Author: Dan Morris

Moving People to Your List

marketing It costs a lot of time and energy to get a customer. It might sound easy, but there’s a whole lot of steps between the time someone doesn’t know you exist to the point they’re buying something from you. If you don’t endeavor to “capture” information from each person – you’re relying on HOPE as your marketing plan.

As you’ll hear me say over and over again. . . .

“HOPE IS NOT A MARKETING PLAN” (click here to get the merchandise)

One of them I wrote about on my blog this week, after going to a

Darryl Worley concert the other night. I noticed there that the musical artists performing made no attempt to capture the names and e-mail addresses of the folks in the audience. In the post I spoke about a few ideas they could have used to achieve that means.

Getting your  customers to your website and into your list should be a critical part of your marketing efforts. When someone buys something from you, don’t forget to inspire them to get on your list. Have your web address printed on  the register receipts for “special discounts and promos”.

Use surveys, postcards and giveaways to drive people back to the web.  Give away coupons with a blank line they have to fill in to redeem. If they go to your website and register, they’ll get an e-mail with the code to put on the coupon. Easy, eh?

Remember if you have to type their name into the computer, you’re either missing a step or going above and beyond.  Just think. . . what will you do when you get 1,000 names/week? You’ve got to figure out how to automate it

Carrie Wilkerson puts a shortened url on her PowerPoint slides that point to an opt-in box to get something – relevant to the slide of course.

E-mail marketing doesn’t sound sexy but it’s a fantastic way to keep in touch with your customers. With it you can get them involved in contests, move them to your Facebook page, invite them in to get a discount and solve any problems they may have.

If you can give your customers something they want, they’ll  likely give you their e-mail address in order to open or download it or use it.  For more on niche internet marketing.

Teleseminar Anatomy

Businesswoman Reading PaperworkI got an e-mail this week from a client who’d received an “advice request” on her blog. The reader explained their situation and just wanted to know what my client would suggest she do.

Well, that’s the perfect scenario for a group coaching call – or teleseminar. Not only does my client now have the topic of the teleseminar, but a potential case study and fodder for her material. And when completed, she’s got a new “product” to repurpose 101 other ways. Continue reading “Teleseminar Anatomy”

Best Business Books Ever

booksI went to the book signing/book tour Scott Stratten was doing for Unmarketing this week. And then I read a blog post about the best business books ever.

And then on top of that I go to a Geek Breakfast every few weeks where everyone seems to be reading new, awesome books. Where does everyone get the time?

Well, it actually doesn’t bother me like it used to because I can pretty much talk about any new book out there.

Just so you know, this is my best save time, get better and make more money” tip of the day.

So I’m a huge fan of Rick Raddatz. I love most of the stuff he comes out with. I even enjoyed watching him make a fool of himself on that show “Wipe Out”. Continue reading “Best Business Books Ever”

Have you asked?

surveyIs this you?

You know what I’ve found to be common among my clients? They all want people to attend, watch or participate in the things they do.

Sounds normal, doesn’t it?

Well, it occurred to me while working with the local Chamber of Commerce that having that goal is not right. There’s something wrong with it and it took me a while to figure it out. You see, the Chamber is doing seminars and picnics and golf outings . . . . and they can’t figure out why the only people who come are the same core group.

And so they try better newsletters and e-mail marketing and “bring a buddy” campaigns. All to no avail.

But the one thing none of them do is surveys. In person, on the phone, at registration time, by e-mail, on the website, in the newsletter – it doesn’t matter. Continue reading “Have you asked?”

Community Building

Community

I got a chance to listen to Bonnie Bough, the global head of social marketing at PepsiCo, talk about Community Building. I was surprised at how insightful some of his basic comments were.

To the best of my transcription ability, here’s a quote from Bonnie:

 

“I think the real key is to know thine self, and know thine community. Know why you exist or why your brand exists and also
know why your community is participating with that brand – and then service those needs.”

Continue reading “Community Building”

The 2nd Set of Eyes

2nd set of eyes

 

I got an unbelievable testimonial yesterday. I reviewed a business plan for a friend because it really just sounded fun. Plus after meeting with small business after small business, I’ve learned that not everyone thinks the way I do. Here’s what he sent:

“Dan –

I was only expecting a one or two sentence response.  The response you did give was unbelievable.  That was probably the most thought provoking and on target coaching I’ve received in 15-years (even from my home office). This really shows your business prowess. Thank you, I’ll be busy for awhile going through your comments point-by-point. Thanks again.” Continue reading “The 2nd Set of Eyes”

ROI on Conference Calls

Conference CallsSo if you don’t have a way to have multi-line conference calls, get yourself a free account at freeconferencing.com. (Well there are dozens, so pick one).

Now that you have that done, you’ve got a way to record your phone calls – which is very, very handy.

If the local paper wants to interview you over the phone, ask if you can record it? If so, you’ve got yourself an asset you can put just
about anywhere. Continue reading “ROI on Conference Calls”