Many people ask me, "What is a postcard campaign, exactly?" "And why do I need one?" As I have been educating my clients one on one for years now, I suddenly had the bright idea that I needed to explain this for more than just one at a time and in further detail. So here goes? Campaigns for marketing are, in a nutshell, a series of repeat mailings that are strategically planned so that there is maximum benefit (more new customers) for your business. Nota bene (that means "take note" in Latin - More..

Writing To Overpower Your Competition

"We don't have any competition. We're a truly a one-of-a-kind company." I've heard that line from clients for years. I wish it were true, but it's simply not. In fact, it wouldn't matter if you held a monopoly on your particular product or service; you'd still have competition. How? Because your competition doesn't come from a singular source. There may be no other businesses that sell the product or service you sell, but you still have competition. Once that's understood you have a greater adv More..

How to Set (and Get) the Right Prices

Which product feature of yours is every buyer keen to know about? Which sales tool closes prospects instantly? Your price. Yet, despite the far-reaching consequences of a company's pricing, I'm surprised at how little time small business owners spend on it. Here are a few ways to bring pricing to the forefront of your marketing plan. Price is a promise Let's say you're shopping for cereal and come across two varieties. One is a well-known brand in a resealable 20 oz. package, which comes with More..

The Top 10 Marketing Tools to Grow Your Business in 2004

Looking to grow your business? Make sure you have these marketing tools in place: #10 A powerful tagline In 10 words or less, a good tagline reinforces a company's reason for being. And smaller companies will find it to be one of the hardest working tools. To get one, first boil down to a single sentence, the benefits of doing business with your company. Then, take write up a few version of this and take them to a good copywriter. After deciding upon one, marry this tagline up with your compan More..

Whats Your Marketing Attitude?

Entrepreneurs pay a lot of attention to the mechanics of marketing. They take workshops, read books, and hire consultants to find out how to do the best job they possibly can. With my own clients, I often discover that their knowledge of marketing techniques is quite good already. What they might lack is the right kind of marketing attitude. Do any of the attitudes described below sound familiar? If so, you may be sabotaging your own marketing efforts. Read on for some possible solutions. 1. " More..

Mobile Marketing a New Age Strategy

More and more companies seem to be looking for new and innovative ways to market their products. Overlooking most of the traditional marketing techniques, more companies are pioneering the relatively new mobile marketing campaign. Mobile event trailers and vehicle graphic wraps are bringing the products directly to the consumers. With an array of games, giveaways, contests and twenty-five foot product shots surrounding and engaging the consumer, it's hard to see why this form of marketing is not More..

Everybody Loves Raymond....You Should Too!

Popular TV Series Provides a Powerful Marketing Lesson Small Business owners spend a great deal of mental effort and time trying to dream up the next big marketing idea for their business. I'm all for that. It's a good time investment for any small business owner to think about ways to promote their business. While you're thinking, keep in mind that some of the most successful ideas aren't new at all. Just ask Ray Romano. Romano is the creator and star of the hit series Everybody Loves Raymond More..

The Added Effectiveness of Promotional Products in Your Marketing Plan

Recently, I stopped by a new car wash in my town and while preparing to insert my six quarters into the machine to start the cleaning process, the owner came over to me and thanked me for stopping in. He also handed me a pen that had the name and address of the car wash imprinted on it. The fact that the owner was going around passing out free promotional pens to patrons impressed me. I stop at car washes all the time and never get free stuff. In fact, if the cleaning wand removes most of the d More..

Powerful Direct Marketing Numbers

Direct Marketing works! Why? It works because it's personal. It carries a message, answers questions and gets orders. Direct Response Marketing works because it is "conversation in writing". It works because, no matter what you have heard, read or believe ... most people look forward to personal communication. They like being treated as a person - as an individual. So, if Direct Response Marketing is so powerful, how can we as marketers use it effectively? To keep the business we have ... to More..

Free Marketing Tips

Dumb Excuse #1 "I'm not sure I want to invest any money in my internet business right now." Yes, it's sad to say but I hear this one from time to time. Let me be very frank with you. If you've already checked out my own top search rankings and still don't quite understand just what a top search engine ranking would mean for your business, then you have some more learning to do! Please come back and see me when you realize it can make you millions per year! Dumb Excuse #2 "I don't have enough More..

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Build Your Business Through Networking

Here's one of the most important success principles you'll ever learn. It is this: The more people you know and who know you in a favorable way, the more successful you will be in your business or profession. When you look around at the most successful people in your city, industry, or profession, you will find that they are the ones who are known and respected by the greatest number of people. One of the hallmarks of highly successful men and women, and most self-made millionaires, is that the More..

Why Trying to Get the Appointment Can be a Recipe for Dis-Appoinment

Why Trying to "Get the Appointment" Can be a Recipe for Dis-Appoinment Last week, this e-mail from Jack arrived in my inbox: To: Ari Galper From: Jack Subj.: Help! I need to get more appointments Dear Ari, I've just coined a new disease for the medical books, and I'm hoping you can help me cure it. Have you ever heard of "freezing-up-on-the-first-call paralysis"? It's brought on by the stress of selling! I'm new to sales, and, as I've been starting out, I've studied all the programs from al More..

Six Essential Principles for Marketing to Women Business Owners

Marketing to women entrepreneurs is not difficult. You just have to follow six easy, but essential, principles. As of 2004, there are an estimated 10.6 million privately-held firms in the U.S. that are 50% or more women-owned, accounting for nearly half (48%) of all privately-held firms. These firms generate 2.46 trillion in sales and employ 19.1 million people nationwide according to the April 2004 biennial update on women-owned businesses by the Center for Women's Business Research. The repor More..

Niche with Passion and Reap Your Financial Rewards

One of the keys to creating a successful business is finding a market niche that is small enough to corner the market but big enough to make money. Let me tell you about a few people who have done that well, and why it works for them. Tony Cox, Catalog Solutions: Tony only focuses on small specialty foods catalog companies. He's found a niche that is very profitable and he has developed a national reputation for being able to grow customer lists and improve profitability for these small compani More..

Marketing vs Selling - Why Theres A Difference

Marketing is something that we do to let people know what products we have to offer. Selling is something that we do to show people that the products we have to offer are of value to them. In the high tech world of today, much of what we consider marketing is very inconspicuous. Messages are moving at the speed of light, and we are hardly even aware of what we saw or heard that ever made us think eating fast food meant getting good food fast! Marketing is all around us - from the letters that More..

How to Avoid Giving Away Free Consulting

After spending 30 minutes in a coffee shop with a potential client, I realized that the sheet of paper they were writing on was almost full; full of ideas that I had just given away for free. If you consult, coach, or are in the advice-giving field, you may have had a similar experience. Here are some valuable techniques to practice that will prevent you from giving away free consulting. In most cases, arrange to meet with your potential clients for about 30 minutes, to see if you are a match; More..

5 Tips for Getting the Most out of Exhibiting at Trade Shows

Exhibiting at trade shows can be a cost-effective way to generate business, whether you are a new entrepreneur or have been in business for years. Some exhibitors, however, do not experience the success of others. The success of the exhibitor is the responsibility of the exhibitor, not the trade show organizer. The organizer's responsibility is to promote the show, fill the exhibits and fill the show with large numbers of visitors. Being at the right show for your business is the first step. Att More..

Should You Clap For Your Customers?

Does it make sense to clap for your customers? It does not, you answer. You may be right, for the conventional way is for an audience to clap for a speaker, preacher, performer, artiste, player, or marketing professional making a presentation. Can this be reversed? Yes it can, and whoever pioneers it will certainly blaze the trail for a new communications order that can bring profitable results. And it means that in these hard times, it certainly makes business sense to clap for your audience, More..

Referrals - How to Get Them

Referrals are an extension of Networking. If people like you and like the sound of your product or service, then there's a good chance they'll tell other people about you. If they already use your product or service and are totally satisfied, then there's also a good chance that they'll recommend you to others. However, that won't always happen - people won't necessarily go around singing your praises to other people, unless someone asks them about you. You can, however, take various actions More..

When Business Cards Arent Enough: Unusual, Unexpected, and Uncommon Networking Tips

There comes a time in every small businessperson's life when common networking practices like handing out business cards, attending various meetings and schmoozing with potential clients only goes so far. Eventually, the same old techniques get overused to the point that they become insufficient. But how many times have you gained new business, created a great relationship or watched your website hits skyrocket because you did something unusual? Or uncommon? Perhaps even unexpected? Maybe you w More..

The Seven Deadly Sins of Ineffective Nametags

Your nametag can be your best friend. It can be a lifesaver in meetings, trade shows and events to start conversations when you meet groups of new people. It will also identify you as well as your company in the minds of others. As a result, you will become more approachable and transform strangers into valuable connections. Unfortunately, nametags can become useless and ineffective when they are designed and worn without careful consideration. By avoiding The Seven Deadly Sins of Ineffective N More..

Getting the Maximum Marketing Mileage Out of Your Nametag

As a small business owner, you must always explore creative ways to promote your products or services. One of the most effective yet underappreciated tools you can use to keep your company "on stage" is your nametag. Especially when you attend meetings, events or if you're out in the field representing your company, your nametag is your best friend. Not only will it remind people of your name (who will forget your name 10 seconds after they shake your hand anyway), but it will advertise your bus More..

Dramatically Improve Your Marketing Results With These 6 Simple Steps

What if there were things you could start doing now that could help you to market more successfully in the future? Even if you didn't have your marketing act together over the past year. Well, there are. (1) Review your past marketing activities and results Take some time to review all of your marketing activities and try to understand which ones worked best. And when I say "worked best" I mean, which ones resulted in more clients, more customers, more sales, or more growth for your business? More..

15 Commandments Of Creating A Wealth Pulling Niche

Niches are like bathrooms; you never notice them until you need one." - Primm (From NicheBrain.com) Fact: The person who finds or creates a special niche gets the cream of our society's financial rewards. Whether you're Bill Gates or Joe Average. The niche, and the person who creates them, is the main factor that separates one product from 12 others. To out-niche your competitors you must focus on these "15 commandments" of niche creation at all times. Observe the ones you can apply to your b More..

Spike TV - Know Your Audience

What do Klingons, giant rubber bands, and monster trucks all have in common? They hold the fascination of every male on the planet - and they make frequent appearances on Spike TV. Spike TV, which totes itself as a network for men, is the perfect example of the power of knowing your audience and giving them what they want. In one week of watching Spike TV you can expect to see poker, ultimate fighting, demolition derbies, cop shows, kung fu movies, school bus figure eight racing, pyrotechnic ex More..

5 Great Ways to Reach Your Target Market

There are many ways to reach out and find the people you are trying to attract for your business. Here are just a handful of ways to get you started: 1) Attend organization meetings Where do people in your target market hang out? Research this, and then plan to attend a meeting or two to mix and mingle. What better way to meet and get to know these individuals while learning more about the market? 2) Offer to speak at a meeting or conference What do you have to offer that you feel could be o More..

Beware: Marketing Sinkholes Ahead!

Life provides your business with enough opportunities for failure. Don't help it along by creating sinkholes to consume your limited financial resources. There are seven key mistakes most businesses make in the game of marketing. Learn to avoid them! Marketing Sinkhole #1: Indiscriminate Lust Many companies want as many customers as they can handle (and then some). Because of this indiscriminate lust for volumes of customers, they treat everyone alike in their marketing efforts. Much like a ra More..

How to Pick a Winning Business Name

What's in a name? Think of your business name as an external mask for your business. If it's something your target audience like, they would consider checking it, if they don't, in most cases you have lost a customer even before you could tell them what your product or service is. Your marketing campaign is usually like a beautiful outer covering for your business which attempts to portray it as the best business on earth for various reasons and the quality of your business name can have a grea More..

Promotional Freebies

What's a promotional freebie? A promotional freebie is something you can give to your customers, visitors or subscribers. Giving away "freebies" is an excellent marketing tool. Who doesn't love freebies? Having something to offer your visitors or ezine/newsletter subscribers for free can be very helpful. Often giving away freebies will increase your website/ezine numbers. 1. Give free gifts to all new customers. 2. Hold a special that every customer that orders a certain dollar amount gets a f More..

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The Great Direct Marketing Conundrum

Many a home business owner has spent sleepless nights thinking of ways to turn his venture into a higher profit-making unit and build it to be his primary source of income. This is never easy for a home business because most start-ups face initial lack of money and cash flows. A small cash strapped business would also find it a little uphill to get outside funding. The best way, anybody will tell you, is to advertise... all big companies do it, and get good returns. Undoubtedly, advertising, eve More..

4 Steps to Successful Offline Drawings

There are many different ways to market offline, each important to your success. One of these being drawings. Not only does having a drawing bring attention to you and your product/service, but also brings you leads. Step 1 - Choosing the Location To get started, you will need to first decide where you will be placing your drawing box. Make a list of a few local businesses that your target audience visits. When you approach the business owner, be sure they know what's in it for them. Offer the More..

4 Steps to Successful Offline Event Booths

A great way to gain more local sales is to rent a booth at a fair or bizaar. These can be a fun way to spend the day, and if done correctly a profitable one at that. The following are steps you can take to ensure you receive the most sales within the hours or days of the event. Step 1 - Locating Events Of course if you don't know where any are, the rest of the steps are useless! Finding the events are actually the easy part. You can contact local malls, chamber of commerce, or special interest More..

9 Highly Effective Marketing Tips

Here are 9 low-cost but highly effective marketing tips to help you boost your sales and profits fast. Tip 1: Look for some low-cost ways you can enhance the perceived value of your product or service. Then test raising your price. Don't be surprised if both your sales and your profit margin go up. Tip 2: Try to limit your customer's decision making to either "Yes. I'll buy." or "No. I won't buy". Don't risk losing them by including "which one" decisions. The more options you offer, the more l More..

Newsletters - A Great Way to Build Business Relationships

This is an excellent way to grow your business using your mailing list (which I trust you are constantly building). However, you have to accept that there are people who'll read your newsletter and there are those who won't. It does, however, help to build brand recognition and keeps your name in front of your existing and potential customers. People are also more likely to read a newsletter than a sales letter because they see it as less threatening. A newsletter lets the customer know that: More..

Step by Step Guide to an SMS Campaign

SMS is good for: ? Short lead times and immediacy ? Cost effective personalised communication ? Ongoing 1 to 1 relationships ? Automated data capture and compliance ? Direct revenue and uplift opportunities Basic Rules for SMS In addition to permission, there are five key elements that differentiate SMS marketing from traditional marketing. These are also the key success factors for its use. A minimum of 2 factors is necessary for a successful campaign. You need Permission plus: 1: Relevanc More..

Ten Ways to Market Your Business by Doing What You Love To Do

Most business owners get so involved in the work of the business that there never seems to be enough time to do the necessary marketing. Even when business is good the owner must continue marketing because if he/she stops, the business eventually will stop too. Marketing your business simply means to nurture good relationships with your customers and potential customers so that they will buy from you again or they will refer you to others. Think about the kinds of things you enjoy doing and then More..

Marketing Got You Stumped?

It's not unusual for entrepreneurs to find the whole idea of marketingintimidating. Even seasoned business owners often feel their marketingefforts aren't working. Don't let marketing intimidate you. At its core, it's really not much morethan common sense - the key elements that form your plan. Add somecreativity. This is what you'll use to implement your plan and make itwork. That's the basis of marketing. Pretty simple once you break itdown. Let's do a quick overview. There are a few key que More..

Mortgage Marketing - What Your Client Wants

Your business depends on the success of your marketing efforts. If yourmarketing works, you'll get rich. If itdoesn't you'll go broke. It's simple. The key to pursuading your customersis knowing them. You have to understand them inside and out. While I don't pretend toknow your market as well as you do, there area few things every customer wants. Your customers want a good deal. Soundslike a no-brainer but there's a lot that goesinto this. The rate you get for your client shouldbe as low as y More..

Mortgage Marketing - Viral-Email, Referral Marketing Strategy

This is a devastatingly powerful wayto extend your marketing reach. For this towork right you need a website that promotesyour business. It doesn't have to be complicated,just professional looking with good content. It is vital, however, that there's a place forvisitors to sign up for a free mortgageconsultation. If you don't have a site you can stillmake some money with this email so read on. First, make sure that you get the emailaddress of every client you do business with. When you close More..

Mortgage Marketing - How to Write a Mortgage Marketing Sales Letter That Gets Results!

Have you ever sat down to write asales letter and been at a complete losswhere to start? It happens to all of us. Sales letters are hard to write. And writing a good one takes a lot of time,research and effort. But?a good letterwill make you money. The best place to start is withresearch. You want to know everything youcan about the product or products you'reselling. At this point you're interestedin specific information. The details are vital. You wantto understand and be able to clearly and More..

First to Market Theory

AGE OLD QUESTION Business scholars throughout the planet keep asking the same question and have come to the conclusion that being first into the market place is preferable. Preferable to what? They say every product has a life cycle? What about milk? If that is true and many academia will classify products and services in order to make a point and simply lump them all together. Is this correct? Yes and No. From a theoretical standpoint you could argue either side and have ample data in business More..

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