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This is getting my foot in the door

by Bennette
86 replies
I see a lot of people looking for a way to generate sales with offline businesses, so I wanted to share a simple idea that's working better than I expected.

I created a Google Places guide which shows local businesses how to set up their listing effectively. The guide is nothing new to Internet pros but to offline businesses it's gold. The guide has screenshots that takes them step by step with tips in various sections that tells them what to put in certain areas like videos or pictures etc.

I created a simple graphic for the cover, printed and binded the pages and that's it. The guide is so easy to follow that a 5th grader could do it. My goal was to make it non threatening to the business owner, and not make them feel like they needed a degree to understand it. I added a Free gift inside the guide to add meta tags to their website ($250 value).

The price of the guide is $15.

I went to my weekly networking group and introduced the guide in my 30 sec commercial (elevator pitch) and sold 3 books. Wow a quick $45 after a 30 sec pitch!

I'm thinking it was a fluke, so I looked for another group that I never attended, visited, gave my 30 sec pitch again and sold 4 books. Another quick $60.

Now it gets better, this week I sold 2 Custom Fan pages as a result of them buying my book and I still have more people to meet. How did I make the sale? Remember they have the Free gift to get the meta tags added to their site. I booked an appointment to find out what keywords I need to add, which leads to me asking qualifying questions. Then they ask what else do you think I should do to get more sales online?

This is one of the easiest ways to get your foot in the door. I hope someone reads this and take action because it is really that simple. Don't over think it or make it complicated. Keep it simple!
#door #foot
  • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
    Nice idea. We're hosting monthly live seminars ("How to Gain an Unfair Advantage Over Your Competition"), and we never considered selling a product at those, but we may try it out.
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    • Profile picture of the author pmbrent
      Originally Posted by Steven Carl Kelly View Post

      Nice idea. We're hosting monthly live seminars ("How to Gain an Unfair Advantage Over Your Competition"), and we never considered selling a product at those, but we may try it out.
      If you are charging for the seminars they have already committed their wallet, so you should definetly sell a product even if its digital. If it's a free seminar you should still sell a product.
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      • Profile picture of the author GaryCooper
        Thank you Bennette for selling this guide to us for Google places.
        Here is my review of the guide and great person to learn from.....Bennette.


        I am a former car salesman and have met alot of people in my life both nice people and
        very rude unfriendly people
        so going into offline website building was (what I thought) not that big of a challenge.

        Like many I was wrong. It seems tough, and more than a challenge.


        This guide our friend Bennete has created and learning from her is a major breakthrough
        and will help new and
        seasoned offline marketers sell offline services
        of any kind.

        This is more than getting your foot in the door
        and Bennette is so on the money that you must listen to everything she
        shares on this forum because it is very valuable information.I'm not only referring to this
        guide which is the perfect tool to help you accomplish working offline offering services to
        businesses.


        Getting a business owner to look twice at something as you may already know
        (I'm talking to the newbies as well as the pros) is a very difficult
        task and is actually the reason many of us including myself
        studier say things that throw us off point while pitching not staying focused on the goals
        at hand and other simple tasks as
        simply stating your name an what you do.

        When you have the right tool you do the job not only more efficiantly but you know its a
        quality job.

        You will not strip a screw bore the whole to big cut off to much etc. So with the right tool
        in your toolbox you can build anything right?

        Your tool gives you confidence.

        This guide is the tool that not only gets your "foot in the door" as Bennette stated but is
        the key that opens it up!

        It has simple information that will show your business owners step by step easy knowledge
        that will help them and has screen shots of the steps necessary so anyone who knows very
        little about setting up internet things can get use out of this.

        Well now you may be asking....so why would selling or giving this book to business owners
        make me money or open the door to me?

        Its simple if you want to sell anything or offer anything you need to be or have the best.
        We all buy the best of what fits our needs the best new cars we want the whitest brightest
        teeth we want to learn how to make money from the pros not the con artists
        we simply want someone or something we can trust.

        If you offer this advice for free in the guide or if you sell it to the business owner or
        give the printed version away
        you will do what you were taught to do since you wanted to build an internet business up
        from scratch and or build your existing business....its called branding yourself

        brand yourself (branding = selling or showing features and benefits of using your service)
        yes you will brand yourself even if you do not show them anything in the book...
        why?
        Because you will have positive power on your side you will KNOW this works and knowing what
        works gives you authority self esteem and confidence to walk in or call someone and
        essentially say who is the owner? I'm [your name] and I am an owner of a business too and if
        you'll give me a few minutes I can show you how knowing me can help you and your business
        because I help businesses grow.

        Then you can take small baby steps walking them through the revitalization or branding of
        their business step by step.

        They are already successful they say and don't need any more internet because they have the
        best....
        Knowing this works you can say:
        No problem I wouldn't be interested either unless it was something to keep up with all the
        other Restaurants or Auto repair shops in the neighborhood because its new and being out
        dated may cause customers to choose the competition

        They already have a Google Places listing and someone or they themselves optimized it?
        You can say:
        No problem that's GREAT now you only need to get traffic to the main site.....oh they don't
        have a main site? Well ask to build one for them.
        Or they do have a website too but no traffic? Than you can offer SEO services to the main
        website for them ....oh they get traffic?

        That's fantastic you can say .... so hows their list of customers going that
        get weekly specials in their email? They didn't know that could be done??? Offer that.

        oh they have all that too?

        They must be really amazing very successful too....Now you can just say
        that you would love to follow them on Twitter or Facebook and possibly learn
        a thing or two from them on Twitter or Facebook? Oh not on there?? You can help with that too!

        You see the possibilities are really endless!! you can use the guide (door opener) as a
        conversation starter between two business owners. Not a salesman or annoying telemarketer to
        find out what they have already what they need etc. and why they should know who you
        are and what you do because your a pro at this so Stay focused on your role in the conversation
        because they are doing the same.

        Thanks for reading this review.
        and listening to my feelings on how a guide can open up the close minded business owner you
        think your dealing with.
        Remember your a business owner yourself...

        Bravo Bennette!!!!!
        Thanks for all the confidence you have given me.
        Feels like a sleeping giant has awoken in me and I thank you for setting the alarm to
        wake him up.
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        Give all you can if you get something in return enjoy it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Transcripts
    That's great, Bennette, thanks for sharing. I live in an area with lots of unclaimed Google Places, so that's a nice idea. I would imagine some people are just like, nevermind can you just do it for me :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      @ Steven- It's works great at live seminars. Actually that's how it started. I was asked to speak at a small business development center and since I was doing it for free I wanted to find a way to generate some sales.

      I created the guide and with an audience of 14, I sold 4 books. That's when I decided to try at my networking group and the response has been great, as well as the feedback.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by Transcripts View Post

      That's great, Bennette, thanks for sharing. I live in an area with lots of unclaimed Google Places, so that's a nice idea. I would imagine some people are just like, nevermind can you just do it for me :-)
      Yes that's what may happen or they will be willing to sit down and talk with you about how you can help them.

      I have spoken with friends and advised them how to complete the google listing for their business , explained the importance, and 3 months later the google place remains unclaimed, how much business have they lost because of this.

      Business owners can learn how to perform this task themselves, in the same way as they can clean their offices, services their cars, learn accounting, learn their legal duties etc.
      Exactly Phil. I've been in this group for almost 2 years telling them the importance of claiming their listing for free and how much business they could be missing out on by not utilizing this resource.

      It's a good idea. I wonder if it would be better to give the guide away free, with all of your contact info and your web link(s) inside, of course.

      Giving away something free will put you in front of many more people. It creates a good buzz about you. It also invokes a part of human nature that some call the law of reciprocity. People often feel an inner need or drive to give back to those that give to them.
      Tried that it didn't work. I just did a Free presentation to the group last month and offered to do a free 30 sec commercial for each person to use in their Google listing and not one person has taken me up on the offer.

      I appreciate everyone comments and opinions. I wanted to share my experience to help other people that may be struggling and frustrated trying to reach businesses.

      I've offered a Free things before; ebook, video, meta tags, QR code that links to their Google listing as many other things and have no response.

      All I'm saying is when I created this guide and put a small price on it, I'm getting great feedback and buzz. Some of the owners said to me personally,
      that I needed to start charging for my time.

      I think and I'm still testing in the world of "Free" some people don't associate value.
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  • Profile picture of the author christoffs
    As a newbie like me, this serves as an encouragement. Thanks for sharing this Bennette. But I should be learning more.
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  • Profile picture of the author DM613
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    • Profile picture of the author jeffrey73
      I think it's hilarious that people are charging businesses $250-$600 to set up their Google Places when it's free. It's even funnier how everyone thinks business owners are completely clueless to the Internet. I just did a search "Is Google Places Free" and there it is.. Right at the top!

      How many of these business owners are stupid enough to not try to find out after you pitch it to them? Also, it takes 5 minutes to set up. How many of them do you think will trust you after they finally realize this? You could tell them any excuse in the book, but any idiot could see a set-up is not worth paying $300 for a 5 minute job they could entering THEIR OWN information themselves.

      Just my opinion, but I think this lady has a really good angle with this method.
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      • Profile picture of the author philboy uk
        Originally Posted by jeffrey73 View Post

        I think it's hilarious that people are charging businesses $250-$600 to set up their Google Places when it's free. It's even funnier how everyone thinks business owners are completely clueless to the Internet. I just did a search "Is Google Places Free" and there it is.. Right at the top!

        How many of these business owners are stupid enough to not try to find out after you pitch it to them? Also, it takes 5 minutes to set up. How many of them do you think will trust you after they finally realize this? You could tell them any excuse in the book, but any idiot could see a set-up is not worth paying $300 for a 5 minute job they could entering THEIR OWN information themselves.

        Just my opinion, but I think this lady has a really good angle with this method.

        A google place listing that is set up in a competitive niche will have more chance of appearing in the 7 box with 5 optimised videos, have you seen how much businesses are paying for a single video made with images ?.

        Many businesses have not claimed their listing, and the ones that do claim it, rarely add more than a couple of unoptimised images, do not understand the importance of keyword research and catagories, have poorly written text, and are clueless about citations and have not even a second thought about how to obtain reviews.

        I have spoken with friends and advised them how to complete the google listing for their business , explained the importance, and 3 months later the google place remains unclaimed, how much business have they lost because of this.

        Business owners can learn how to perform this task themselves, in the same way as they can clean their offices, services their cars, learn accounting, learn their legal duties etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author k60mall
    Hi Jeffrey

    Yes its free to set up but optimizing it is a different thing to get top rankings in the 7 box. Anyone can set a listing up but there is more to it than that.

    Keith
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    • Profile picture of the author Alex Tran
      I think Keith is absolutely right.

      The way I approach it is to show business owners how easy it is to setup their own Google Places listing. I do this using step-by-step screenshots and Camtasia videos.

      After the instruction, I tell them that ranking it is another matter.

      Most business owners end up asking me to do the "whole thing" for them.

      In their words, they say that they want to concentrate on what they do best -- their business. And outsource what they don't need to know how to do well like internet marketing.
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    • Profile picture of the author jeffrey73
      Keith,

      Yes, I understand it is different with the optimization part. I'm just speaking about offliners that are charging $250-$300 just for an initial set-up with NO optimization included. That is an extra $300-350 a month. I'm not sure how it is in the UK, but I see this happpening everyday here in the US.

      I agree to do the optimization should definitely be charged for. So why not just charge $500-650 to do the optimization, and then throw in the set-up 100% free? That way you would never give them a chance to call your bluff, or even question you.

      Originally Posted by k60mall View Post

      Hi Jeffrey

      Yes its free to set up but optimizing it is a different thing to get top rankings in the 7 box. Anyone can set a listing up but there is more to it than that.

      Keith
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  • Profile picture of the author Michele Buch
    It's a good idea. I wonder if it would be better to give the guide away free, with all of your contact info and your web link(s) inside, of course.

    Giving away something free will put you in front of many more people. It creates a good buzz about you. It also invokes a part of human nature that some call the law of reciprocity. People often feel an inner need or drive to give back to those that give to them.

    Some of these business owners will not be willing to do it themselves, even with the simple step-by-step instructions. Here is where you can offer your service for a simple set-up without the tags at one price, and with SEO for a higher price. It gives the business owner a choice, and having a choice among free, low, and higher price is often appreciated.

    Even those that do it themselves have your information and may come to you to set up a facebook fan page with a welcome screen and opt-in list. Or, they may want your help in creating a promotional video and getting it online. Or they may want you to be their online marketing consultant.

    Finally, since the listing is free, there is a chance that your charging $15 for the "how to" information might be associated with your charging for something that is free, which creates a negative association concerning you.

    The guide is a good idea, but, imho, an even better idea is giving it away free instead of selling it.

    Michele
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  • Profile picture of the author localbusinessguy
    I agree with Jeffrey but I think that most people who charge the $300+ are including the optimization not just the setting up of the actual listing.

    I charge much more than that but include the optimization aspect so there is no complaints later from the clients.
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  • Profile picture of the author Happy_Balance
    Your main idea is nice, congrats.

    Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

    ...I added a Free gift inside the guide to add meta tags to their website ($250 value).
    Are you planning to attract clueless clients who always remain clueless and never figure out your listed prices are obscene?
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  • Profile picture of the author bombasdeagua
    Is a great idea. But maybe the price of the meta tags is a little high.
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  • Profile picture of the author mattbaehr
    I like to charge a setup fee, just so I know they are serious. But I also include setting up google alerts, webmaster tools, and analytics. My "google" package is pretty popular.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by mattbaehr View Post

      I like to charge a setup fee, just so I know they are serious. But I also include setting up google alerts, webmaster tools, and analytics. My "google" package is pretty popular.
      That's sounds great Matt. What I'm seeing in the offline world is, if businesses pay a set up fee, or buy a how to guide, they are ready to grow their business. Since my guide, prospects are offering to pay me for my free initial consultation, but I always decline.
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  • Profile picture of the author InternetContentCreation
    When it comes to local offline marketing, its all about personal relationships with local business. For example if your creating custom facebook fan pages in the local area what you need to be doing is getting a nice business card, a white paper explaining how facebook can help there business, how getting a custom facebook fan page for there business will take there business to the next level.

    Give them a business card, give them a little talk about how you can help them, give them some info to take away, answer any questions they have and just be friendly and make sure they know you mean business.

    Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by InternetContentCreation View Post

      When it comes to local offline marketing, its all about personal relationships with local business. For example if your creating custom facebook fan pages in the local area what you need to be doing is getting a nice business card, a white paper explaining how facebook can help there business, how getting a custom facebook fan page for there business will take there business to the next level.

      Give them a business card, give them a little talk about how you can help them, give them some info to take away, answer any questions they have and just be friendly and make sure they know you mean business.

      Good luck!
      Thanks for the suggestions. I've used that strategy in the past for over a year now. I also do seminars and speak at associations regarding the importance of using Social Media to generate leads and build an online presence.

      The purpose of the post was to share an idea that may help other marketers that are struggling, get a sale. Sometimes by tweaking or trying different approaches can open doors with the same people you're targeting already.

      It's funny people refer to me as the Social media expert, the website lady, the Internet marketing specialist or the Google lady. They refer to me by what's important to them.

      The point I'm trying to make is sometimes when people are trying to get more customers for their business, creating a simple product about something you know and take for granted, maybe valuable to business owners.

      Some owners can be skeptical when you're offering to provide a service for free, they think it's a catch. Creating a low cost product allows them a non threatening way to test your expertise before hiring you.

      By creating something that I charge for instead of giving it away for free, is getting me sales with people that I've given free reports to about Social media.
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  • Profile picture of the author oldyounggary
    Nice. For those business people who don't know you, the short presentations and the book give you some instant expert status, something a lot of us could use. Maybe you should do a WSO with it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by oldyounggary View Post

      Nice. For those business people who don't know you, the short presentations and the book give you some instant expert status, something a lot of us could use. Maybe you should do a WSO with it.
      You're right Oldyounggary, that's why I created it to establish credibility with business owners. So many people I talk with know they need an Internet presence and Facebook, but they don't move forward because they're scared of making a mistake by saying the wrong thing on Facebook.

      You want a WSO on the Google guide I created? I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.
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      • Profile picture of the author oldyounggary
        Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

        You're right Oldyounggary, that's why I created it to establish credibility with business owners. So many people I talk with know they need an Internet presence and Facebook, but they don't move forward because they're scared of making a mistake by saying the wrong thing on Facebook.

        You want a WSO on the Google guide I created? I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.


        I was just thinking off the top of my head that your Google guide could be a great promotional tool for others doing the same presentations or even walking in cold to businesses. "I looked you up online and I see you haven't claimed your Google places listing yet. Now I have a guide here that shows you how to do this step by step. It's really helpful and it's only $15-20(?). So you can do it yourself if you wanted to, but it does take some time and effort to do it properly. If you'd like, I can set it up for you instead and it'll only cost you $(?). If you buy the guide and try to do it yourself and decide later that you want me to do it, I'll even deduct the guide price from $(?). But you definitely want to claim your page so that you have an accurate listing and that nobody else can mess with your information. like a disgruntled ex-employee or an angry customer or even an unscrupulous competitor."

        Something like that anyway.

        Just seems like some of us could use that guide instead of making up one ourselves, and we might do a worse job of it anyway.

        Or maybe you can build your warrior mailing list by offering as an opt-in inducement.
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  • Profile picture of the author robsyd4
    Thanks Bennette,
    Sounds good and thanks for sharing, really glad something is working for you..
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by robsyd4 View Post

      Thanks Bennette,
      Sounds good and thanks for sharing, really glad something is working for you..
      Your welcome Robsyd4...how's it going for you?
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  • Profile picture of the author rafterman
    How do you put a $250 price tag on meta tags?
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by rafterman View Post

      How do you put a $250 price tag on meta tags?
      When I say meta tags I also do keyword research for 5 words and add for on page optimization.
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      • Profile picture of the author rafterman
        Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

        When I say meta tags I also do keyword research for 5 words and add for on page optimization.
        Thought you meant just meta keywords.
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        • Profile picture of the author Bennette
          No Rafterman... I just say meta tags because I try to keep things simple. Maybe I should find a better name to call my free gift. I usually explain to them that I will schedule a time to find out what words they are using to drive traffic to their site.

          I do KW research for long tail words and then I will add them to the site or they can give them to their web designer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
      Originally Posted by rafterman View Post

      How do you put a $250 price tag on meta tags?
      Most offline businesses have no CLUE what something like creating good quality meta tags costs. Just because it takes 5 minutes to actually implement doesn't mean it doesn't take 3-4 hours to develop them. Is your time worth $50 or $60 an hour? Mine certainly is.

      DON'T UNDERSELL YOURSELF!
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve Solem
    I love this idea and if you don't want to write your own guide, you'll find PLR ebooks and also videos in the WSO section that will give you something to get working with.

    As far as the "but they can get it for free" argument goes, there are all kinds of things one can do for free or next to nothing (web design, print design, copywriting etc...), but depending on how much their time is worth, it may or may not be worth it for them like Stephen mentioned above.

    I like to take the approach that someone like Home Depot does - they offer the products for those that want to do things themselves, but they can also do the job for you from start to finish.

    Offering a free (or paid) guide like this is a great way to get a foot in the door with prospects and chances are that many will think they can't do this and want to hire the expert that wrote the book - but even if they don't, you've provided them with valuable info they can use themselves and odds are good that they'll be glad to refer their friends and associates to you for other work.

    Cheers,

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by Steve Solem View Post

      I love this idea and if you don't want to write your own guide, you'll find PLR ebooks and also videos in the WSO section that will give you something to get working with.
      Thanks

      Offering a free (or paid) guide like this is a great way to get a foot in the door with prospects and chances are that many will think they can't do this and want to hire the expert that wrote the book - but even if they don't, you've provided them with valuable info they can use themselves and odds are good that they'll be glad to refer their friends and associates to you for other work.
      That's exactly what's happening. My goal was to provide the prospect with a easy to understand resource that would save them time. The guide has screen shots for them to follow if they wanted to do it themselves. Or they may look at what's involved and say I'll just pay her to do it.

      Either way I get my name out there.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bennette
        Hey Sonomacats I see you're from my home. I'm from San Fran and I'm assuming you're in Sonoma?

        I'm glad the guides are working for you. I'm in the process of putting together my own workshop, I usually speak at organizations, associations and networking groups.
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        • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
          I think the people who are suggesting you give the guide away are maybe confusing the online world with the offline world. In a seminar or meeting setting, people are often embarrassed to ask you to do something for free, and prefer to pay. Also, after a presentation, they feel they "know" you and are happy to pay. People don't value free stuff and are less likely to use it.

          Have you thought of selling PLR rights to the guide? I have a lot of local off-line customers and it could be very helpful.
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          • Profile picture of the author GaryCooper
            Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post


            Have you thought of selling PLR rights to the guide? I have a lot of local off-line customers and it could be very helpful.
            Great Idea using these guides to get your foot in the door,
            and

            I would like to buy one and use it. I have no clue when it comes to making this kinda guide.

            Pretty please...or maybe someone knows where/how to get one??
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          • Profile picture of the author Bennette
            Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

            Have you thought of selling PLR rights to the guide? I have a lot of local off-line customers and it could be very helpful.
            Hmmmm... I hadn't thought of that. I guess I didn't think anyone would be interested, but yes I'm open to the idea.

            Originally Posted by GaryCooper

            I would like to buy one and use it. I have no clue when it comes to making this kinda guide.
            Sure you can buy one... I sent you a PM
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            • Profile picture of the author ShayB
              Interesting.

              This concept intrigues me.

              Someone earlier in the thread mentioned using PLR material to come up with something you could use for this concept.

              What if, instead of resorting to PLR, you could have something customized and written specifically for you and your business, describing what you are offering to local business owners as an off-line consultant?

              What if you could have something that is personally branded with your experience, your business, and your unique selling points?

              If something like this were priced reasonably, and would have a reasonable turnaround time - would there be interest?

              OR...

              If someone were to create a PLR package that you could edit and customize with the idea of printing it, binding it, and offering it for sale when you are doing these kinds of speaking engagements - what would you like to see included in something like that?

              Some ideas off the top of my head:
              • a basic SEO Guide
              • a guide for the effective use of websites
              • a Google places Guide
              • the importance of having a mailing list/
              • a social media guide/
              • individual social media guides - Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn
              • a LinkedIn guide - geared towards service oriented businesses that would work well with referrals,


              I'd be happy to come up with any of these options if there is a need for it.

              Just tossing the idea out there.
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              • Profile picture of the author Bennette
                Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

                Interesting.

                This concept intrigues me.

                Someone earlier in the thread mentioned using PLR material to come up with something you could use for this concept.

                What if, instead of resorting to PLR, you could have something customized and written specifically for you and your business, describing what you are offering to local business owners as an off-line consultant?


                If someone were to create a PLR package that you could edit and customize with the idea of printing it, binding it, and offering it for sale when you are doing these kinds of speaking engagements - what would you like to see included in something like that?

                Some ideas off the top of my head:
                • a basic SEO Guide
                • a guide for the effective use of websites
                • a Google places Guide
                • the importance of having a mailing list/
                • a social media guide/
                • individual social media guides - Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn
                • a LinkedIn guide - geared towards service oriented businesses that would work well with referrals,


                I'd be happy to come up with any of these options if there is a need for it.

                Just tossing the idea out there.
                Shay, that's exactly what I did. I created a customized Google Places guide from scratch. It's not PLR. I made screen shots with tips that walks them through how to fill out their listing properly. They can purchase the guide online or I have copies that are printed and binded.

                Rosetrees was asking would I be willing to sell my guide to her with re-branding rights.

                I also created a Social media ebook and (I'm working on the videos) that covers how to use Facebook and Twitter for business owners as well.
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                • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                  I think it's a great idea. Very clever. I also think you'd make a killing if you sold the guide(s) with re-branding rights.

                  I know that there are some people that aren't comfortable with writing something like that, or they would rather have a guide on a different topic (whatever their specialty is), so that's why I tossed the idea out there.

                  Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

                  Shay, that's exactly what I did. I created a customized Google Places guide from scratch. It's not PLR. I made screen shots with tips that walks them through how to fill out their listing properly. They can purchase the guide online or I have copies that are printed and binded.

                  Rosetrees was asking would I be willing to sell my guide to her with re-branding rights.

                  I also created a Social media ebook and (I'm working on the videos) that covers how to use Facebook and Twitter for business owners as well.
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            • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
              Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

              Hmmmm... I hadn't thought of that. I guess I didn't think anyone would be interested, but yes I'm open to the idea.

              Bennette - I sent you a PM.


              PS - welcome back Shay. Haven't seen you here for a long time.
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              • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

                PS - welcome back Shay. Haven't seen you here for a long time.
                It's been quite a while. Good to be back. Thank you.
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            • Profile picture of the author GaryCooper
              Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

              Hmmmm... I hadn't thought of that. I guess I didn't think anyone would be interested, but yes I'm open to the idea.


              Sure you can buy one... I sent you a PM


              Bennette I just snd you a new message on Skype I cannot use PM's here yet Please get back to me ASAP...
              The Skype username is RonnieGDI or Miller R Mitchell you will see it in your new requested contacts on skype or pm your email address to me and I will be able to email you direct.
              Thanks so much,
              -Ronnie aka Gary Cooper
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              • Profile picture of the author Bennette
                Originally Posted by GaryCooper View Post

                Bennette I just snd you a new message on Skype I cannot use PM's here yet Please get back to me ASAP...
                The Skype username is RonnieGDI or Miller R Mitchell you will see it in your new requested contacts on skype or pm your email address to me and I will be able to email you direct.
                Thanks so much,
                -Ronnie aka Gary Cooper
                I didn't get your Skype message. I just added you and I'm on Skype now.
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                • Profile picture of the author stevebent
                  Hi Bennette can you go into more detail on
                  how you get your guides printed up?
                  Do you have someone local? and how much
                  do they cost.
                  I though most printers will only print up large
                  amounts at one time
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                  • Profile picture of the author Bennette
                    Originally Posted by stevebent View Post

                    Hi Bennette can you go into more detail on
                    how you get your guides printed up?
                    Do you have someone local? and how much
                    do they cost.
                    I though most printers will only print up large
                    amounts at one time
                    Hi Steve,
                    Actually I negotiated with the Small Business Development Center that I was doing a speaking engagement for, to print and bind the guides for me for free.

                    But you can walk in to Kinko's, Office Depot or anywhere that does self service printing and have small quantities made. When I checked with Kinko's they wanted $5 for a front and back cover and binding with no minimum. Shop around and you will find all kinds of options.

                    Do you network? If so, barter with a printer in your group.

                    Originally Posted by Royaltyw

                    Thanks Bennette for sharing. Certainly a good idea for offline marketing.
                    Your welcome, I hope it helps you with getting sales.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
    I give a tips booklet away for free - it also acts as my business card - and that gets the door to open.

    I then sell various guides for $10 (special price for that meeting) and do various bundles for a discount. Plus I do workshops and sell the guides at a discount there and always sell at least 2-3 (not bad considering the workshops usually are limited to 15 people). Plus I give talks, write columns, etc.

    It is a good way to get in the door and it positions me as an expert. Plus, as Bennette says, it has more meaning and value if they actually have to fork over money for it.

    It's also true that once they see you know your stuff and get an idea of what's involved, they'll just want you to do it for them.
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  • Profile picture of the author elitesoldier
    wow great tactic, ill have to use it!
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesZakaria
    You guys are giving some great ideas on presenting that Google Places as a free service and selling the optimization and ranking as the upsell for more money than if you just sold the cheap claim setup upfront. Good one.
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesZakaria
    B, I would be interested in getting one of your guides to sell to my clients PM if you want
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  • Profile picture of the author royaltyw
    Thanks Bennette for sharing. Certainly a good idea for offline marketing.
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    • Profile picture of the author clubrrr
      thanks for sharing!
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    • Profile picture of the author Stephen B
      Great thread going on here and a great idea.

      I do something very similar. After I had run a workshop on keyword research, setting up a local Google Adwords campaign and setting up your Google Places fully optimized, the notes I produced for the attendees where over 40 pages long so it became a book which is now up on Amazon Kindle.

      I then had the book printed (£2.00 each).

      In networking groups you are usually given the opportunity to do a 10 minute insight and my "insight" explains why local businesses should get their free Google Local Places listing up onto page one of Google.

      At the end of the "insight" I offer my step by step book called Google Local Domination for free.

      They are all gone before I finish speaking!

      Why give it away free?

      • It contains all the details of the services I offer.
      • They will end up asking me to do most of their work
      • I haven't done a sales pitch
      • The book holds nothing back and gives them every single detail to rank high
      • I'm seen as a generous giving person to the group
      • They can give my valuable book away to other business friends (viral)
      • They may leave it lying around on their desk and someone else asks, "what's that"? (viral)
      • It builds my brand locally
      • IT WORKS!
      We are not here to rip people off, we are all trying to build a business and by giving first you will be delighted and amazed at what they give back.
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      • Profile picture of the author Sebulba
        Thanks a million, your booklet is great!

        I have read your How to Make Your Competition Envy You... Report and was very impressed. This is simple nuts and bolts "How To" that any business owner can use. Unfortunately, or fortunately, most business owners are just too busy to do it. That's where we come in, and your report very nicely makes that known to the reader.

        I am excited to get started using this very soon.

        Seb
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        • Profile picture of the author Bennette
          Originally Posted by Sebulba View Post

          Thanks a million, your booklet is great!

          I have read your How to Make Your Competition Envy You... Report and was very impressed. This is simple nuts and bolts "How To" that any business owner can use. Unfortunately, or fortunately, most business owners are just too busy to do it. That's where we come in, and your report very nicely makes that known to the reader.

          I am excited to get started using this very soon.

          Seb
          Thanks Seb I'm glad you enjoyed it. It took me a long time to create my 1st product because I thought it had to be fancy and a big production. What we take for granted (our knowledge) is gold to business owners.

          The biggest challenge for many offline Warrior's is having people find out who you are and how you can help them. I'm glad I decided to create a product and stopped making excuses.

          Originally Posted by MarthaD.

          WOW! Nice work Bennette! Thank you so much for such a great idea! I'm just about to start going to some networking events & wondered what I might do besides just handing out my business card or fliers. Will also ask about being a presenter at some of their meetings but need to get a good presentation down first.
          PM'd you about your guide and can't wait to read it since I for one, don't really know anything about Google Places but keep seeing it mentioned on so many posts and do want (& need) to know about it.
          Thanks again Bennette and Congratulations on your success!
          Your welcome MarthaD.
          One of the keys to networking is make it about them and not about you. I usually don't give my card unless someone asks for it, but I ask for each person card I talk to. Call them and do a 1 on 1 and that's where the networking starts.

          @Fawkes21 I like your strategy too. Thanks for sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author truly_gifted
    What type of binding did you use for the guide? Maybe the O-wire style would work well for this? I just want it to be something that people would actually hang on to for a while, and possibly share with their friends. So, it needs to definitely be sturdy.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Wow Gary,

      I'm touched and blown away by your review. I'm glad you see value in the guide and my coaching advice.

      The reason I created the guide was to have something that my target audience could view that showed my credibility and knowledge in a non threatening way. I have over 18 yrs as a business owner myself, but when I decided to go into offline marketing, I struggled too.

      Often times you read success stories on the forum, and when you try to implement one of the strategies it doesn't work for you. Then you instantly start questioning yourself, your abilities and before you know it, your confidence goes.

      What I had to remind myself is to go back to basics and keep it simple. If you tell business owners that they need your services, chances are, you won't make a sale. But if business owners tell you that they need your help now you'll get your price.

      Bottom line we can try to convince all we want but until they realize they need it you'll keep bumping your head against the wall.

      I want to thank all the Warriors that have written it several times in the forum and who have encouraged me through our conversations that said, YOU NEED TO CREATE YOUR OWN PRODUCT, and it doesn't have to be fancy.

      Don't underestimate the power of having your own book with business owners!
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by Ginesa Stevens View Post

      What type of binding did you use for the guide? Maybe the O-wire style would work well for this? I just want it to be something that people would actually hang on to for a while, and possibly share with their friends. So, it needs to definitely be sturdy.
      I negotiated with the Small Business Development Center to bind the books in exchange for me doing the free seminar. They did not use the O-wire style binding. It had a solid strip down the left side, but when I get more I will use the O style.

      Originally Posted by LocalSeoEntrepreneur

      @Bennette. Mind sharing your guide again? I'd love to see what is producing such incredible results for you!
      I'm not sure what you're asking. I never shared the guide. I had some warriors ask me if I would be willing to sell it to them.
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      • Profile picture of the author truly_gifted
        Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

        I negotiated with the Small Business Development Center to bind the books in exchange for me doing the free seminar. They did not use the O-wire style binding. It had a solid strip down the left side, but when I get more I will use the O style.


        I'm not sure what you're asking. I never shared the guide. I had some warriors ask me if I would be willing to sell it to them.
        What are the dimensions you used? I was thinking that 5.5" x 8.5" would be a good size.
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        • Profile picture of the author Bennette
          Originally Posted by Ginesa Stevens View Post

          What are the dimensions you used? I was thinking that 5.5" x 8.5" would be a good size.
          I used 8.5 x 11.
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          • Profile picture of the author moneyglue
            hi Bennette, just reading this thread and love what you're doing. I'd be interested in buying your guide with resell rights if I can.
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            • Profile picture of the author Wyteria Jacobo
              Ditto for me, too, Bennette. I don't have enough posts to PM but I'm willing to pay your price for the guide. Please advise.
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            • Profile picture of the author Bennette
              Originally Posted by moneyglue View Post

              hi Bennette, just reading this thread and love what you're doing. I'd be interested in buying your guide with resell rights if I can.
              Sure no problem. PM sent Moneyglue


              Originally Posted by Wyteria

              Ditto for me, too, Bennette. I don't have enough posts to PM but I'm willing to pay your price for the guide. Please advise.
              PM sent Wyteria and if you have a problem you can reach me at bwarren98 at gmail.com
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  • Profile picture of the author andybeveridge
    Lovely story Bennette. I love hearing stories of success. So many people sit around thinking that the world owes them a living. I hope your success inspires someone to get up and take action.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by andybeveridge View Post

      Lovely story Bennette. I love hearing stories of success. So many people sit around thinking that the world owes them a living. I hope your success inspires someone to get up and take action.
      Me too Andy. I know it may not be easy because I haven't reached my goals yet, but what I was hoping is at least one person would take the idea and run with it.

      I think many people seem to over complicate the process and when they hear something simple, they immediately come up with several reasons why it won't work.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bennette
        I had some request for my 30 sec elevator pitch and I will post it here for everyone to use.

        When I'm networking I say,

        Good morning my name is Bennette Warren with Just Real Marketing. You probably remember me telling you about the importance of listing your business in Google for free. Many have said they don't know how so I created this Google guide for you.
        (This is when I grab it and hold it up for everyone to see while I'm still talking).
        Then I say it's like me sitting there with you because it has pictures walking you through every step. It's a great way for people to brand themselves with their home based business. It'll be the best $15 you'll ever spend. I say my name and company again and that's it.

        If I never been to the group the only thing I say differently is, I created this guide because many people that I meet say they don't know how to set up their free Google listing and then mix the pitch back in.

        In Seminars I say
        Many people don't utilize free resources to grow their business. All the strategies that I specialize in are free. One of the best things you can do to get more customers is to list your business locally for free.
        Not everyone can afford my services so I created this simple guide with pictures that walk you through setting up your listing properly. It shares real tips that I use for my clients to optimize your listing with keywords, videos and other secret strategies that your competition doesn't know. My goal was to make it affordable for everyone and at $15 this is the best investment you can make for your business.

        Tip: Also when you're networking after you finish talking leave the book out and 9 times out of 10 the person setting next to you will ask if they can see it. Sure you can and then what usually happens is they will pass the guide around and people will browse through it and come up to you and ask how can they get a copy
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        • Profile picture of the author hilear
          Awesome info Bennette! This is tremendously motivating.
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          • Profile picture of the author Bennette
            Originally Posted by hilear View Post

            Awesome info Bennette! This is tremendously motivating.
            Thank you Hilear.

            Sometimes as consultants we need to have others in our circle that understand what we do that are positive and encourage us when we start doubting ourselves.

            Another tip: You can also give 1 away as a door prize. In most groups the participants donate the prizes to be given away. You can give 1 away for free or offer a coupon that let's them buy it for 50% off the price. This works well if you're a member at a regular group because they know others have brought the book already so this establishes credibility and adds more value.

            Members have stood up and thanked me in their commercial and said how easy it was to follow and they were happy I created the book.

            I also get their address from their check or their business card and send them a hand written thank you. Imagine buying a guide and then getting a personal greeting card in the mail...powerful!
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            • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
              Hi Bennett! Thank you for this insightful information as I just started with a meat & seafood NWM company with no real upline support. I'd been trying to figure out how to approach businesses without being turned away and your guide seems like the perfect non threatening way to do just that! I will be emailing you because I like your style! That's what more biz opps need...a real, caring leader who actually understands frustration and fear and finds a neat way to beat it back and allow them to approach head held high! I will be buying your guide! Thank you so much! You just don't know...I'm so glad I found this thread...I could cry!
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              • Profile picture of the author Bennette
                Originally Posted by want2knowhow View Post

                Hi Bennett! Thank you for this insightful information as I just started with a meat & seafood NWM company with no real upline support. I'd been trying to figure out how to approach businesses without being turned away and your guide seems like the perfect non threatening way to do just that! I will be emailing you because I like your style! That's what more biz opps need...a real, caring leader who actually understands frustration and fear and finds a neat way to beat it back and allow them to approach head held high! I will be buying your guide! Thank you so much! You just don't know...I'm so glad I found this thread...I could cry!
                I'm truly touched and glad that you and others are finding value in my post. The Warrior Forum has been a great resource and I have met many wonderful people and built relationships all over the world as a result of participating. I look forward to your email and if you have any questions don't be shy
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                • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
                  Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

                  I'm truly touched and glad that you and others are finding value in my post. The Warrior Forum has been a great resource and I have met many wonderful people and built relationships all over the world as a result of participating. I look forward to your email and if you have any questions don't be shy
                  Hi Ms. B! I sent you an email but maybe you didn't get it? It didn't bounce back to me. Maybe I sent it to the wrong address, perhaps?

                  I don't think I have enough posts built up to p.m you here...
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              • Profile picture of the author GaryCooper
                Originally Posted by want2knowhow View Post

                Hi Bennett! Thank you for this insightful information as I just started with a meat & seafood NWM company with no real upline support. I'd been trying to figure out how to approach businesses without being turned away and your guide seems like the perfect non threatening way to do just that! I will be emailing you because I like your style! That's what more biz opps need...a real, caring leader who actually understands frustration and fear and finds a neat way to beat it back and allow them to approach head held high! I will be buying your guide! Thank you so much! You just don't know...I'm so glad I found this thread...I could cry!
                Want2knowhow---> one of the first things I talked with Bennette about was how I was looking for the "right" script. I asked her what she said to people in approaching them for offline services, and you know what her answer was?

                She told me "You don't need a script you need confidence"

                I was like hhhmmmm? why would she say that when many forums
                say they have proven scripts and threads that people tell you what to say, and there are courses costing alot of money that teach you cold calling scripts?

                Now some scripts are very good and you need to know what you want to communicate to your prospects but the truth is without confidence
                its not a cake walk.

                How do you get confidence?
                Same way you learn or achieving anything..... PRACTICE.
                Each day do a little more than the last.
                Bennette is confident so hang out with people like her.
                She is a real help as many others are here in the Warrior Forum.

                Taking action rules!!

                All the best
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                • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
                  Yes, having confidence is good...along with knowing exactly what to say. That's why even as awarded, smart, cool-as-a-cucumber and totally confident, President Obama doesn't rely on his own thinking when giving a speech. He uses a teleprompter. :p

                  Even with scripts, you must practice beforehand and get the confidence (or posturing as they really call it) to make the words you're reading sound like you are simply rolling thoughts off of your tongue.

                  But, yeah, confidence in all of it plays a big part. Now, if I could just stop that nervousness! I'd have that thing beat!
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                • Profile picture of the author Bennette
                  Originally Posted by GaryCooper View Post

                  Want2knowhow---> one of the first things I talked with Bennette about was how I was looking for the "right" script. I asked her what she said to people in approaching them for offline services, and you know what her answer was?

                  She told me "You don't need a script you need confidence"

                  I was like hhhmmmm? why would she say that when many forums
                  say they have proven scripts and threads that people tell you what to say, and there are courses costing alot of money that teach you cold calling scripts?
                  Gary is great and very coachable and I know will get his 1st sale soon.

                  When I'm speaking to others I share what has worked for me and how tweaking certain things gave me the outcome I was looking for.

                  I do believe when you're cold calling in person or via the phone you need to have an idea of what you want to talk about. I think you should write a simple sentence saying what's the purpose of your call and how the business may be able to benefit by agreeing to an appointment.

                  Then you should say your sentence aloud about 10 times and go for it. I think people get hung up on saying a script verbatim and focus to much on getting everything right instead of just having a conversation and listening.

                  If you fumble you can always say, as you can see I'm a little nervous because I'm a business owner like yourself but I really feel that your business may be able to benefit from my services, which is why I'm contacting you.

                  The bottom line, you can take any script and tweak it to be your personality, the words you use and how you talk because after saying it over a period of time it will become natural.

                  Most people spend way to much time studying and trying to find the perfect script... or create the perfect website...or looking for the perfect formula etc. and never take action.

                  The best script comes from experience in my opinion!
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  • Profile picture of the author tallman
    Originally Posted by Bennette View Post


    I went to my weekly networking group
    Hey Bennette, just out of curiosity, was the networking group BNI? If so, you
    probably know you can visit many if not all BNI groups in your city and some groups
    will allow you to serve as a substitute.

    In any event, nice job with your success.
    Keep it up.
    Matt
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Originally Posted by tallman View Post

      Hey Bennette, just out of curiosity, was the networking group BNI? If so, you
      probably know you can visit many if not all BNI groups in your city and some groups
      will allow you to serve as a substitute.

      In any event, nice job with your success.
      Keep it up.
      Matt
      No, Matt is was another networking group I'm a member of. I have substituted at a BNI group before...but you're right as far as BNI goes, substituting is a better option for me.

      Originally Posted by danielkanuck

      Wow i would have never thought of that. I'm stuck on using postcards and low budget direct mail campaigns to market my online business. Nevertheless, this is an awesome strategy. Thanks for the post, and i hope it becomes more profitable for you.
      You're welcome. I appreciate your kind words. How are the postcards and direct mail working for you?

      Originally Posted by clubrrr

      thanks for sharing!
      Your welcome!
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  • Profile picture of the author danielkanuck
    Wow i would have never thought of that. I'm stuck on using postcards and low budget direct mail campaigns to market my online business. Nevertheless, this is an awesome strategy. Thanks for the post, and i hope it becomes more profitable for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author kreative
    this thread has really touched me. Thank you for sharing your experiences and ideas.

    absolutely awesome!
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  • Profile picture of the author MarthaD.
    WOW! Nice work Bennette! Thank you so much for such a great idea! I'm just about to start going to some networking events & wondered what I might do besides just handing out my business card or fliers. Will also ask about being a presenter at some of their meetings but need to get a good presentation down first.
    PM'd you about your guide and can't wait to read it since I for one, don't really know anything about Google Places but keep seeing it mentioned on so many posts and do want (& need) to know about it.
    Thanks again Bennette and Congratulations on your success!
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    MarthaD.

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  • Profile picture of the author MarthaD.
    Thanks Bennette, got your guide and looking forward to going through it. Add'l. thanks for the networking tip.
    Will be glad to get back to you after I complete your guide and get to attend some networking events.
    Really appreciate your posts and all the help you offer.
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    MarthaD.

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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by moneyglue View Post

      hi Bennette, just reading this thread and love what you're doing. I'd be interested in buying your guide with resell rights if I can.
      Originally Posted by Wyteria Jacobo View Post

      Ditto for me, too, Bennette. I don't have enough posts to PM but I'm willing to pay your price for the guide. Please advise.
      Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

      Sure no problem. PM sent Moneyglue

      PM sent Wyteria and if you have a problem you can reach me at bwarren98 at gmail.com
      Guys, cmon. This is not a WSO thread. This is no place for selling guides. If you want to offer the guide then create a WSO, pay the fees, and do it there.

      This is a discussion thread and this sort of talk helps no one and will risk your thread getting closed or deleted which would not help anyone.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bennette
        Originally Posted by WillR View Post

        Guys, cmon. This is not a WSO thread. This is no place for selling guides. If you want to offer the guide then create a WSO, pay the fees like everyone else, and do it there.

        This is a discussion thread and this sort of talk helps no one and will risk your thread being closed or deleted.
        I am writing my WSO now. I'm not trying to get around paying the fees.
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        • Profile picture of the author WillR
          Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

          I am writing my WSO now. I'm not trying to get around paying the fees.
          I wasn't insinuating you were trying to get around the fees, people asked you for the guide and I think it'd be a great opportunity to offer it. But more and more people were asking so I think that warrants creating a WSO as it can start to derail the thread.
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