[sb]

Originally Posted by JR Griggs

First, thanks again AP as you have helped not just myself but also many people here. Thankfully even though I am sure you are filtering through a ton of "yeah but" emails from some who will never take action on this, you have kept giving. Those of us who will be taking action will owe you greatly and some children's charities should see an enormous jump in donations this year!


Some replies as I was reading the last few pages:

On developing a USP:
Here is an article from Jay Abraham on creating a USP
Jay Abraham: How To Create A Unique Selling Proposition

As far as USP's being dead, I think there are a whole lot of major companies, making a lot of money with a good USP, that missed that memo. But hey "Have It Your Way".

On the "Dunning Mailer Method":
I asked AP about this early in the thread, before it exploded and he showed me this video.

Fast forward to about 1:00:00 and watch the next 20 minutes.

Dan Kennedy's Magnetic Marketing

On the Law of Attraction
The law of attraction as it is mostly taught is a bunch of crap! You can imagine the universe giving you a golden goose egg all you want, it isn't going to happen. The book "The Secret" should be banned from all book stores for teaching people sit around and try to magically make a million dollars appear.

Mindset is absolutely important but mindset must lead to action! And smart action! If you are spending like you are a millionaire because someone told you that was how you attract a million dollars, you will be bankrupt very soon!

But if you are getting in a successful mindset and surrounding yourself with successful people and then taking action, you will be successful!

I worked for a man who watched "The Secret" every morning before work. He is on trial right now and most likely will go to jail. He was spending investor money like crazy trying to attract more money. He was the most positive person I ever met, but did not take smart action. Thought the universe would just correct everything for him.

Stay positive, surround yourself with success, read from successful people and then TAKE ACTION!

Yeah, just ask James Arthur Ray who was part of "The Secret" cult. He was arrested on murder charges today.

[Russ Reynolds]

CurlyJohn...re the USP.

How about..

You Pick It, We Cook, You'll Love It, all in under an hour - Guaranteed!

[DogScout]

Originally Posted by Magic Mel

Direct mail techniques that leads to a website for an optin. A lot of what goes on here is via the techniques, that Dan Kennedy has used and teaches his students, pick up some of his books and you'll get the picture.

This is how some get their clients, some also tend to cold call as well.

Cheers,
Magic

Personally, I NEVER cold call. Taught not to by Perry Marshall, a Dan Kennedy disciple

[Curleyjohn]

Originally Posted by Magic Mel

First of all, there are over 1000 posts in this thread. Second, this very question has been answered maybe 5-6 times and not a million. This individual just needed a basic answer and not a run-around.

There are some stroked egos in this thread and it is not needed. so try to help the individual by answer his question or at least point him to the post number where it answers his question.

I asked the very same question and had to dig back through these 1000 posts to get my answer because of the ignorant responses I got.

Well Mel, since your a brutal truth kind of guy, I'd say that you need to realize that some of us have been working overtime to just keep up with this thread and to expect to come into it, almost a thousand posts in, and have the rest of us stop to rehash what has been said isn't productive for you or us.

A good majority of this thread is about taking action and if someone can't take enough action to read through this incredible piece of giving to help themselves, but want us to short cut it for them is the problem to begin with. There are no shortcuts. Take action and do the work if you want it.

Phil's response wasn't rude but it was honest, the question had been answered. To think we should stop, go back for people that aren't willing to put forth some effort would be an example of an inflated attitude. Remember when pointing at someone you have three fingers pointed back at you.

Respectively,

John

[Curleyjohn]

Originally Posted by Russ Reynolds

CurlyJohn...re the USP.

How about..

You Pick It, We Cook, You'll Love It, all in under an hour - Guaranteed!

Added to the list. Thanks.

Maybe:

You Build it, We Cook it, You'll Love It ......

[Russ Reynolds]

Originally Posted by Curleyjohn

Added to the list. Thanks.

Maybe:

You Build it, We Cook it, You'll Love It ......

Or why don't you get them to have live animals..

You Kill It, We Grill It...

[DogScout]

Originally Posted by sb

Yeah, just ask James Arthur Ray who was part of "The Secret" cult. He was arrested on murder charges today.

So you are saying buy positive thinking he successfully murdered that girl?

or because he is a murderer (alleged) everything he says should be discounted, erased, like in the book 1984?

don't get me wrong, personally I think he is part of the lunatic fringe, but just like Ted Kennedy or Rush Limbaugh (in my book also part of the lunatic fringe albeit on opposite sides of the mainstream) not everything they say is it wise to dismiss out of hand. Just because Kennedy might have also been a murderer and Limbaugh a drug addict.

[DogScout]

Originally Posted by Russ Reynolds

Or why don't you get them to have live animals..

You Kill It, We Grill It...

or road kill

"You hit 'em we spit 'em." :p

[Curleyjohn]

Originally Posted by Russ Reynolds

Or why don't you get them to have live animals..

You Kill It, We Grill It...

Oh... I see a new up sell!!!!

[Curleyjohn]

Honestly I'd prefer to have something off the wall, that grabs people's attention and still gets the message across.

[TheMagicShow]

There are over 1070 posts in this tread, for this individual to get a simple answer it shouldn't hurt anyone to just say a simple "direct marketing" - "letter sequences" - "optin-for a free report" .

I'm not knocking anyone, that was a simple answer to give. Having someone dig through 1070 posts, for a simple answer that 100s know... is just not being helpful at all and it defeats the greatness this thread represents.


Doug- most don't cold call but some do and it works for them. DK is amazing and I would never disagree with his techniques.

Cheers,
Magic

[Vagabond 007]

Originally Posted by DogScout

Personally, I NEVER cold call. Taught not to by Perry Marshall, a Dan Kennedy disciple

Yes, it's a bad way to get business.

It can "work", but I recommend to NEVER cold call. It's VERY bad positioning. You are now chasing them. You are pestering them. You are interrupting their day with YOUR agenda.

Wouldn't you think it's weird if a doctor cold called people? If he was so good he wouldn't have to. People would be going to him.

Cold calling is bad positioning...in case it didn't sink in yet.

[dremora]

Vagabond007 couldn't agree more. Cold calling STINKS. I hate when people cold call me, I totally hate it and hang up on them. Unless you are a weirdo and enjoy being cold called yourself, don't ever cold call.

[Vagabond 007]

Originally Posted by Magic Mel

There are over 1070 posts in this tread, for this individual to get a simple answer it shouldn't hurt anyone to just say a simple "direct marketing" - "letter sequences" - "optin-for a free report" .

I'm not knocking anyone, that was a simple answer to give. Having someone dig through 1070 posts, for a simple answer that 100s know... is just not being helpful at all and it defeats the greatness this thread represents.

You have a point. But if someone can't be resourceful enough to find out the answer, then chances are this biz isn't for them in the first place and they don't have the traits needed to be successful.

**Anyone reading this and not sure of something, go back and read the posts. Please show some respect to the people who have contributed and seek the answers for yourself before you ask a question that has been posted.

Either way, I don't care who agrees with what side of this argument.

Let's all do everyone a favor and drop it and move on. This thread is way to valuable to clutter it with petty arguments.

[Vagabond 007]

Some of you may have seen this, since I posted it on this forum before.

But how about sending something like this to business owners. Gee, do ya think this will get their attention? (with watermark removed of course)



With this stamped on the envelope...



Or how about this...



Or this...



You guys still want to cold call or do you think you'd be better off using something like the above?

If you are such a great marketer, why are you cold calling? I bet some biz owners are thinking that. But if you sent them one of the above, now they are thinking you know how to get attention and market yourself.


You want more, go see my thread. This is the tip of the ice berg.

See it here...Click Here


.

[sb]

Originally Posted by DogScout

So you are saying buy positive thinking he successfully murdered that girl?

or because he is a murderer (alleged) everything he says should be discounted, erased, like in the book 1984?

don't get me wrong, personally I think he is part of the lunatic fringe, but just like Ted Kennedy or Rush Limbaugh (in my book also part of the lunatic fringe albeit on opposite sides of the mainstream) not everything they say is it wise to dismiss out of hand. Just because Kennedy might have also been a murderer and Limbaugh a drug addict.

Nope, didn't say anything of the sort. I believe there was more than one who died too. I feel sorry for the guy because from what I've seen from him over the years, I think he believes that he is truly helping people and he may have in some ways.

This goes way beyond "thinking positive" too. I bought The Secret book and movie the moment they came out because of my curiosity so I've read and seen the stuff.

Limbaugh? I used to listen to his show because I hated him so much and couldn't believe the stuff that came out of the mouth of the blowhard. Spit allover my truck radio as I screamed back at him. However, after about a month of that I finally woke up and realized that he was MUCH more correct than I and the liberal talk show host, Christine Craft, who I thought was wonderful and listened to right after his show. That was back when I was in my 20's. Now I'm in my 40's and I'm very glad I woke up. He changed me from a bleeding heart lib to a Conservative and I'm personally MUCH better off for it.

I realize that he got addicted to drugs due to back problems, but nobody is perfect.

Wanna talk about lunatic fringe? The Ultimate one is POTUS.

[DogScout]

Vagabond007- good GKIC marketing, did you go to Orlando on January?
I am doing the Dallas trip April 29th (taking my grandson!)

sb- This is not a political forum, however I think the population of the world is high enough that if we do not find a way to be more 'social' with each other and start to realize what is good for the neighbor is good for us as well, we are going to have a much harder time of things. In a truly 'conservative' environment, this thread wouldn't even exist. (A personal opinion only).

Genesislogic- statistically, you are correct. Few will implement the abundance of info in this thread (or even that in the rest of the forum), however, I doubt AP is counting on that. Even if 3000 members are reading this thread and another 6,000 non-members and they all implement everything in this thread, an extremely small % of the need for this kind of small business help will be met. In my (limited) experience, a large % of 'SEO' 'consultants' do NOT keep up with changes on the net and most end up being completely ineffective. There is a thread in which Micheal Hiles said it best:

"The market is saturated with a bunch of amateur hacks trying to BS their way through the fog, and hapless business owners that continue getting taken to the cleaners by these cheese crisps that couldn't market hookers and coke at a lottery winner's convention."

*If by some miracle 9000 implemented this info, the recession would be over by June.

[sb]

sb- This is not a political forum, however I think the population of the world is high enough that if we do not find a way to be more 'social' with each other and start to realize what is good for the neighbor is good for us as well, we are going to have a much harder time of things. In a truly 'conservative' environment, this thread wouldn't even exist. (A personal opinion only).>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EXACTLY. So why even bring it up? You know what they say about opinions...

[Curleyjohn]

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

[dremora]

Originally Posted by Vagabond 007

You want more, go see my thread. This is the tip of the ice berg.

See it here... http://www.warriorforum.com/main-internet-marketing-discussion-forum/147784-getting-attention-increasing-profits-using-direct-mail-video-lessons.html


.

The link seems to be dead. I get a page not found errror.

Edit: It works when I copy paste the link, I get the error when I click it. Very interesting thread.

[Spark]

Originally Posted by dremora

The link seems to be dead. I get a page not found errror.

Agree, the link are dead. Would love to see more direct mail letter ideas.

[dremora]

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...o-lessons.html

See if this works. It's a good thread!

[slvrsrfr]

Originally Posted by Curleyjohn

Chicken entrees to be prices at 11.99 (yes it's a discount but I feel it's what some customers want and give them a chance to be up sold. Draw business in and up sell.)

Beef entrees to be 13.99 this would include chicken.

Any dish with any seafood should be priced at 15.99.

This would be a huge change for the store but I have devised a simple way for the store to know which bowl has what but still give the customer the chance to up sell themselves as they are moving through the line. It would give them the chance to see the seafood and say to themselves "screw it, it's only 2 bucks."

What do you think???????

I think these are good price points. Something to start at and bring in customers at a cheaper price as well as opportunity to generate higher revenues with the beef and seafood options.

As a vegetarian, I'd like to see, and you might want to consider using a lower price point for just a vegetarian dish. Maybe that could be your $10.99 dish, bump up the chicken to $12.99 the beef to $13.99 and the seafood to $15.99

Hope it helps,

Jason

[rrakausk]

If you want to see a master "teasing" out a USP from small business owners then have a look at Brett McFall do it live on his blog.

World Internet Summit blog - All about World Internet Summit and Internet Marketing

Priceless

[Curleyjohn]

Originally Posted by slvrsrfr

I think these are good price points. Something to start at and bring in customers at a cheaper price as well as opportunity to generate higher revenues with the beef and seafood options.

As a vegetarian, I'd like to see, and you might want to consider using a lower price point for just a vegetarian dish. Maybe that could be your $10.99 dish, bump up the chicken to $12.99 the beef to $13.99 and the seafood to $15.99

Hope it helps,

Jason

Thanks. They do have a vege entree that is priced at 8.99, which I forgot to add, and has been priced that way for a while. It is 2 bucks cheaper then the big company that is coming in March. Vege entrees have a huge profit margin and I think pushing the price much past that is cheating the customer.

I want to capitalize on the fact that, the company I am working with has much better beef and seafood quality/selection. Which I want to market extensively, to build value and create the difference between the two companies.

You input is much appreciated.

[xlfutur1]

Originally Posted by SpyGuy

AP...

That was not a Questionairre.

It was a Pure... Im Gonna Retire Early - Make My Ass Rich "Script" !


I have a Question on one of your last questions:

Do you have an Exit or Succession Strategy?

Why are you asking this...?

What info are you looking for...?

What are you doing with the info....?


I have a feeling there is more than meets the eye to your exit strategy question and I do hope you share...

I believe AP may be asking this to see if the business owner has any clue about building a business that can be sold for big money down the road. (by the way, If you haven't read The E-myth by Michael Gerber, you should put that on your 2010 reading list.)

The idea is to set up marketing "systems" that will bring in customers like clockwork regardless of who owns the business.

If you ask that question and find out the business owner wants to bail in 5-10 years and retire wealthy, you can impress upon him the fact that YOU have the knowledge to incorporate marketing systems that will not only bring in much more revenue quickly, but it will also be major selling point for someone looking to buy the business in the future.

So ultimately, because of your expertise, the business has much more value because all the new owner has to do is incorporate the marketing systems to continue its growth.

If you can illustrate to the business owner that he will command a premium selling price on his/her business in few years because of the things YOU will do for him, you become invaluable.

So with that in mind, asking for $50K upfront so that in 5 years the owner can sell the business and retire to Tahiti as a multi-millionaire doesn't sound like much at all, does it?

Its amazing how AP has changed thousands of people's mindsets through this one thread.

[whiteta]

Yes, very useful information indeed....

[Sebulba]

Originally Posted by Magic Mel

First of all, there are over 1000 posts in this thread. Second, this very question has been answered maybe 5-6 times and not a million. This individual just needed a basic answer and not a run-around.

There are some stroked egos in this thread and it is not needed. so try to help the individual by answer his question or at least point him to the post number where it answers his question.

I asked the very same question and had to dig back through these 1000 posts to get my answer because of the ignorant responses I got.

The only way we would know a post number is to go looking for it, or in my case I have printed the thread out and am indexing it. I truly feel that if a person won't take the time to read the thread and make notes, then pointing them to the right post will not help either.

I don't mean to be blunt, it is just a fact, the work needs to be done and nobody can do it for any of us.

Some amazing, absolutely amazing things have been posted on this thread. All a person needs to do is read it, digest it and implement it.

Telling someone to look for it is actually doing them a huge favor, because in the process of looking for that answer they will learn the things that they really need to know.

My 2 cents

Seb

[Curleyjohn]

Ya know how sometimes things are right in front of your nose and you just don't see them. I'm guessing that I can make a USP from info pulled from the front page of my clients website.

It talks directly to putting in countless hours to make sure the customer is completely satisfied with their meal, service and experience in the restaurant.

Think I'll start with:


Going over the top to insure you're completely satisfied with your meal, service and total experience at XXXXXX. Everytime! Guaranteed!


Anyone got ideas?

[Jooga]

Originally Posted by Curleyjohn

.

Think I'll start with:


Going over the top to insure you're completely satisfied with your meal, service and total experience at XXXXXX. Everytime! Guaranteed!


Anyone got ideas?

I know it's a quick draft and I am in Australia but shouldn't the word "insure' be ensure?

Thanks for sharing and best of luck with this project.

Garry

[Curleyjohn]

Originally Posted by Jooga

I know it's a quick draft and I am in Australia but shouldn't the word "insure' be ensure?

Thanks for sharing and best of luck with this project.

Garry

2:30am here and I don't really know anymore. Hell, I'm American, English is my second language anyhow. :confused:

[AP]

Originally Posted by xlfutur1

I believe AP may be asking this to see if the business owner has any clue about building a business that can be sold for big money down the road. (by the way, If you haven't read The E-myth by Michael Gerber, you should put that on your 2010 reading list.)

The idea is to set up marketing "systems" that will bring in customers like clockwork regardless of who owns the business.

If you ask that question and find out the business owner wants to bail in 5-10 years and retire wealthy, you can impress upon him the fact that YOU have the knowledge to incorporate marketing systems that will not only bring in much more revenue quickly, but it will also be major selling point for someone looking to buy the business in the future.

So ultimately, because of your expertise, the business has much more value because all the new owner has to do is incorporate the marketing systems to continue its growth.

If you can illustrate to the business owner that he will command a premium selling price on his/her business in few years because of the things YOU will do for him, you become invaluable.

So with that in mind, asking for $50K upfront so that in 5 years the owner can sell the business and retire to Tahiti as a multi-millionaire doesn't sound like much at all, does it?

Its amazing how AP has changed thousands of people's mindsets through this one thread.

Honestly couldn't have said it better myself.

I preach to my clients constantly about "systems." I tell my clients I literally want him to put the business up for sale one day, hand the new owner a Manual with everything and get a big fat payoff. Not only will it be 10x easier to sell, but the business is turn-key.

I use NLP when I converse with a prospect. If I know that I can REALLY grow a prospects business, then why Not plant that seed in his head?

I know I can grow just about any business except maybe building Horse carriages and the Funeral parlor business, lol.

You need to have business owners believing in YOU and maybe the 2 of you working together can grow his business. Give them HOPE, these owners are on their own, alone. They don't have time to surf forums and talk to others in the same situation.

Getting the prospect to believe that maybe, just maybe what you are saying has some Merit is all it takes. Give them HOPE, not fake hope, but real hope. Don't over-promise, trust me, they are not looking for Miracles, they just want a little extra. Point them in the right direction. Let them know by working with you that it will yield a return far higher than your fees.

Many of my clients tell me they just like talking to me about new ideas, business, what's going on with other businesses etc... they need someone to bounce ideas off. I had a client call me today BEGGING to take me out to a very nice steakhouse. He said "AP, it's been 6 weeks since we've talked, let me take you out for a nice meal and talk. I'm thinking about starting a new business and want to bounce some ideas off you."

Now this client pays me 2k a month so I will definitely let him entertain me. He also gave me a very nice Christmas gift. He's a nice guy and trust me implicitly, said he will never do anything without running it past me. Now, that's a good client!

Trust me when I make this statement:

Business owners only hear from Yellow Page reps BSing them about the phone book, radio stations perpetuating their lies, newspaper ads that don't work, etc...

NO one sits down with them 1 on 1 to talk about their Macro picture. Today, tomorrow, is the marketing integrated with other media, is the message the same with all advertising, are they tracking results, how are we planning for the future, etc... GIVE me a freakin break. No NY advertising executive is going to sit down with a Mom and Pop business (under 5M) and actually talk to them.

Only YOU will. You need to have Brass Balls (DK cd) and tell owners what to do. If they say "I can give you 15 to 30 minutes for an interview" say NO. Mr business owner if order for me to truly help your business, I need 90 minutes of Uninterrupted time. No phones, No employess, NO nothing. Just you and me. I'm going to show you how to grow your business, everyone else is trying to SELL you something. Let me know when you have 90 minutes alone and I will schedule the time.

If you can get an owner to Honestly do that, you will get a big check. You now have their attention, the Leverage just shifted to YOU. This is Key!

Now read the questions that apply to his business and let him talk. Most importantly look at how his body language starts to open up. When he starts spilling his guts, the Truth will come out.

Do NOT take a check at the 1st appointment. Kiss of death. I never take a check until at least the 2nd or 3rd meeting. You are there for Consulting only, no selling.

Sometimes you have to swallow hard when YOU command the Power, it's not always easy, especially when your broke, but it works. If you can't get the client alone for 90 minutes for Free to talk about growing his business, then run, not walk, as fast as you can.

~AP

[rrakausk]

Originally Posted by Curleyjohn

Going over the top to insure you're completely satisfied with your meal, service and total experience at XXXXXX. Everytime! Guaranteed!


Anyone got ideas?

Here is the devil and his advocate - can any other restaurant in the area be accused of "Going over the top to ensure you're completely satisfied with your meal, service and total experience at XXXXXX. Everytime! Guaranteed!" ???

Because if a competitor can do this, then it isn't unique, is it? It might work if you overlay the words on a World War One image of soldiers charging out of their trenches i.e. "going over the top". Maybe.

IMHO these questions remain unanswered if I was a prospective client ...
What is the guarantee? What is satisfaction? What is good service? How do they go over the top?

If you can get a copy of "Positively Outrageous Service" by a bloke named T. Scott Gross, you will be amazed at how he positions and serves customers in his restaurants...

Stay awesome
Rick

[phil.wheatley]

Originally Posted by Magic Mel

First of all, there are over 1000 posts in this thread. Second, this very question has been answered maybe 5-6 times and not a million. This individual just needed a basic answer and not a run-around.

There are some stroked egos in this thread and it is not needed. so try to help the individual by answer his question or at least point him to the post number where it answers his question.

I asked the very same question and had to dig back through these 1000 posts to get my answer because of the ignorant responses I got.

Ok, apologies, maybe I was a bit strong. My point was that the question was aimed at AP, and as stated by him and Dogscout also, the question has already been asked many time (yes, I'll grant it wasn't actually 1 million :rolleyes:

In my opinion, if this information is really valuable and crucial to your success, then most people WOULD bother to go through the entire thread first, AP said he's even read it all 5 or 6 times! My concern was that the veterans in this thread would get fed up of answering that same question and then stop posting.

Sebulba, thank you for seeing my point of view, I have also printed it all out so that it is easier to read, yes it's long but it is life changing, I'm pretty damn sure it's worth it to me.

Anyway, I don't feel my reply was ignorant, but like I said, I was probably a bit strong so I appologise for that.

Phil

[Curleyjohn]

Originally Posted by rrakausk

Here is the devil and his advocate - can any other restaurant in the area be accused of "Going over the top to ensure you're completely satisfied with your meal, service and total experience at XXXXXX. Everytime! Guaranteed!" ???

Because if a competitor can do this, then it isn't unique, is it? It might work if you overlay the words on a World War One image of soldiers charging out of their trenches i.e. "going over the top". Maybe.

IMHO these questions remain unanswered if I was a prospective client ...
What is the guarantee? What is satisfaction? What is good service? How do they go over the top?

If you can get a copy of "Positively Outrageous Service" by a bloke named T. Scott Gross, you will be amazed at how he positions and serves customers in his restaurants...

Stay awesome
Rick

This stupid thing is kicking my ass!

[Jooga]

Originally Posted by Curleyjohn

This stupid thing is kicking my ass!

Dude,

Go to bed, get some sleep, take the morning off, get off the forum for half a day.

It's amazing what our brains can achieve with rest, relaxation and the right balance.

A USP for you......

Try our latest dish - SLEEP! Guaranteed to refresh, revitalise AND bring out your creative juices.

Seriously, take a break.

Garry

[rrakausk]

Originally Posted by Curleyjohn

This stupid thing is kicking my ass!

Man if you can crack the USP nut for any biz I think you'll have it made. Go watch the videos I referred to earlier and see how it is done.

Heck here it is again World Internet Summit blog - All about World Internet Summit and Internet Marketing

There are two examples of how he sucks it out of the business owner - I am sure you can do the same thing - just model the approach!

I wish some sod would ask me this question over and over again so I can sort out my own USP lol.

Stay Awesome
Rick

[AP]

Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh

But remembering that you're talking to real people and realizing that every business owner is a different person and has different desires and a different business situation can be a huge step forward for you.

This is really a PEOPLE game not a numbers game.

One of the biggest mistake beginners make is in not spending enough time with each prospect.

When you're starting out you should be working on your skills of getting a business owner to talk to you for 2 or more hours straight.

That takes a lot of asking questions and listening.

Once you have that skill (which isn't too hard to master) you can learn to guide the conversation to go in the direction you want it to go and learn to gradually lead things to your suggestions, running with the suggestions they like, establishing value and getting paid and upfront fee.

But you don't need to be in a hurry to get to the next prospect.

Learn to take the time to turn one prospect into a paying client. Better still just take the time to get to know your prospects and don't worry about getting hired when you're starting out.

If you're spending a lot of time talking to business owners you will get hired.

And as was mentioned before referrals from business owners are often the easiest to convert into paying clients.

Take the time to really get to know some business owners and their businesses and they'll usually be happy to introduce you to other business owners they think you can help.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Excellent post Andrew

[rrakausk]

Here is something interesting and I am not yet sure what it means. Remembering the internet isn't as widely used for business in Australia as in the US (yet).

I sent 59 emails to local accountants who advertised their email address or website in the local YP.

Here is the text
"Hi

I am starting a consulting business and expect the first years turnover as a one man operation to be in the region of $200k.

I need some advice on what is the best, most tax effective way to operate (with least cost of course).

Thanks

Rick Shearer "

I got 15 replies inside 2 hours and a total of 24 within 24 hours. The original enquiry was sent between 3 and 4 pm on Thursday.

Any ideas - Are their processes slack? Do you think they have too much business?
Or do they represent a huge opportunity?

TIA for any input.

Stay Awesome
Rick

[Dexx]

Rick, I'm confused...

You sent an email to business owners as a potentially very large prospect opportunity...and they emailed you back with the advice you requested...

I would think that's pretty normal for any business...what is that supposed to represent as far as opportunities go?

Based off your information there's no real way to determine much of anything...I don't think...what is it you are asking exactly?


~Dexx

[jacquic]

Great posts as usual, folks

For those who've just joined the thread, it's certainly worth reading it through, though put aside a few hours! Cut and paste as you go along, as you will soon forget where you saw something. There is so much valuable input (questions as well as answers), you need some sort of record so that you can go back and refresh/spark up your thinking and brainstorming.

I practised my positioning at this morning's Chamber meeting - it certainly seemed to go down well. The first person I spoke with is now a prospect, so we'll meet up to do the questionnaire talk. Although I've done this in the past, it's lacked the positioning, and I wasn't asking for enough. This time it will be different :-)

Vagabond - well, you had me going there - I thought you were a woman! I was so pleased to see some successful female representation on the forum! Not that your posts aren't valuable and appreciated; they most certainly are.

Curleyjohn, your "Going over the top to ensure you're completely satisfied with your meal, service and total experience at XXXXXX. Everytime! Guaranteed!" is too long - hard to say and hard to remember.

Be short and pithy. "We tingle your taste buds and fill your belly" or somesuch (yes, it needs some work).


In the UK, it's spelt 'ensure' ('insure' is used as in insurance), but I have seen so many people in the US use 'insure', I thought maybe it was just spelt it that way. (What is your first language?)

I don't know what newspapers, etc, you have in your town, but how about ghostwriting a column for your client - a weekly or monthly piece combining a story (it can be made up) of what's happened since the last one, and tying it in with this week's recipe --> exposure, seen as expert, etc.

The restaurateur could also have a members' club --> exclusivity and offers --> come more often, etc.

Jacqui

[Fernando Veloso]

One thing we should know is how much biz owners are paying to get their ads in local newspapers, right?

Just got the 2010 prices of a local small newspaper (15K newspapers every week):

Full page - 1.5K plus taxes
1/2 Page Vertical - $850 plus taxes
A small corner - $150 plus taxes

Just food for thought.

[Fernando Veloso]

Originally Posted by rrakausk

Man if you can crack the USP nut for any biz I think you'll have it made. Go watch the videos I referred to earlier and see how it is done.

Heck here it is again World Internet Summit blog - All about World Internet Summit and Internet Marketing

There are two examples of how he sucks it out of the business owner - I am sure you can do the same thing - just model the approach!

I wish some sod would ask me this question over and over again so I can sort out my own USP lol.

Stay Awesome
Rick

Rick,

This needs to be seen by more and more Warriors.

Great video guys, don't miss it!

[jacquic]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

Rick,

This needs to be seen by more and more Warriors.

Great video guys, don't miss it!

Yep, watched it, and the number 1 one as well. Great link.

Curleyjohn, should have said, the newspaper would give you the column space, rather than you buy it. But make sure the editor sees the benefits, or he/she won't play!

[jacquic]

Originally Posted by rrakausk

Man if you can crack the USP nut for any biz I think you'll have it made.

I wish some sod would ask me this question over and over again so I can sort out my own USP lol.

Stay Awesome
Rick

OK

1) What do you do?
2) How would I/other prospects benefit?
3) Why should we use you and not someone else?

Can the rest of you answer that as well?

Jacqui

[rrakausk]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Rick, I'm confused...

You sent an email to business owners as a potentially very large prospect opportunity...and they emailed you back with the advice you requested...

I would think that's pretty normal for any business...what is that supposed to represent as far as opportunities go?

Based off your information there's no real way to determine much of anything...I don't think...what is it you are asking exactly?


~Dexx

Hey Dexx - thanks for asking ...

Only 24 out of 59 (40%) replied - the others didn't bother - 60% of the sample. Too high, especially for folks who tout themselves as "business advisors".

What that says to me is either their processes are slack, in that nobody monitors their contact email addresses, or they are too busy to reply (in which case their internal processes are once again poor and need tuning up).

Or they are already making too much money to even bother (unlikely).

Why would you offer up your email address if you didn't think new clients might contact you that way?

All replies were similar - they pressed for an appointment so good for them.

What I think is it presents an opportunity once I get a wider sample and publish it,
especially to their professional societies.

What I want to do is get as much publicity/PR as I can regarding the lack of email response in a "recession", and position myself as the "go to" guy to fix the marketing problems for professional services firms.

I reckon publishing a series of "surveys" that points out these types of simple deficiencies will position me as an "expert", especially if it becomes a weekly series based around specific industries or professions.

Will keep you informed.

Stay Awesome.
Rick

P.S. great WSO with the icashmethod - thanks

[James Druman]

Two questions:

Does anybody have a recommendation on a good answering service with a live operator--toll-free number service?

About the logos, AP mentioned should be on-site for credibility--particularly USPS, FedEx, etc--do you have to apply for the right to use these logos? I think for USPS you are SUPPOSED to even if it's just to show customers you use their services, but does anyone want to clear up how it actually works as opposed to the beaurecratic implications?

Cheers,
James

[clawHAMMER]

[QUOTE= Who answers the phone at the shop? Spicoli? (Sorry old man reference, Google it.)
[/QUOTE]

I was chowing on some breakfast while continuing my education on this thread this AM and I got the visual from your comment above CurleyJohn and busted a gut with my mouth full of food. Niiice. Great reference though, and appropriate it would seem if that movie was filmed today in a skateboard shop.

Good thing I was at home and not in a restaurant :-). I needed a good laugh, thx!

Kudos to everyone whose chimed in on this thread, especially hats off to Dexx, AP, DogScout and everyone else whose names I've momentarily forgotten but whose input I sincerely appreciate.

Cheers \_/
Glenn

[Curleyjohn]

Originally Posted by Jooga

Dude,

Go to bed, get some sleep, take the morning off, get off the forum for half a day.

It's amazing what our brains can achieve with rest, relaxation and the right balance.

A USP for you......

Try our latest dish - SLEEP! Guaranteed to refresh, revitalise AND bring out your creative juices.

Seriously, take a break.

Garry

Thanks, I turned the computer off right after I made that statement.

Originally Posted by rrakausk

Man if you can crack the USP nut for any biz I think you'll have it made. Go watch the videos I referred to earlier and see how it is done.

Heck here it is again World Internet Summit blog - All about World Internet Summit and Internet Marketing

There are two examples of how he sucks it out of the business owner - I am sure you can do the same thing - just model the approach!

I wish some sod would ask me this question over and over again so I can sort out my own USP lol.

Stay Awesome
Rick

I had watched them and looked at every site, I've found in this thread. Thanks for putting that video up, it was awesome.

Originally Posted by jacquic

Great posts as usual, folks



Curleyjohn, your "Going over the top to ensure you're completely satisfied with your meal, service and total experience at XXXXXX. Everytime! Guaranteed!" is too long - hard to say and hard to remember.


Agreed.

Be short and pithy. "We tingle your taste buds and fill your belly" or somesuch (yes, it needs some work).


In the UK, it's spelt 'ensure' ('insure' is used as in insurance), but I have seen so many people in the US use 'insure', I thought maybe it was just spelt it that way. (What is your first language?)

Yeah, it's ensure here too. Probably my phonics up bringing as a kid and the fact I was so tired I couldn't see straight.

My sense of humor sometimes gets lost in translation.(lol) The crack about my first language was me knocking the fact I'm American and can't use the language properly.:rolleyes:

I don't know what newspapers, etc, you have in your town, but how about ghostwriting a column for your client - a weekly or monthly piece combining a story (it can be made up) of what's happened since the last one, and tying it in with this week's recipe --> exposure, seen as expert, etc.

Nice idea. Thanks

The restaurateur could also have a members' club --> exclusivity and offers --> come more often, etc.

I with you on this one too.

Jacqui

Originally Posted by clawHAMMER

I was chowing on some breakfast while continuing my education on this thread this AM and I got the visual from your comment above CurleyJohn and busted a gut with my mouth full of food. Niiice. Great reference though, and appropriate it would seem if that movie was filmed today in a skateboard shop.

Good thing I was at home and not in a restaurant :-). I needed a good laugh, thx!

Kudos to everyone whose chimed in on this thread, especially hats off to Dexx, AP, DogScout and everyone else whose names I've momentarily forgotten but whose input I sincerely appreciate.

Cheers _/
Glenn

Nothing will make you feel older then having to explain a Spicoli reference.

[Curleyjohn]

After a decent nights rest I'm back at it.

Case Study USP:

People always comment on how they have a huge selection and that everyone in the family can find something to eat no matter how picky they are when it comes to food.

So my next attempt at a USP is:

When no one can agree where to eat, We are the answer!

In my family I have 2 of the pickiest eaters, they won't even do the same fast food. One won't eat Mcdonalds and the other won't do Taco Bell etc,etc, but everyone will create a meal at this restaurant and not bitch about it.

Wadda ya think?