List Building Without Violins, Part 1: Blogging Success
Join Bill Nissen and Tammy for an in-depth exploration of blogs and video blogs. What they are, how you can put them together in a relatively short time, and why they will help you in your quest to build a big list.
Choose your date and time and settle in for a drill down into the IM Toolsuite system, a system recently appropriated from the sleazy internet marketers and re-purposed so that legitimate offline and online biz owners can take advantage of its' powerful features.
Luxury retail icon Neiman Marcus might be accurately described as "interesting, intriguing, but not very approachable for the common person."
Average people tend to the think of the upscale store, whose catalog has offered things such as "his and hers" robots for $400,000, or a $99,000 personal jetpack, as an over-the-top place for people with more money than good sense.
Growing up in Texas not too far from a Neiman store, I felt the same way. Neiman Marcus was where real-life JR. Ewings shopped for their wives and mistresses; where old money went to blow off steam and a big wad of cash on gold plated toilet seats and bathtubs full of diamonds.
It was no place for a kid from the suburbs with a wrinkled $20 dollar bill stuffed in a plastic wallet.
In 20 years, I set foot in the store at most 3 times, each time feeling apprehensive and fearful, knowing full well that I could not afford to pay for anything I might accidentally knock over.
Even today, the perception of Neiman Marcus is that it is only for the "1%" and that everyday folks needn't bother. This has naturally resulted in what is Neiman Marcus' biggest issue:
Lack of traffic in its' stores.
Lack of foot traffic is the kiss of death for any retail establishment because, as we all know- people buy on EMOTION, emotions are triggered by imagination, and imagination needs to be stimulated in order to kick in.
In other words- you need to see it, touch it, feel in order to want it.
Neiman Marcus had a serious lack of impulse buyers that was killing its profit margins and making expansion a difficult proposition.
Help from an Unusual Partner
On the other side of the retail tracks was that brash, trash-talking punk retailer from Minneapolis- Target.
With its raging bull red interiors and urban kitsch proclivities, Target attracted a younger, fashion-conscious-but-budget-constrained crowd.
Old money wouldn't dare be seen seen slumming in Target, but collegiate pseudo-hipsters loved it for all the assemble-it-yourself futons, purple trashcans, and deals on mac and cheese. Target was, and is, a store for real people who don't have money to buy solid crystal vanities and silver barbecue tongs.
Target had plenty of traffic. LOADS of it, in fact. But, it was developing a bit of an inferiority complex of late, longing for something more than Michael Graves and Mizrahi branded items to give it a stamp of legitimacy and attract people with more than change and coupons in their wallets.
Then, some brilliant marketing person came with the idea for the strangest marriage since Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra: Why not hook Target up with Neiman Marcus and solve their mutual problems?
Partnering with 24 designers from the Council
of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a 50-piece collection was launched by Target and Neiman Marcus this month that features stylish, unique apparel, accessories and and even some dog gifts.
The idea was to break down barriers and introduce a whole new crowd of people to the joys of shopping at Neiman Marcus and to gain Target a dose of respect from the well-heeled.
The positive response from fashionistas is a great example of what can happen when business owners stop taking an adversarial approach to "competitors" and instead see the potential for lucrative, potentially-beneficial partnerships.
Every business can learn a lesson from this off-the-wall pairing of two legendary retailers.
1. A unique way to attract prospects and retain clients
2. An inexpensive way to purchase much-needed legal services for your business or family
3. A method of making money for your church, synagogue, youth group, or other non-profit
4. How to sell Legal Shield as a company benefit
4. A secondary source of income
5. An opportunity to work with an ethical, respected company with a proven track record of success
and client satisfaction...
Then
you should definitely be on this call with Legal Shield trainer and
executive Larry Smith. With 17 years invested in this company, Larry
Smith is one of the top income-earners in Legal Shiled and a
sought-after trainer .
Larry has put in thousands of hours in the field teaching others how to maximize this fantastic business opportunity.
Legal
Shield is seeing explosive growth of late due to the fact that most
people now realize that they need to protect their assets from lawsuits
and other legal actions.
If you are a financial advisor,
insurance agent, realtor, or mortgage broker, you know that this product
dovetails nicely with your mission to protect your clients' net worth
and bring peace of mind into their lives.
Many advisors and
agents have found that a small investment in Legal Shield yields lots of
tangible and intangible benefits including: adding to the perception of
value, creating goodwill, getting referrals, etc.
Join Larry for this informative presentation and learn:
1. Why everyone needs this service (the potential is HUGE)
2.How to use Legal Shield as a very effective marketing tool
3. Legal Shield as a side or main business
and a lot more...
Go here and reserve your space now:
I was privileged to have John Dzeima, CEO of Cal-Star Insurance in for a webinar a few days ago. John shared the new business model that life and health agents must adopt in order to replace commissions lost due to "Obamacare."
I don't think that once companies have cut commissions to agents that they are very likely to reverse that, even if healthcare reform is repealed.
Agents are now faced with having to find alternative sources of income to replace that which has been lost. John discusses the many new and innovative solutions Cal-Star is providing to its agents. Many of these agents are making a substantial side income by offering these products to their existing clients and also by selling them online.
New offerings include a guaranteed-issue life policy and a dental HMO plan with the nation's largest dental HMO provider/
Check out the webinar. If you are interested in getting contracted NOW, to to
re: A fantastic way to make more sales and convert more prospects into clients... http://www.webcastsnow.com/
Many of you know I promote this... because I LOVE IT!
Face it, most sales
training consists of a lot of "RAH RAH RAH", empty platitudes, and warm and fuzzy storytelling. Either that, or it is STUCK IN THE 80's, showing you how to "sell them on the benefits and features" of your product or service. 99% of all sales and marketing training out there never addresses the crucial issue of HOW people buy (versus the usual WHY people buy spiel) Understanding how the human brain processes information
and makes decisions is a crucial skill that is missing from most sales
training programs...
When you take and USE Jim Fortin's Mind Authority training, you will become a better persuader and influencer which will in turn..
Help you double...even triple your sales closing percentage
Help you become better at live presentations
Give you a powerful advantages of those still stuck in the 80's
I could tell you how awesome Jim Fortin's Mind Authority Network training is... but I won't.
Instead, I want you to experience it for yourselfby getting a no-cost-no-pestering-you SAMPLE of the kinds of video trainings Jim does. When you go to this site and enter your accurate information, you'll receive, over the course of the next few days, links to some short, but effective training sessions from Jim Fortin.
After you've watched them, you'll see just why thousands of business
owners and sales professionals just like you are embracing this
revolutionary approach to persuasion and influence.
On Tuesday, October 16th, I lost one of my very best friends in the world...my cat, Cinder Lee.
Now, some will say, "He was just an animal-get over it!"
To these people I simply reply "Until you bond with an animal, and learn what they have to teach you, you will never, ever understand my grief. And perhaps you will also miss out on a critical part of your own humanity"
In the midst of all this sadness, however, I was able to see past the tragedy of the accident and reflect a little on the life lessons taught me by my "lovepuff." Everything I Need to Know In Life I Learned From My Cat
...live simply and enjoy life more... 1. A belly full of food , a warm bed, and a loving someone to scratch those hard-to-get-to places... pretty much all you need to be happy.
..stop trying to be something you aren't...
2. Be who you are and don't let people try and change you. Good natured to the core, Cinder would indulge my daughter's attempts to dress him in tie-dye T-shirts and red bow ties, and our efforts to treat him like a little person.
However, he knew and understood that he was a CAT; a special and extraordinary cat no doubt, but a cat just the same.
He was happiest doing the things that cats do, enjoying the taste of a freshly-caught mouse, scratching up the trees outside, digging in the garden. He was who he was.. no more, no less.
Are you being honest with yourself and others and showing your true face to the world? If you aren't- you are likely never going to feel satisfied. Be who you are and thrive.
...take time for yourself
3.Life is demanding, it's true, but you must take time for YOU. In his position as "prince of the house" and nurturer to the strays that kept landing on the property, I am sure Cinder had a profound sense of duty. But, he also knew that every pride leader needs to take some time-to nap in the sun, to yawn, share a treat with your people, scratch a tree or two, or spend an hour grooming.
don't forget to spread some love around-every day...
4. We take nothing from this life except the love we have for others. Not a day went by that Cinder did not share his loving heart with our family. By rubbing his scent on us, "kneading" our clothes, giving little cat kissies, or doing his famous head butts, Cinder let us know that he loved us as much as we loved him.
As people, we often take the ones we love for granted, forgetting that none of us is granted even our next breath- it is a gift from God. Tell someone you love them every single day. You'll be surprised at how much your life begins to change.
no cat is an island ...
5. Be independent and self-sufficient and dependent and needy at the same time. Cinder had achieved, in his brief two years on this earth, what I think is the perfect balance between independence and recognizing the need for others.
Some people see independence or dependence as one or the other propositions. But, through Cinder I learned that it is OK to need and want to be with other people, while at the same time retaining a measure of independence and self-sufficiency. In fact, it is for that reason that we were created- to be light and warmth for others, to share burdens and lift weights off the shoulders of those bowed and broken.
I am not sure I have fully learned all of these lessons and the countless others that I learned from "Mr. Fluffytoes." But, he managed to plant them in my heart and their successful achievement is a worthy goal for me, something which helps me, hour by hour, overcome my sense of loss.
I am bereft, lost... in need of the balm of God's love, the love that sent Cinder into my life and the love that I am positive now envelopes and comforts him.
I know he is sitting right now beside the throne of the Almighty with a full belly and that little cat smile on his face. He understands all that was hidden from him before,every mystery is revealed, every ache and pain gone away, every bad memory erased by healing love.
Maybe he looks down at me now and says "Don't cry. I am waiting for you here. We have some head butts to catch up on."
As many of you know, I have been doing webinars for a long, long time.
Until recently, however, I have resisted the idea of putting those webinars on auto pilot via automation software.
For one thing, software I tried was often clunky and difficult to use, resulting in a lot of frustration and wasted time.
For another, I always felt that I could actually create more action and sales on a live webinar than on a recorded one.
Now, though, I am testing out an easy-to-use, inexpensive suite of tools that allows me to put lots of things on autopilot.
I will tell you about this shortly. In the meantime, though, see this in action by going here:
Hey all:
I have been a busy little bee lately, putting together yummy marketing
MOCHAS for small local businesses... and online entrepreneurs all over
the place.
I hardly have time for myself these days...
I'd love you to join me on some of these presentations... it helps to have your input and feedback and,
you might even learn a thing or two... or connect with some like-minded folks.
Here are some upcoming webinars you DON'T WANT TO MISS..
Here are two FREE webinars rated E for everyone:
What is The $25 Million Dollar Challenge and Why Should YOU Do It? Wednesday, Sept 19th
7PM Central 5PM Pacific and 8PM Eastern
What Is the $25 Million Dollar Challenge and Why Should YOU Do It? - Morning session will be on THURSDAY, Sept. 20th at 11AM Pacific, 1PM Central, and 2PM Eastern
by Tammy de Leeuw
Visalus Promoter
Grouchy Marketing Lady
In the marketing world, cliches abound. One of the most oft-repeated cliches is
"The fortune is in the followup."
Yes, it's trite...but SO VERY TRUE.
When I talk to my consulting clients about what they feel is their biggest weakness when it
comes to client acquisition, 99.9% will, heads bowed, admit that it is lack of follow-up.
In fact, many of these same clients spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars to get prospects, don't have any idea on how they are going to convert those leads to clients.
Their basic mindset is something along the lines of " well, if they don't become clients right away, then they will never be interested. Following up is waste of time."
The reality is...if you aren't following up with your clients, then you are missing out on a lot of people who, once they get to know you via blog posts, videos, emails, webinars, etc., will eventually listen to your message.
And chances are... if they listen they will become your customers or clients at some point, even if they don't make the decision as quickly as you'd like.
That's why having an AUTOMATED drip machine working for you is so important.
You're busy... we all are.
And it is ever-so-easy to use that excuse when you let things and people slip through the cracks.
Since many sales and relationships often don't happen until the 9th or 10th "touch," having a system of constant contact and outreach makes tons of good sense. Check out what I did for one client..
One of Visalus' top ambassadors, Bill Nissen, and I are in the process of putting together a 60-day plus drip campaign, including videos, video landing pages, and video thank you page.
I'll be honest- putting together an automated drip campaign takes A LOT OF TIME in the beginning. However, once it is done... your only job becomes to drive traffic to it and KEEP driving traffic to it.
A well-designed drip campaign acts like a good water filter, filtering out impurities and bad tastes (fakers, takers, and others who will never, ever buy from you) and leaving the fresh water (viable leads) behind for you to enjoy.
If you want to discuss getting your own custom drip campaign started... then be sure to give me a call M-F
at 925-776-4368
If you are like most business owners...
You are taking a hard look at your budget for the coming year..
And looking for inexpensive, yet effective ways to get the word out about your business
Now, creepy YELP business practices asides, you can still harness its' incredible search engine reach and help your clients get found. Not only can you create loads of good will by accurately evaluating local businesses, especially those with whom you already do business...
You can also subtly promote your own business within the review...
For example: a typical property/casualty insurance agent might have 200 or more business clients. It's always a good idea to keep business in the family, so.. be sure to (1) patronize your business clients whenever possible (2) write reviews about your experiences
The same goes for establishments with whom you WANT to business.
Say you sell widgets to restaurants and you really, really want to add Steve's Fried Chicken and Biscuitsto your list of clients. Doesn't it make sense to become a regular, HAPPY customer of Steve's...get known by the management and employees, etc?
Once you've done that,and found a couple of Steve's menu items that you really like...Then you need to write a useful, informative review on YELP or SmartGuy or both. You can also add reviews to Google Local and other directories.
Tips for Writing Reviews
1.Be SPECIFIC. The more accuratedetails you include, the more helpful the reviews.DO THIS: "The highlight of my experience at Steve's is the golden, fluffy-as-clouds biscuits, enhanced by a dollop of creamy butterand a little local honey." NOT THIS: "Steve's biscuits are very good." 2. Offer "insider" information. Let people in on the special information you know about this business. WRITE THIS:
"Steve's has many "secret items" not found on the regular menu. I like the SPECIAL NUMBER THREE- which is broiled chicken legs with spicy peanut sauce." NOT THIS: "You can order many off-the-menu items at Steve's."
3. Discuss best times to go, parking, long lines, etc.DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS: "Steve's is located right next to the SuperPlex Movie Theatre so parking can be a challenge, particularly on the weekends. I have learned the best time to go without parking being an issue is Wednesdays from 11AM-9PM. NOT: "Parking sucks, be prepared."
4.Avoid giving too many stars. If your reviewed business or service really, really merits it (and ONLY IF) give the business the highest rating. Otherwise, it is best to give 3's or 4's. Why? Because when a ratings site (Yelp in particular) notices that every business you review is 5-stars, your credibility as a reviewer is undermined.
If the client or prospect questions you as to why you didn't give 5 stars, tell them the truth: "The more honest I am with reviews, the fewer HIGHEST ratings I give, the more powerful and effective my ratings are (and the less I look like your schill!)"
5.Be honest...but fair. If you have a bad experience at one of your clients' businesses, be sure to:
1. Accurately evaluate the cause of the incident (ex: not enough employees working, equipment malfunction, weather, etc.) 2. Give them a chance to fix the problem before you write a review. Mention the issue casually to the owner without sounding accusatory or critical. "Steve, I noticed you were really shorthanded Saturday night when I came in. If you are looking for reliable help, I know a couple of college students who are looking for work." 3. Give a second chance before reviewing.
Never, ever write a review unless you have tried the establishment at least twice with identical bad results. While you do want to be honest, don't review any of your clients' businesses unless you are sure you can honestly give at least 3 stars. If you publish a bad review you are apt to lose a customer and make an enemy, which is the opposite of what you are trying to do.
6. Do include YOUR BUSINESS website URL and phone #. This will help the business easily identify the fact that it was you who gave them the glowing review. Also, if people who read the review wonder who you are.. you might get a lead from them as well.
A little-used technique which I have found that WORKS is to include the URLS for video reviews you have done, videos you have taken of the business in action, or their own informational videos. Lots of people don't realize you can put hyperlinks (http:) inside your review. So, if you have, let's say, a FOOD BLOG and you have more info on Steve's or some videos or photos, whatever. You can say something in your review to that effect. Be SURE to include the full URL
7.Be humorous and entertaining whenever possible. If your client is a funeral home or a crime scene cleanup company, this may not be do-able. For all other businesses, however, you should aim for maximum information, entertainment, and a chuckle or two. Check out my own YELP review for my new dentist.
Even a negative review can be softened somewhat by the use of irony and humor.
I had a horrible customer service experience at a local food place. (third poor experience and it wasn't a charm!) so I wrote a little review to vent my frustration. Remember, don't do this for client and prospect businesses: they WILL see it and they probably won't be too pleased.
8. NAME Names.(first name only, however) Was your waiter excellent? Cashier more helpful than usual? Staff able to answer your every question? WRITE THIS: "Steve's cashier, Mindy, was polite, smiling, and extremely efficient.
9: Be a regular contributor and invite your clients to follow you on YELP. Easy to see why this is a great idea for everyone!
10. Give your reviews "legs." Make a copy of every review you do and place into a file folder. When you find other local review sites, you can then copy and paste your review into that site as well. Saves you time!
re: Something to do on a Saturday night in the City...
by Tammy de Leeuw
Your Marketing Mixologist(r)
Blended Marketing for ALL!
Since I stopped working downtown on Market...
I don't get to the City (aka "San Francisco" as often as I used to..
So, when I got the invite to attend Mashable/Motorola's "Social Media Day" event
I decided to go and get my networking on...
I had a great time meeting people who are sick to death of social media and who long to meet REAL PEOPLE... (but they still LOVE their smart phones!)
Brought back a lot of ideas for small businesses...
And some very short videos to give you an idea of the vibe...
File under: Mashable Social Media Day, Motorola phones, Social-Media-events, Events-San Francisco,
Social-Media-Day-San-Francisco
Diana from Walnut Creek was jonesing for some of the delicious gourmet meatballs featured at the event. As soon as they came out, they were GONE... Finally, though, she managed to snag a couple.
I have been reviewing the Zero Effort coaching series from Jim Fortin. It's just a fraction of what he teaches on his membership site, but I wanted to share another session with you today.
I only recommend a handful of learning sites. Mainly because I know no matter how good they are, most people just won't put enough time into them.
The more I get into the exceptional training membership site from Jim Fortin, the more enthusiastic I become about promoting it to others.
Regardless of whether you own your own business or work for someone else, learning Jim's persuasion and influence techniques will help you achieve new levels of confidence and success.
Here's just a tiny sample of the kinds of things you will love learning as a member of the Mind Authority Network..
After you've watched the video (and there are a couple more in the archives of this blog as well)
Several months ago, I introduced my list of smart people to the SMARTGUY directory.
A free listing, Smart Guy helps small, local businesses gain some traction in the world of search engine optimization.
Smart Guy also offers loads of marketing tips and tactics and free webinars to help Smart Guy members do everything from barter their goods and services to advertise on mobile networks.
They also offer an upgraded service that allows you to enhance your search engine results, and do article and video marketing. The upgrade also ensures that your business will be included in the directory under its chosen category. (categories are limited to 3 members, with paid members having priority)
Smart Guy, unlike other free online directories, is actually attempting to create a real community and is likely to become an excellent source of local leads for small businesses.
Each category of business is strictly limited to 3, so reserve your place now by going to:
Did you catch my recent interview with Kerry Lutz of the Financial Survival Network?
Not trying to toot my own horn here (well, I am but I have to say that so I sound humble)
Kerry and I lifted the lid off the steaming pot of half-boiled lies dished out by Wall Street, politicians, mainstream media monkeys... and other evil-doers.
The Sound of the Other Shoe Dropping- College Loans
It's lurking around like that nasty great-aunt with dragon breath who always wants to kiss you or pinch your cheek... Namely, the college debt crisis. It's coming to a head and it's gonna get nasty..
Here's a couple of interesting takes on Edumageddon:
Jim Fortin maintains that, unless you are a world class athlete...
The only thing in life for which you will get paid is your ability to PERSUADE AND INFLUENCE.
Learning to be a better persuader can help you:
1. Become better at crafting marketing messages that draw people to your product or service
2. Close more sales with less effort
3. Be a more successful communicator
3. Improve your social life and interpersonal skills
4. Parent without as much hassle
5. Attract a better class of affiliate or joint venture partner
...and a whole lot more
Jim recently launched what I think is the best influence, persuasion, and sales training I have ever seen.
(and I see a LOT of programs every year!)
At $28 a month and with new, fresh content being added weekly, The Mind Authority Network gives you all the tools you need to improve your sales and marketing.
I wanted you to get a taste of the kind of training Jim has on the site (there's TONS more like this, folks!)
When you discover how powerful and easy to learn this material is...
One of the best things anyone who is involved in selling a product or service can do is to build up a loyal base of devoted "evangelists"; people who will sell for you without even having to be asked.
These are the people who are "checking in" on their cell phones when they visit your place of business, tweeting about their last visit with you, or posting a photo of one of your events on Facebook. They are the folks who drag their friends and family members over to meet you, pass out your business cards, and refer you every chance they get.
We could all use a LOT more of these people in our lives...
Obviously, the first way to get a stable of raving fans is to create a product, service, or customer experience that over-delivers on value or is truly unique or cutting edge.
Beyond this, however, you need to work at making it easy for others to sing your praises.
For example, if you want people to post YOUR content on THEIR websites and social media pages, make it easy and hassle-free for them to do so.
Royal Metals' target market is financial services people who want to offer their clients precious metals,
Instead of just leaving their advisors to their own devices when it comes to marketing this service, Royal has started producing what is sometimes called "collateral."
This collateral includes recorded webinars, videos, newsletters, articles, email templates, etc.
Below is an example of a video produced by Royal for its' agents that they can customize and add to their existing websites.
Here are some other easy-to-do things you can implement to help others get the word out about you:
1. Write some posting templates that your raving fans can use to post to Twitter, Facebook, or Linked
In.
Sometimes the only reason your business isn't being mentioned in the conversation is that your clients just
aren't sure what to say. Make it easy for them to talk you up.
2. Send a digital or physical newsletter? In every issue, be sure to encourage your subscribers to
PASS IT ON to friends, co-workers, or neighbors.
3. When someone compliments your product and service, hand them a card that explains how to write a
good review on YELP or Smartguy.com. or other review site.
4. Have a Facebook page? Make sure you list the URL on every piece of correspondence you send out.
Offer an incentive for LIKING your page or for the best comment on the page, etc.
5. If you rely on written referrals, draft up some well-written templates for your clients to use when
referring you to their friends and family.
Explain exactly how you WANT and NEED to be introduced. Don't assume people know how
to write good referral letters... they generally don't.
6. When you sponsor or attend an event, don't forget to ask your good customers to get the word out
via their mobile phone and social media accounts.
I am always surprised at how many businesses have special events
and don't even ask their databases for help in promoting them.
7. Be sure to find out if your clients and customers have their own Facebook business pages
and LIKE THEM.
When you reach out to support your clients' social media efforts, they more often than not, reciprocate.
8. In a similar vein, when you patronize the businesses of your clients,
be sure to write a positive YELP review and post it. This creates valuable goodwill and makes it more likely that they will do the same for
you.
9. Make recommendations on Linked In. Locate your favorite customers on Linked In and write
a good,helpful recommendation for them.
Just as with YELP, the goodwill created ensures that they are likely to write a good recommendation
for YOU.
10. Engage and ask. You have not because you ask not. Don't automatically assume that clients who are
thrilled with your service are going to Tweet about it... or YELP it.. They generally won't unless you
let them know how to do it... and make it easy for them to do so.
If you're like most business owners and professionals... you have attempted (at least half-heartedly) to figure out the secrets of using Linked In to connect with decision makers... to grow your marketing list, find great joint venture partners, etc.
You may have even gone through the motions of putting up a profile, photo, or even a couple of posts.. but you really didn't understand how this was possibly going to help you get more business, land your dream job, or increase your referrals, etc.
If this has been your experience, then you need to make plans now to attend this free webinar with Linked In expert Lewis Howes.
I'm not going to tell you how insightful, practical, and content-rich Lewis Howes' Linked Influence is..
Instead, I want you to get a little taste of it yourself by attending a short webinar on Thursday, June 7 or Friday, June 8.
And, if you can't make either of those dates.. check back after June 8 at www.webcastsnow.com and you will be able to register for future replays and live sessions.
re: Royal Metals Group- for Financial Advisors, CPA's, Insurance Agents
Many of you have asked about Royal Metals Group's program for financial advisors and agents,
wondering whether or not they actually provide marketing materials.
Royal just produced this informative video for agents to use on their blogs, websites, and in video
emails. I think it is exceptional, especially for those of you in the senior market.
And, Royal can also customize it for you so all your contact information appears in the video.
So, watch the video and then contact Tyler Bosworth at Royal to find out how you can become a
trusted source of precious metals for your clients and customers.
If you or someone you know owns a business... or is a self-employed professional, then you need to make
plans to attend my next webinar with my special guest presenter, Jim Fortin.
If you've been struggling to grow your brick and mortar or online business
the right way,,, without becoming pushy or seeming desperate...
If you've been wanting to attract a better kind of prospect...
Or motivate more people to become paying customers...
Then
you don't want to miss this special webinar with certified hypnotist,
author, corporate trainer, and Neurospersuasion(tm) founder Jim Fortin.
Jim
has consistently been one of my most popular webinar presenters
attracting well over 2,000 people in five webinars and getting lots of
kudos from attendees.
Many of you have attended these webinars and have told me that the information Jim had genuine value for you and your business.
His
fluff-free webinars will give attendees actionable steps to take to
ensure that they (1) attract more quality prospects and (2) use the
language of persuasion that leads to DECISIONS (and more money!)
If you have been wondering how to achieve a higher rate of conversion, sell more to your existing clients
Then
join us on Wed. May 23rd at NOON Pacific, 2PM Central, or 3PM Eastern
and learn some techniques you can use today to light your business on
fire!
re:easy, inexpensive ways to turbocharge your business marketing
by Tammy de Leeuw
"The Grouchy Marketing Lady"
For my brick and mortar and home-based-business friends, I have put together a short video of things you can do right now (that are CHEAP AND EASY, too!) to help you attract more qualified prospects.
If you are like many people...
You HATE, loathe,abhor, and despise getting in front of a video camera...
Even a webcam starts you to stuttering and stammering...
Makes your palms sweaty and your heartbeat go all rapid...
Well, for those of you who find yourselves wanting the traffic and ezposure
that media delivers, but you don't want to put your mug in front of the camera...
I have two ideas:
1. You can use Windows Movie Maker (included on most PC's) or other program to create a multi-media program.
Use your own slides and graphics to do a voiceover that can be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, Screencast, etc.
Check out an example of this below:
Goldmail is an easy, inexpensive program that allows you to do voice-over-visual
presentations- quickly and efficiently. Use Goldmail to enhance your emails with a "click me" graphic that leads to your slide show.
You can use PDF's, documents, JPG and PNG photos... virtually any kind of static media. While this isn't in a format to upload to Youtube or other video sites, it does let you create and place a player on your own website or blog.
George Takei has devoted himself to making ME look bad.
Here I am, struggling to get my clients to hit the coveted 1,000 mark on their Facebook pages...
and this dude gets to 1.7 million in short order!
More importantly, he isn't just racking up huge NUMBERS... he also gets his fans to interact with him in a way that is unparalled.
I haven't seen ANYONE (and I spend a lamentable amount of time on Facebook) who can get as many likes and comments on posts as our friend Sulu. At age 75, his hipness factor is off the charts and his fans virtually trip over themselves to provide him with content.
And what eclectic content it is, too. Takei's page boasts everything from movie clips to photos taken with fans at Star Trek conventions, to funny signs to jokes. Reading the feed, one immediately senses that Takei loves his fans and followers... and they love him too.
Unlike many celebrities and pseudo-celebrities on the internet, George Takei "gets" the social part of social media. Rather than blocking comments and uploads from fans and followers, Takei encourages them. He doesn't have to worry too much about reputation management or Facebook spamming, in part because there is a sense of community that has a self-policing effect. In other words, George's peeps have put up a sort of force field around him and mean, nasty posters are fed to the Klingons.
It's marketing mastery at its' finest, accomplished precisely because marketing is the last thing on George Takei's mind.
Engagement and the Social Media Sensation Known As George Takei
Mr. Takei is a smart man, so it's a safe bet to believe he knows his social media clout is worth a ton of cash...
Still, he doesn't seem to really care.
Yes, there IS occasional self-promotion and activism on the site, but it is so cushioned with humor and goodwill that even staunch conservatives can't visit without smiling a time or two.
This is magical, because, when people are laughing and smiling... they are LISTENING... and whether or not they agree with what you have to say, they will at least pause long enough to consider it.
George Takei isn't afraid to shine a spotlight on his weaknesses and foibles, even if we are laughing at his expense. He isn't afraid to let his fans speak their minds, nor is he ashamed of who he is or of his iconicStar Trek status.
George Takei is both "out" and "OUT THERE" and his warp-speed warpedness and sly self-deprecation is magnetic.
It's the law of attraction-flavored secret sauce that makes his fan page work so very well and shows us all the true potential of Facebook.
re: my dream car and... being where your target market is...
by Tammy de Leeuw
"Grouchy Marketing Lady"
Nothing better than a find spring day and... a car show.
Whether you love classic cars ( I do) or not, car shows are a fantastic way to connect with
your niche market in a fun, memorable atmosphere.
One of the principles of successful marketing that I emphasize to the nth degree is "hanging out where your desired demographic hangs out." All too often, people think of marketing soley in terms of getting your niche to CALL YOU or stop by your office, etc.
That's convenient for you, but it doesn't work nearly as well as when you bring your product, service, or just yourself, to THEM. Car shows are one way to do that, and have fun in the process.
Think about this: car shows attract a wildly diverse group of people, ranging from seniors reminiscing about going to the drive-in in their '56 Buick to young dads who dream of having enough money to build a hot rod of their own some day. Just being there provides you with some awesome opportunities to connect with local business owners and self-employed professionals.
Classic car owners are often retirees or small business owners with the time and money to devote to this expensive, all-consuming passion. For those of you in the senior marketplace, or who sell direct-marketing opportunities, car shows could be goldmines of leads.
How to Participate
Even if you don't own a classic car yourself, you can still benefit from participating in a local car show. One way is to rent a booth. Some car shows allow you to rent booths to promote your product or service.
Usually the fees for these booths are modest and provide you with a place to do product demos, host contests (such as the wheel of fortune, raffles, etc.) If done the right way, marketers can walk away with hundreds of warm leads at a single event.
Another way is to simply walk around, soak up the colorful atmosphere, and talk to people about their cars. It's amazing how even the shyest people seem to come out of their shells when asked about "their baby." Be sure to bring your camera/video camera and ask to take photos and videos.
When you meet someone in your demographic, volunteer to take his or her photo in front of their favorite car. Or, take a video they can put up on their own website, Facebook page, or blog. You won't believe how much goodwill you can create by offering to do this.
Check out this video I made for Jim Pagnini, who is a car enthusiast and
Nerium skin care products distributor.
If you are like most business owners you are looking for ways to use the potential reach of the internet to bring in new customers and reach out to old ones
If that's the case, then let me show you two PROVEN ways to break out of the clutter and get found
The first way (you've heard me mention it before) is to take a few minutes and get yourself listed
On the Smart Guy Directory..
A lot of you have already done this... the rest of you NEED to
The Smart Guy networks are growing
And it won't be long before Smart Guy ramps up their advertising to the CONSUMER side...
You might just find yourself getting a free lead or two out of it..
The next way to get yourself found is simply awesome..
It's VIDEO...
Properly optimized, video is an awesome tool for coming up on the first page of multiple search engines...
(especially if you are local)
You already realize some of the downsides of video...
One of the worst "cons" is the amount of time you have to spend to make it work..
However, read on and discover how you can cut that back or even eliminate it altogether...
CASE STUDY:
Gator Bob Sales is a discount warehouse for import items...Things like scrapbook supplies, gardening tools, housewares..I recently partnered with the owners to try an SEO experiment.
Using a simple pocket video camera, I spent a day shooting customer testimonials and product information videos. I'm no Stephen Spielberg, and you don't have to be either. You can find examples of the kinds of videos I used by going here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/tammydeleeuw
discount beading supplies antioch- page one in 3 different places!
re: Free coaching call to help you avoid disasters in marketing...Thursday, April 19th...
by Tammy de Leeuw
The Grouchy Marketing Lady
Some mistakes will follow you for the rest of your life. (see above)
Others, fortunately, can be avoided by hearing the stories of those who have gone ahead of you, made those mistakes, and lived to tell the tale.
On Thursday, April 19, I am sponsoring a free conference call to address the issues involved in marketing with video. On the call, I will show you mistakes that I MADE, how I corrected them, and how, after lots of trial and error, I learned to use video to generate online conversations that lead to offline connections.
If you have a business, even a parttime or side business, you need to attend this one hour session. We'll be discussing how to OPTIMIZE videos so that they get you noticed more easily, how to use videos in emails, and as content-creation tools.
Because this is a PHONE session, you can access it from your cell phone. However, there are only 99 spots available for the call... PERIOD.
So, sign up now... It's free and you'll be glad you came.
Across the world, locally-based businesses are discovering that developing a systematic, automated, blended marketing plan is crucial to their success.
Brentwood, California Massage and Vitality Spa owner Melissa Kirk says that small business owners who haven’t learned how to meld traditional marketing with social media, video marketing, and email are missing out on an opportunity to stand out in a crowded field, create loyalty among their current clients, and make connections that lead to long-term relationships.
“When I started my massage business, I was dependent on the foot traffic generated by the place where it was located (inside a local gym.) Most of my online traffic came from walk-ins and from the domain name I had acquired when I purchased the business. That was enough to get me found, but to keep my business growing I had to figure out new ways to attract potential customers,” she says.
Kirk discovered an interesting thing when she began to use traditional marketing techniques such as direct mail and closed circuit television advertising.
“People would go online to find “massage in Brentwood” and I would usually come up on the first page. They would see my picture and then recognize me from my direct mail and television commercials. I began to see that no one thing lead them make an appointment with me. Rather it was a combination of things that resulted in increased visibility and increased perception of value and expertise,” she says.
Having had success merging offline marketing with digital marketing, Kirk decided to refine her plan even further when she began her new venture, Brentwood Vitality Spa in late 2011.
“Vitality Spa was a bit of a challenge in the area of just being able to increase awareness. Although the spa, like the massage center, is located inside a gym, it is in a place in the gym that has lower traffic and fewer chances of walk-ins. I knew video would be a big help in getting the word out,” says Kirk.
Kirk set about producing informal videos providing everything from general health education, to demonstrations, to client testimonials. She then had these videos optimized for local search and distributed via multiple sites, including You Tube. Integrated with that were video email campaigns to existing clients and prospects.
The results were astounding. In just a few weeks, Vitality Spa was ranking on the first or second pages of major search engines for terms such as “infrared sauna in Brentwood,” “spas in Brentwood,” and “detoxification in Brentwood.”
“Page rank is important, especially in a business like mine where people are doing lots of mobile searches. Still, no one thing is the magic bullet when it comes to client acquisition,” she says. “It’s a matter of trying different techniques, making adjustments, and understanding that you are, whether you like it or not, a marketer.”
“With the spa, I had to quickly make people aware that it was there, that it was connected with me, and that it offered treatments that were different than those of my competitors. Video was a big help in doing that and in breaking down barriers and helping me start conversations more quickly.”
Kirk also made sure that the videos lead viewers to her social media pages and multiple web and blog sites and that she was diligent in capturing information.
“I know the biggest reason for having a blended marketing campaign is to compile lists of people who are interested in the solutions my business has to offer. It is so important not to just throw things out and expect them to generate clients. You have to have a way to ensure that people engage- and remain engaged. Building an active list makes marketing a whole lot easier and more productive.” she says.
In addition to video, Kirk has started a blog, which allows her to demonstrate her expertise in health-related issues, as well as create content that can be repurposed for other marketing, such as creating direct-mail pieces or article marketing.
“When you start using a blended marketing approach, you discover that a lot of what you create content-wise can be adapted to multiple mediums. For example, a video can be transcribed and annotated to rank higher on search engines. It can also be used to create short articles and blog posts. Photos can also be optimized to improve search and used on multiple web sites. There is lot you can do to maximize the time spent on marketing,” explains Kirk, who has now hired outside personnel to help her keep her marketing fresh and up-to-date.
“You can’t just create a blended marketing plan and then walk away from it. People have short attention spans, especially people on the internet. They have come to expect a constant stream of fresh, relevant content. You can never say, “It’s done”, she explains.
“It was worth seeking out professionals who could execute my vision and keep up with it so I could spend time building client relationships,” Kirk says.
Kirk’s dedication to improving her marketing and her openness to new ideas is starting to pay off.
“The spa is getting busier all the time, “she says. “People are starting to join our Facebook page, comment on our videos, and volunteer to give testimonials. I have enlisted my staff to get the word out about our resources and to encourage people opt in to our mailing lists. I continue to go out in the community”
So, what advice does Melissa Kirk give to people starting from scratch, who have no warm client base, no inherited clients, and no list?
“You are going to have to go out and hit the pavement a bit. For instance, do as many local events as possible, especially events that don’t cost too much. Partner with other merchants who offer complementary products and services to cut your advertising costs. And, it’s really important to continue to refine your referral marketing and reward your clients for becoming your evangelists,” she says.
re: get more referrals by helping your local clients GROW
by Tammy de Leeuw
The Grouchy Marketing Lady
Some of the staff of Gator Bob's Sales in Concord, California
Every business wants and needs at least some referrals. Referrals are the proverbial "low-hanging fruit," the "guaranteed sales," etc.
Actually getting referrals, though, can be somewhat intimidating, even if you an outgoing, people-person. For some reason, asking your customers to recommend you to others
feels a tad intrusive and as if you are begging for business.
You don't get referrals because you don't ask for them and you don't ask for them because... you fear
rejection (it's only human) or you aren't sure how to do it properly.
Wouldn't it be so much easier if your prospects and customers recommended you without you even having to ask?
Become An Advocate For Local Businesses...and They Will Start Singing Your Praises
Ever frequent a local business you really, really like? Maybe it's an Italian restaurant with the best sauce since Grandma, or a printer who always gets your direct mail done on time, or a dry cleaner you'd trust with your most expensive designer clothers...
You tend to be protective of those businesses, a little more vested in their success and well-being. You don't want them to go away...ever.
Why not take that concern to another level and become a walking evangelist for that product, service, or business? There are a number of ways to do this and over the next couple of weeks I will be examining them in more detail. For now, however, let's look at one way I worked to help a local business I love get more customers... and the good will it generated.
Case Study: Gator Bob's Sales, Concord, California
My husband and 10-year-old daughter have been addicted to this giant warehouse of STUFF for a long time now... You can't beat the prices on things like beading and jewelry supplies, scrapbooking materials, etc.
The stock changes frequently, making it all the more tempting to spend hours poking around in the gardening and housewares section (me) the "guy toys" (husband) and the kids crafting and art supplies (kid)
When Gator Bob's changed their business model from a seasonal operation to a full time store front, I was concerned about them getting the amount of foot traffic they needed in order to stay in business in a brutally competitive retail environment.
So, I decided to VOLUNTEER my services to help them video tape customer testimonials.
1. Helped them record customer testimonials. I spent three-four hours with my little Kodak pocket
video camera asking Gator Bob's customers to explain what they liked about the place.
You can watch one here:
2. YELP review. There are a lot of things to NOT LIKE about Yelp, but there is no denying that it can do
wonders to help cure online invisibility syndrome. Here is the review I wrote for Gator Bob's. http://www.yelp.com/biz/gator-bob-sales-concord-2
Be sure and visit this blog regularly for more of the story...
Linked In, if properly optimized, can be a rich source of leads, especially if you market to the self-employed. In fact, Lewis Howes built an entire business using nothing but Linked In.
Lewis' course helps you avoid some of the common mistakes people make on Linked In when they try and use it to promote their goods and services. Using his proven system, you can easily and quickly create a Linked In profile that is easier to find and more attractive to potential clients or employers.
I tried out this information product long before I became a JV partner with Lewis and found it to be extremely organized, easy to digest and implement, and a real time-saver.
So, check out what Lewis has to say here and start promoting your service to the professional decision-makers on Linked In.