4.2.6. A three-stage model
It appears from the responses of our ASEAN expert panel that investment promotion in the ASEAN region can be best explained using a “three-stage life cycle model”. In the introductory stage, trade shows are used, followed by direct marketing and general sales seminars. The latter two techniques are often used to generate potential “sales leads”, initially identified from trade show registration lists. In terms
of influence, advertising is of secondary importance. In the growth stage, “sales leads” which have graduated to “sales prospects” are invited to participate on investment missions. Advertising becomes more important as it complements and reinforces direct marketing techniques to identify additional “sales leads” and to enhance the image of the host country for “sales prospects”. The observations of respondents suggest that the same marketing techniques continue to be used with equal effectiveness during
the saturation stage in the investment decision-making process. Investment missions, and image-building and enhancing advertising, are the most popular marketing techniques employed. Thus, this model provides some explanation as to why, when and how various marketing techniques might be used to target foreign investors from an ASEAN perspective.