Today's Feature Article

10 Important Marketing Tips
Bob Leduc

Each of the following Ten Marketing Tips is based on a highly effective - but often overlooked marketing tactic. How many are you using? How many have you overlooked?

Tip 1:
Insulate yourself against the impact of change by increasing the number of products and services you offer ....and by using a variety of different marketing methods. Only a small portion of your total business will be affected if the sales of one product declines or the response to one marketing method drops.

Tip 2:
Customers are prospects too. Stay in contact with them. Find or develop other products or services you can offer them. It's easier to make a sale to a previous customer than to someone who never bought from you.

Tip 3:
Avoid making any claim that sounds exaggerated ...even if it is true. A bold claim creates doubt in your prospect's mind and jeopardizes the sale. Reduce any bold claims to a more believable level.

Tip 4:
Express numerical claims as odd numbers with fractions or decimals. For example, Our clients save 17.7 percent sounds more believable than: Our clients save 20 percent ....even if 20 percent is the accurate number.

Tip 5:
To create an absolutely irresistible offer, combine a special discount price and a set of valuable bonuses in the same offer.

Tip 6:
Develop a series of 4 or 5 different special offers. Use them one at a time with an expiration deadline. When one offer expires, replace it with the next offer and a new deadline. Continuously recycle through the same series of offers. This enables you to keep using special offers to generate sales without taking time to develop new ones.

Tip 7:
If you're attracting many prospects who really don't have (or can't get) the money to buy your product or service ....you need to change your market. Target a market where prospects have an intense desire for the benefits produced by your product or service - AND the money to buy it.

Tip 8:
Set yourself apart from competitors by offering an exclusive benefit your competitors cannot copy ...or one they're not willing to copy. One business owner I know includes his personal phone number on every order. His competitors don't - and they are not likely to start making themselves that accessible to customers.

Tip 9:
Advertising copy produces the biggest response when each reader can believe the message was written specifically for him or her. As you write any sales message, visualize you're writing to one person instead of to a large group of people. This will help you write in a less formal and more personal style.

Tip 10:
Most sales are not made on the first contact. Develop a method to capture and save the names and contact information of prospects who don't buy from you. Follow up periodically. A little gentle coaching will eventually convert many of them into buyers.

Each of these 10 marketing tips implements a simple but highly effective marketing tactic. Take action now to apply those you overlooked. You'll be surprised by how much business it produces for you.

********************************
Bob Leduc spent 20 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales. He just released a New Edition of his manual, How To Build Your Small Business Fast With Simple Postcards ...and launched *BizTips from Bob*, a newsletter to help small businesses grow and prosper. You'll find his low-cost marketing methods at: http://BobLeduc.com or call: 702-658-1707 After 10 AM Pacific Time/Las Vegas, NV

Today's Motivational Reading

Stress, Fear & Creating a Career/Life You Can Love
Hershey Wier, MBA

There is great ongoing interest in the subject of stress. In my work helping people create new career and life paths, stress is the very first issue we embark upon in many cases. It is a huge problem that is overlooked by too many workplaces, as well as individuals.

The World Health Organization has deemed job stress a " worldwide epidemic." And, according to Monster.com, job stress and related problems cost American companies an estimated $200 billion plus, annually. Stress results in employee absenteeism, turnover, accidents, and errors, which cost employers and employees time and money.

Fear and Stress Stress can be traced back to fear. You may disagree, and say, for example, that it is your job that is causing your stress. So, why don't you quit your job? Fear. Fear of the loss of finances, among other benefits and perks. Fear translates itself into a host of worrying thoughts about your health, your finances, your job, your relationships, your safety, and just about anything else you can put a "your" in front of. We all know the saying, " Worry doesn't help matters any. "

So, how can you stop your mind from racing, from playing this endless screenplay of worry? Let's Talk About Worry How many of you out there in cyberland believe that in order to solve a problem you must worry about it? Wowie! I see a sea of hands out there. People have told me that they don't want to let themselves relax too much, because then they might be caught off guard. That they will forget what they need to worry about, and then their problems will become bigger. Now, readers, is that a limiting thought, or is that a limiting thought?

This is exactly the type of Catch-22 thinking that will keep you forever in a limbo-world of fear, worry and anxiety. In fact, I dare say that many have come to be dependent upon and addicted to the adrenaline that worry releases into your system.

If it's not there, you feel uneasy. Such harmful beliefs are no longer useful for you. They were ingrained into you most likely by people who meant well for you.

But, these thoughts are no longer serving you, and it is time to set yourself free by letting them go. The Object of the Game... Is relaxation.

How can you relax? No, let's change that to "How can you allow yourself to relax?"

Let us count the ways.

If you are rushed for time, read Point #1 below, and then consider the ways in which you might make some adjustments.

1. Don't play victim. How much stress will you take before you finally stand up to those who are making your life miserable? Your boss? Co-workers? In-laws? Family members? How many more times will you tell yourself that you must suffer with this or that situation because of: the mortgage, the kids, your loans, making ends meet, or the sake of a relationship? Worthwhile reasons? Yes. Worth the price of your health and well being? Only you can answer that for yourself. How much is too much? The moment you stop viewing yourself as a victim without options is the moment you will feel the weight of the world lift off of your shoulders. There are always options. Evaluate yours. Then, develop the courage to take advantage of them.

2. Relax Your Mind Throughout The Day: Take mental breaks throughout the day, in which you deep breathe, close your eyes, and visualize something pleasant. A loved one, or something/someone that makes you feel good. Take even a mere 60 seconds to do this, and you will notice a positive change in your countenance. You can easily find times during the day to practice this technique fairly inconspicuously.

Use this technique regularly, even when you are not feeling particularly stressed. This technique will help you maintain a peaceful composure. And, for stressful times during the day, for example, on a crowded train, or during rush hour on the freeway. Rather than steaming and fuming, relax, and find something pleasant that will get you through. I keep cassettes and CDs handy in my car and can always manage to learn something new. My car becomes my classroom. Mantra: During your relaxation time, and anytime you feel your stress level rise, try repeating a mantra that will relax you. "All is well," or " I love the world, the world loves me," are some of my favorites.

3. Journal: This is a very effective way to release whatever is bottled up inside of you. Sit for at least 30 minutes a day, and write, stream-of-consciousness style, in your journal. Don't censor. Let it all hang out. You will be amazed, over time, at how you will see your situation with more wisdom and clarity. Solutions will come to you, seemingly out of the blue. But those solutions come as a result of you investing the time to get to know yourself better.

4. Clear Your Mind At Bedtime: Do you fall asleep with the late night news playing in the background? Or, perhaps a gruesome crime documentary or movie? Time to change the channel. Try picking up a relaxation cassette/ CD and play that as you fall into a slumber. Listening to a voice that encourages you to relax, to release, to forgive, to forget, and that gives you tools for empowerment, can be a very effective way to de-stress. This is also an effective tool in fine tuning your thought life.

5. Say "No": You know what your priorities ought to be, and only you can cut out the extraneous time wasters so that you can focus on what really matters to you. Don't be pressured by others into giving away your precious time and energy. Moderation in everything. And, remember the story about the rocks in the jar. Get that biggest rock in first - the absolute must "to-do" thing on your list. All the smaller rocks can fit in afterward.

6. Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins into your bloodstream, and this releases stress. Sweat releases toxins. If there's one thing I've learned from living in Asia, it is that a regular healthy sweat is absolutely necessary for good health. Because of this, I've learned to exercise in moderation even in the heat, and to use air conditioning sparingly. Can you challenge yourself to exercise a minimum of three times a week, and work up a healthy sweat for yourself to release those toxins? It is advisable to seek a physician's guidance to find a fitness program tailored to your needs.

7. What Do You "Fill Your Tank" With? Think of yourself as a car. If you poured sludge into your car rather than gasoline, would you expect it to run? Same with your body. If you preservatives, chemicals, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and an abundance of fat into your body, why would you expect them to run optimally?

As you know, the human body needs vitamins, minerals, roughage, and natural ingredients in order to run. If you are regularly consuming processed foods, chemicals, drugs, or an abundance of sugar, caffeine and fat, consider teaming up with a professional to get your diet back on track.

You should notice a dramatic increase in energy. You'll notice a difference in your ability to think clearly and to stay positive. It was not too long ago that many of us chuckled about being a few pounds overweight, or overindulging in vices such as alcohol, tobacco, fat, sugar and preservatives.

These days, however, the research overwhelmingly tells us that fat and preservatives/ chemicals are no laughing matter. Eating healthily and staying fit are not options, but necessities if you'd like to increase your chances of living a full, healthy life.

Same with your mind. That is also a tank of sorts, and if you fill it with garbage, such as negative and worrisome thoughts, there is not much option but for those thoughts to play themselves out in your reality.

To summarize, stress is a very common ailment, much overlooked, but each of us has the right and the responsibility to make choices that will give us freedom from daily stressors. By taking time out during the day to know yourself, and by practicing relaxation techniques, you will find relief and solutions to your concerns. Has this article helped you? Do send us your comments: mail@HersheyWier.com

********************************
Hershey Wier, MBA, is a Career & Life Transitions Specialist who offers holistic, creative approaches to successful career and life transitions. You can receive tips & inspiration via her free newsletter, The ANEWIST. subscribe-anewist@hersheywier.com Visit http://www.HersheyWier.com

Subscribers' Corner

How To Save Your Money From a Marketing 'Guru' Loser - Part 1
by Patric Chan

I’ll bet you can't tell me who the ‘real’ Internet marketing gurus are nowadays. There are many so called successful Internet marketing gurus that are actually 'losers'.

Let me share a short true story with you.

Throughout my experience in the 'jungle' of the Internet, I realized that there are so many claims and unbelievable stories.

I used to believe everything I read about the wonderful stories of ordinary people making money from the Internet over night and their strategies to get there.

Now, it sounds like Alice In Wonderland to me.

Until....

I personally saw with my own eyes how REAL Internet marketing gurus conduct, manage and market their businesses.

No, no... I’m not talking about an e-book. No intelligent Internet marketer would reveal their REAL secrets in an ebook that sells for $27.00!!

You can debate all day long, but that's my opinion about most of the internet marketing secrets e-books available today.

If they do really expose their secrets, you are actually only getting about 50% of it. No one is foolish enough to tell you everything they know and create even more competition for themselves.

I used to work for Mark Joyner last time. He is truly a great guy and a genius in internet marketing. I respect this guy for being sincere and ethical in business.

That is why it struck me to write this article so that you will not be wrongly guided anymore.

Here are 4 typical mistakes of a 'loser' internet guru for you to spot:

(Note: “he” in this article refers to the typical ‘loser’ Internet marketing guru.)

1st typical loser mistake:

He doesn't reply to e-mails you sent. I don't know what's wrong with him, but he won’t reply to e-mails for whatever reasons.

What's the point of giving his e-mail address in his website or in the Clickbank invoice if he does not reply to e-mails?

Oh, maybe he is some sort of guru living in a cave on top of the highest mountain without any internet connection. Who knows.

The reason this mistake happens is some successful ‘gurus’ get really 'big heads' once they achieve success and forget about all their fans and customers. Big loser.

2nd typical loser mistake:

He talks about the same stuff over and over again!

Suddenly, on a fine day, you receive an email from him telling you about his launching of his latest 2004 ‘killer’ Internet marketing secrets but he is doing a special pre- launch by the end of 2003 if you buy now.

It's like copying another Internet marketer’s e-book into his own e-book and copyrighting it. This way, it's considered a new product and he makes money overnight by sending it to his lists and also to his other friend’s list.

This is like giving empty promises, but with a fee to those people who have high hopes for the guru’s information. I use to be one of those guys; waiting for new e-book that hopefully would unlock the secret to online success.

3rd typical loser mistake:

He always tells you about his other successful buddies on the Internet that were once his students.

Get a life!!!

If he is really good, his 'students' will automatically endorse his products and say good things about him. He doesn't need to tell the world about this.

He is doing this because of two major factors:

1. He’s got some ego problem.
2. He’s afraid of his 'student' getting better and receiving more publicity than he is at the moment.

4th typical loser mistake:

Have you ever been on a guru's newsletter list in which every single week you receive at least 1 endorsement of a JV style e-mail from this guy?

And guess what, the price is normally a little bit cheaper.

I mean, I'm cool to hear his recommendations each week. He probably has a house rent to pay for and needs to make some sales.

But pleeeeaassse.... not every single new product launch!!

The worst part is this guy hasn't even read or used the product before!! That's the worst. Practically, how can a guy finish an e-book or two each week and get results so fast in a week’s time every time?

Don't get me wrong. I'm not referring to weekly solo ads. I'm referring to weekly JV’s. It’s a no brainer to know that this guy is making a fat affiliate commission from your purchase.

From my research I found that approximately 95% of those people trying to make a living or extra cash on the Internet fail.

There are many reasons why they fail which you can read elsewhere. But one of the reasons is, there are many 'loser' marketers that add to the failing percentage of newcomers.

Learn how to ‘smell’ a 'loser' and don't simply follow the herd. It doesn't ALWAYS mean that if all the gurus are promoting the same product, it can be a good product. Because all those guru's could be in the losers group without you even knowing it at all.

Please understand, the mistakes pointed out above are referring to general cases. Sometimes, there is a true valid reason for that ‘mistake’ to happen. :)

I know a few good Internet marketers. Those guys will know who they are when they read this article. Subscribe to their newsletters, send them e-mail or buy their products.

If you find this article interesting, I'm sharing my Website Traffic Generation and Secrets To Ethically Making Money Online in No Nonsense Tips and Updates e-newsletter at:
http://www.internetmarketing-tactics.com

Keep in touch.

Patric Chan
Infopreneur
webmaster@automateinternetmarketing.com

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