Sunday, August 31, 2008

Thursday's Webinar

If you missed it the first time with David and Sid Walker,
or you just want to see it again...

The Ultimate Referral Webinar With
David Frey $79 Value- FREE TO
READERS OF THE FINANCIAL
ADVISOR
NETZINE AND BLOG!



Join us for a FreeWebinar on
September 4






Want to get more referrals and have
more fun getting them? Then this will
get you started.
FREE webinar with David Frey

One of the most successful
marketers of modern times,
David Frey is the
author of the phenomenal
bestseller
THE SMALL BUSINESS
MARKETING

BIBLE and developer of
several high-impact
referral systems
which have
REVOLUTIONIZED
small businesses
around the world.

His mission is to show you
PROVEN,
EFFECTIVE ways to get
referrals without
having to resort to begging
or having to
spend thousands of dollars
a month on
marketing pieces.

If you missed out on our first two
ULTIMATE
REFERRAL SYSTEM
webinars
featuring David
and Sid Walker, then you will want
to sign up for
this one NOW.

BE SURE TO ENTER CODE
50147 on the
Form To Gain Access

Title:
The Ultimate Referral
Webinar
With David Frey

Date:
Thursday, September 4
, 2008

Time:
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
PDT NOON
CENTRAL 1PM EASTERN






Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
register/44331075

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Join Us Thursday, August 28th!

Go to:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/287118951


Are you getting enough referrals?

If not- could it be because you haven't made yourself referral-worthy?

Because you lack an easily-implementable, measurable system?

Because you just don't feel comfortable asking?

While it's unlikely that referrals will be ALL you need to build an effective client prospecting machine- they do form an important part of any well-balanced sales system. You need a healthy dose of referrals to make your client aquisition process less frustrating and more profitable.


Join Tammy de Leeuw- aka "Grouchy Marketing Lady" in her first solo webinar as she examines ten DO-ABLE approaches to increasing your referral-worthiness.


Investment: $15.00, which includes one bonus referral webinar recording ($37 value!), a copy of this webinar, and a free FAN E-pack loaded with 2 ebooks, letter templates, and lots more. Value: $199.00!


Register NOW and I will invoice you only after you have attended the presentation. After your payment is received, you'll get ALL the goodies mentioned and then some!


A good time will be had by all- I GAR-UN-TEE it!

REGISTER at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/287118951

Thursday, August 21, 2008

STOP BEGGING FOR REFERRALS!!!

by David Frey
Marketing Best Practices

Just about every course or book that deals with getting referrals teaches you one single referral method - - "asking" for referrals.


Yes, they'll teach you how you have to give good service and then they give you a formula for asking for referrals and that's all well and good....BUT...


...there's a HUGE problem with this approach. People HATE to ask for referrals. You hate it, I hate it, and the people that get asked hate it.


And the bottom line is...people won't do what they hate to do. That's just simple human nature.


Asking people for referrals is right up there with asking your friend to come to church with you on Sunday. It's downright uncomfortable.


The sad result is that people don't get even a tiny amount of the referrals they could be getting simply because the whole "asking" process is flawed.


Here's the Other Problem with Asking for Referrals...


Let's just suppose for a moment that you do ask for referrals. Do you ask all your clients and customers? Do you ask them every time you see them?


Probably not.


Why?


Because it's not a systematic process for you. There's not a bell that goes "ding!" to remind you to ask for a referral every time you're with a customer.


But if you REALLY want a LOT of referrals. I mean an avalanche of referrals, you need to have a systematic process for getting them.


Referral S - Y - S - T - E - M - S


Systems are business processes that have predictable results and outcomes because they happen the same way ever time, day in and day out.


I like to think of systems using this acronym:

S-ystems save

Y-ou

S-tress

T-ime

E-nergy and

M-oney

If you want to get more referrals you need to implement referral s-y-s-t-e-m-s.


And the referral system needs to be "transactional" and NOT "relationship-based."


NOTE: I'm about to ruffle a LOT of feathers with this one. It goes against everything you've been taught about getting referrals.


"Transaction-Based" Referrals - The Key to Getting a Consistent, Predictable Flow of Fresh Referrals


A lot of people who teach you about getting referrals will tell you that if you nourish your relationship with your customer or client they'll give you referrals.


That's not necessarily true.


I'll bet some of your very best customers haven't given you one referral.


Why?


Because they're busy and have a thousand other things on their mind...just like you.


If you rely on just your relationships to get you referrals you'll be disappointed.


The key to getting a consistent stream of referrals is to build the referral process into the transaction!


That's right, you need to build your referral system INTO the TRANSACTION.


Here's a Great Example of "Transaction-Based" Referral Systems


The other day I received a promotional letter from TXU Energy (a Texas Energy Company).


In the promotional letter they included a leaflet that offered $40 to anyone who referred a friend and became a customer.


Would you like to see it?


Here's the front side:

http://tinyurl.com/3wwq7

And here's the back side:

http://tinyurl.com/3mynj


They also send this leaflet along with their billing statements. When someone comes out to your house to do maintenance work or respond to a call they leave behind this leaflet.


You see, when a "transaction" happens, they ask for a referral.


There's no face-to-face asking.


They don't wait until it's the "right time."


It happens every time there's a transaction.


Because of this, TXU gets a steady stream of referrals. In fact, they can predict with some accuracy that if they give out X amount of leaflets, they'll get back in X amount of referrals.


The results are...

(1) predictable

(2) consistent

(3) repeatable


Applying this Referral Strategy to Your Business


Ask yourself how you can apply this referral strategy to your business.


It doesn't matter if you're a consultant, dry cleaner, auto dealership, or even a large energy company...you can use this referral strategy.


And there's so many variations and applications of this simple referral technique that ANY business can do it.

David Frey is one the top Internet marketers around and a friend of the Financial Advisor Netzone. You can interact with David and learn the secrets of getting great referrals at on Thursday, September 4th.

The Ultimate Referral Webinar- Free to FAN Blog readers

Free bonuses to all who register and attend!




Date:
Thursday, September 4, 2008

Time:
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PDT







Thursday, August 14, 2008

Get Back in Focus



by Christine Comaford
CEO. Mighty Ventures


We've talked quite a bit about establishing the proper mindset to succeed in business and in life. But like anything else, sometimes your focus can get a little off-kilter.

That's why, every so often, you have to take a breather and perform a self assessment. This is essential, or years later you could wake up miles downstream from where you
planned. Think about it: Do you want your life to lead you or do you want to lead your life? I personally prefer the latter.

So here's how to do it: Twice a year (say, once in the summer and once in the winter), get completely away from it all.

If you can afford it, go away by yourself. If you can't, just try and find a place away from all the hustle and bustle. Spend this valuable time alone with your thoughts. Ask yourself questions like:

Is my personal life working?

Is my career working?

Am I being patient with the changes that take time?

Am I appreciating all that I have?

Am I tolerant of those with different struggles?

Am I achieving my goals in all these seven areas: Financial & Wealth, Career, Free Time/Fun, Health & Appearance, Relationships, Personal Development, Community & Charity?

Take a journal and write down your thoughts, your goals, and your dreams. It's extremely therapeutic, and you'll be surprised at what comes out on paper.

I go on four retreats a year, sometimes more. No fancy spas...just me, alone with my thoughts. I hike, spend time in nature, dream. For days I'll just be by myself, recharging my batteries,
perhaps focusing my attention on a single problem or issue I need help with.

Doesn't that sound great? You can do it too, but you have to plan accordingly. So do yourself a favor right now:

Pull out your calendar and find a weekend when you can get away. It could even be an overnight trip if you're pressed for time. Then block it off, make a reservation, and DO NOT cancel.

When you return, I guarantee that you'll feel 100 times better about who you are and where you're going.

That's it for now...until next time, may all your ventures
be MIGHTY!

Christine Comaford is the bestselling author of RULES FOR RENEGADES and has assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs in learning how to run profitable, fun businesses. Her MIGHTY MINUTE e-newsletter is available for free at:

http://www.MyMarketingCart.com/app/?af=758984
http://www.MyMarketingCart.com/app/?af=758984

Monday, August 4, 2008

Does Your Business Card Do Business For You?

by Raleigh Pinskey
Promote Yourself


The three answers I get when I ask how someone sees their business card are:
  1. It reminds them we met
  2. It's how to contact me
  3. It tells them what I do.
I can count on ten fingers how many people say "it's part of my marketing campaign; it states the benefit they'll get when they do business with me.

How do you see your card? Is it just to communicate your name and contact information? Or, do you see it as a value-added, visibility vehicle, poised to solve their problem and fill their need? Is it just to list the products and services you offer, or does it show how you can benefit their lifestyle and bottom line?

Please take out your card and look at it carefully and honestly. How effective is your card as a direct marketing vehicle; a person-to-person sales call; a networking tool; a lead generator; a mini-catalogue of goods and services; a reflection of the quality of your service; an image builder; a tangible vision of who you are and your passion and purpose in doing business?

When you place it in another's hand, are they captivated by the use of color and meaningful images, Do they linger over a picture or image that satisfies needs, wants and desires?

Most of all, do your see your card as merely a leave-behind, or as an invitation to discuss business, perhaps right on the spot or at a later time over a meal, a cup of coffee, a golf game or just on the phone?

If these questions evoke a no from you then please, think again about why you hand them out.

The marketing gurus say it takes seven times or imprints before your information sinks in, brain researchers set absorption levels at twenty-one imprints. What this means is that every three imprints only count as one. To say it another way, three imprints convert to one. Three into twenty-one is seven.

Besides the seven/twenty-one imprint ratio there is another level of imprinting that influences the ability to remember your message. This is the phenomenon of the auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning modalities. In other words, using words that mirror sound (auditory), words that picture (visual), or words that ooze touch or texture (kinesthetic).

A great business card can leapfrog your competition. The following elements contribute to those seven to twenty one imprints and the learning modalities.

Sometimes subtly, as in the case of texture or sound, other times overtly in the case of a picture. Try using as many as you can, and see how it opens the door for more business and better networking.

Pictures. Show your pools with clients in it. Or put an animal on a raft with sunglasses and a tall cool drink. Show your employees waving c'mon down in front of your store. If you're a magician, show you weaving your magic. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, it gets the visual and emotional juices going.

Logos. It's stronger if your logo depicts your product or service rather than generic graphics with no connection.

Back of the card. This is prime marketing real estate. Use it to encourage the recipient to keep your card. Use it for client testimonials, product descriptions, or a map to find you. Punch a hole each time a purchase is made and you pick the number to reward with something free. Create a discount coupon redeemable in-store. Print emergency numbers, a calendar, tipping guidelines, an appointment reminder, or sports activities.


USP- Your Unique Selling Proposition. The best USP is a phrase or slogan that appeals to emotional needs. It's what makes you unique. Gives your benefits. Defines your strength. Makes claims like guarantees, savings or assurances, i.e., Domino Pizza: "Your pizza delivered in 30 minutes or it's free!" Fed Ex: "When It absolutely has to be there overnight." And Intrashred, " Better shred than read."


Color. The Color Institute surveys say goldenrod yellow is the most responsive color. Use color ink for accents. Gold or silver adds an elegance and electricity. Neon makes a great accent but avoid neon card stock. Even though it's easy to locate in a pile, it's too hard on the eyes to read, and the print is difficult to read.


Fonts and Print Size Test the print size on friends who wear reading glasses. 12pt or above is best. Use thicker letters, rather than fine, skinny letters. Raised lettering adds texture, a bonus imprint. ALL CAPITOL LETTERS IS TOO DIFFICULT TO READ. Use fonts that don't have the curlicues like Times Roman or Arial. Mixing fonts doesn't work for the higher good. In such a small space consistency rules over variety.


Uniqueness. Try mylar or plastic, but remember that these don't work with Card Scan. Shape your card like your product. Make an audiocassette business card about your products, services and benefits. Put your card on a magnet.


Dos and Don'ts. Avoid larger cards. If you use folding cards, put all the pertinent information on the same half. Redo cards if your contact information or names change. If you're in a multicultural community, have cards printed front and back in both languages, and be extra careful with the translation!


As you can see, there are infinite possibilities and diverse roles that your card can play. Think of your business card as a mobile, multi-dimensional version of yourself. A miniature of you not waiting to happen but present and accounted for. as long as the card is in circulation.


An effective card is arguably the most valuable marketing tool you can have in building a business. So, does your business card present exciting marketing options for you?


Maximize Your Biz-Ability Through Viz-Ability…. Promote & Prosper!


Raleigh Pinskey is a consultant and speaker on the topic of PR for Wealth Building, Director of the PR for Wealth Building Summit and Mentor Program for businesses, authors and speakers. She is the author of the best selling 101 Ways to Promote Yourself, 101 Ways to Get on radio and TV, 101 Ways to Write Foolproof Media Releases, and 101 Ways to Market Your Business on the Internet.

Raleigh Pinskey, www.promoteyourself.com, 480-488-4840 raleigh@promoteyourself .com

"Grouchy Marketing Lady Recommends SUPERHERO CARDS- The World's Most Unusual Business Cards". Check them out at http://www.superherocards.com.