Duct Tape Marketing

Highest Rated Blog Posts

• Leads with regular email

  • From: wrapman
  • Description:

    There’s an obvious way to generate leads that nobody seemed to think about before we started WrapMail: the regular emails sent by employees every day. WrapMail is a server-based interactive letterhead system that adds an interactive letterhead AFTER the employee hits the send button - the email (whether to friends or business connections) now arrived with the corporate branding, promotion of products/services and embedded links that take recipients to the senders website. As recipients click the report generator fills up with data - the system also has an “Instant Click Alert” basically telling the sender who’s where on their website right now - talk about “Instant lead alert”. Everybody else in email marketing focuses on blasts, WrapMail focuses on the daily person2person emails that are being sent anyway (and go to a captive audience). Should emails be forwarded the corporate branding now goes viral.

    I know I’m touting my own horn here but what’s more obvious than using the real estate available around the email you’re sending anyway? We also have clients who sell advertising to 3rd parties in their wrap - now the wrap becomes a revenue generator - our latest client - the American Airlines Center in Dallas probably will solicit their sponsors to advertise in their various wraps.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 698

• WrapMail signs American Airlin

  • From: wrapman
  • Description:

    WrapMai l announces today that it has entered into an agreement with Dallas based American Airlines Center, to provide person-to-person email marketing software. American Airlines Center is the home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, NHL’s Dallas Stars and AFL’s Dallas Desperados.

    WrapMai l’s technology will enable the American Airlines Center to “wrap” every outgoing email from every employee with an interactive letterhead that consists of images and links. These links, when clicked, will redirect recipients to specific sections of the American Airlines Center’s website. According to WrapMail’s data, usage of their software should increase web site traffic by roughly 10% of external emails sent. The WrapMail technology also allows clients to include 3 ^rd party advertising in their Wraps which will give the American Airlines Center the ability to promote their business to all email recipients and sell advertising in their Wraps to team and arena sponsors.

    The arena will use the software to drive ticket sales, promotions, merchandise sales and event awareness. Brad Mayne, CEO & President of American Airlines Center states , “We are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our business which includes how we communicate with our customers and prospects. WrapMail gives us the opportunity to do that AND drive new revenue at the same time. It was an easy decision.” The Center will play host to The Cure, George Michael, Ringlin g Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and the WWE Night of Champions among other major acts in 2008.

    [endif] Rolv E. Heggenhougen [endi f], CEO of WrapMail states, “Our focus from day one has been to illustrate the value of the ‘everyday’ email that a company’s employees are sending anyway. We believe these are valuable and laser-targeted marketing opportunities that most organizations are currently not taking advantage of. It was no surprise to us that the Center Operating Company quickly saw the value.” “We look forward to working with other teams and arenas in the same manner.” WrapMai l expects the American Airlines Center to begin wrapping in the month of June.

    About WrapMail

    Founded in October 2005, WrapMai l is the world's only interactive email utility that gives companies the ability to promote, advertise and track results with every outgoing email from every employee without installing any software on any desktop. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, WrapMai l wraps outgoing emails in up to 4 frames with pictures, graphics, text and links. There is never a need to change any routines on the desktop and the technology ensures delivery, as well as the integrity of the design when viewed by the recipient. Please visit www.wrapmail.com for more information.

    About Center Operating Company

    Center Operating Company is the firm that built and operates American Airlines Center. COC is a partnership owned by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks. American Airlines Center is the home of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, NHL’s Dallas Stars and AFL’s Dallas Desperados. Opened in July 2001, American Airlines Center is the premier sports and entertainment venue in the Southwest. Please visit www.americanairlinescenter.com

    WrapMail BLOG at www.wrapmailblog.com

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 788

• Twitter - Who has the Time

  • From: leslaur
  • Description:

    Ok tell the truth. What was the first thing you thought when you visited Twitter? I thought this is ridiculous. Who has time to write this stupid stuff all day? It looked like a mess of mixed up comments and strange looking links flying by with no rhyme or reason to me.

    But since I was studying social media and its effect on marketing I had to join and boy I am sure glad I did. Now after many months and countless tweets (those are what your posts are called) I have definite proof that it is an effective strategy for marketing your business. I just got my first client that came 100% directly from Twitter!

    So you ask, how did that happen? Why, after watching those millions of tweets going by, did they pick me? Here are my thoughts on that.

    • When I started on Twitter I spent the necessary time developing my profile. I didn’t just fill in something quick to get started and fool myself by thinking I would come back later to fix it.
    • I customized my background to give the people who visited my profile an idea of “who I was”. You know what I mean. You can pick themes which are extremely dignified or businesslike, all the way too happy go lucky or frivolous. My goal was a mixture of professional and approachable. Did it work?
    • I checked all my links to make sure they worked especially the links that allow people to get in touch with me if they wanted to.
    • I committed to spending at least 30 minutes a day in 5 minute chunks of time on Twitter almost every day. Since I use Twitter primarily for business I don’t spend a lot of time there on the weekend.
    • When looking for people to follow, I began with the people I admire in business and I watched what they did for a while. Then I began slowly joining the conversation.
    • I re-Tweeted interesting and important Tweets whenever possible. This will help you get noticed by your colleague which is never a bad thing.
    • I looked for people in my target market on Facebook or from the emails I get and then followed them too.
    • I did not automatically follow everyone that followed me. First I first checked out their messages and then I went to their website. I did not have to always agree with what they said but I certainly did not want it to embarrass me or my Mom (age 75, sorry mom for telling) who also follows me.
    • At least 80% of my Tweets were helpful information, useful links or reTweets. 20% promotional stuff is Ok

    There are lots more hints but I wanted to know for sure so I asked my new client and this is her answer. She liked the color of my background… Who knows what the deciding factor will be for you.

    Now it’s your turn. http://twitter.com/

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 402

• Engaging Your Website Visitor.

  • From: aorbeth
  • Description:

    You know you've got a virally good website when senior citizens who don't even speak your language and aren't even within 5,000 miles of your nearest location (e.g. my parents!) are sending a link to your homepage to all of their family and friends.

    HEMA is a Dutch department store that has been around since 1926 and has locations all over the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany. You can't order anything on their site, and it's in Dutch, but stick around 30 seconds and watch what happens. It's quite entertaining!

    http://producten.hema.nl/

    But it's strategic and functional, too. After being humorously entertained I also have a very concrete idea of all the great things I will find at a HEMA store. (Next time I'm in Amsterdam, that is.)

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 452

• Sponsorship is for Everyone

  • From: AmyV
  • Description:

    Combo Platter is partial to the benefits of sponsoring music events, which is a huge category in itself, but the biggest category for sponsorship is in fact sports. This ranges from the obvious ones such as American football, golf, and the Olympics to things like local 5k marathons and boating events.

    This is especially great news for small businesses. It means that there are opportunities just about everywhere and you don’t need a budget of millions to get into the action. In fact, many smaller local events – whether they are sports, music, parades, community, holiday, charity, or whatever – have starting points at just a couple hundred dollars (much cheaper than advertising on radio or many print publications).

    For reasons you should consider sponsorship (a.k.a. "event marketing"), go here .

    Whoever handles sponsorship for the event you’re considering should take the time to explain in detail all the available options for you that would best fit your budget and objectives. Try not to let preconceptions of pushy salespeople scare you away. Good sponsorship staff understand that honesty is the best policy and that creating a win-win situation is good business. When in doubt, do some research on the event and see if they’ve had consistent sponsors or if it changes drastically every year. (Some change is normal, but a big overhaul year after year is a red flag.)

    Now brush off that hesitation and go for it!

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 494

• The Art of Re-Gifting

  • From: ElizabethW
  • Description:

    I'm delighted that people still buy gift baskets, even in this tough economy. However, even the most enthusiastic shopper needs to cut corners occasionally. Let’s face it. Most of us have re-gifted at one time or another. And those who haven’t, have probably considered it. Re-gifting (giving an unwanted gift to someone else as a gift) is not all bad. You just need to use a little common sense and some careful consideration. Here are some guidelines for graceful re-gifting. If you have tips or comments to add to this list, I’d love to hear from you. For more gift ideas visit my website at www.elizabethwgiftbaskets.com

    CHECK THE WRAPPING The most common mistake amateur re-gifters make is to pass along the original gift card when they pass along the gift. If you are giving an unwanted gift to someone else, check the original wrapping and tissue very carefully to make sure you get the gift tag signed, “love Aunt Lulu” off of it. Most of all, make sure you are not giving it to dear Aunt Lulu!

    KEEP A LIST It’s a good idea to stash unwanted gifts all together in a closet or drawer so you can find one quickly when you need one. However, be sure to make a list of who gave you the gift, or write it on a sticky note and attach to the gift before you stash. Re-gifting a gift to the original giver is humiliating for both parties.

    REWRAP YOUR RE-GIFT It’s the least you could do. Besides, anyone can tell when a wrapped gift has been kicking around for a while. It gets dusty and dented, just like a shop-worn book in a bookstore.

    DISTINGUISH BETWEEN NEW AND USED A brand new purse with the tags still on it that you relegated to the re-gift drawer because you already had a similar one is fair game. One that you carried a couple of times and then decided you didn’t like, is a used item and not suitable for re-gifting.

    DISTINGUISH BETWEEN USED AND VINTAGE If your friend collects antique quilts, for example, and you decide to part with one of the many quilts your grandmother made for you years ago, passing one along to your friend is a lovely gesture that will be deeply appreciated. Likewise, giving a grandparent’s heirloom silver tea set to your niece for a wedding gift is perfectly acceptable.

    REMEMBER, IT’S A GIFT The key to successful re-gifting is matching a gift that you don’t want to a recipient who will really appreciate it. But face it. Nobody really wants that painting of the sad, big-eyed clown on black velvet that you’re looking to get rid of. However, that cool digital camera that you’ll never use because your wife just bought one almost exactly like it, would make a swell gift for someone who enjoys taking pictures.

    DON’T LOSE YOUR NERVE If you’ve followed the advice above, you are giving something very special to someone who should be very pleased. Own it. Don’t feel guilty just because you didn’t actually pay money for it. You put thought into it and, after all, that’s what counts. Present your gift proudly and confidently and for goodness sake, don’t tell. You’ll only make your recipient feel like they are receiving something that you find inferior and, if you’ve followed this advice, that’s just not true.

    
    

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 496

• Million Dollar News At Million

  • From: MDMS
  • Description:

    At Million Dollar Meta Search, you can exclusively buy the top position of any keyword or search term. An example is, if you own a flower shop, you can buy the keyword terms, “Flowers”, or “Florist”, and every time someone searches that term your ad will show up first, generating you more business just like a traditional search engine but without the cost per click. Million Dollar Meta Search can be a quick and efficient way to generate you business. Million Dollar Meta Search is continuing to sell those top keyword positions during its pre-launch, 18 keywords are already gone.
    
    What is a Meta Search? A meta search basically searches many major search engines at once to give you a larger result. Million Dollar Meta Search received its name because it is offering 10,000 top keyword positions at $100 a word, hence MILLION Dollar Meta Search. Affiliate payout will be 51% as a reward for locking in your top keyword during the pre-launch special. Million Dollar Meta Search also sends all of the users a FREE t-shirt with their keyword on it. Million Dollar Meta Search is set to launch live searching in sometime in October or the beginning of November. This will definitely generate more traffic to the website, because of daily searches. Right now traffic is already coming from all around the world with about 75% coming from the United States.
    
    Million Dollar Meta Search’s Press Page has an interesting story called, “From Janitor & Pizza Delivery Boy to Million Dollar Meta Search”, which talks about Jesse Walter’s quick and galvanizing story on how he ended up at Million Dollar Meta Search and even more interesting, why?
    
    http://www.milliondollarmetasearch.com
    press@milliondollarmetasearch.com
    Million Dollar Meta Search
    540 E. Foothill
    San Dimas, CA 91773
    909-394-0367

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 571

• Finally- A Social Search Engin

  • From: clarktaylor
  • Description:

    Scour.com introduced (in Beta) a social search engine that lets you make comments about (or rate) the relevancy of the search engine results and to post comments about the site. Members earn points for searching and being active within the community and can exchange their points for Visa gift cards. Scour uses the combined search results of Google, Yahoo and MSN.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 650

• We have closed on our building

  • From: JM_Field_Marketing
  • Description:

    Latest News

    

    After 18 years of operation, J.M. Field Marketing has purchased its own facility. Located in the Fort Lauderdale Commerce Center at 3570 NW 53rd Ct, the lot is home to neighboring buildings, both owned by J.M. Field.

    The facing property is occupied by J.M. Field itself. The building boasts over 52,000 square feet of warehouse storage space along with administrative offices, conference rooms, printing production, screen printing and a call center that seats over 60 representatives.

    J.M. Field Marketing humbly invites all interested parties to contact our sales team and make an appointment to stop by and visit our office.

    

    Visit www.jmfieldmarketing.com for more ideas or for information on placing your order.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 650

• 10 Tips on Office Gift-Giving

  • From: ElizabethW
  • Description:

    THE ART OF GIFT-GIVING IN THE WORKPLACE
    
    Here are some tips to save you from making career limiting office gift choices, and keep you on the A-list.
    
    1. Don’t overspend on the boss. Not only does it make the boss uncomfortable, it makes you look a little desperate.
    2. Do your research. It’s great to give gifts to clients for holidays, birthdays or “just because.” Just make sure they are in a position to accept them. Some companies forbid employees to accept gifts from certain suppliers, considering it swag. Others may place a dollar limit on gifts that can be received. By the same token, clients who receive corporate gifts that they feel are cheap or insufficient will tell the world about it. Do a little research before you order those tiny $20 candy bouquets to send to clients who spend thousands with you annually. You may want to raise the bar a little. Also, be sure you are straight on what’s tax deductible and what’s not before you buy.
    3. Avoid self-help gifts. No matter how many times your coworker has complained about those extra 10 pounds, DO NOT, repeat DO NOT present her with the latest new dieting book. Well-intentioned gifts like this are extremely risky. You may mean well by giving a self-help gift to an office mate who fears public speaking, is going through a divorce, or is trying to quit smoking, but this sort of gesture could really hurt their feelings.
    4. Don’t bring cut flowers to a dinner party. There’s nothing wrong with giving someone a big bouquet of beautiful flowers. Just don’t show up at the door with them when you’re invited to the boss’s fancy dinner party. Your host has enough to do as guests are arriving without having to go hunt a vase to put your flowers in. Besides, it’s a pretty safe bet that the centerpieces and party decorations for this party are already in place, so not only will the host have to find the vase and arrange the flowers (while oohing and aahing for your benefit,) she’ll then have to find a place of honor for them that doesn’t clash with the existing décor. If you’re really set on flowers, order them in a vase and have them delivered the day before the party.
    5. Don’t give thoughtless gifts. Just because you love your meat and potatoes, doesn’t mean your vegetarian office mate will be thrilled with an Omaha Steaks gift certificate. Trying to impose your tastes on others can be construed as aggressive and offensive in a competitive work environment.
    6. Don’t try to be funny. Even though it seems like you spend more time with these folks than your own family, you may not know them as well as you think. Something you think is hilarious may be perceived as tasteless and gauche to a colleague. And office mates aren’t as forgiving as family.
    7. Avoid Booze. Unless you know for an absolute fact that your recipient has long been a connoisseur of rare single malt scotches, for example, reconsider a gift of hard liquor. If you really want to give libations, wine or champagne are safer (albeit somewhat boring) choices. When giving wine remember, one really great bottle is better than three mediocre ones.
    8. Don’t give embarrassing gifts. This may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at what goes on in some offices. Suffice it to say, even though your boss is pregnant with her first, and even though you’ve had three and know all there is to know about babies, you still shouldn’t give her a breast pump as a birthday present. It’s just wrong.
    9. Don’t give advice to an expert. If your recipient has a long time hobby or deep knowledge about a particular subject, it’s tempting to try to find something that directly relates to that expertise. Trouble is, if they’ve spent years developing this expertise, they probably already have it or don’t need it. The guy who has been fly fishing since childhood most likely doesn’t need another book on the basics of fly fishing.
    10. Don’t even think of giving a gift that is religious, sexual or racist in nature. It’s tacky to give your Jewish employees miniature Christmas tress just because that’s what you’re giving everyone else. And those tickets to Chippendales for the female staff members? Wrong.
    
    What have I missed? Do you have a story about a disastrous office gift? I’d love to hear about it.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 655

• French Wine Can Cost Over 1000

  • From: placesinfrance
  • Description:

    Wine is undoubtedly one of the great national treasures of France, which over the years has become an integral part of French culture and is rooted in history with around half a million vineyards.

    Although you can find many great value wines and numerous different varieties to choose from whatever your palette, there are also some of the most expensive wines in the world that are produced in France, and the vast majority of people will never be able to experience in their lifetime.

    In fact, a vintage Romanee Conti red wine produced from the pinot noir grape in Burgundy can cost anything upwards of 1,000 for just one bottle. And a rare vintage case of 12 sold at auction in London for a staggering 58,500 making this the most expensive case of wine sold at auction up until the year 2007.

    Both Bordeaux and Burgundy have always contested that they produce the best wines and in their own ways the are probably both correct, and yet apart from the Champagne region, famous for the sparkling wine of the same name, Bordeaux wines are far more widely known than those from Burgundy.

    No matter what region in France you go on holiday to, you will be able to sample a wide variety of different wines and it is a good idea to get to know your preferences before trying different ones. Whether you prefer a red wine or a white wine, sweet or dry, still or sparkling the choice is immense.

    Going to a wine tasting session can be great fun trying out different varieties, yet for some it can also be a little daunting, especially if it is not on an arranged tour of which there are plenty to choose from. However, there are some general pointers that will get you through.

    When wine tasting, you should always start off with the lightest wines such as sparkling wines and work through to full bodied whites, then through the reds from the light to the full bodied and end on dessert wines. This will help to keep your taste buds more sensitive so you can better appreciate each wine and in some places they even supply water in between so as to get the full flavour and texture of each wine you are tasting.

    You should swill the wine round in the glass a couple of times, which will help aerate it and provide you with the full aroma. Plus it is customary to spit out most wine, rather than swallow it, although you can swallow a small amount on occasions to experience what it is like after it has gone down.

    The Loire Valley is a massive wine producing region that produces a variety of wine such as Muscadet, Cabernet Franc, Gamay reds and even reasonably priced Sauvignon Blancs. And with the beautiful chateaux plus the tranquil winding river it makes the Loire region one of the most visited areas in France for experiencing wines and fine French food to accompany them with the stunning backdrops so synonymous with this region.

    Yet for hundreds of years Bordeaux has had a long and internationally famous history of high quality wines and is also a very popular place to go, although you can still pick up a good value Bordeaux wine if you travel to the outskirts of the region.

    And yes, who could not think about champagne, which is so tightly controlled for what can be classed as a true champagne, you will get to appreciate why some varieties are so expensive and are only produced in this region for consumption throughout the world. However, there are some vineyards that will charge far less for a bottle of their champagne with the same finesse, compared to that of the famous brands we have all come to know.

    The Languedoc region in France is one of the biggest wine producing regions and to put this into perspective, it has over two times more land planted to vines than the whole of Australia! Even though in the past, they concentrated more on quantity rather than quality, this is changing where you can pick up a reasonably priced wine that can match up to some at double or even triple the cost.

    But France is a country that has such a different range of wines from the many wine regions and each one will provide a taste, aroma and body like no other and some regions themselves offer such a diverse range it can be quite mind boggling, yet a fascinating experience.

    Obviously, white wine has long been associated with fish and chicken, whereas red wine is normally paired with red meats and game. Yet when you are in France experiencing the fantastic culinary delights of the regions speciality French food, take the time to choose a wine that will enhance the experience or ask for advice and enjoy.

    About the Author:

    http://www.placesinfrance.com

    Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions

    http://www.placesinfrance.com/wine_re gions_france.html

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 692

• Lessons from the World's Great

  • From: RebeccaBlackwell
  • Description:

    I’ve recently been newly inspired by a man by the name of Joe Girard. You’ve probably heard of him. He’s called the World’s Greatest Sales Person - and for good reason.

    For more than a decade Joe sold cars. A lot of cars. In fact, in 1973 he was given the title of World’s Greatest Sales Person in the Guinness Book of World Records. Here’s a blurb from that entry: ” The all-time record for automobile salesmanship in individual units sold is 1,425 in 1973, by Joe Girard of Detroit, author of “How to Sell Anything to Anybody” and winner of the Number One Car Salesman title every year from 1966 to 1977.”

    1,425 cars sold in ONE YEAR! In fact, during his fifteen year selling career, he sold 13,001 new cars and trucks, all at retail - no fleet, wholesale or used vehicles. After selling cars for just 3 years, Joe had so much business it was by appointment only. This is an amazing individual.

    Read Joe’s bio when you have a chance. His entire life story is remarkable and inspiring and there is much to be learned from his story. However, I want to focus on just one of the things Joe did to build the amount of relationships necessary to sell thousands upon thousands of cars.

    Joe truly understood the importance of relationship marketing if you want to consistently sell anything. (Or, in Joe’s case, completely dominate your market.) He did a couple of key things to build those relationships that all could revolutionize every business.

    First of all, he hired people to deal with administrative work so that he could have more time to interact with his customers. Second, he kept in touch with people via mail month after month. At one point, Joe was sending 16,000 cards each month to customers and prospective customers. Imagine for a moment what it would be like to get a card in the mail each and every month from a car salesman. When you needed to purchase a car, wouldn’t it seem unthinkable to go to anyone else?

    Dan Kennedy is quoted as saying that 68% of customers leave because they don’t feel loved or valued. You don’t really even know you’ve lost them. They just go away. Think about what would happen in your business if this wasn’t true. If, instead of loosing 68% of your business each year, you kept it. And imagine what would happen if that 68% felt so valued by you that they told their friends, family and coworkers. What would that do to the growth of your business? For Joe, it meant selling 13,000 cars.

    This kind of customer retention and referral generation isn’t that hard to do, it just has to end up at the top of your priority list. You could send a hand written “Thank you for your time” every time you meet with a prospect. Send a hand written thank you card for each order. Send gifts of appreciation. Go beyond the flat customer retention programs that many companies mindlessly employ and do something for your customers to show your appreciation that is completely unexpected.

    Here’s a great example: I heard about a handyman who built his business on the promise that  his company would leave each client’s house cleaner than when they arrived. He trained his employees to not only clean up their own mess, but to noticeably leave the home cleaner in some way. What an amazingly simple way to not only create a wildly successful business, but to completely dominate a market.

    What customer retention systems can you add to your marketing strategy this year to not only keep the customers you have, but to ensure that you are their only source for what you offer? How can you apply what Joe did to increase sales? What can you do that provokes those same loyal customers to tell everyone they know about you? Please share your ideas!

  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 695

• Referral Flood

  • From: ducttapemarketing
  • Description:

    Referral Flood - How to create a flood of new business without spending one dime on advertising

    Referral Flood is a comprehensive 118 page how-to guide to referral marketing, a 60-minute referral marketing audio CD seminar, 54 real-world referral marketing system examples, a 70 minute audio CD explaining the inner workings of each real-world referral marketing example, and referral marketing toolbox of letters, postcards, business cards, and other referral marketing tools all rolled into one easily accessed product. Two ways to buy digital files for immediate download. - $97 or 3 ring binder with audio CD - $129 More . .

    This product comes in several formats. Visit this link to select the version you would like to receive.

    
    (Digital Version for Immediate Download Now Available)
    How A Simple Shoe Shine Helped Me Discover the Single Greatest Small Business Marketing Strategy On the Planet.

    Every small business owner I know admits that they got started this way...yet not a single one understands and uses the power of this marketing method.
    Introducing ...
    Referral Flood - How to create a flood of new business without spending one dime on advertising

    An insider's shortcut to referral marketing that will supercharge your business, your wealth, and your life...even if you don't know a thing about marketing.

    From: John Jantsch Kansas City, Mo - USA Dear Business Owner: My name is John Jantsch and before I spill the beans about what I feel is the most important small business marketing secret in the world, I want to share a story about how I came to this conclusion. Over the course of the last 20 years, I have worked with thousands of small business owners, either in one-on-one consulting or through one of the many marketing workshops I have presented.

    At some point I began seriously trying to understand as much as I could about how small business owners really get new clients. So, I began asking every small business owner I worked with how they had built their business to this point. Well, I'll tell you right now that it didn't take very long before I noticed a pattern...no that's wrong...I noticed an overwhelming trend so big that only a complete idiot could miss it. Most Small Business Owners Start Off Building Their Businesses Through Referrals. Okay, okay, I know everybody knows that. I mean, you do some nice work for a client, and they tell their Uncle Louie, and then Uncle Louie tells Cousin Vinnie, and boom, you're off to the races...bringing in business faster than hot cakes. But here's where it gets weird. Ask any one of the 1,721 business owners that I have visited with what they do to purposely generate referrals , to take full advantage of this marketing powerhouse, and you will get mostly blank stares or what I call the long lost look of the "Plague of the Accidental Referral." But why . If referral marketing is such a great way to go, why doesn't every small business in the world jump right on top of the band wagon and take full advantage of this obvious tool. Do you want to know what I discovered? I asked and I asked and what I discover was that the number one reason that small business owners don't use the secret weapon of referral marketing to grow their businesses, fatten their wallets, and crush their competition is fear. At first that didn't make sense to me so I did a survey of 112 small business owners and fear was by far the number one reason small business owners hesitated in tapping into the power of referral marketing. See a sample of this research Now fear comes in many shapes and sizes. Some fear rejection, some fear they don't deserver referrals, some fear they will come off looking desperate...but all in all...this is the common stumbling block. In my book, small business owners are mostly a very courageous lot, but when it comes to looking a client right in the eye and asking for a referral, they seize up in fear. They know, I know it, and now you know it. Get ready for flood of new business "Every small business owner, independent professional and salesperson should read Referral Flood and put it to work. John Jantsch has done one heck of a job of putting the pieces together for you. Follow the roadmap, learn from the examples, and get ready for flood of new business ." Bob Bly - Copywriter www.bly.com So let me jump to the story of how I discovered the secret to unlocking this fear. One bright sunny summer morning I was headed into Starbuck's for my usual shot of coffee, when I noticed a sign in the window next door. "The sign simply said, Earn a 100% Refund On Your Shoe Shine." I must admit, I was curious. So I peeked my head in the door and was greeted by an elderly gentleman that invited me to step inside. "Son, let me heal your shoes, for you have gone far too long without tending to their needs," came the voice. Now how do you say no to that? Next thing I know, I'm in the chair chatting with Wilfred, the owner of the store. You'll find warmed-up, pre-qualified prospects contacting you. "Want a faster path to more profits? Follow the steps provided in this extraordinarily thorough, easy-to-follow and idea-packed package. You'll find warmed-up, pre-qualified prospects contacting you. John is truly THE expert on referrals. This is the must-read book for an independent business owner or consultant." - Kare Anderson, author of SmartPartnering: How to Attract and Delight More Consumers While Spending Less ( www.SayitBetter.com ) As he proceeded to shine my shoes he went on at great length about the differences in shine technique, polish, and application. I'll confess, I was intrigued. Then, in an effort to make small talk, I asked Wilfred how his new venture was going. Here is what he said. "Business is just fine, but I can always use more customers who understand the seriousness of the impression the state of their shoes makes on their success in life" I Wholeheartedly Recommend Referral Flood "John Jantsch knows referrals like Tiger Woods knows golf. If you want your business to grow predictably and profitably you'd better get Referral Flood before your competitors do. This is a systematic step by step system that any business can use and most importantly it will work for you. I wholeheartedly recommend Referral Flood." Dave Lakhani President Bold Approach, Inc. I was taken aback by his comments, but then, without hesitation he pulled 4 cards out of his back pocket and proceeded to explain to me that he wanted me have these business cards as a gift. If I would simply hand these cards out to friends, neighbors and colleagues, he would offer the holder of these cards a free shoe shine, and furthermore, for each of these cards that came back in the door, I would earn a refund on today's shoe shine. In fact, he said, "If all four of these cards show up, I'll give you a 100% refund on today's shine." "I don't advertise, I put everything I have into making you look good, and then I expect that you will tell others who appreciate and need that." Now, even as a self-appointed marketing expert, with a whole bunch of marketing experience, I was indeed humbled. What Wilfred showed my that day was the missing ingredient to growing a business by referrals. Wilfred showed me how to unlock the paralyzing grip of fear that most small business owners feel. The entire process tumbled at my feet in crystal clear fashion. The Amazingly Simple Secret Behind The Most Successful Small Businesses In The World Is the Word SYSTEM. Effective Referral Marketing requires a system. As the saying goes...The System Is The Solution. It's as true in marketing as it is in accounting, or hiring, or production, or any other aspect of your business. And that's the missing link, the greatest secret. See, Wilfred had a system for identifying his target market, educating them, getting their interest, making them an offer they couldn't refuse, making referrals part of the deal, and finally, guaranteeing that everyone who walked into his shop, would come back for more. Worth Many Times the Investment "I bought John's REFERRAL FLOOD and, (sorry John) even though I could return it with 'no questions asked' . . . I'm not. It's a KEEPER!! Great job, John. And worth many times over the investment you're asking for it. " Bill Doerr Since that day, I have spent over a year focused on learning everything I could about referral marketing and referral marketing systems and I'm proud to announce that what I have compiled is certainly the most comprehensive real-world study of referral marketing systems ever committed to paper. Referral Flood is a comprehensive 118 page how-to guide to referral marketing, a 60-minute referral marketing audio CD seminar, 54 real-world referral marketing system examples, a 70 minute audio CD explaining the inner workings of each real-world referral marketing example, and referral marketing toolbox of letters, postcards, business cards, and other referral marketing tools all rolled into one easily accessed product. Referral Flood - 118 pages, and 3 audio CDs packaged and shipped to your door in a 3-ring binder (Digital Version for immediate Download Now Available) I chose to package Referral Flood in a 3-Ring Binder and ship it only as a "hard" product containing all 118 pages and 3 audio CDs (2 program CDs and 1 Bonus CD) because it is meant to be a reference manual that you can put your arms around and hold and refer to over and over again. I just don't think digital download type programs allow you to do that. It may take a few more days to arrive at your door, but, believe me, it's worth it. And besides, I assume you plan on being in business for the long haul, so what's a couple of days. By the way, the program is 100% useable content. I didn't add pages and pages of filler just to make it a bigger book. I want you to focus on building referral systems not reading my wonderful prose. Quite simply, nothing like this program exists anywhere - at any price . The super-intense "insider" education contained in this course will be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to anyone who puts it to work in their business. I've done the hard part...all you have to do is dig in and find the right system for you business, tweak the tools and examples included, and stand back and watch while your business begins to produce a consistent flood of new business. Here's some of what you'll find in Referral Flood The amazing shortcut for identifying your best referral sources How to get referrals without even asking for them The one no cost referral system that you must implement immediately How to guarantee that every new client generates referrals for you Simple fill in the blank forms that allow you to create all the referral marketing tools you will need A simple referral system that may quickly become the cornerstone of your entire marketing effort The single greatest referral marketing mistake most businesses make and how to avoid it How to get your referral sources excited about providing referral A very simple tactic to double the amount of referrals you receive overnight How to find other, more established, businesses to partner with for an immediate influx of referrals 54 proven examples of successful referral marketing systems that you can copy and use immediately Why referral marketing is the most profitable, quickest, and most fun way to market your business Countless referral marketing postcard examples How to create your very own referral marketing system and plan over the course of a weekend A comprehensive guide to positioning your business to crush your competition Why your business depends on mastering a few of the simple techniques contained in this program How to get an army of other people and other businesses marketing for you 7 proven killer referral marketing letter examples you can cut and paste That's just a small sample of what you'll find in Referral Flood. There are 18 chapters in this program and over 3 hours of audio training...all designed to short-cut your marketing education. Referral Flood gives you the exact super-detailed roadmap you need to start generating your very own flood of ridiculously-successful marketing. M ost complete referral system I have ever come across . "Referral Flood is the most complete referral system I have ever come across . The number of ideas I have gotten from reading the book and listening to the CDs has my head spinning! I am going to make sure that every salesperson and small business owner I know gets a copy for themselves. Thanks for a great, great product." Frank Felker, Author The Greatest Job You Never Thought Of Even If You Don't Know A Thing About Marketing If you're just starting out, or you've successfully struggled to grow your business for years. If you have a service business, product business, retail business, construction business, professional services business...it just doesn't matter. Maybe you have a home business, network marketing business, online business or even a sales territory to build. Referral Flood will help you succeed in ways you never imagined. You Will Earn The Money You Invest In This Program Back 10 Times The First Time You Use Even One Of The Referral Marketing Systems I Reveal To You But here's the best part... When you order your copy of Referral Flood, you can completely check it out, see all the secrets, listen to the audio seminar and audio explanations, tear through the proven examples and forms and then...and only then...decide if you want to keep it. And did I mention I have some bonuses for you just for giving Referral Flood a look. When you order you will also receive: BONUS #1 - Referral Flood Power Interview with Robert Middleton - 60 minute interview captured on CD with 44 page transcript. (This CD and transcript sells well at $35) 3-Month No-Risk 100% Money Back Guarantee If you don't think Referral Flood can help catapult your business to fame and fortune just ship it back to me and I will cheerfully refund all your money. You don't even need to give me a reason for returning it. See, I know the power of this program and I'm confident you will get it the first day you dig into the material. You win no matter what because I shoulder all of the risk. Here's how to order: You have 3 options. 1) Order securely online - We will ship your package the day you order (Digital Version for immediate Download Now Available) 2) Order by fax - Just fill out this PRIORITY ORDER FORM and fax it directly to my office fax at 1-816-363-5412. This line goes directly and only to me. "http://www.referralflood.com/amex.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="40" height="26" "http://www.referralflood.com/disc.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="40" height="27" 3) Order by mail ( you may pay by check payable to Jantsch Communications ) - Fill out this PRIORITY ORDER FORM and send it to: Jantsch Communications 916 W 47th Street Kansas City, MO 64112 USA

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 738

• Facebook to Move Paid Ads

  • From: clarktaylor
  • Description:

    As I mentioned in my last post ( Google vs Facebook), the Facebook ads I'm running are getting a much lower click-through rate than similar ads running on Google. Apparently Facebook was aware of this problem. They announced yesterday that they have been redesigning the layout of the site, moving paid ads from the left side of the page to the right side, the same side where Google's paid ads are located.

    It looks like Facebook is serious about making advertisers happy. I hope they also see how difficult it is for an agency or online marketer like me to manage multiple clients. In my opinion, for paid Facebook Ads to explode, Facebooks needs their own version of Google's "My Client Center", allowing agencies to easily setup and manage many clients from one central account.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 742

• Mid-Week Marketing Makeover

  • From: TornadoMarketing
  • Description:

    ANNOUNCING: A new way to make your marketing stick, without getting stuck!!

    “FINALLY….A way to capture the power , create marketing that sticks , and build up your business …with the hands on support of your own Duct Tape Coach!”

    Dear fellow small business owner,

    Do you want to grow your business - but just don’t know how? I meet business owners and executives every day who are amazingly technically competent, financially and business savvy, but they struggle to understand marketing. They don’t know where to spend their money - or what to expect in results. It seems fundamentally “unfair” that good people fail in business because of a lack of marketing understanding. This fact inspires me every day to find clients that I know deserve better. If you have a good business, and you want to make it GREAT - I hope you’ll make this The Mid-Week Marketing Makeover part of your critical path to success.

    Adrianne Machina, Owner of Tornado Marketing and Authorized Duct Tape Marketing Coach

    Duct Tape Marketing Coaching

    4 - 4 week seminars
    Take them all in a month, or spread them out, we made it easy so you can make it work!

    The Duct Tape Marketing Coaching Program allows you to:

    • Become a member of a marketing mastermind group of 10 small business owners just like yourself.
    • Receive a once weekly seminar on practical and relevant marketing coaching, tying together the prior week, creating a structure to build on.

    Tornado Marketing and the Duct Tape Marketing Coaching Program is ideal for:

    • Small business owners seeking a proven and systematic marketing road map . Looking for a partnership with the long-term accountability of a coach engaged in your real-world results vs. short-term consulting.
    • Small business owners who want a sales and marketing system to help fill your sales funnel with the right kind of prospects in order to maximize results and minimize expense.
    • Small business owner desiring a small non-competitive atmosphere to share ideas and receive the components of the Duct Tape Marketing System.

    How does the program work?

    • Each session is run one day a week for 4 weeks at 11am-12pm.
      • Monday: Differentiate and Dominate
      • Tuesday: Magnificent Marketing Materials
      • Wednesday: Lead Generation
      • Thursday: Harness the Internet
    • You may choose one of 3 options:
      • Take all 4 seminars in one month.
        • Monday through Thursday from 11am-12pm.
      • Take 2 sessions each month for 2 months.
        • Month 1 - Monday and Tuesday (Differentiate & Dominate and Magnificent Marketing Materials), 11am-12pm.
        • Month 2 - Wednesday and Thursday (Lead Generation and Harness the Internet) 11am-12pm.
      • Take 1 session a month.
        • Month 1 - Differentiate and Dominate, Monday 11am-12pm.
        • Month 2 - Magnificent Marketing Materials, Tuesday 11am-12pm.
        • Month 3 - Lead Generation, Wednesday 11am-12pm.
        • Month 4 - Harness the Internet, Thursday 11am-12pm

    What will you receive by joining the Duct Tape Marketing Coaching Program?

    • Receive a once-monthly personal phone conversation with the seminar host to ask any questions pertaining to your specific business.
    • Receive unlimited email support . You may email as many questions as you like and receive our client service promise of a return email or phone response in less than 48 hours of receiving your email.

    • Receive access to a Duct Tape Marketing site that will follow along with the course. You can ask questions, download the PowerPoint slides and touch base with other business owners in your same seminar.

    • The bestselling book by John Jantsch, The Duct Tape Marketing System and The Duct Tape Ultimate Marketing System (15 workbooks and CD audio series).

    What will be covered in our Duct Tape Marketing Coaching program?

    • Target Market- Determining your ideal target client
    • Differentiate & Dominate- Developing & communicating your core marketing message
    • Give Them An Image- Communicating the complete marketing package
    • The Product Service Package- Developing the marketing hourglass approach
    • Marketing Materials- Developing marketing materials that educate
    • Marketing Story- Make meaning by telling your story
    • Web Site Guide- Small business content based web site and search guide
    • Small Business Advertising- Every sale starts with a lead
    • Direct Mail- A targeted small business lead generation powerhouse
    • Public Relations- Earned media attention and expert status
    • Referral Marketing- Building a systematic referral marketing machine
    • A Selling System- Turn prospect to clients and clients to partners
    • Search Engine Marketing- Generating leads and clients from the Internet
    • Blogging for Business- Using a Blog as a marketing power tool
    • Marketing Automation- Automate and extend your marketing with technology tools

    What is the cost for the Duct Tape Marketing Coaching Program?

    The total cost for all of our guaranteed marketing coaching is $1,500 dollars. You may also choose to pay $500 dollars a month.

    *There is also a $300 dollar fee for the Duct Tape Ultimate Marketing System workbook and audio course material & the book, The Duct Tape Marketing System due before starting the program. A three month payment plan for this fee may be included.

    How do I get started & enroll in the Duct Tape Marketing Coaching program?

    Start a whirlwind of marketing and sales activity by emailing us at tornado@tornadomktg.com to reserve your spot today, or give us a call at 949-306-7608

    Tor nado Marketing

    23052-H Alicia Pkwy #386

    Mission Viejo, CA 92692

    E-Fax: (646) 390-6356
  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 780

• Principles of Selling

  • From: SalesPractice
  • Description:

    When you are selling any type of product or service there are a few aspects you must be aware of. If you cannot successfully execute the sale then your business is bound to fail due to the fact that your business survives on its consumers and if you cannot draw your consumers in, then your business will not continue to grow. You must be able to apply a few basis strategies to the proper sale of your product or service that your company is offering in order to secure the longevity of your business.

    With advertisements used to help sell your product or service, you must always be aware of even the smallest details in grasping the attention of the public. The words in the ad, the placement of the objects in the ad, the relevance to today’s society and the consumers you are targeting are all characteristics of your ad that you must pay very close attention to. The ads you use should either create a sense of urgency to buy your product and service or demonstrate the joys people will have when working with your company. Most often, your ad will do both of these. Consumers are looking for a few basic things and creating a proper ad campaign will help sell your business as a whole.

    The next area in the execution of your sale is the proper customer service. If you do not have the correct people skills and do not possess the proper grammar then you will surely lose a lot of business that your company needs to survive. Suggestions to hire a customer service team to deal specifically with the communication with clients and potential buyers seems as though the best bet in assuring your business will be able to communicate with your clients and bring them back for future business.

    Now, not only do you need to create proper ad campaigns and have a well rounded team of customer service representatives but you should also be able to create a sense that the consumer should come back to your company in the future and also recommend your product to other consumers they know. Word of mouth is something we hear all the time and is a principle of selling that you should live by. You can only reach so many people with your ads and customer service, but a happy client is a client that will always speak highly of your company to friends and family who may have never had the opportunity to see your ads or hear about your company, and best of all IT’S FREE!

    If you can create a unique selling point and set yourself apart from your competitors then your business is one step ahead of other businesses in your market and you are well on your way to selling the product and service you offer. Always remember that promoting your product is only the first step in creating a successful business, but selling your product and creating an environment that consumers enjoy and speak highly about is by far the biggest point in a profitable business.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeff Blackwell is the founder of www.salespractice.com a member-driven online sales training community and information center where anyone involved in the profession of sales can identify and access the resources needed to expand their selling skills, knowledge and expertise.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 860

• Free Business Cards from Overn

  • From: dotcomcowgirl
  • Description:

    I am a huge fan of Overnight Prints, and I got this offer email from them this week. If you haven't tried their full color, glossy business cards, postcards and now folded cards, this is a good time to run a free set of Biz cards so you can see the quality. I've tried many internet printers, and nothing beats the quality at O.P. I use the biz cards, double-side printed, as little "coupon cards" - for $15/100, you can't lose!

    - Haylie McCort aka DotcomCowgirl.com

    ==================

    OVERNIGHT PRINTS.COM

    We´re so confident you will love our superior print quality that we are giving away free business cards. This giveaway is not your typical free "flimsy" business card, and we never put our logo on your card or charge you to remove it. These are high quality, full color, offset business cards on premium card stock!
    
    To take advantage of our limited time offer, simply type the code "FREEFALL" before checking out your business card order at Overnightprints.com
    
    You can create your cards online in minutes and have them shipped the very next day!

    OvernightPrints.com

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 975

• Google vs Facebook

  • From: clarktaylor
  • Description:

    I've started running some Facebook ads for some of my SEO and Google Adwords pay-per-click clients and so far Google is in the lead. If you prefer to keep score by counting conversions (like I do), Facebook is a couple of laps down in NASCAR lingo. But there are several things I really like about Facebook PPC:

    1. Very Targeted: You can place your ads in front of exactly the right audience. You can select age-range, location, gender, marital status, interests and more.

    2. Lots of Impressions: My client ads are running 24/7 and getting lots of visibility.

    3. Low CPC (Cost-per-Click): One of my clients, who's in a very competive industry is paying less than $1 per click compared to 3-4 bucks per click on Google Adwords.

    And there a couple of things that Facebook really needs to work on:

    1. Ad Management: It may take hours after editing an ad for it to be approved.

    2. Ad Placement: IMO the ads' placement is not optimized for a good CTR (click-through-rate).

    3. GUI: Facebook won't let you edit an ad that's running. You'll have to create a new ad, delete (or pause) the old one, then wait hours for the new ad to start running.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 996

• A Blog Virgin is Deflowered

  • From: aorbeth
  • Description:

    Okay, I've put off doing a blog long enough. Now it seems that WorkBench is making it way too easy. I've Twitter'd, Facebook'd, Plaxo'd, LinkedIn, posted to del.icio.us, flickr'd and most recently Plurk'd. I regularly read a few marketing blogs (2 favorites: www.drewsmarketingminute.com and "Opinions of An Ad Guy "http://blog.bggadvertising.com/), try to post when I have good content to add, and use Google's news feed as my primary outlet for live news. Compared to the average 46-year-old person, I'm pretty experienced with Social Media. So why does it still feel like the utility and purpose of these things for business are frustratingly just beyond my grasp?

    As the President and Creative Director of an Advertising and Design firm, I need to "get it."

    Over the next few weeks, I'll attempt to chart my course in figuring it out. If you have any advice or suggestions, I welcome your input!

    There! No longer a blog virgin, but still far from being the blogospheres's version of a street-corner evening entrepreneur....

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 1604

• The definition of branding

  • From: johnjantsch
  • Description:

    One of my readers pointed out that they really appreciated the definition of marketing that I use throughout Duct Tape Marketing . Marketing is getting someone who has a need to know, like and trust you . Most small business folks, exposed only to more academic definitions, really seem to appreciate the truthfulness of that characterization.

    This same reader (Eddy) also asked then for my definition of branding (as it might relate to marketing)

    So, here you go. Branding is the art of becoming knowable, likable and trustable .

    Taken in that light it’s not much of a stretch to see how the two are related, yet seperate. Every small business has a brand - either accidentally or intentionally, because it’s a lot like a personality - everyone has one, like it or not. So, the question then becomes, what should you do to create a brand that enhances your marketing efforts and rings true for you?

    With this definition in mind marketing then becomes the act of taking the elements of that personality and exposing them to the ideal customer at the ideal time in the ideal setting. Elements like a company name, logo, images, metaphors, colors, words, look and feel, dress, attitude, networks, consistency and vision.

    If marketing is doing then branding is being. Often the two are so integrated strategically and tactically that it’s hard to say one comes before or is more important than the other.

    A small business that understands branding and marketing and the relationship between the two will find that attracting and retaining customers is not really that hard. The struggle in marketing often times comes from the belief that branding is just for products or big companies. This leads to the disconnect between who your company is being and what your company is doing.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 3134