Offers By Mail Aid Your Marketing Plan
Almost every week by mail I receive a new credit card offer from American Express. Yesterday, I was invited to “take my business to the next level” by upgrading my current AmEx business card to the Business Platinum Card.
The one-page letter explained the benefits of receiving four companion airfare tickets, conference room access in hundreds of cities worldwide, and enrollment in the membership program, all for an annual fee of $450.
As a customer, it’s in my best interest to keep the free-of-charge card in my possession and invest $450 in a marketing program that increases my revenue. But as a marketer, I recognize a smart campaign.
By the time next week’s AmEx offer arrives, I’ll have used this week’s letter as a pattern for my own marketing campaign. What company that consistently sends you offers will unwittingly help take your business to the next level?
Technorati Tags: solo business marketing, sales letters, small business marketing, solo entrepreneur
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Niche Magazines Fill a Grand Void
Last week I met with a friend to brainstorm ideas on where she can promote her new blog and associates services.
I immediately suggested niche magazines that, as proven by statistics, are read by her potential customers.
A light bulb seemed to shine above her head the same way one lit above mine during a meeting with a different friend at a tea room.
As I mentioned the niche magazines that were familiar to me, I began thinking about how many of us only pursue well-known publications when promoting. However, when peeling back layers, you will find many new options to reach a specialized audience.
For example, I’ve sought and received exposure in Costco Connection, which reaches thousands of solo business owners. Getting press in that publication was a coup which brought me many sales throughout that year.
Be sure to find and contact lesser-known magazines that put you directly in front of your prospects. This one light bulb will brighten your vision to see new paths for great promotions.
Technorati Tags: small business marketing, niche magazines, solo business marketing, Costco Connection, solo entrepreneur, solo business owner
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Five Ways to Know You’re a Teleseminar Junkie Instead of a Successful Marketer
During my first ten years of marketing presentations, I’d see some of the same people in the audience. And guess what? Those people asked me the same questions after every event.
I thought I was in a time warp until some friends, also in the audience to support me, noticed the same behavior from these attendees.
The next time I spoke, I offered the group new advice.
Don’t become a professional seminar attendee. Take parts of what you learn here to create a more-successful business in the coming year.
These events occurred before the Internet became popular, and now that many experts make their messages available by telephone, you may find yourself in a similar, yet virtual, situation.
Have you noticed how much teleseminars (seminars delivered by telephone) have grown in quantity? I seem to receive an invitation to one by Email every day. How about you?
In January I promised myself to only attend teleseminars that elevated my knowledge about an area of business I knew nothing or little about but required for growth. To date I’m on track.
I’m sure the same is true for you, but in case you’re in need of a detox, I’ve created a list of five ways to tell if you’ve become a teleseminar junkie and easy solutions to get back on track. Read more
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Try the Side Door if the Front Door is Closed
Have you read about Wal-Mart’s attempt to open a bank in the U.S.? I heard about it a few years ago and recently learned the outcome in Fortune’s February 4th issue.
According to the update, the retail giant ended its bid to start a U.S.-based bank, but that didn’t stop them from opening banks elsewhere. They scored a win in Mexico.
“In November, Wal-Mart de Mexico opened its first consumer bank, Banco Wal-Mart, in Toloca; the company plans to launch 80 more by the end of the year.”
One of their plans is to make it more convenient for Mexicans working in the U.S. to send money to relatives living in Mexico. The article estimates this remittance market at $23 billion.
Wal-Mart was determined to provide banking services somewhere on the planet, and since U.S. banks blocked them, they took this service elsewhere. Would you do the same if denied access to a particular niche?
I’m facing a similar dilemma as I try to secure a speaking engagement in Texas. The situation isn’t exactly the same, but it does illustrate that the road isn’t always straight when moving forward to the goal line.
I’ve done everything possible to get a meeting planner’s attention, and there’s another wrinkle. The planner is newly hired, so she may not be the right person to contact. Simply put, I’ve hit a wall.
This week, I’ll try another approach. I’m working with two other planners who may know how best to get this group’s attention so that I can speak in their facility this summer. In most industries it’s too late to book an assignment, but not in this one, which is why I’m still pursuing it. I should know by week’s end if I’m successful or not.
Wal-Mart is a huge corporation, but their example of going outside of your first preference to get what you want is a wise lesson for us. You don’t end your mission if someone erects a wall. You:
There’s a way to overcome marketing challenges. Make sure you have plenty of alternative plans ready to successfully complete the project.
Follow Up: Visibility Magazine, mentioned in one of last week’s posts, is not a free magazine. My apology for not checking on this before including it with the other publications.
Technorati Tags: small business marketing, Wal-Mart, solo business marketing, marketing challenges, marketing solutions, solo entreprenuer
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Shirley George Frazier - Solo Business Expert, Author, College Mentor
When you hire me to speak at your conference, college or special event, attendees will thank you for a great program. Media interviews also welcomed. Call or Email me. 973-279-2799 or shirley@shirleyspeaks.com.
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