July 19th, 2008
By: Shama Hyder
Recently, we decided to launch a referral campaign for one of our clients. They have just opened a new office in Texas, and would like to get the word out to past and present clients. Since we don’t specialize in direct mail type pieces, I turned to the one man I know who is the best in his field. Dean Rieck of Direct Creative.
I asked:
Are there any best practices when doing a direct mail piece to current and past clients asking for referrals? As copywriter extraordinaire-I thought you might have some insight!
Dean replied:
I’ve always taken the straightforward approach when asking for referrals. During a phone conversation, I’ll just tell them that referrals are important to me and that I’d like the client to feel free to recommend me to others.
I’ve not done this in a direct mail piece, but if I did I’d be just as upfront. Maybe send a few business cards and say that while I’m choosey about clients, I know a referral from that client would carry a lot of weight. That way I get in flattery while asking for a favor. I might also send them a gift, like a free report or a recent article I wrote, as a thank you in advance. That gets reciprocity working as well.
I think the key to referrals is to build the groundwork well ahead of time. Do favors for your clients. Then when you need a favor, they’re indebted to you. I learned that from The Godfather.
I guess I owe Dean a favor! = )
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July 11th, 2008
By: Shama Hyder
I love my job. = ) Running a virtual company has its perks, and when you have amazing clients-it makes the job EVEN better!
A new member has joined our After The Launch team-an 8 week old male Maltepoo (maltese and poodle mix). He is the 2nd official mascot (the 1st is a 2 year old cat named Chuchi).
The puppy was originally named Bubba, but it doesn’t seem fitting. So, we are hosting a contest!
Name the puppy and WIN!
Suggest a name for the puppy in the comments.
If we choose that name, you will win a $100.00 gift card from our client K9 Cuisine. Best part-they offer FREE shipping! = )
This contest will close on July 21, 2008, and a winner will be announced!
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July 9th, 2008
By: Shama Hyder
Today, many of you will stumble upon this site and blog thanks to Robert Middleton of Action Plan Marketing. Robert is a mentor and colleague. I recently took part in his 3rd marketing coaches certification program. Marketing is such a field that you MUST constantly keep learning, and Robert is just full of great information.
This post is meant to help guide you through the site, and address some questions I have already received…
What do you do?
Our company does 2 main things:
1) Serve as a virtual marketing department for companies who don’t have the resources for an in-house one or who need extra help.
2) Train small business owners and independent professionals how to be marketing rock stars in their own right.
I LOVE what I do. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that technology and marketing are second nature to me. My gift and contribution to the world is that I can sift through the myriad amount of new technology, information, and resources to find the gems that truly work for businesses.
Where does Robert’s Marketing Ball fit in?
Robert’s marketing ball provides the perfect structure for us to 1) carry out marketing tasks for businesses in an efficient manner and 2) teach business owners a systematic manner in which to attract business consistently.
We specialize in online marketing, and have found that the marketing ball game can be applied seamlessly to the online world. You can download our 21 page workbook that lays out the online marketing game plan.
Okay, cool, where do I start…
1. The article Robert referred you to is here.
2. Next, be sure to download the free Online Marketing Guide. It’s the key to integrated marketing (versus doing a bit of this…and a bit of that).
3. Join Facebook.
4. Add me as a friend if you like!
5. Join the free Marketing Mastermind group on Facebook.
I want more!
Great, here are some more articles by me that discuss social media marketing (including marketing on Facebook).
- Ranking Social Networking Sites-Which Ones Make the Cut?
- The Number #1 Key to Marketing Successfully on Facebook…or Anywhere Else!
- How to be a Social Media God or Goddess
- Super Duper Free Online Marketing and PR Resources
- 7 Facebook Hacks for Business
Enjoy!
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