This unfortunately is used by too many businesses in my state. I got too many mailings and now I just throw them out.

I'm curious. How do you know they got your name from the Sec. of State? Or do you just throw out all "junk mail" which would mean that any method of obtaining your address would be useless in this case since it's headed to the trash.

I try to narrow my focus when I get names from the Sec. of State and don't use the shotgun approach. Also, with all of the junk mail that most companies receive, you really have to come up with something to make them want to read your ad.

That is exactly right. Just like ANY form of marketing if you do it only once and do not use some imagination you are wasting your time.

Lumpy Mail works! It will get your envelop opened! Of course, if you just put a pen in it that is very likely the only thing which will get taken out. Actually, I take pens out without opening the envelop I just poke it through the envelop.

But if you use imagination you can get your envelop opened and your letter read. A friend of mine sent one baby shoe to his prospects. With it he put a letter which explained he just wanted to get a foot into the door.

Keep it relevant, keep it local (at least at first). Identify where you go to obtain a business license (city office, county office, etc.). Visit their office in person and ask to buy a copy of the list. Most can print it while you wait for most any recent period of time and for a very modest cost. Also, many municipalities have new business license lists online where you can get a free pdf download.

A more expensive source is infousa.com which can provide data sorted by criteria such as geography, business type, etc. A third manner to locate the "invisible businesses" is to collect business cards from bulletin boards, restaurants, etc. Many of these will lead you to very small, often unlicensed, businesses that could definitely use professional computer services. Do understand however that a response rate of 1%-2% is considered successful for direct mail. Consider this and calculate your ROI before you try it. There are better ways to find business opportunities.