| Taking Advantage of Friends and Business | | | | attending I'd really appreciate you passing this along. |
| Associates | | | | Thanks Alan |
| | | | Your marketing, your advertisement, stands on its own. |
| Have you ever had a friend, or someone you know at | | | | But, this time you aren't directly trying to sell to them. |
| a networking event that walks over and flat tries to | | | | You are just asking a friend or contact if he knows of |
| sell to you? | | | | someone who could use this kind of benefit. |
| And what is the typical response when that happens? | | | | You could adjust the message by asking for a specific |
| I don't know about you but I want to run for the | | | | industry, or even company, that you would like to |
| woods. | | | | attend. |
| Here's a Twist That Works-Works WELL | | | | The typical result is: |
| | | | - A lot of referrals. The response rate is several times |
| Here's a way that you can do it, (I don't mean take | | | | higher than for the rest of the ads that go out cold. |
| advantage, but how you can do it without taking | | | | - Building a reputation and brand awareness among |
| advantage of friends and contacts) while getting a lot | | | | those that can refer you, without appearing to take |
| of referrals. | | | | advantage of them by trying to SELL them. You are |
| Whenever you send out your next marketing piece, | | | | asking for their help. Everyone likes helping you out. |
| whether it is direct mail, email, or whatever. Send a | | | | They just don't like being sold to, especially by friends. |
| copy to people you know well, friends, relatives, | | | | - And....many times friends and co-workers see the ad |
| networking contacts, chamber members you know | | | | and just HAVE TO COME. This time they come freely |
| well, social contacts and committees, neighbor | | | | instead of recoiling from an attempt to sell them. |
| businesses, but we are going to use a slight twist to | | | | How to Automate the Post-It Note Creation |
| that. | | | | Here are some tips on how to create the post it notes. |
| If you just sent them the advertisement it would seem | | | | You could hand write it on the post-it, or, as I do print it |
| that you are marketing to them. Most people will feel | | | | from my computer printer. I create 4 at a time on an 8 |
| that you are taking advantage of your relationship. | | | | 1/2x11 sheet of paper, paste my handwritten signature |
| They feel imposed upon. | | | | (scanned in and pasted into a Word document). Then |
| Attach a Post It Note-Ask for Help | | | | cut them out and attach them over the top of your |
| However, this time, attach a post-it note. Either stick it | | | | printed marketing materials. |
| to the front, paper-clip it to the top, or wrap it over the | | | | This will increase your marketing response rates |
| top. | | | | among that personal list several times over your cold |
| The note might say something like: | | | | list, increase brand awareness among your friends and |
| Hi Bill | | | | business associates, and you will always be at the top |
| I'm doing a seminar that frequently doubles small | | | | of their mind when they are doing business with their |
| businesses. [Fill in your own typical measurable results.] | | | | clients, vendors, and networking contacts. |
| If you know of someone who might benefit from | | | | |