Jan 4, 2010

100 Most Influential Direct Marketers

Posted by Wendy Weber

In 1992, when I was working in magazine circulation, I had the honor of being chosen for inclusion as one of Target Marketing Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Direct Marketers.

I have no idea how the group was selected, and I assure you, I brought down the prestige of the group. Industry luminaries including Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Computer Corp., Jonah Gitlitz, President & CEO of the Direct Marketing Association, and Joseph M. Segel, Chairman & CEO of QVC Network, were featured on the accompanying pages.

I was an Assistant Circulation Director at Bon Appetit Magazine. All I can imagine is that because I was heavily involved in participating in the direct marketing industry through public speaking, writing for trade publications, and taking advanced coursework in direct marketing at New York University, I caught the eye of the decision makers.

In any case, it was quite a thrill to be recognized for my accomplishments, and I saved the issue. I just noticed it on my bookcase, and was flipping through it. I decided to reach out to some of my co-honorees, as a sort of “where are they now?” Well, I didn’t reach out to Michael Dell. I sort of know what he’s up to. And a number of the honorees were so senior in stature and age that they must have retired by now. But I did reach out to a number of them, and they are still at the top of their games, in senior level positions in their given fields. I connected with a number of them on LinkedIn, and hope to stay in touch over time.

As far as my own sphere of influence…it’s no longer as a direct marketer, but as someone who helps to shape the careers of direct marketers. It’s been a gratifying journey.

In