****************************************************
Excellent Quick Tips by Bob Leduc.
Applicable to any home based business.
Looking for your own business?
Check out http://www.smartecreation.com/homebusiness
Making Home Business Do Big Business
****************************************************
Copyright 2005 Bob Leduc
http://BobLeduc.com
Here are 9 low-cost but highly effective marketing tips to
help you boost your sales and profits fast.
Tip #1:
Look for some low-cost ways you can enhance the perceived
value of your product or service. Then test raising your
price. Don't be surprised if both your sales and your profit
margin go up.
Tip #2:
Try to limit your customer's decision making to either "Yes.
I'll buy." or "No. I won't buy". Don't risk losing them by
including "which one" decisions. The more options you offer,
the more likely some customers will procrastinate and never
make the decision ...causing you to lose a sale needlessly.
Tip #3:
You can demonstrate a low cost for your product or service
by breaking down the price to its lowest time increment. For
example, "Enjoy all of this for less than 90 cents a day"
(for something priced at $325 a year).
Tip #4:
Add an unexpected bonus to every sales transaction just
before completing the sale. It prevents customers from
developing any last minute hesitation ...and changing their
minds about buying.
Tip #5:
Print your best small ad on a postcard and mail it to
prospects in your targeted market. Postcards are inexpensive
and easy to use. Most recipients who ignore other types of
advertising will read a brief ad when it's delivered to them
on a postcard.
Tip #6:
Prospects who ask questions are usually close to buying.
Take advantage of this. Don?t just answer their question.
Include a reason for them to buy as part of your answer.
Then ask for the sale ...or tell them exactly what to do to
place their order.
Tip #7:
Collect testimonials from your customers and use them in all
your advertising. Testimonials provide evidence that your
product or service delivers the results you promise. For
maximum impact, use only testimonials that describe specific
results the customer enjoyed.
Tip #8:
Include "benefit rich" headlines on all your web pages. Many
visitors arrive at a web page then immediately click away
...unless something instantly catches their attention.
Tip #9:
Continually test and evaluate everything you use or do to
promote your business. Allocate 80 percent of your
advertising budget to proven promotions. Use the other 20
percent for testing new variations. Most businesses using
this system continue growing - even in highly competitive
markets.
Bonus Tip:
Handle customer complaints quickly and with a positive
attitude. Strive to preserve your relationship with them
instead of your immediate profit from the transaction. They
will reward you with repeat sales and referrals ...instead
of punishing you by telling everybody they know about their
unhappy experience and causing you to lose future customers.
Each of these marketing tips provides a simple, low-cost way
for you to boost your sales and profits quickly. All you
have to do is to put them into action.
Bob Leduc spent 20 years helping businesses like yours find
new customers and increase sales. He just released a New
Edition of his manual, How To Build Your Small Business Fast
With Simple Postcards ...and launched *BizTips from Bob*, a
newsletter to help small businesses grow and prosper. You'll
find his low-cost marketing methods at: http://BobLeduc.com
or call: 702-658-1707 After 10 AM Pacific Time/Las Vegas, NV
****************************************************
Excellent Quick Tips by Bob Leduc.
Applicable to any home based business.
Looking for your own business?
Check out http://www.smartecreation.com/homebusiness
Making Home Business Do Big Business
****************************************************
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Mission possible!
Often we are so busy that we lose the overview and forget to prioritize our tasks. Technology is supposed to help us stay organized and be productive, but often it only adds to the stress.
So what are some of the tricks to increase personal productivity? My friend and coach David Herdlinger has a bi-weekly newsletter which I highly recommend. And this week's topic is "Increasing Personal Productivity".
Here is the link. Check it out. http://www.herdlinger.com/unlimitedpotential/mar05b.pdf
So what are some of the tricks to increase personal productivity? My friend and coach David Herdlinger has a bi-weekly newsletter which I highly recommend. And this week's topic is "Increasing Personal Productivity".
Here is the link. Check it out. http://www.herdlinger.com/unlimitedpotential/mar05b.pdf
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Making Home Business Do Big Business
Build your home business to whatever size and level you wish. Personal support and no risk guarantee! http://www.smartecreation.com
Friday, February 25, 2005
How to Market with Ezine Articles
------------------------------------------------------------
How to Market with Ezine Articles
© 2004 Charlie Page
------------------------------------------------------------
Of all the ways that people have invented to sell things
over the Internet, writing free articles to run in ezines is
perhaps the most effective. One great thing about this
method of marketing is that you can do it with NO money. So
if you are just starting your Internet marketing career, put
away the Visa and warm up that keyboard!
Article marketing may be the perfect way to market. It's
free to do. It educates prospects. It gets your message in
front of thousands of interested prospects you would NEVER
reach otherwise. It's viral. Best of all ... it works!
So what is "article marketing" and how can it impact your
world? Glad you asked. ;)
What we call "article marketing" is simply writing
informative articles and having those articles run in
ezines. If that sounds hard, it's not. Let's run the numbers
for a moment.
There are over 300,000 ezines out there. Estimates say that
over 90% of them use free articles in their ezines. That
means there is a HUGE market for your articles, no matter
what you want to write about.
We like to say it this way. From cat food to Katmandu,
there's an ezine out there for everyone. You included.
=====> The Big Picture
The first step is to understand the goal of article
marketing. The goal is to write an informative article and
have it run in as many TARGETED ezines as possible. When
people read the article they see your resource box at the
end of the article, click to your website and buy your
stuff. They learn something, you make money. Simple.
Notice the emphasis on targeted? Please, please, whatever
you do, do not waste an editors time with articles that they
don't need. One of the greatest things about the Directory
of Ezines is that you can use it to find the perfect ezines
for your articles ... fast. Use the DOE, but never spam
editors with articles they can't use.
;)
=====> How to Write the Article
You want to write an informative article about something you
know. Once you chose your subject, here's the magic formula
for writing the article. Five easy steps.
1. Be yourself. Don't try to write like anyone else. Let
your personality shine through.
2. Tell a story. People love to hear an interesting story.
3. Limit yourself to 600 words. This is an ideal length for
most ezines. Format your article to 65 characters per
line with a hard return at the end of each line.
4. Have a clear opening, make three or five points it the
middle, and have a brief conclusion.
5. THIS IS THE BIG ONE. Give the reader a few steps he
or she can take to make your idea work for them. Tell
them what to do first, second, third to accomplish the
task you are writing about.
If the reader can take ACTION based on what you wrote (just
like you can now apply this formula to your writing) you
will have delivered valuable information to them. Do that
and, hopefully, they will keep reading your stuff! ;)
=====> How to Find the Right Ezines
The absolute, 100% effective, surefire way to do this is to
use the Directory of Ezines. Sorry, couldn't resist. ;)
Look for ezines that have these three things. First, the
ezine content matches your article content. Second, the
ezine accepts articles. Third, the reader is someone who
would be a good customer for you. Once you nail down those
basics you have found the perfect market for your articles.
=====> How to Approach the Editor
The BEST way to approach an editor is this.
1. Subscribe to the ezine.
2. Read a few issues.
3. Write a personal note commenting on what you enjoyed
about the issues you read.
4. Offer your article as one that might fit in.
5. Ask to be informed if your article is run.
6. Thank them for their time.
7. Be available if they have questions.
If an editor chooses your article, the odds are they will
run your articles in the future as well. Stay in touch and
you can develop close relationships with literally hundreds
of editors. Remember that each editor represents thousands
of readers that you may never reach any other way. Also
remember that the editor is a busy person. Keep your email
brief.
=====> How to Maximize Your Return on Time Invested
Include a "resource box" at the end of the article. A
resource box is where you sell the reader on going to your
website, subscribing to your ezine, or taking any other
action you want them to take.
Marketing with ezine articles is truly a win-win-win
proposition. The publisher wins because he or she gets
great free articles. The reader wins because your article is
informative and tells them how to accomplish an important
task as easy as 1,2,3. You win because hundreds of thousands
of readers see your selling message at the end of your
article.
All of this with no out-of-pocket costs. Now THAT'S a
beautiful thing!
************************************************************
Charlie Page owns the Directory of Ezines. Visit him on the
web today at http://www.directoryofezines.com
How to Market with Ezine Articles
© 2004 Charlie Page
------------------------------------------------------------
Of all the ways that people have invented to sell things
over the Internet, writing free articles to run in ezines is
perhaps the most effective. One great thing about this
method of marketing is that you can do it with NO money. So
if you are just starting your Internet marketing career, put
away the Visa and warm up that keyboard!
Article marketing may be the perfect way to market. It's
free to do. It educates prospects. It gets your message in
front of thousands of interested prospects you would NEVER
reach otherwise. It's viral. Best of all ... it works!
So what is "article marketing" and how can it impact your
world? Glad you asked. ;)
What we call "article marketing" is simply writing
informative articles and having those articles run in
ezines. If that sounds hard, it's not. Let's run the numbers
for a moment.
There are over 300,000 ezines out there. Estimates say that
over 90% of them use free articles in their ezines. That
means there is a HUGE market for your articles, no matter
what you want to write about.
We like to say it this way. From cat food to Katmandu,
there's an ezine out there for everyone. You included.
=====> The Big Picture
The first step is to understand the goal of article
marketing. The goal is to write an informative article and
have it run in as many TARGETED ezines as possible. When
people read the article they see your resource box at the
end of the article, click to your website and buy your
stuff. They learn something, you make money. Simple.
Notice the emphasis on targeted? Please, please, whatever
you do, do not waste an editors time with articles that they
don't need. One of the greatest things about the Directory
of Ezines is that you can use it to find the perfect ezines
for your articles ... fast. Use the DOE, but never spam
editors with articles they can't use.
=====> How to Write the Article
You want to write an informative article about something you
know. Once you chose your subject, here's the magic formula
for writing the article. Five easy steps.
1. Be yourself. Don't try to write like anyone else. Let
your personality shine through.
2. Tell a story. People love to hear an interesting story.
3. Limit yourself to 600 words. This is an ideal length for
most ezines. Format your article to 65 characters per
line with a hard return at the end of each line.
4. Have a clear opening, make three or five points it the
middle, and have a brief conclusion.
5. THIS IS THE BIG ONE. Give the reader a few steps he
or she can take to make your idea work for them. Tell
them what to do first, second, third to accomplish the
task you are writing about.
If the reader can take ACTION based on what you wrote (just
like you can now apply this formula to your writing) you
will have delivered valuable information to them. Do that
and, hopefully, they will keep reading your stuff! ;)
=====> How to Find the Right Ezines
The absolute, 100% effective, surefire way to do this is to
use the Directory of Ezines. Sorry, couldn't resist. ;)
Look for ezines that have these three things. First, the
ezine content matches your article content. Second, the
ezine accepts articles. Third, the reader is someone who
would be a good customer for you. Once you nail down those
basics you have found the perfect market for your articles.
=====> How to Approach the Editor
The BEST way to approach an editor is this.
1. Subscribe to the ezine.
2. Read a few issues.
3. Write a personal note commenting on what you enjoyed
about the issues you read.
4. Offer your article as one that might fit in.
5. Ask to be informed if your article is run.
6. Thank them for their time.
7. Be available if they have questions.
If an editor chooses your article, the odds are they will
run your articles in the future as well. Stay in touch and
you can develop close relationships with literally hundreds
of editors. Remember that each editor represents thousands
of readers that you may never reach any other way. Also
remember that the editor is a busy person. Keep your email
brief.
=====> How to Maximize Your Return on Time Invested
Include a "resource box" at the end of the article. A
resource box is where you sell the reader on going to your
website, subscribing to your ezine, or taking any other
action you want them to take.
Marketing with ezine articles is truly a win-win-win
proposition. The publisher wins because he or she gets
great free articles. The reader wins because your article is
informative and tells them how to accomplish an important
task as easy as 1,2,3. You win because hundreds of thousands
of readers see your selling message at the end of your
article.
All of this with no out-of-pocket costs. Now THAT'S a
beautiful thing!
************************************************************
Charlie Page owns the Directory of Ezines. Visit him on the
web today at http://www.directoryofezines.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
The Four Laws of Relationship Marketing
Success is working well with one customer at a time.
by Arnold Sanow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By practicing Relationship Marketing we build loyalty and differentiate ourselves from all the competitive forces we face.
To keep from just becoming another commodity, follow the four laws of relationship marketing on a daily basis and watch your sales ... grow!
1. You’re not just closing a sale, but opening a relationship
Closing the sale is only the beginning of the sales process. We are all in business for the long term. The key to continued success is building a solid relationship with our current customers. These are our best customers. In fact, it is six times more expensive to get new customers than it is to persuade our already happy customers to use us again. In addition, if we keep in touch with our customers on a regular basis and treat them like gold our business from referrals will skyrocket.
2. People buy who you are, not what you do.
There are two ultimate reasons why people will want to work with you. It’s because they like you and they trust you. Your character, manners, kindness all play an important role for continued success in a service oriented business. In fact, in an article in USA today titled, "Americans are ruder than ever" it was pointed out that those companies who treated customers with kindness and respect were prospering.
3. You’re not selling, but solving problems.
Your sales success will grow when you take the time to listen to your customers wants and needs and then show them products and services that are best for them. By understanding the difference between features and benefits you will not only solve your customers’ problems, but also insure your success.
Features are about you and your product or service -- what it is.
Benefits are the specific results your product or service offers to your client or prospect -- what it does.
For example, when one travel agency manager understood I had a four-year-old child he immediately focused on resorts with kids programs. When he focused on the benefit of a children-only dinner and the fact that my wife and I could eat in peace, I was sold!
4. Develop "strategic" relationships.
By developing a niche in the travel industry, you can separate yourself from the crowd. For example, Aspen Travel of Jackson Hole, Wyoming tripled their sales in a couple of years by going from a general travel agency to a specialized agency that works with film production companies. Their relationships are so good that all their business is from referrals from one production company to another.
Success is working well with one customer at a time. As Joe Batten said, "Before you tell- ask, before you talk- listen, after you listen- relate, always show that you care. When you can translate that you care … people will want to do business - and then don’t let the details get in the way!"
Copyright © 2004 Arnold Sanow.
______________________________
Arnold Sanow, is a nationally renowned business/communications expert and author who speaks professionally. He works with his clients to provide them with the tools, techniques and solutions to improve and maximize individual and organizational performance.
Arnold has delivered over 2,500 paid presentations to more than 500 different types of companies and organizations. He was selected as "Outstanding Speaker of the Year" and "Best Program for the Year" for Meeting Planners International's Washington, D.C. chapter. He was also was chosen as the, "Outstanding Speaker of the Year" by his peers at the National Speakers Association DC chapter.
He is the author/co-author of 5 books to include, Get Along with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere... 8 keys to creating enduring connections with customers, co-workers ... even kids... Marketing Boot Camp and the Charisma Card Deck.
Visit Arnold at his website, here: www.arnoldsanow.com
----------------------------------------------------------
My favorite point: Become a problem solver!
See what I do to solve peoples prosperity problem trough using the internet:
http://www.getfreeinformation.com
by Arnold Sanow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By practicing Relationship Marketing we build loyalty and differentiate ourselves from all the competitive forces we face.
To keep from just becoming another commodity, follow the four laws of relationship marketing on a daily basis and watch your sales ... grow!
1. You’re not just closing a sale, but opening a relationship
Closing the sale is only the beginning of the sales process. We are all in business for the long term. The key to continued success is building a solid relationship with our current customers. These are our best customers. In fact, it is six times more expensive to get new customers than it is to persuade our already happy customers to use us again. In addition, if we keep in touch with our customers on a regular basis and treat them like gold our business from referrals will skyrocket.
2. People buy who you are, not what you do.
There are two ultimate reasons why people will want to work with you. It’s because they like you and they trust you. Your character, manners, kindness all play an important role for continued success in a service oriented business. In fact, in an article in USA today titled, "Americans are ruder than ever" it was pointed out that those companies who treated customers with kindness and respect were prospering.
3. You’re not selling, but solving problems.
Your sales success will grow when you take the time to listen to your customers wants and needs and then show them products and services that are best for them. By understanding the difference between features and benefits you will not only solve your customers’ problems, but also insure your success.
Features are about you and your product or service -- what it is.
Benefits are the specific results your product or service offers to your client or prospect -- what it does.
For example, when one travel agency manager understood I had a four-year-old child he immediately focused on resorts with kids programs. When he focused on the benefit of a children-only dinner and the fact that my wife and I could eat in peace, I was sold!
4. Develop "strategic" relationships.
By developing a niche in the travel industry, you can separate yourself from the crowd. For example, Aspen Travel of Jackson Hole, Wyoming tripled their sales in a couple of years by going from a general travel agency to a specialized agency that works with film production companies. Their relationships are so good that all their business is from referrals from one production company to another.
Success is working well with one customer at a time. As Joe Batten said, "Before you tell- ask, before you talk- listen, after you listen- relate, always show that you care. When you can translate that you care … people will want to do business - and then don’t let the details get in the way!"
Copyright © 2004 Arnold Sanow.
______________________________
Arnold Sanow, is a nationally renowned business/communications expert and author who speaks professionally. He works with his clients to provide them with the tools, techniques and solutions to improve and maximize individual and organizational performance.
Arnold has delivered over 2,500 paid presentations to more than 500 different types of companies and organizations. He was selected as "Outstanding Speaker of the Year" and "Best Program for the Year" for Meeting Planners International's Washington, D.C. chapter. He was also was chosen as the, "Outstanding Speaker of the Year" by his peers at the National Speakers Association DC chapter.
He is the author/co-author of 5 books to include, Get Along with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere... 8 keys to creating enduring connections with customers, co-workers ... even kids... Marketing Boot Camp and the Charisma Card Deck.
Visit Arnold at his website, here: www.arnoldsanow.com
----------------------------------------------------------
My favorite point: Become a problem solver!
See what I do to solve peoples prosperity problem trough using the internet:
http://www.getfreeinformation.com
Sunday, February 06, 2005
The Potential of Internet Income
THE POTENTIAL OF INTERNET INCOME
(SFI Internet Income Lesson #2)
In this lesson, you will learn the three factors which assure us of continued exponential Internet growth. These three factors are: Moore's Law, acceptance of digital environments, and convergence.
You will learn how these principles prove that Internet marketing will have exponential growth and exponential results for decades to come. You will learn how to best position yourself as a home-based entrepreneur to take advantage of the digital opportunities that lie ahead...
To read the rest of this lesson, sign up for free at http://getfreeinformation.com and register for SFI.
(SFI Internet Income Lesson #2)
In this lesson, you will learn the three factors which assure us of continued exponential Internet growth. These three factors are: Moore's Law, acceptance of digital environments, and convergence.
You will learn how these principles prove that Internet marketing will have exponential growth and exponential results for decades to come. You will learn how to best position yourself as a home-based entrepreneur to take advantage of the digital opportunities that lie ahead...
To read the rest of this lesson, sign up for free at http://getfreeinformation.com and register for SFI.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Your Future on the Internet
10 steps to help you START and GROW a profitable Internet business! (Click for more info on each step...) #1:
#2:
#4:
|
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Spam: Where it came from and how to escape it
This is an interesting article by Beka Ruse. After reading, please check out the link on the bottom to aweber - an excellent service to help you overcome the spamming problem!
-------------------------------------------------------
In 1936, long before the rise of the personal computer, Hormel Foods created SPAM. In 2002, the company will produce it's six billionth can of the processed food product. But that mark was passed long ago in the world of Internet spam.
Who Cooked This!? (How did it all start?)
Why Does Bad Spam Happen to Good People?
Stop The Flood to Your Inbox
Stay Off Spammed Lists in the Future
Think You're Not a Spammer? Be Sure.
The Final Blow
Who Cooked This!? (How did it all start?)
The modern meaning of the word "spam" has nothing to do with spiced ham. In the early 1990's, a skit by British comedy group Monty Python led to the word's common usage. "The SPAM Skit" follows a couple struggling to order dinner from a menu consisting entirely of Hormel's canned ham.
Repetition is key to the skit's hilarity. The actors cram the word "SPAM" into the 2.5 minute skit more than 104 times! This flood prompted Usenet readers to call unwanted newsgroup postings "spam." The name stuck.
Spammers soon focused on e-mail, and the terminology moved with them. Today, the word has come out of technical obscurity. Now, "spam" is the common term for "Unsolicited Commercial E-Mail", or "UCE."
Why Does Bad Spam Happen to Good People?
Chances are, you've been spammed before. Somehow, your e-mail address has found it's way into the hands of a spammer, and your inbox is suffering the consequences. How does this happen? There are several possibilities.
Backstabbing Businesses - Businesses often keep lists of their customers' e-mail addresses. This is a completely legitimate practice and, usually, nothing bad comes of it. Sometimes though, the temptation to make a quick buck is too great, and these lists are sold or rented to outside advertisers. The result? A lot of unsolicited e-mail, and a serious breach of trust.
Random Address Generation - Computer programs called random address generators simply "guess" e-mail addresses. Over 100 million hotmail addresses exist - how hard could it be to guess some of them? Unfortunately for many unsuspecting netizens - not too hard. Many spammers also guess at "standard" addresses, like "support@yourdomain.com", "info@yourdomain.com", and billing@yourdomain.com.
Web Spiders - Today's most insidious list-gathering tools are web spiders. All of the major search engines spider the web, saving information about each page. Spammers use tools that also spider the web, but save any e-mail address they come across. Your personal web page lists your e-mail address? Prepare for an onslaught!
Chat Room Harvesting - ISP's offer vastly popular chat rooms where users are known only by their screen names. Of course, spammers know that your screen name is the first part of your e-mail address. Why waste time guessing e-mail addresses when a few hours of lurking in a chat room can net a list of actively-used addresses?
The Poor Man's Bad Marketing Idea - It didn't work for the phone companies, and it won't work for e-mail marketers. But, some spammers still keep their own friends-and-family-style e-mail lists. Compiled from the addresses of other known spammers, and people or businesses that the owner has come across in the past, these lists are still illegitimate. Why? Only you can give someone permission to send you e-mail. A friend-of-a-friend's permission won't cut it.
Stop The Flood to Your Inbox
Already drowning in spam? Try using your e-mail client's filters - many provide a way to block specific e-mail addresses. Each time you're spammed, block the sender's address. Spammers skip from address to address, and you may be on many lists, but this method will at least slow the flow.
Also, use more than one e-mail address, and keep one "clean." Many netizens find that this technique turns the spam flood into a trickle. Use one address for only spam-safe activities like e-mailing your friends, or signing on with trustworthy businesses. Never use your clean address on the web! Get a free address to use on the web and in chat rooms.
If nothing else helps, consider changing screen names, or opening an entirely new e-mail account. When you do, you'll start with a clean, spam-free slate. This time, protect your e-mail address!
Stay Off Spammed Lists in the Future
Want to surf the web without getting sucked into the spam-flood? Prevention is your best policy. Don't use an easy-to-guess e-mail address. Keep your address clean by not using it for spam-centric activities. Don't post it on any web pages, and don't use it in chat rooms or newsgroups.
Before giving your clean e-mail address to a business, check the company out. Are sections of its user agreement dedicated to anti-spam rules? Does a privacy policy explain exactly what will be done with your address? The most considerate companies also post an anti-spam policy written in plain English, so you can be absolutely sure of what you're getting into.
Think You're Not a Spammer? Be Sure.
Many a first-time marketer has inadvertently spammed his audience. The first several hundred complaints and some nasty phone messages usually stop him in his tracks. But by then, the spammer may be faced with cleanup bills from his ISP, and a bad reputation that it's not easy to overcome.
The best way to avoid this situation is to have a clear understanding of what spam is: If anyone who receives your mass e-mails did not specifically ask to hear from you, then you are spamming them.
Stick with your gut. Don't buy a million addresses for $10, no matter how much the seller swears by them! If something sounds fishy, just say no. You'll save yourself a lot in the end.
The Final Blow
The online world is turning the tide on spam. In the end, people will stop sending spam because it stops working. Do your part: never buy from a spammer. When your business seeks out technology companies with which to work, only choose those with a staunch anti-spam stance.
Spam has a long history in both the food and e-mail sectors. This year, Hormel Foods opened a real-world museum dedicated to SPAM. While the museum does feature the Monty Python SPAM Skit, there's no word yet on an unsolicited commercial e-mail exhibit. But, if all upstanding netizens work together, Hormel's ham in a can will far outlive the Internet plague that is UCE.
Beka Ruse fights spam as the Business Development Manager at AWeber Communications. Ad tracking, live stats, and a strict anti-spam policy: Automated E-Mail Follow Up From AWeber. http://www.aweber.com/lsp.htm
-------------------------------------------------------
In 1936, long before the rise of the personal computer, Hormel Foods created SPAM. In 2002, the company will produce it's six billionth can of the processed food product. But that mark was passed long ago in the world of Internet spam.
Who Cooked This!? (How did it all start?)
Why Does Bad Spam Happen to Good People?
Stop The Flood to Your Inbox
Stay Off Spammed Lists in the Future
Think You're Not a Spammer? Be Sure.
The Final Blow
Who Cooked This!? (How did it all start?)
The modern meaning of the word "spam" has nothing to do with spiced ham. In the early 1990's, a skit by British comedy group Monty Python led to the word's common usage. "The SPAM Skit" follows a couple struggling to order dinner from a menu consisting entirely of Hormel's canned ham.
Repetition is key to the skit's hilarity. The actors cram the word "SPAM" into the 2.5 minute skit more than 104 times! This flood prompted Usenet readers to call unwanted newsgroup postings "spam." The name stuck.
Spammers soon focused on e-mail, and the terminology moved with them. Today, the word has come out of technical obscurity. Now, "spam" is the common term for "Unsolicited Commercial E-Mail", or "UCE."
Why Does Bad Spam Happen to Good People?
Chances are, you've been spammed before. Somehow, your e-mail address has found it's way into the hands of a spammer, and your inbox is suffering the consequences. How does this happen? There are several possibilities.
Backstabbing Businesses - Businesses often keep lists of their customers' e-mail addresses. This is a completely legitimate practice and, usually, nothing bad comes of it. Sometimes though, the temptation to make a quick buck is too great, and these lists are sold or rented to outside advertisers. The result? A lot of unsolicited e-mail, and a serious breach of trust.
Random Address Generation - Computer programs called random address generators simply "guess" e-mail addresses. Over 100 million hotmail addresses exist - how hard could it be to guess some of them? Unfortunately for many unsuspecting netizens - not too hard. Many spammers also guess at "standard" addresses, like "support@yourdomain.com", "info@yourdomain.com", and billing@yourdomain.com.
Web Spiders - Today's most insidious list-gathering tools are web spiders. All of the major search engines spider the web, saving information about each page. Spammers use tools that also spider the web, but save any e-mail address they come across. Your personal web page lists your e-mail address? Prepare for an onslaught!
Chat Room Harvesting - ISP's offer vastly popular chat rooms where users are known only by their screen names. Of course, spammers know that your screen name is the first part of your e-mail address. Why waste time guessing e-mail addresses when a few hours of lurking in a chat room can net a list of actively-used addresses?
The Poor Man's Bad Marketing Idea - It didn't work for the phone companies, and it won't work for e-mail marketers. But, some spammers still keep their own friends-and-family-style e-mail lists. Compiled from the addresses of other known spammers, and people or businesses that the owner has come across in the past, these lists are still illegitimate. Why? Only you can give someone permission to send you e-mail. A friend-of-a-friend's permission won't cut it.
Stop The Flood to Your Inbox
Already drowning in spam? Try using your e-mail client's filters - many provide a way to block specific e-mail addresses. Each time you're spammed, block the sender's address. Spammers skip from address to address, and you may be on many lists, but this method will at least slow the flow.
Also, use more than one e-mail address, and keep one "clean." Many netizens find that this technique turns the spam flood into a trickle. Use one address for only spam-safe activities like e-mailing your friends, or signing on with trustworthy businesses. Never use your clean address on the web! Get a free address to use on the web and in chat rooms.
If nothing else helps, consider changing screen names, or opening an entirely new e-mail account. When you do, you'll start with a clean, spam-free slate. This time, protect your e-mail address!
Stay Off Spammed Lists in the Future
Want to surf the web without getting sucked into the spam-flood? Prevention is your best policy. Don't use an easy-to-guess e-mail address. Keep your address clean by not using it for spam-centric activities. Don't post it on any web pages, and don't use it in chat rooms or newsgroups.
Before giving your clean e-mail address to a business, check the company out. Are sections of its user agreement dedicated to anti-spam rules? Does a privacy policy explain exactly what will be done with your address? The most considerate companies also post an anti-spam policy written in plain English, so you can be absolutely sure of what you're getting into.
Think You're Not a Spammer? Be Sure.
Many a first-time marketer has inadvertently spammed his audience. The first several hundred complaints and some nasty phone messages usually stop him in his tracks. But by then, the spammer may be faced with cleanup bills from his ISP, and a bad reputation that it's not easy to overcome.
The best way to avoid this situation is to have a clear understanding of what spam is: If anyone who receives your mass e-mails did not specifically ask to hear from you, then you are spamming them.
Stick with your gut. Don't buy a million addresses for $10, no matter how much the seller swears by them! If something sounds fishy, just say no. You'll save yourself a lot in the end.
The Final Blow
The online world is turning the tide on spam. In the end, people will stop sending spam because it stops working. Do your part: never buy from a spammer. When your business seeks out technology companies with which to work, only choose those with a staunch anti-spam stance.
Spam has a long history in both the food and e-mail sectors. This year, Hormel Foods opened a real-world museum dedicated to SPAM. While the museum does feature the Monty Python SPAM Skit, there's no word yet on an unsolicited commercial e-mail exhibit. But, if all upstanding netizens work together, Hormel's ham in a can will far outlive the Internet plague that is UCE.
Beka Ruse fights spam as the Business Development Manager at AWeber Communications. Ad tracking, live stats, and a strict anti-spam policy: Automated E-Mail Follow Up From AWeber. http://www.aweber.com/lsp.htm
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Are you ready for the Future?
Happy New Year!
As we launch into a New Year, we are full of expectations, and hopefully, they are all positive. Perhaps, you have made some resolutions. I certainly wish you determination and success in reaching whatever goals you have set.
The following newsletter has some helpful information relating to the business world. While the article makes reference to some large industry and organizational issues, the ideas may very well apply to our home business environment.
Check it out here, and happy reading:
http://www.herdlinger.com/unlimitedpotential/jan05a.pdf
____________________________
If you are looking to develop a home based business, please visit my website at
http://www.smartecreation.com/homeoffice
As we launch into a New Year, we are full of expectations, and hopefully, they are all positive. Perhaps, you have made some resolutions. I certainly wish you determination and success in reaching whatever goals you have set.
The following newsletter has some helpful information relating to the business world. While the article makes reference to some large industry and organizational issues, the ideas may very well apply to our home business environment.
Check it out here, and happy reading:
http://www.herdlinger.com/unlimitedpotential/jan05a.pdf
____________________________
If you are looking to develop a home based business, please visit my website at
http://www.smartecreation.com/homeoffice
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
An exercise in "Vitality"
As we approach the New Year, we begin to make resolutions and set goals. One of them may be that we resolve to, once and for all, excercise at least 3x per week. I work out on a regular basis throughout the year, and I notice how crowded the fitness center gets in January. By mid February, it fizzles out and just us regulars remain...
Exercise has is not only good for your physical health, but it helps you clear your mind, get rid of stress and anxiety, increase immunity against certain diseases, help you sleep better.
Read this interesting newsletter by my friend and coach David Herdlinger:
http://www.herdlinger.com/unlimitedpotential/dec04b.pdf
Wishing you a healthy 2005!
Exercise has is not only good for your physical health, but it helps you clear your mind, get rid of stress and anxiety, increase immunity against certain diseases, help you sleep better.
Read this interesting newsletter by my friend and coach David Herdlinger:
http://www.herdlinger.com/unlimitedpotential/dec04b.pdf
Wishing you a healthy 2005!
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Life with no Internet for 2 weeks! Could you do it?
Yahoo conducted an experiment with 28 families to test and see what role the Internet plays in their life. In a survey, 48% of folks in the US, said they could not do it!! 137,000,000 people in the US are online.
Follow this link to the report which is extremely interesting to read.
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/promo/disconnected/pdf/adweek.pdf
Lessons? - The future of personal and business relationship building is on the internet. Be smart about it! Build your own unique presence on the Web.
I can help. http://www.smartecreation.com
Follow this link to the report which is extremely interesting to read.
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/promo/disconnected/pdf/adweek.pdf
Lessons? - The future of personal and business relationship building is on the internet. Be smart about it! Build your own unique presence on the Web.
I can help. http://www.smartecreation.com
Monday, November 22, 2004
Bring Humor into your work life
Did you know that by the time a child reaches kindergarten, she laughs an average of 300 times per day?
Did you know that 3 minutes of deep-belly laughing is the equivalent of a 3 minute workout on a fitness rowing machine?
Find out why the no pain, no gain philosophy and the prevailing attitude that having fun does not go together with being professional are WRONG!
Read David's article here: http://www.herdlinger.com/unlimitedpotential/nov04b.pdf
If you are a corporate executive, home business entrepreneur or simply someone who wants to grow personally and professionally, I highly recommend that you give David a call. (see contact info in the newsletter) Find out what his coaching can do for you. I did!!
Did you know that 3 minutes of deep-belly laughing is the equivalent of a 3 minute workout on a fitness rowing machine?
Find out why the no pain, no gain philosophy and the prevailing attitude that having fun does not go together with being professional are WRONG!
Read David's article here: http://www.herdlinger.com/unlimitedpotential/nov04b.pdf
If you are a corporate executive, home business entrepreneur or simply someone who wants to grow personally and professionally, I highly recommend that you give David a call. (see contact info in the newsletter) Find out what his coaching can do for you. I did!!
Saturday, November 20, 2004
The Human Side of Ad Tracking
How to Use Emails to Connect With Your Customers and Find Out Why They Really Bought
Do you know why people buy from you?
What part of your offer put them over the edge?
Let's face it, you worked for a long time on your sales copy. You created bonuses, designed a guarantee, sweated over the benefits and how to communicate them. But which of those factors really connect with the buyers? What actually motivated the purchase?
If you knew, you could pump up the benefits and the parts of your offer that really drive sales. But how can you tell?
Actually, it's very easy. You just ask.
I do it every day and it takes me virtually no time or effort to get unbelievable information. How?
I add a simple email to my autoresponder series immediately after a customer purchases.
Here's what mine says:
Sample Email Request
====================================
Hi {firstname},
It's Jeff here, from CBmall. I'm doing a bit of market research. Can you tell me how you found out about CBmall? Was it aNewsletter? Ad? Search engine? Do you remember who referred you?
Or perhaps you were reading the 10 Powerful Ways CBmallMakes You Money?
And what specifically made you decide to make the investment? What was the benefit that put you over theedge and turned you into a buyer?
This is important, because soon you will be sending traffic to the mall and this may help the CBmall sales information get better. Which will help you make more money!
Please just reply to this email with the answers.
Thanks so much for your help,
Jeff Mulligan
CBmall.com
====================================
Every day these emails go out and every day I get valuable information. To me, finding out why people buy is more important than why they don't. (although I try to find that out, too) That's because there are so many reasons a person may not buy, many of which are beyond my control.
But knowing what turns on buyers is a huge benefit to me as I fine tune the copy. For example, here are some of the comments I get:
**** The Results Provide Great Customer Insight ****
“I read all the info and I liked the fact that I did not have to create a web site and a bunch of other stuff. I am new to internet marketing as well as being technically illiterate but I figure I can follow instructions for the most part and you offer the support I will need.”
“Personalized autoresponder and newsletter.”“Reason: The eBook, 10 Powerful Ways CBmall Makes You Money, made good marketing sense... Also the products on ClickBank - CBmall are terrific and good sellers....”
“I found your ad at clickbank.com”
“I first heard of CBmall from your newsletter which I subscribed to in December but was not convinced. My next step was to get the 10 Powerful Ways CBmall makes you money. This made things much clearer. The number of products available is impressive. The targeted traffic that is shared amongst owners is a useful bonus. The guarantee means no risk, which is essential as I am on a small pension.”
**** What You Can Learn ****
OK let's look at this small sample to see what I can learn from it.
* My ad on the ClickBank web site is working - keep it going.
* I have a lot of beginners who don't have a web site of their own. I should continue to highlight this feature.
* People like the fact that there is a built-in autoresponder that puts their affiliate links on all the messages that go out. It means they get multiple chances to sell. Perhaps I should promote this more.
* My eBook and eCourse, 10 Powerful Ways CBmall Makes You Money, is working.
* Look at the last message. This is evidence of how important follow-up is. This person waited 3 months before she felt comfortable ordering.
* My guarantee is very important.
While I can only show you a small sample here, there are many more that echo these thoughts. Put them together in your head and you can see clear trends about what features come up most frequently. For me, ease of use, the ClickBank affiliation and the personalized autoresponders are the most common reasons people buy. I have adjusted the sales copy to highlight these features.
What will you find out?
Note for ClickBank affiliates: If you use ClickBank, you know that you get the email address of your customers. You can use that to send a quick email requesting this information.
A word about timing: I have found that this works really well if you send the email out immediately after the purchase. Mine goes out at the same time the thank you email goes out. This way, the reasons are still fresh in the customer's mind, and they are in a very cooperative mood - often quite excited from their purchase and anxious to do anything to help.
How to reply: I set up a simple macro so that I can just hit reply, activate the macro, and hit send. It just takes a few seconds. Mine just says:“Thank you for helping out with your input. I really appreciate it. I look forward to helping you make extra money with your new CBmall.”
Thats all you need, but you should be sure to acknowledge their answers with a reply.
**** How This Helps Your Affiliate Program ****
Here's another great fringe benefit of this tactic. Often customers will specifically mention the newsletter they were reading or the web site they were visiting that first told them about CBmall.When they do, I will frequently copy the email and send it to that newsletter or web site owner. Since these people are my affiliates, it's a great way to show them how their CBmall promotions are working. It also shows them I am paying attention to their business.
Remember that “mind share” is important in keeping your affiliates active and promoting your products. I've garnered considerable good will through these quick little messages.
**** Summary ****
In summary, while ad tracking is vital to learn WHERE your business is coming from, an autoresponder message to find out WHY you got your business is often just as valuable. Implement this simple tactic and give yourself a better understanding of what is working for you. Use that knowledge to fine tune your site for maximum conversions.
Resource Box:Jeff Mulligan has an MBA and 20+ years of marketing experience as an ad agency Senior VP and VP Marketing for two software companies. Jeff owns CBmall, a site that provides 10 different ways for ClickBank affiliates to earn income on 1,997 ClickBank InfoProducts. http://www.smartvaluemall.com
Do you know why people buy from you?
What part of your offer put them over the edge?
Let's face it, you worked for a long time on your sales copy. You created bonuses, designed a guarantee, sweated over the benefits and how to communicate them. But which of those factors really connect with the buyers? What actually motivated the purchase?
If you knew, you could pump up the benefits and the parts of your offer that really drive sales. But how can you tell?
Actually, it's very easy. You just ask.
I do it every day and it takes me virtually no time or effort to get unbelievable information. How?
I add a simple email to my autoresponder series immediately after a customer purchases.
Here's what mine says:
Sample Email Request
====================================
Hi {firstname},
It's Jeff here, from CBmall. I'm doing a bit of market research. Can you tell me how you found out about CBmall? Was it aNewsletter? Ad? Search engine? Do you remember who referred you?
Or perhaps you were reading the 10 Powerful Ways CBmallMakes You Money?
And what specifically made you decide to make the investment? What was the benefit that put you over theedge and turned you into a buyer?
This is important, because soon you will be sending traffic to the mall and this may help the CBmall sales information get better. Which will help you make more money!
Please just reply to this email with the answers.
Thanks so much for your help,
Jeff Mulligan
CBmall.com
====================================
Every day these emails go out and every day I get valuable information. To me, finding out why people buy is more important than why they don't. (although I try to find that out, too) That's because there are so many reasons a person may not buy, many of which are beyond my control.
But knowing what turns on buyers is a huge benefit to me as I fine tune the copy. For example, here are some of the comments I get:
**** The Results Provide Great Customer Insight ****
“I read all the info and I liked the fact that I did not have to create a web site and a bunch of other stuff. I am new to internet marketing as well as being technically illiterate but I figure I can follow instructions for the most part and you offer the support I will need.”
“Personalized autoresponder and newsletter.”“Reason: The eBook, 10 Powerful Ways CBmall Makes You Money, made good marketing sense... Also the products on ClickBank - CBmall are terrific and good sellers....”
“I found your ad at clickbank.com”
“I first heard of CBmall from your newsletter which I subscribed to in December but was not convinced. My next step was to get the 10 Powerful Ways CBmall makes you money. This made things much clearer. The number of products available is impressive. The targeted traffic that is shared amongst owners is a useful bonus. The guarantee means no risk, which is essential as I am on a small pension.”
**** What You Can Learn ****
OK let's look at this small sample to see what I can learn from it.
* My ad on the ClickBank web site is working - keep it going.
* I have a lot of beginners who don't have a web site of their own. I should continue to highlight this feature.
* People like the fact that there is a built-in autoresponder that puts their affiliate links on all the messages that go out. It means they get multiple chances to sell. Perhaps I should promote this more.
* My eBook and eCourse, 10 Powerful Ways CBmall Makes You Money, is working.
* Look at the last message. This is evidence of how important follow-up is. This person waited 3 months before she felt comfortable ordering.
* My guarantee is very important.
While I can only show you a small sample here, there are many more that echo these thoughts. Put them together in your head and you can see clear trends about what features come up most frequently. For me, ease of use, the ClickBank affiliation and the personalized autoresponders are the most common reasons people buy. I have adjusted the sales copy to highlight these features.
What will you find out?
Note for ClickBank affiliates: If you use ClickBank, you know that you get the email address of your customers. You can use that to send a quick email requesting this information.
A word about timing: I have found that this works really well if you send the email out immediately after the purchase. Mine goes out at the same time the thank you email goes out. This way, the reasons are still fresh in the customer's mind, and they are in a very cooperative mood - often quite excited from their purchase and anxious to do anything to help.
How to reply: I set up a simple macro so that I can just hit reply, activate the macro, and hit send. It just takes a few seconds. Mine just says:“Thank you for helping out with your input. I really appreciate it. I look forward to helping you make extra money with your new CBmall.”
Thats all you need, but you should be sure to acknowledge their answers with a reply.
**** How This Helps Your Affiliate Program ****
Here's another great fringe benefit of this tactic. Often customers will specifically mention the newsletter they were reading or the web site they were visiting that first told them about CBmall.When they do, I will frequently copy the email and send it to that newsletter or web site owner. Since these people are my affiliates, it's a great way to show them how their CBmall promotions are working. It also shows them I am paying attention to their business.
Remember that “mind share” is important in keeping your affiliates active and promoting your products. I've garnered considerable good will through these quick little messages.
**** Summary ****
In summary, while ad tracking is vital to learn WHERE your business is coming from, an autoresponder message to find out WHY you got your business is often just as valuable. Implement this simple tactic and give yourself a better understanding of what is working for you. Use that knowledge to fine tune your site for maximum conversions.
Resource Box:Jeff Mulligan has an MBA and 20+ years of marketing experience as an ad agency Senior VP and VP Marketing for two software companies. Jeff owns CBmall, a site that provides 10 different ways for ClickBank affiliates to earn income on 1,997 ClickBank InfoProducts. http://www.smartvaluemall.com
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