billion Plus Club'. Even the newest computer user should feel comfortable using your program. You can only do that if your system is simple and very easy to use.

What's the program? System?

The Computer Desktop Calendar.

Actually most of these programs are both a Calendar and Personal Planner which fits directly onto your computer desktop. Businesses have been using promotional calendars for centuries, it's a simple way of keeping your business contact information, your brand name or product directly in front of potential customers.

It's simple and direct. And it works!

However, instead of the kitchen wall, the eCalendar sits on your client's desktop, the best location in all of 'computerdom'. Prime beach front

A small, simple and powerful device reaching out to that 'Billion Plus Club'.

But this device or any device would be useless, if it's not used! However, everyone uses calendars and planners - to remember everything from your favorite uncle's birthday to little Susan's next dental appointment. We all use calendars - it's a fact of life.

Savvy marketers and company directors have figured this fact out long ago. They also know the promotional calendar can be an effective marketing tool. The real smart ones, have also factored in the huge 'Internet' market and have covered all the bases in their promotional campaigns. They use both the 'old paper' calendar and the newer 'eCalendar'. Reaching as many potential customers as they can - covering all the bases.

Like Putting Your Business Card In Front of 1000's Each Day!

But there's one MAJOR difference between the two - the 'old paper type' usually lasts for only one year; the promotional eCalendar lasts forever. For the promotional calendar, along with everything else in the computer age, has evolved. This calendar is perpetual, all your dates, plans, anniversaries, etc. can be entered and kept for a lifetime. This is a distinct advantage the eCalendar has over its out-dated paper cousin. An advantage, businesses should be aware of as they prepare their next promotional calendar.

For the small business owner or webmaster acquiring such a program or device can be expensive in the short term but it will pay big dividends for years to come. Most quality programs will have 'unlimited copies or downloads' and if the program is designed right, these calendars will last forever! One time investment, where companies can get more 'bang for their advertising buck' by using an eCalendar instead of a paper one.

These promotional eCalendars are small, simple, powerful and easy to use. If you're a web site owner, business owner (large or small) you should be considering such a promotional viral device for your own company or product - remember the 'Billion Plus Club'.

Alert companies and businesses should be 'factoring in' the computer and Internet into any promotional campaigns. As more and more business is filtered through the Internet and the Almighty Computer, those who have their company's brand name, sales message and contact information placed directly into this mix will reap the rewards.

At the very least, using a promotional eCalendar will give any company a slight edge over their competition.
About the Author

Get a Free DATEwise eCalendar & Personal Planner for your Desktop. It's
a perfect example of a promotional eCalendar in action! Click Here: Free Desktop Calendar
Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of Free Marketing Tools
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.