We all know the numbers…

500 MILLION users.

Nothing else you need to know.

If you want to tap into a VERY powerful database, Facebook is something you should be researching.

Are your ideal clients on Facebook?

With half a BILLION users, don’t jump to conclusions until you actually do your research.

2 years ago (wayyyy before all the ‘gurus’ started hyping their wares on Facebook advertising), I saw great success with Facebook ads.

From a $15 ad investment, I was able to sell $2,500 in seminar seats.

Not a bad return!

Things are much more competitive now, but the size of Facebook is growing by the second. If the founder doesn’t mess it all up, it will be one of the MOST powerful marketing databases in the world.

I recently interview Brian Bagnall on the power of Facebook advertising and how anyone can start using it today.

Here is the mp3 recording of that call.

Enjoy – and see you on Facebook!

Troy

This, by far, is one of the best movies ever… especially if you own a business… or want better results from your advertising.

If you haven’t seen Crazy People with Dudley Moore and Darrel Hannah yet – get it!

I am on my… ahhhh…. 10th time through it by now.

Every time I watch it – I pick up on something new (ok – maybe just have a great laugh every time).

Dudley Moore stars as Emory Lesson, an advertising genius who ends up in an insane asylum.

What made him “crazy”?

Emory had enough of creating phony advertising and hypy garbage (none of that on the web now is there?) and decides to create his own campaigns that tell… the truth.

Advertising with truth – what a concept!

Since sex sells, Emory crafts an explicit ad campaign consisting of unadorned sexuality…

“Jaguar-For men who want hand-jobs from beautiful women they hardly know”

His colleagues take such great offense to the honesty in the ad – they decide he is now unfit and commit him to an asylum.

Undoubtedly, he fights it – but soon settles in to find a beautiful new friend Kathy (Daryl Hannah), and bunch of wacky misfits that are eerily comforting to his new home life.

Where it starts getting really good is when his ad agency accidentally runs a bunch of his “honest ads” and finds that consumers absolutely LOVE them – and buy the products being sold in droves.

Emory also finds that the crazy people are natural-born advertising geniuses… and a new business is born. Honest Ads being creating out of an insane asylum. And they are major hits.

The ads hit home run after home run… and the laughs are great.

A few more ads in the movie…

“Metamucil- It helps you go to the toilet. If you don’t use it, you will get cancer and die.”

“Come in Jamaica”

Needless to say – if you are in marketing and want to pick up an idea or two on creating more effective advertisements… watch this movie.

The truth behind it is real – people want honesty – and will buy when it is given to them.

My highest recommendation. Pick up a copy and watch it soon – your bank account will thank you.

Troy

PS: Here is another painfully truthful commercial spot – and I love it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-RLqLx1iYI (don’t you think that honesty like this would make a HUGE difference in sales results? Not only that, how much easier it is to create a down to earth video like this!)

Most times the answer is right in front of you

You ever felt lost, dazed and confused?

Can’t see the answer to that nagging business problem?

It happens to all of us.

To me quite recently.

I was struggling with an idea and what to do with it.

So I tossed and turned.

Mindmapped it.

Lost sleep over it.

and then…

…lo and behold… the phone message I got pried open the door I was looking for.

I returned the call – and got some seriously GREAT additions to my idea.

Additions that will help my clients and help me build my own business.

All because I was overlooking my most important asset – the people I know.

If you are lost or confused and need help, have you gone out to your network of people?

Not with an email.

With a real live (gasp) phone call.

Something amazing happens when ear meets phone – a connection is made and big things start to stir.

Sometimes minds and melded and breakthrough ideas come forward.

Other times the person on the other end sees something (good or bad) in your problem or idea.

Many times they know exactly who you should next talk to.

…or, in my case, where I could find the exact model to do what I wanted to do.

As I have shared before, I can be a major recluse.

It’s easy.

Keyboard and computer can be my communication tools… and the phone gets neglected.

Which means I am neglecting my contacts, my friends, my family.

What about you?

Are you stuck?

Then pick up the phone and make that call.

Get in touch with the person you know that might have insight for you.

See where it takes you.

Yes, phone calls take much longer than blasting out an email.

But the connection is deeper and amazing things happen when person-to-person communication over the phone takes place.

…a CHALLENGE for you.

Over the next week, I encourage you to pick up the phone and call someone you never call.

Someone that might be able to help you through any business challenge you might have.

One call.

30 minutes of your week.

Who knows where it will take you!

In my case, it gave me the clarity I wanted and the plan of attack I needed to follow.

All in 30 minutes.

Compared to the hours I had wasted stewing about it.

One call.

That might be all it takes.

I DOUBLE DARE YOU!

One thing about today’s economy… you had better be tough to make it out better off than you went in.

The media makes sure you hear all the disturbing trends.

That’s how they make their money.

But their fear mongering won’t help you build your business or live a better quality of life.

You have to take responsibility for that.

So what do you do?

People aren’t spending like they used to.

They are spending less than they used to (only the top 5% income earners are growing their personal expenditures by any significant amount).

They are making buying decisions based on a new criteria that they have set.

They aren’t reading the yellow pages in print.

They aren’t responding like they used to when they saw newspaper and magazine ads.

Now it’s summer and people are paying less attention to all the online commotion.

Again, what do you do?

If you are looking for new ways to grow your business in turbulent times like this, you must start looking at unusual ideas.

Completely different marketing ideas.

New media to place lead generation ads in.

One of the best places to start?

Go FAR outside of your industry…

…to a land far far away.

If you sell computers, look to the restaurant business.

The point is that you need to, right now, STOP thinking about you being a computer tech, or a restaurant owner, or a life insurance specialist.

And you need to start thinking like a marketer.

Marketers look for opportunity in the weirdest of places.

When they see something working elsewhere, they don’t say (in a whiny voice): “that won’t work in myyyyyyyyy industry… my buyers are different”.

Yes, your buyers are unique people… but they are people and people buy based on similar patterns and habits.

And if they are buying over there in a wacky promotion going on, you had BETTER get testing ways to take that wacky promotion and make it work for you.

So get busy looking at what promotions catch your eye – online, offline, it doesn’t matter.

Things that stand out to you in the newspaper or magazines you read.

Success stories you read about.

People you talk to who are doing well in business.

Figure out what they are doing, how they are promoting it, and then FIND WAYS to make it fit your offerings.

Tools needed?

Pen.
Paper.
Phone.
Ambition.

That’s it.

Now get busy.

I took a simple little 2 pager that was written for a completely different industry.

I modified it to fit my client.

We got over 15% response.

I modified it again for another client and we saw a 20:1 return on their marketing investment to mail the letter out.

(how many times would you be investing $1 if you knew you would roughly get $20 back? as many as freaking possible, I would hope!)

The letter came from an industry I do not like.

One few people like.

But it worked.

And I modified it to make it work in multiple industries.

It didn’t work every time the first time, but through testing was made to.

If you are interested in a copyright free version of this letter that you can use for your own business… let me know how to get ahold of you and we can talk.

I have to charge you for it – everyone else paid for it.

BUT, I promise it will be a minuscule investment compared to the results it can give you back.

The best ideas come from places you would never think of.

This might be one.

I am offering 10 copies of this letter, one per industry.

Email me at troy@smallbusinesscopywriter.com if you want to find out more.

And keep your eyes open for those wacky marketing promotions that catch YOUR attention. If they work on you… the odds are good they are working on others!

To your success. Troy

Listen in as I interview the referral marketing master, David Frey.

This is a very informative (and profitable) 60 minute interview you need to hear.

Why? Because referral marketing and word of mouth are 2 of the most powerful ways any entrepreneur can grow their small business.

Do you have a referral marketing system in place?

Here’s one done for you.

Learn:

* 6 powerful elements of effective referral generation

* The least leveraged tool you can automate with a simple online site

* 3 fun sites that will spice up the relationships with your clients

* One of the most overlooked reasons for contacting your clients (and why they will LOVE you when you do!)

* Your new 3:1 referral system that will boost the number of referrals you get by 500% (and then the follow up thing you can do to boost the referral numbers by 300% more)

* How to get in front of major players and the big names in your targeted prospect list

* Major circles of influence… how to win them over and get them sending you their best customers

Get your interview here – no sign up needed.

(right click and save to your computer)

Have a fantastic day.

Troy

Here’s how you can increase your sales numbers and attract a better quality client

Email marketing has transformed the way we can grow businesses. From the costly (yet still highly effective) direct mail world with the postage and printing costs… to the new age of instant delivery and little out-of-pocket costs for a mailing.

Email can bring life to your marketing mix and give your prospects and customers an insiders peak into your personality and business endeavors.

That said, email marketing is not a guaranteed moola maker.

In fact, more of them go wrong than right (despite what nonsense many of the ‘gurus’ are feeding you this week).

It doesn’t take much to sit at your computer like I am doing now, and put together a letter to your clients, much like I am to you right now.

What it DOES take is some grey matter to go into your campaign and some formulas that help ensure your odds are improved.

1) Write to ONE person… not hundreds or thousands. Know who your perfect client is. Know them like your best friend. Know what they would say if they were the one writing their life story in a journal.

What would they tell you?
What are their challenges?
What are their frustrations?
What keeps them awake at night tossing and turning?

If you don’t know this – you can’t write effective emails to them. They will come across as bland, stale, and without a personal connection. BUT, when you DO know who they are (intimately) your email will strike a chord with them unlike any others they receive. (fyi: I actually got to know my one client so well that I ended up marrying her ) 11 years now… twin 9 years daughters to add to the mix. You could say I know her very well

Marriage and kids... the roller coaster ride of your life!

2) Leverage your personality. One of your greatest assets, yet highly unlikely being used to its potential. Here are a few key things you can use in your copy that may help.

The key to this is to let loose. This is a unique way of getting inside your head and finding real life ways to position you and your business in the buyers mind. Don’t worry about if it is too much or too little… just dump your thoughts on paper.

Sometimes the most unusual of things about you can be the big breakthroughs we are looking for in the marketing and positioning of you.

Have fun… share freely.

* Pet Peeves
* Physical Characteristics (Uniqueness)
* Core Beliefs
* Politics
* Birthplace
* What Are You Pathological About?
* Significant Childhood Events
* Beliefs
* Hobbies
* Education
* Skills
* Interests
* Family
* Talents
* Life Events You Remember Most
* Adventures You Will Never Forget
* Incompetence At?
* Anything You Are A Legend Of?

If you invest a few hours on this, and write down the points you think of as they come to you, that docuement will help you write promotions, articles, blog posts and campaigns for years to come.

A definite worthwhile investment.

3) Always try and include something in your promotions that gives an insight, a tip, or something helpful. Even in your promotions, include a PS or a side bar that is helpful. It helps them justify the time they invest in your materials.

4) What makes you unique in your field? Everyone talks about a USP – but, as you’ve probably seen, they are not that simple to create. Ask anyone what the best USPs are, and you will always hear Dominos Pizza, Fedex, etc. Always the same. Why? Because they aren’t that easy to do. Especially in today’s market with soooo many competitors out there – all doing the same thing you are. But there must be something, just one thing, that makes you unique. Right? Find it – then mention it in every email that goes out. Use it on your websites. On your blog. On your invoices. Everywhere you can – spread the word about the one thing that makes you unique. It doesn’t have to be rocket science – Microsoft doesn’t have one – Coke doesn’t have one – even Apple doesn’t have one. So monster success stories didn’t always get that way with an official USP – they just found one or two things they were good at and made that the focus of their marketing.

5) Call to action. Obvious… but not used. Every email you send should have a call to action. That does not mean you sell something every time you email… that is a dangerous path to take. The call to action could be to visit your blog, or reply back with comments, or to fill out a survey (the unsung hero of getting to know your customers). Just ask them to do something.

You should aim for 4 times as much content as promotions.

So one out of every 4 – 5 emails you send can be a promotion.

6) Have more fun with graphics. I am as guilty as charged here – but have been testing different approaches with some retail clients of mine. I found some interesting conversion improves with some very untraditional graphics.

Something I recommend you try.

Think about how people ‘traditionally’ think about your business, product or industry. What is the opposite of that? What graphic could be used to show the 2 opposites? Test it – you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

7) Always remember Murphy’s Law in your email marketing. If something can go wrong, chances are it will. Pay very close attention to (speaking from my own mess ups): Deadlines are correct, contact details are correct, dates or holidays are the right one (like my mixup on when Canada day is this week – whoops!), etc.

Plan for a contingency.

Think through your email from the point of view of a brand new prospect to your email list. How would they see it? What would they like about it? Dislike aoutb it? Is it worthy of being passed on?

Do your best to factor these 7 rules into your marketing.

More to come.

Have a great week.

Troy White

PS: REMINDER – If you haven’t snapped up one of the Cash Flow Calendars at 63.27% off, get your copy now through this special link:
https://responsivedm.infusionsoft.com/saleform/nathniit

You can read all the details at www.cashflowcalendars.com (but must use the link above to get the 63.27% discount)

PPS: SPECIAL OFFER. If you are looking for a unique email (or print) marketing campaign this summer, email me back. I have a very unique and unusual exciting alternative for you this summer – one that’s guaranteed to be highly profitable for you.
This is available to you at just a fraction of the cost of our full service campaigns. No obligation – just email me and we can set up a time to talk for 5 minutes about it.

You know what next Wed is?

If you’re in Canada, it’s Canada Day.

July 1st is also:
Freedom from Fear of Speaking Day
International Joke Day
Financial Freedom Day
1st US Zoo Opened (1874)
International Build A Scarecrow  Day
Children’s Art Day

For any astute marketer, this is a gold mine (ALL business owners should
consider themselves a marketer).

Think about it…

…I just gave you 7 different ideas to run a theme based promotion.

They are unusual.

They are fun.

They stand out from the crowd.

They can be a cash cow if you know how to leverage a wacky event like this
and turn it into something that can build revenues in your business.

The best part?

They also build stronger bonds with your prospects and clients.

It certainly shows them that you are different than the rest, and try to at
least have a little fun in your business.

And they work.

Theme based marketing is one of the greatest ways to improve your cash flow.

Even Dan Kennedy says

“Theme marketing is one of the most powerful things you can do.”

One last thing about July 1st?

We are now officially half-way through the year.

Yikes.

And I have something for you that will help you make the most of the next 6 months…

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
I am giving you 63.27% off the calendar.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

My 2010 Cash Flow Calendar is packed with hundreds of ideas you can use
for marketing in the last 6 months of the year.

Imagine every day of the rest of the year having a list of themes like those above.

Plus templates you can use to write the promotions.

As long as you send out newsletters, promotions, blog posts, articles…

…the Cash Flow Calendar will give you unique ways to build your business
and position yourself as a fresh voice in the crowd of competitors you have
in your field.

Why 63.27%?

Because I am offering you the one and only chance to get the calendar in
digital format, so you don’t need to pay shipping.

And only half the calendar is valid for the rest of the year.

Combined, those make for a VERY healthy savings.

…and will make you extra cash flow if you use the ideas in there.

“Received over $1000.00 worth of sales from it in one day”
We executed the 09/09/09 promotion and received over
$1000.00 worth of sales from it in one day!  Fabulous I say.”
- Fran Agar – Ballymoon Beauty

Get your copy now through this special link:
https://responsivedm.infusionsoft.com/saleform/nathniit

You can read all the details at www.cashflowcalendars.com
(but must use the link above to get the 63.27% discount)

“I will personally make at LEAST $6,000 using this tool.
What are YOU waiting for?” I highly encourage you to
pick this up – it’s incredible.  It’s THAT GOOD.”

- Mandi Crawford – Roaring Women

Enjoy… and profit.

Troy White

PS: You may be asking what the catch is… even asking why
you should get a copy now?

Because every single day you wait…
…means another chance to improve you cash flow disappears.

Delaying only hurts you.

You get an immediate download and can have your first promotion
out the door TODAY, and it will more than return your investment.

So why wait?

https://responsivedm.infusionsoft.com/saleform/nathniit

“This calendar activates your creativity”

I have found this calendar to be very useful
in so many ways. It is designed to maintain
and organize your business along with activating
your creativity. That is what it did for me.

It is a big help for finding new ideas for marketing
that are highly unusual (and profitable).

Thank you Troy and Kari for this valuable tool.

- Audie Perove -

https://responsivedm.infusionsoft.com/saleform/nathniit

What an inspiration!

Many decades of marketing mastery all bottled up in one hilarious gentleman.

Drayton Bird was a blast to speak with.

Click here to download the interview with Drayton Bird

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the call, he gave me far more of his time than I thought I would get.

He shared his history and what has inspired him to continue writing 6 hours a day for 50 years.

He shared the story of his mothers first direct response letter – and the staggering results she attained for her non-profit animal shelter (along with the single key that any non-profit could use to get the same results).

He shared his formula for creating winning copy.

He shared his incredible insights into the internet marketing age.

Last, but certainly not least – he shared his humour.  Lots of it.

I haven’t laughed like that in a long time.

He inspired me to use more humour and to develop my ability to see the lighter side in everything that I do.

If you have never heard of his 450 page masterpiece – NOW is the time to look it up on Amazon!

Common Sense Direct Marketing is a huge honking behemoth of a manual.

And it delivers.

For now though – start with the recording of this fantastic call.

Drayton Bird is a master marketer and you need to hear this:

Click here to download the interview with Drayton Bird

Would love to hear your comments on this.

Thanks,

Troy

PS: I have the Writing with ~ZING~ class coming up in Calgary — it is a one day condensed format that shows you how to write for the Search Engines, for Social Media, and for Marketing – details at the Writing with ~ZING~ page.

If you are near Calgary, I guarantee this will be a very profitable day for you.

My dog Casino was found wandering a gravel road on an Indian Reservation when he was under 2 months old.

He was malnourished, had a skin disease, and had been kicked in the mouth.

Luckily, Misty Creek Dog Rescue was driving by after collecting another 20 puppies from a certain death on the reserve.

They healed him.

Fed him.
Fattened him.

…and named him Casino, a name they were saving for the right dog.

This little husky mix was that one.

We adopted him when he was 4 months old and have loved every minute of having him since. That was almost 2 years ago.  My 9 year old twin daughters love having a dog and have a blast with himm in the yard and at the off-lease dog park.

I even have pictures of them dressing him up (we promised not to share with his dog park buddies).

We actually finally made the decision to adopt after having our house broken into 2 years ago, while we slept.

It was a stomach-wrenching realization waking up and knowing someone had been in the house while we all slept.  I always thought I would wake up if it happened (as does everyone), but I didn’t hear a thing.

Anyhow, the breakin scared my girls and a dog was soon to follow.

One of the biggest changes that I feel happened has a direct impact on my business.

…And there is a solid lesson in here for you.

My original mentor, the master Ad Writer, Ted Nicholas, once said to me that “walking is the unsung hero of exercise”.

Coming from a guy of his ‘experience’, and the fact that he is still very youthful and full of vitality, I listened.

…in fact, I used Casino as my excuse to get out there more consistently walking.

You know what?

Going for a fast-paced 30 minute walk every morning is a FINE way to start your day.  I walk fast, so every morning I get a good sweat going before tackling anything else.

Me and Casino cruise the neighborhood, stop by the offleash area, and then walk back home to pick up my daughters so we can walk them to school.

It gets me lots of fresh air, some sun, and hours a week of excercise (besides my 3-4 hrs a week in the Tae Kwon Do Dojang).

Here is my point to you…

…if there is any possible way you can start your day with a walk – DO IT!

Even better…

…start writing the SECOND you get back from your walk.  Well, maybe grab some water and a banana first.

It is one of the best ways to start your day.

You will find your mind refreshed, excited, full of oxygen, and ready for a powerful day.

Most of the days I am out walking, I am also listening to audios with experts or audio books.

So I am also getting a priceless education!

In the average 1 month span (probably more like 1 week, to be honest) I learn more PRACTICAL tools for growing a business than I did in my 5 years in Business School (Bachelor of Commerce Degree).

You don’t need a dog like Casino to get the benefits I have seen.

All you need is some initiative and commitment.

Troy

Just got back from a weekend away with the kids.

We went away to Sundre, Alberta… specifically to Tall Timber Leisure Park.

To make a long story short, my parents bought 60 acres of land some 31+ years ago and over the years turned it into one of the premier campgrounds in Alberta.  With 360+ privately owned sites and 100 or so overnight sites, Tall Timber has proven itself as a dominant force in the recreational space market.

Numerous others have tried knocking them off and building competitive campgrounds, but Tall Timber is still seen as the high end answer in an every-increasingly cluttered marketplace.

Having spent my entire youth out there picking rocks, cutting miles and miles of lawns, painting, etc, I didn’t really appreciate it as much as I do now.

As for the marketing lessons I have learned by watching them build this from a hilly, rock-filled cow pasture into a premier travel destination, they are many.

But what struck me most this past weekend was the new impressions I formed of the place after talking to some of the lot owners out there.

I realized that many of our own marketing and positioning problems are easily overcome with a fresh eye and a willingness to see things in a way you never have before.

Take Tall Timber, for example:

One part of the incredible new playground

(1) looking at it from the kids perspective... it is a BLAST!  A brand new $250,000 playground was just installed over the past month.  2 new play sets now welcome the children with open arms.

Everything from swing sets, basketball courts, slides and jungle jims.  Then there are the bike trails.  And the trees they can play in, or build forts. Or going to the river to tube, wade, or build log bridges.  Or the swimming pool and hot tub.  Or the candy store. Or the ice cream store.

DOES IT GET ANY BETTER FOR A KID?

No.

So promoting the campground based on the kids perspective is an easy way to makeover your marketing.

That’s what Disney does

(2) Looking at it from the parents perspective. The ultimate escape from busy city life.  Curl up with a great book for an afternoon of adventure, romance or mystery.  Bike paths and walking trails for fitness.  A swim or hot tub in the salt water pools.  Playtime with the kids.  Or having a cold beer next to the fire.

The parents (and non-parents alike) LOVE Tall Timber.  It is an hour and 15 minutes from Calgary (am easy jaunt).  It is beautiful country.  And it (my favorite part) has NO access to internet or cell phones!!  Well, you can get both internet and cell reception if you try – I recommend you don’t.

(3) Looking at it from the competitors perspective. Tall Timber is notorious for the strict rules and regulations around parties, quiet hours, proper behavior, no tenting (unless there is a trailer on site too), and covenants around what they can or cannot put on their lots.

Some people don’t like the rules – others love the quality of people that a park like this attracts.

So what does this have to do with your business?

Right now, get out a pad of paper and a pen.

Then pick 3 or 4 different perspectives that somehow relate to your business.

1) your direct competition

2) your ideal clients

3) other people your ideal clients will talk to about your product or service

Write out all the different ways they could see your product or service. Remember, you are not you anymore!  Close one eye (works for me), think through their way of thinking and see things through their eyes.

What would they say?

Write out all the good things they would say… and the bad.

Write out the great story telling pieces they get when they deal with you.

Note what is lacking.

Note what is prevalent throughout.

Note what could become your biggest asset.

Note what could become your biggest hindrance (and think on how you can turn that into an advantage).

Tall Timber has been a significant part of my life.

Getting geared up for another fun filled day

Still is.

It was my parents dream.  That is now reality for hundreds of adults and children alike.

I am going to be sharing many more lessons on Tall Timber, including how the volunteer committee was able to personally raise over $250,000 to build this new park.

They used elbow grease.

Sweat equity.

Creativity.

And ingenuity.

They made this park come to life in a tough economic climate and how they did it is inspirational and educational for any serious entrepreneur.

What I want to leave with you today though is a desire to look at your business from the direct, and indirect, buyers perspectives.

In those you can learn more about marketing opportunity than most $1500 marketing packages being sold.

Invest a few hours in this exercise… I guarantee it will pay off in spades.

My Maverick Marketing Club will help you do just that.  More to come on that.

For now, have a great day… and invest some time this week on this drill!

Troy

Tall Timber RV Park... From Dirt to Dreams