How I got out of bed and laid the groundwork for $40K with one stupid Craigslist ad..

59 replies
Here's what happened to me today..

I got 2 calls from a silly little Craigslist ad yesterday.

The first was from a local music school and the second was from a local steel company. Couldn't be much more different types of businesses.

I made an appointment with the music school for this morning and the steel company this afternoon.


1. The Music School - turns out it is really a music/tutoring school. They teach kids piano, guitar etc. and also have private tutors that teach them math, science and whatever.

The ad I ran was for a free 60 second commercial video 'if they qualified'. They wanted the video to put on the website to promote the school because they felt it was better than just the 'plain ol text' they have their now.

So, I stepped into stealth mode and did what all good sales people do - ask questions and really listen for the answers.

Here is what I found out --

-They also want SEO done but they did not know what it was called.
-They have 300 families that are regular clients that they NOW want to build a database for
-They want to be able to provide tutoring support online to their clients for a monthly fee
-They need help buying 6-8 computers and setting them up with software that teaches little kids piano

And there is more but this is where they want to start.

So here is the math - Set up - $3,500 (video, initial SEO, autoresponder set up, membership site set up - aweber, computer/software set up) + $500/mo (ongoing SEO, autoresponder emails and membership site maintenance). Annual revenue $9,500?

Now, and here is the key part, they want a proposal. Well, I am very reluctant to just go and do a proposal as it is an easy way to blow you off if they are broke and an easy way to shop you around.

Don't do proposals without coming to an agreement in principle. I get the go ahead on all of the pertinent details in principle - the money, the time frame, the payment terms etc.

This 'agreement in principle' is powerful stuff - they don't feel pressured because they are not signing anything yet when I deliver the proposal and there is no surprises (we already agreed upon the terms) they feel obligated to go ahead with the deal.

Now I am not advocating hoodwinking anybody, simply removing the obstacles.

The last thing I want is to have to go see them again without the proposal in my hand that they already know is coming.

On the steel guy...


2. This guy wants a video commercial to highlight his business (60 s or so) which I said I would do for free BUT he also wants it SEO'd.

Once again I went into sales guy mode and started with the questions. I didn't even bring the laptop - left it in the car.

He lets it slip that the yellow pages will do a video and upload it to youtube etc for $2K + $2K/mo

So, once again I come to an 'agreement in principle' that I will set everything up for $1,500 per month + $500/month ongoing.
Annual income - $7,500.


But here is where it gets really cool..the owner of this company lives overseas and is coming here in a month. The local division wants to squeeze him for some marketing cash since he offers no support to the company.

They want to show him what I will have done with the video, SEO etc as proof of this 'new marketing'.

He said they think they can get $50K from the owner and would look to use $20K-$25K to work with me on promoting a new product of theirs online.

Total revenue in one year - $37K-$42K.

Now who knows, I may actually get none of that but that is only 2 appointments from one silly Craigslist ad.

I repeat as others have gone before me....take action!

One other point (paraphrasing Dan Kennedy) - Don't find one method of attracting 100 customers, find 100 methods of attracting one customer.

I had almost given up on Craigslist but there you go..

Good luck
#$40k #bed #craigslist #groundwork #laid #stupid
  • Profile picture of the author Amitywill
    Good going Russ!

    It sounds like you found yourself a little gold mine.

    Will Cooper
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    • Profile picture of the author Sipboy3000
      Russ,

      I love this idea so much I am going to use it right now. My partner does high quality video editing and we were just discussing ways to get some customers.

      You just gave me the perfect strategy!

      If I make any money using your idea, I will post here about it.

      Thanks!
      Signature

      Nothing here to see

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      • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
        Originally Posted by Sipboy3000 View Post

        Russ,

        I love this idea so much I am going to use it right now. My partner does high quality video editing and we were just discussing ways to get some customers.

        You just gave me the perfect strategy!

        If I make any money using your idea, I will post here about it.

        Thanks!
        That's cool...as long as you are not in Toronto J
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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by Amitywill View Post

      Good going Russ!

      It sounds like you found yourself a little gold mine.

      Will Cooper
      Thanks man...we will see.
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    • Great job! Sounds like you are going to do well!
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert_Rand
    Originally Posted by Russ Reynolds View Post

    Here's what happened to me today..

    I got 2 calls from a silly little Craigslist ad yesterday.

    The first was from a local music school and the second was from a local steel company. Couldn't be much more different types of businesses.

    I made an appointment with the music school for this morning and the steel company this afternoon.


    1. The Music School - turns out it is really a music/tutoring school. They teach kids piano, guitar etc. and also have private tutors that teach them math, science and whatever.

    The ad I ran was for a free 60 second commercial video 'if they qualified'. They wanted the video to put on the website to promote the school because they felt it was better than just the 'plain ol text' they have their now.

    So, I stepped into stealth mode and did what all good sales people do - ask questions and really listen for the answers.

    Here is what I found out --

    -They also want SEO done but they did not know what it was called.
    -They have 300 families that are regular clients that they NOW want to build a database for
    -They want to be able to provide tutoring support online to their clients for a monthly fee
    -They need help buying 6-8 computers and setting them up with software that teaches little kids piano

    And there is more but this is where they want to start.

    So here is the math - Set up - $3,500 (video, initial SEO, autoresponder set up, membership site set up - aweber, computer/software set up) + $500/mo (ongoing SEO, autoresponder emails and membership site maintenance). Annual revenue $9,500?

    Now, and here is the key part, they want a proposal. Well, I am very reluctant to just go and do a proposal as it is an easy way to blow you off if they are broke and an easy way to shop you around.

    Don't do proposals without coming to an agreement in principle. I get the go ahead on all of the pertinent details in principle - the money, the time frame, the payment terms etc.

    This 'agreement in principle' is powerful stuff - they don't feel pressured because they are not signing anything yet when I deliver the proposal and there is no surprises (we already agreed upon the terms) they feel obligated to go ahead with the deal.

    Now I am not advocating hoodwinking anybody, simply removing the obstacles.

    The last thing I want is to have to go see them again without the proposal in my hand that they already know is coming.

    On the steel guy...


    2. This guy wants a video commercial to highlight his business (60 s or so) which I said I would do for free BUT he also wants it SEO'd.

    Once again I went into sales guy mode and started with the questions. I didn't even bring the laptop - left it in the car.

    He lets it slip that the yellow pages will do a video and upload it to youtube etc for $2K + $2K/mo

    So, once again I come to an 'agreement in principle' that I will set everything up for $1,500 per month + $500/month ongoing.
    Annual income - $7,500.


    But here is where it gets really cool..the owner of this company lives overseas and is coming here in a month. The local division wants to squeeze him for some marketing cash since he offers no support to the company.

    They want to show him what I will have done with the video, SEO etc as proof of this 'new marketing'.

    He said they think they can get $50K from the owner and would look to use $20K-$25K to work with me on promoting a new product of theirs online.

    Total revenue in one year - $37K-$42K.

    Now who knows, I may actually get none of that but that is only 2 appointments from one silly Craigslist ad.

    I repeat as others have gone before me....take action!

    One other point (paraphrasing Dan Kennedy) - Don't find one method of attracting 100 customers, find 100 methods of attracting one customer.

    I had almost given up on Craigslist but there you go..

    Good luck
    Nice work boss. Sounds like it was a good day!
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  • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
    SSSHHH...

    Can't use the word 'G*LD' anymore..

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  • Profile picture of the author DavidTheMavin
    Great post! I hope it works out for you and you get the deals.

    I like your strategy on the proposal as I've written tons and tons of proposals and most people ARE just wasting your time.
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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by DavidTheMavin View Post

      Great post! I hope it works out for you and you get the deals.

      I like your strategy on the proposal as I've written tons and tons of proposals and most people ARE just wasting your time.
      Yeah, exactly - proposals can be killers!
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  • Profile picture of the author blueskyz
    Hi Russ-

    I have been thinking of how much it could help a business to have a video to put "out there". For someone on a - cough - low budget, can you suggest what equipment would work? I am glad for your success, and it makes so much sense!

    Thank you for any advice here,
    Maggie
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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by blueskyz View Post

      Hi Russ-

      I have been thinking of how much it could help a business to have a video to put "out there". For someone on a - cough - low budget, can you suggest what equipment would work? I am glad for your success, and it makes so much sense!

      Thank you for any advice here,
      Maggie
      If you do it properly you can use Animoto and do it for free (read their TOS) all you need is a digital camera and take some pics.

      I recommend a Flip Video camera < $200 and you can work wonders with it.

      Good luck,
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    • Profile picture of the author Ray Erdmann
      Russ,

      Great post and way to take action!

      The only thing I'm not getting and maybe I need to go back and read your post a few more times, is the topic related to 'agreement on principle'..

      Could you expand on that further if possible and let me know how I could use that w/my own local advertising for SEO services to business, as i don't have a 'contract' per se in place yet.


      Appreciate your feedback..


      To your continued success..


      Ray!
      Signature

      "Whether you think you can or not...you'll always be 100% right!" |

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      • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
        Originally Posted by Ray Erdmann View Post

        Russ,

        Great post and way to take action!

        The only thing I'm not getting and maybe I need to go back and read your post a few more times, is the topic related to 'agreement on principle'..

        Could you expand on that further if possible and let me know how I could use that w/my own local advertising for SEO services to business, as i don't have a 'contract' per se in place yet.


        Appreciate your feedback..


        To your continued success..


        Ray!
        Hey Ray,

        An agreement in principle is simply agreeing to all of the terms of the deal upfront verbally - it is important that nothing is left out so you need to get agreement on money, time line, who does what etc.

        That way when you present the proposal there are no surprises and you can get it signed right away.

        Most small businesses won't even ask for a proposal so it is not always important but good to know how to deal with it if it does come up.

        Cheers,
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  • Profile picture of the author Micheal Perkins
    I understand if you're not willing to share, but if you are willing, can you share your ad with us?
    Signature

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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by Micheal Perkins View Post

      I understand if you're not willing to share, but if you are willing, can you share your ad with us?
      FREE 60 sec commercial video for you business...

      For a limited time we are offering free 60 sec commercial videos for small-medium businesses across the GTA.

      Why would we do this?

      We are launching a video directory and need to fill it up before we can charge for advertising AND we hope that you like our services so much you will become a paying client.

      To see if you qualify, respond to this ad or call xxx-xxx-xxxx.
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  • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
    Originally Posted by Razer Rage View Post

    I've always wondered, how do you know how much to charge for things like setting up a website, doing SEO, etc.?
    Value based pricing...

    I try and get a rough idea of how much my services will make them and make sure I am making money and making them money at the same time.

    Other things come into factor such as how much the competition charges etc. but always be of the mindset that you can charge $50,000 if you are going to make your customer $500,000.
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  • Profile picture of the author OrdinaryWarrior
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by OrdinaryWarrior View Post

      That's good Russ.
      I know you need to work the post count dude but truly that is the kind of thing that will get you banned here....

      Just sayin'..
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    • Profile picture of the author M4UNow
      Banned
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      • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
        Originally Posted by M4UNow View Post

        Russ,
        You are a hero to me and so many others on here I am sure.
        You are just a genius.
        So now that I buttered you up, wha tcatagory did you list it under.

        Also I did mean what I said.
        Thanks
        Gina

        Hey Gina,

        You are much further ahead and inspiring to many (including me).

        Services/Small Biz
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        • Profile picture of the author M4UNow
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          • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
            Originally Posted by M4UNow View Post

            Wow coming from you that means alot.
            Thank you. Really.

            LOL want a laugh did you check out the GinaX video? kinda funny.

            Also you have my married name LOL.

            So did you tell me what catagory LOL or did i miss it.

            Gina
            Haven't checked that vid out yet but I will...I have watched
            some others of yours and they are great.

            Category - Services/Small Biz
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        • Profile picture of the author ymanrulz
          Hey Russ...If I could possibly generate some prospects, would you be willing to work together to do the deal? You obviously would get the majority of the revenue....Just a thought, but why not....
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          • Profile picture of the author theemperor
            Russ,

            My takeaway from this is that you were more successful because you didn't go straight in for the kill.

            Instead of advertising "SEO Services" you instead offered a free commercial video. And of course people interested in a free commercial video are interested in advertising and marketing, and therefore in SEO, Lists, etc.

            You applied the "freebie -> contact -> give value -> sale" process to offline that people advocate for online list building and money making.

            Thanks for posting that interesting story.
            Signature
            Learn to code faster, and remove the roadblocks. Get stuff done and shipped! PM me and I can help you with programming tutoring, specialising in Web and the following languages: Javascript ~ HTML ~ CSS ~ React ~ JQuery ~ Typescript ~ NodeJS ~ C#.
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  • Profile picture of the author blueskyz
    HI RUSS -

    You are my new favorite Warrior! Animoto looks to be absolutely perfect! I had looked into scateignite4, and they sounded good - but Animoto blows them away! - or at least for those who JUST want a video - ...

    This is perfect to pair with a business I've been looking at: LocalAdLink.com - Geo=targeting advertising - it competes with PPC for small businesses. They pick zip codes - and keywords - so they get that biz - also contextual (reading something on over 100's of partner sites)

    I've been a Warrior for at least 7 years, although just had to rejoin cause I forgot which email address I had used. Anyway, Warrior Forum has been - and I see - still is - THE place to go for internet businesses. I have a site but it never really took and I've been working round the clock hours at a hospital.

    I had thought to ask here about LocalAdLink - but Video and Audio (and what Animoto can do) is what I've been looking for without knowing it. However, now I'm thinking of putting the two together, so would still appreciate anyone's view of LocalAdLink?

    Russ - I am so psyched. Thank you for your help. I have at least 3 small businesses that would love to have videos made - and now I can move forward. I thank you. (With or without LocalAdLink - whether I join remains to be seen)

    Maggie
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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by blueskyz View Post

      HI RUSS -

      You are my new favorite Warrior! Animoto looks to be absolutely perfect! I had looked into scateignite4, and they sounded good - but Animoto blows them away! - or at least for those who JUST want a video - ...

      This is perfect to pair with a business I've been looking at: LocalAdLink.com - Geo=targeting advertising - it competes with PPC for small businesses. They pick zip codes - and keywords - so they get that biz - also contextual (reading something on over 100's of partner sites)

      I've been a Warrior for at least 7 years, although just had to rejoin cause I forgot which email address I had used. Anyway, Warrior Forum has been - and I see - still is - THE place to go for internet businesses. I have a site but it never really took and I've been working round the clock hours at a hospital.

      I had thought to ask here about LocalAdLink - but Video and Audio (and what Animoto can do) is what I've been looking for without knowing it. However, now I'm thinking of putting the two together, so would still appreciate anyone's view of LocalAdLink?

      Russ - I am so psyched. Thank you for your help. I have at least 3 small businesses that would love to have videos made - and now I can move forward. I thank you. (With or without LocalAdLink - whether I join remains to be seen)

      Maggie
      Hey Maggie...so glad you got something out of this post!

      Make sure you check Animoto's TOS before going full steam ahead with your plan..
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      • Profile picture of the author Nealva61
        That's absolutely awesome Russ. I would have never thought of doing something like that but you have just opened my mind to thinking about a broader market.

        Thanks for posting.

        Neal
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        • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
          Originally Posted by Nealva61 View Post

          That's absolutely awesome Russ. I would have never thought of doing something like that but you have just opened my mind to thinking about a broader market.

          Thanks for posting.

          Neal
          Thanks Neal..I can't take credit for this offline thing - that goes to Andrew Cavanagh but no need to reinvent the wheel, just jump on and drive!
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    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      I have been to a presentation for localadlink. It's MLM and when I started asking questions about how they are planning on getting people's ads seen, SEO etc they couldnt give me an answer. The guys who did the presentation didnt know anything about their product so I decided not to join. I know someone who is in it and he swears by it but I'd have to wait and see first if they really are good for a business as I'd never sell soemthing to a local business owner that I'm not sure will work.

      I guess I'l have to wait and see but for right now I wont join.

      Cheers

      Cheers

      Originally Posted by blueskyz View Post

      HI RUSS -

      You are my new favorite Warrior! Animoto looks to be absolutely perfect! I had looked into scateignite4, and they sounded good - but Animoto blows them away! - or at least for those who JUST want a video - ...

      This is perfect to pair with a business I've been looking at: LocalAdLink.com - Geo=targeting advertising - it competes with PPC for small businesses. They pick zip codes - and keywords - so they get that biz - also contextual (reading something on over 100's of partner sites)

      I've been a Warrior for at least 7 years, although just had to rejoin cause I forgot which email address I had used. Anyway, Warrior Forum has been - and I see - still is - THE place to go for internet businesses. I have a site but it never really took and I've been working round the clock hours at a hospital.

      I had thought to ask here about LocalAdLink - but Video and Audio (and what Animoto can do) is what I've been looking for without knowing it. However, now I'm thinking of putting the two together, so would still appreciate anyone's view of LocalAdLink?

      Russ - I am so psyched. Thank you for your help. I have at least 3 small businesses that would love to have videos made - and now I can move forward. I thank you. (With or without LocalAdLink - whether I join remains to be seen)

      Maggie
      Signature

      I'll teach you how to make money like a Mamba.

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      • Profile picture of the author jan roos
        @Russ,
        Thaks for sharing your story, it sure is brilliant. I just started using Animoto and I have a few questions for you if you dont mind?

        When you do the video for clients do you just take some pictures, add music and text and produce the vid with animoto? Or do you just have them send you some pictures to use? Also what do you use your flip for? I have one but doesnt quite know how to put it to good use.

        I would love to see an actual video one of you gys made for a business so I can take some pointers.

        Cheers
        Signature

        I'll teach you how to make money like a Mamba.

        Sign up for the free money mambas newsletter!

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        • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
          Originally Posted by jan roos View Post

          @Russ,
          Thaks for sharing your story, it sure is brilliant. I just started using Animoto and I have a few questions for you if you dont mind?

          When you do the video for clients do you just take some pictures, add music and text and produce the vid with animoto? Or do you just have them send you some pictures to use? Also what do you use your flip for? I have one but doesnt quite know how to put it to good use.

          I would love to see an actual video one of you gys made for a business so I can take some pointers.

          Cheers
          I have used both methods with Animoto but I have to make it clear that I retain the ownership to the video - to do otherwise is violating their TOS.

          I use the flip to take surprisingly good small videos. I edit it appropriately and it can make a pretty decent commercial.
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  • Profile picture of the author shane_k
    Maybe I will stay with Craigslist for awhile longer.

    I was going to dump it because I have gotten more people calling me and emailing me to buy their products and services than people calling up to hire me.

    For some reason Craigslist made my email visible to everyone and I just got swamped with people trying to sell me stuff.

    I have changed my ad without my email so because of your post I will stick with them for awhile longer to test.


    Shane_K
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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by shane_k View Post

      Maybe I will stay with Craigslist for awhile longer.

      I was going to dump it because I have gotten more people calling me and emailing me to buy their products and services than people calling up to hire me.

      For some reason Craigslist made my email visible to everyone and I just got swamped with people trying to sell me stuff.

      I have changed my ad without my email so because of your post I will stick with them for awhile longer to test.


      Shane_K
      What I learned a long time ago but still forget is that you need to make sure you don't put too high of an expectation on any one marketing method and instead make sure you have numerous methods working for you.

      Cheers,

      Russ
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  • Profile picture of the author Droopy Dawg
    Hey Russ you've just started a mass ad submission from WF memebers over at Criagslist

    Great stuff man... I'll definitely see if I can cast my line and see what bites in my area.

    DeShon
    Signature


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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by Droopy Dawg View Post

      Hey Russ you've just started a mass ad submission from WF memebers over at Criagslist

      Great stuff man... I'll definitely see if I can cast my line and see what bites in my area.

      DeShon
      Good luck man..just stay out of Toronto
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Soos
    Russ,

    I've gotten less from paid for guides than you just handed me for no-cost here. Unfortunately...this gave me an idea for a tie in with another offline idea I have on the back burner.

    I've got so many back burner things waiting that a staff of 20 couldn't keep up! Thank you again for lookin' out,
    Peter
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    • Profile picture of the author Russ Reynolds
      Originally Posted by Peter Soos View Post

      Russ,

      I've gotten less from paid for guides than you just handed me for no-cost here. Unfortunately...this gave me an idea for a tie in with another offline idea I have on the back burner.

      I've got so many back burner things waiting that a staff of 20 couldn't keep up! Thank you again for lookin' out,
      Peter
      Hey Peter..yeah, ideas are a dime a dozen - it's all in the execution.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dexx
    Hey Russ, great thread!

    SO just to clarify to STAY WITHIN the Animoto TOS would I be allowed to provide the businesses with promotional videos "free of charge" but I retain "ownership" of the video (i.e. explain they cant go and sell the videos I create to others) and justify the cost of charging for the setup and creation of the videos, along with marketing the videos online?

    That should avoid any issues with TOS (and the clients freaking out when they realize they can make their own videos for $3 or a business licence)
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    • Profile picture of the author TLCarroll
      Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

      (and the clients freaking out when they realize they can make their own videos for $3 or a business licence)
      I've seen others post this concern.

      In my humble opinion, anyone who would freak out would have to be web savvy. The average client isn't going to either 1) know about your resources, 2) care about them, or 3) either have the skills to avail themselves of your resources or the desire to do so.

      The average client is just happy to have someone competant to take the project out of thier hands and do a good job. And the word of mouth advertising is priceless.

      I lucked up on a situation a few months ago while getting my taxes done by a tax professional recommended by a friend. As she was doing my taxes, a guy she knew walks in to tell her he "just discovered an incredible new way to put video on her site". I simply sat there and listened. He went on to say that he wasn't sure how to do it yet, but he was investigating, then he left.

      I never said a word.

      Right after he left she got to my online earnings and started asking me questions. I was very casual and explained that I do video and other things for a very select few clients, mostly referred by people I know already and it's on a first come first served basis as I already work as a nurse fulltime. I made it all sound very selective and she bit.

      She felt she had an "in" by having been referred to me herself and she basically spent the next 20 minutes selling ME on why I should take her on as a client. Plus, she also runs a non-profit organization she wants my services for as well.

      I never sold her anything. She sold herself on wanting to be my client.

      Now the best part, she has "used her influence with me" (her words) to convince me to take on 3 of her personal friends as clients. (1 a lawyer, 1 a dry cleaner with several locations, 1 a guy who owns a telecommunications store with several locations)

      Cha-ching.

      BTW, I only act as a go-between for the services, except video. I outsource the rest and bill the client.
      Signature
      The Revolution is in progress since Spring of 2007!
      "I only want to do it once, by myself, for free and never touch it again...EVER...then I'll retire."

      Watch this sig for updates!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lagarde
    "Don't do proposals without coming to an agreement in principle. I get the go ahead on all of the pertinent details in principle - the money, the time frame, the payment terms etc...."

    That's a nugget of wisdom worth adopting. Thank you for your post.
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  • Profile picture of the author Valeriu Popescu
    Good job Russ!

    So I see that more and more WF users are going offline to find new opportunities.
    I have to search more on this...

    Valeriu
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  • Profile picture of the author Vince_Craine
    Russ, I just went though this problem, I had a friend call me and tell me he had a client who was a plastic surgeon who was looking to upgrade his site. I talked to him for several hours letting him know everything I could do for him, which included re-doing his website, graphics, setting up blog, our own twitter software, setting up videos on his blog and social media sites to bring him in new clients. After several conversations, I did not hear from him, he was always in sugary, so I called my friend and he said Vince he wants a proposal - outline of everything that was going to be done and the cost.

    I said we already talked and came to an agreement about price but what he was concerned about was turning his website over to us so we could do the work.

    Yet he was paying this media site 300 month and they were doing nothing for him. He was not listed anywhere in Google but what I found out is this site preyed on Medical profession as they were very venerable and had a lot of money. Maybe I would have gotten the business if I pushed for a real verbal agreement. Lesson learned.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sheila
    Jan,
    You can see examples of animoto videos at animoto.com - they show you exactly what the videos look like right on the site.
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  • Profile picture of the author joshril
    Curious on the Animoto TOS? I assume you pay the $300 annual licence fee for commercial use?

    After reading their TOS, it appears that even with the commercial license a marketing company cannot sell videos that have been created. I assume this is why you mentioned that you retain ownership of the videos.
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  • Profile picture of the author kakarotoni
    good job, hope it works out, small business that need web design gurus are easy cash
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  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    I too went thru the "proposal" syndrome. It usually means someone higher up is the money person -- it's their way of justifying the sale to them. In other words, the person you are talking to is NOT the decision maker but you have likely sold them on it. What I would do is use a template for all my potentials. I would just change a few things.

    Offline/Online seems to be the business of the coming decade. I love it!

    Btw, I once talked with a local real estate company just showing them the power of the net on current marketing and the top guy in the city said he would never waste his time with it as it only generates unqualified leads.

    I showed him in 6 hours, 200 hits and 25% signup rate on a simple Kijiji ad. He was still not convinced. Was not even trying to sell him anything but here is a guy that should know EXACTLY how to market real estate but refused to acknowledge the presence of an online/offline market. Go figure! That firm is now the hardest hit!
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    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
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  • Profile picture of the author RainDrop
    Russ,

    That's awesome!
    Congrats on your success with this method, and thank you for sharing it!
    Another gem to add to my ever growing list of offline possibilities..
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  • Profile picture of the author limestone614
    It is funny, i'm not normally into web design for others, but you know....

    Went to a place, offered to build a free group of sites in exchange for a proportion of the very lucrative referral fees, got that...

    Give to receive.

    Went back next day for more of a chat about content, boom, got a paying 7 site job for a body shop and another site on Puppy dogs.

    It's a funny old world.

    Well done.
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    He lets it slip that the yellow pages will do a video and upload it to youtube etc for $2K + $2K/mo
    Cheezus.... where are those customers..i need some
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    Wow, what an awesome idea - the sort of thing that makes me go "Darn, why didn't I think of that! [slap forehead with palm of hand]"

    One question about using Animoto for this, because I'm not all that familiar with it: If I were to use Animoto for the bulk of the commercial, download it, and then top and tail it with other footage (a business owner speaking to camera, say) would this be within the TOS?
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  • Profile picture of the author theemperor
    Why is the advert described as "silly" and "stupid"?

    Did it have a clown on it? Or woz it ritten in bad inglish innit?

    How I got out of bed....
    How did you get out of bed? Personally I like to slide both legs first over the edge, then pick myself up from there shaking off the duvet as I go.

    J/K - bringing some humour to the WF, hopefully :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author BobbyFreiler
    That's pretty awesome man you were able to secure something like that, and ya know I actually forgot about good ole craigslist.

    If you don't mind me asking, what state was this in? Love the Dan Kennedy quote

    Take care,
    Bobby Freiler
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  • Profile picture of the author hotboy18
    Congrats on your success. Thanks how you do business the right way and get paid for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author xxdksxx
    This is awesome, there are so many different ways of generating a revenue online and this is one that is somewhat simple but still untouched. Great story thanks.
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  • Originally Posted by Russ Reynolds View Post

    Now, and here is the key part, they want a proposal. Well, I am very reluctant to just go and do a proposal as it is an easy way to blow you off if they are broke and an easy way to shop you around.

    Don't do proposals without coming to an agreement in principle. I get the go ahead on all of the pertinent details in principle - the money, the time frame, the payment terms etc.

    This 'agreement in principle' is powerful stuff - they don't feel pressured because they are not signing anything yet when I deliver the proposal and there is no surprises (we already agreed upon the terms) they feel obligated to go ahead with the deal.

    Now I am not advocating hoodwinking anybody, simply removing the obstacles.

    The last thing I want is to have to go see them again without the proposal in my hand that they already know is coming.
    Best advice in the thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author omk
    That's great! - Although, I would try and find more places to post than relying on CL.
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