Thursday, April 2, 2009
What Live Event Are You Going To This Year?
Unfortunately I was pipped at the post by two very deserving competitors and did not win but that is okay. I learnt so much about using social marketing to grow my business that I have lots of information to share with you in future articles.
Today I want to share a great article that I received in my inbox today from Ali Brown, one of my mentors.
The reason I wanted to share this with you is because I am doing exactly what she is talking about in 2 weeks time. I am investing in myself and my business by going to Frank Kern's Mass Control event in San Deigo.
And yes it did set me back a pretty penny to buy the course and then fly over for 4 days to the event but I had no hesitation for the exact reasons that Ali explains below.
If you are not willing to spend money on yourself to provide your customers or clients with the best and most uptodate information...then why should they spend their hard earned money with you.
Find out why Ali Brown spends up to $30,000 on her personal education every year and how that has helped her to charge up to $1m per year/per person for some of her highend clients.
What are you going to invest in yourself this year?
5 Reasons to Learn via Live Events"by Ali Brown
I remember six years ago making a decision that would change my life and business forever. I decided to travel across the country to attend a marketing seminar. A few things about this were completely new to me.
1) The fact that I was going to spend over a thousand dollars of my own money to invest in myself. (And also maxing out one of my credit cards to do so - yes, things were pretty tight back then!)
2) Traveling across the country alone and paying for my own flight, hotel, ground transport, meals, etc.
3) Throwing myself into a new environment where I didn't know anyone else.I'm so glad I made that decision. Not only did I learn amazing information to help my online business (which was brand new at the time), but I met some folks who remain my friends to this day. And my investing in myself in that manner also sent a message to the universe that I was stepping up and "ready to play big."
Today, I spend a tens of thousands of dollars each year on continuing education, including attending live seminars and workshops. And it pays off TENFOLD!
Here are 5 reasons attending live events is one of the BEST ways to leapfrog your business forward:
1) Complete Immersion in Your Subject.
When my friend Jen was in college, she wanted to learn French, so she took the opportunity to spend a semester in France. She shared with me that by doing that she made progress faster than she'd ever thought possible. They call that learning by immersion, and it's proven to be one of the BEST ways to learn fast.Hey, I'm a big fan of home study - books, CDs, and courses - and learning in "bits". But NOTHING compares to getting away from your office or home, spending a few days with teachers and other "students", and completely focusing on learning new strategies to improve your business.
2) People Who "Get" What You Do.When I first started my online business,
I really didn't have anyone else to talk with about it. My friends, while supportive and sweet, didn't "get" what I was trying to do and of course couldn't offer advice.I remember walking into that first seminar and within five minutes realized I had hundreds of people to talk with who "GOT" what I was doing! We could exchange ideas, share resources, coach each other, and even cross promote. It was a whole new world and I could never go back.
3) More Business, More Leads, and more High-Level Opportunities.
It wasn't unusual -- even in the beginning of my attending live events -- to come home with on-the-spot sales, more subscribers to my ezine, a few joint venture partners, and speaking invitations.Another tip I'll give you: The quality of the people at an event often correlates with the price tag of the event. I've found I generally meet more successful people at the events that cost more.Case in point: In 2003 I attended a very expensive training (the deposit alone was $5,000.00) and for the four days there I sat next to a very successful marketer from Australia whom I got to know well during that time. Well, a few weeks later, he invited me to come speak overseas in Australia, all expenses paid and including a business-class flight! (I doubt that opportunity would have manifested so soon, had it not been for my being there live.)
4) Deals on Continuing Education and Coaching.
Many of the speakers at these events also offer home study courses or some type of continuing education. So it's a great place to check everyone out and decide whose stuff you want to get and who you want to continue learning from. Plus there are usually special offers given there to encourage buying on the spot.This is a smart move, and you should plan to invest in at least one speaker's package while you're there. I recently attended a seminar in Dallas where I happily dropped $10,000.00 on three different programs while I was there, because their content had just what I was looking for to help skyrocket my sales for the coming year.
5) Visit New Places and Have FUN - in a Tax Deductible Way!
Talk with your accountant about this one, but in most cases these events and trips are completely tax deductible. After all, you're traveling there to learn, network, and increase your business.And for many of us who work alone a lot, these trips are a great way to let off some steam and enjoy the company of others who are in the same types of businesses we are! Tip: Even if you don't imbibe, hang around the hotel bar. You'll find that's where everyone congregates and deals happen.
But be sure to get OUT of the hotel at least one night to enjoy the city you're visiting!
BONUS: Access to the "Gurus" - in Person.One more thing I forgot to add is that the speakers at these events are usually very accessible. You'll find them hanging out in the hallways, in the lobby, and in the bar. You can catch a few minutes of their time to ask them a quick question or discuss a point they made in their presentation.
This is an extremely rare opportunity - you can't just call these guys and gals up and get them on the phone! This type of access is priceless and will also get you more exposure and credibility.And When All Is Said and Done...And when it's all over, you'll be dead tired, but you'll have more energy and enthusiasm toward your business than ever before. Plus you'll have new, powerful connections with people and proven strategies ready to implement!
© 2003-2009 Alexandria Brown International Inc.
Online entrepreneur Ali Brown publishes the award-winning 'Highlights on Marketing & Success' weekly ezine with 36,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.AliBrown.com
WANT TO SEE MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE? See Ali's Small Business Marketing Blog.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Fantastic Sales Letter Tips By Alexandria Brown
It has been a really busy week for me this week. After receiving my Mass Control pack last week I have been consumed with learning and taking action prior to me going to Frank Kern's event in San Deigo in April. Yes I am one of the lucky 500 who is going and I am so excited!
For those who did not purchase Frank's course you really missed out big time. I know they sold out quickly but it was money well spent. He has a CD called the 4 Day Cash Machine where he gives you the complete blueprint of how to write a 4 day email campaign that sells like crazy.
In fact all you have to do is change your product details and create a landing page (if you do not already have one) and send it out. Too easy!
I am testing it out in the next couple of weeks with one of my clients so I will let you know how it goes.
But what I have found lately is that every time I start focussing on something that I need in my business or start looking for tools that I need to help me, they just seem to appear out of nowhere. For example, I am having to write a sales letter for the landing page of the 4 Day Cash Machine client and it is not something I find easy to do.
This morning I wake up and low and behold what is sitting in my inbox but an email from one of my mentors Ali Brown with tips on exactly how to write a great 'slippery slide' sales letter.
Now I know that most of you who do not have a copywriter may be struggling with creating your own sales letter so I decided to share Ali's brilliant tips with you this week.
Off to the beach now with Hunter before the 5 yo sleepover tonight...wish me luck.
Have a great week.
To Your success
Pammieb
http://www.pammieb.com
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"13 Steps to a 'Slippery Slope' Online Sales Letter"
by Ali Brown
Many of the solo professionals whom I coach are people who offer services. They're coaches, consultants, creatives. And many of them are also beginning to sell information products on their Web sites. They're smart to offer a lower-priced alternative to hiring them, and to sell a product that can gain them passive income.
But here's the problem: I see many of them trying to sell their e-book, tutorial, etc. on a regular Web page. They list a paragraph about the info-product and give the price, and they expect a slew of sales.
Wrong.
You need a special sales page that has a "slippery slope" sales letter.
Remember that game Chutes & Ladders? If you landed on a space that had a chute on it, you just went down, Baby. No turning back. That's how your sales letter should be - a "slippery slope" that pulls in the reader because it's so compelling and interesting.
Here's a basic outline of the 13 elements you want to include. To see an example of them all in action, visit my latest sales page here.
1. Limit your navigation.
The visitor should not be distracted by links that take her to your bio, other products, etc. The idea is to keep her on this page, reading your copy and leading her to order. So on this page, only have navigation that relates to the product (e.g. FAQs, Order now).
2. Give a powerful headline.
Your headline can make or break your sales. If it's not compelling, your visitor will click away. Here's an easy headline formula: "How to _________ So You Can ____________." Make sure the 2nd part gives a big benefit, for example, "double your business" or "gain peace of mind."
3. Discuss the problem the prospect has, or incorporate your own story.
Marketers call this "pushing the 'ouch' button." First discuss the problem or pain that the reader has, and then lead in to how your product will solve it. Or share your own failure-to-success story that the reader can empathize with.
4. Tell us who you are.
If I'm going to buy your stuff, I'd like to know why you're qualified to write about this topic. Give me the feeling that you've learned a lot about this topic and want to share it with me.
Even add a picture of yourself and an audio greeting, like I did. These help the reader instantly feel like she knows you better, increasing the "trust factor." And people buy from those they feel they know, like, and trust!
5. Use bullets like mini headlines.
Lay out everything I'll get from your product. Don't just list your table of contents verbatim! Turn each point into an exciting secret. For example, suppose your e-book features 5 tips on how to save money on groceries. That bullet could read, "Revealed: 5 ways you can save hundreds of dollars on your monthly grocery bill."
6. List plenty of testimonials.
Show your prospects they won't be the first to buy. It's more effective to weave-in testimonials throughout your sales letter than to have a separate section for them. Give each person's full name and Web address, and for extra power, post their photo and an audio testimonial as well.
7. Tell us why your product is such a great value.
How does the price of your product compare if I hired you one-on-one? For example, your manual is a great value at $49 if an hour consultation with you would run me $250.
8. Throw in a few great bonuses.
Offer special bonuses (preferably created by you) that are so good you could sell them alone if you wanted to. It could be a list of resources, a collection of articles, extra tips on a certain subject, or a free consultation.
9. Give an unconditional guarantee.
This puts your prospect at ease, giving her no reason to NOT buy. A few turkeys will take advantage of your generosity, but the amount of sales you GAIN from this strategy dramatically outweighs the risk.
10. Request immediate action by having a limited time offer.
Some sales pages use trick scripts to make it seem like the offer always ends on that day at midnight, but I find these insulting. If you really will be raising your price soon (and you always should be), list the exact date and stick to it. Otherwise just say it's an introductory, limited-time offer.
11. Make it ABSURDLY CLEAR what to do next.
Nothing bothers me more than when I'm at a Web site, I have my credit card ready, and I can't find the $%#@& order link! Make your order process idiot-proof. Example: "Click below to order now on our secure server." Also sprinkle in order links throughout your page -- some people will be ready to buy before they get to the bottom.
12. Make one last plea.
In your P.S., right after your signature, emphasize that I should act now. For example, "Don't miss out on this great opportunity. Remember, you can buy now and change your mind at anytime."
13. Don't forget your contact information!
Readers WILL have questions, so provide an e-mail address on your site that you or someone else will check at least daily. Also, don't you feel better buying from a Web site that lists a real address and phone number?
© 2003-2009 Alexandria Brown International Inc.
Online entrepreneur Ali Brown publishes the award-winning 'Highlights on Marketing & Success' weekly e-zine with 36,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.AliBrown.com
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Building Your List Tips From Ali Brown
Hi and welcome to Friday's blog. It is just about time for me to go and pick up my son from school and go for my compulsory glass or two of wine down at the beach with my friend Meredith. But before I go I wanted to share these tips that I got from Ali Brown today.
Ali is one of my mentors and is a very successful online entrepreneur who provides some really useful and actionable tips. (If you are not on her mailing list I suggest you sign up because her emails are fantastic).
This week she talks about the biggest bug bear most people have when starting an online business (or any business really). Building a list.
Please feel free to pass this on to anyone you feel will benefit from these tips.
PS. If you are in Sydney and would like to register for my 1/2 day workshop it is now available for bookings. Feb sold out so be quick.
"How To Turn Your Passions, Skills & Knowledge into an Online Business".
Visit the pammieb.com website for more details.
Enjoy and have a great weekend.
Cheers
Pammieb
http://www.pammieb.com
"How to Reach Thousands of Your Ideal Clients and Customers and Skyrocket Your E-mail List"
by Ali Brown
One of the questions I'm asked the most by my clients is:
"How can I most quickly build my e-mail list?"
My answer is, find someone who's already reaching your target market in droves, and use THEM to build your list!
How?
With these three easy steps:
STEP 1:
Determine exactly who your ideal client or customer is.The more descriptive you can be here, the better. For example, don't just think "men". Think "men ages 18-40 who like sports and working out". Don't just think "small business owners". Think "women owners of professional service businesses that do less than $1 million a year".
Can you take on clients or customers who fall outside of this description? Of course! But you need to know who you're going after.Example: Many years ago, I spent a romantic summer week on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. My beau was wonderful in letting me decide most of the activities we'd do each day. But there was one thing he definitely wanted to do at least once - go bluefishing!
Now I'm not sure if you could have guessed this, but I'm not really into fishing. ; )But hey, I'll try anything once, so off we went to the docks. Now, I figured we could go on any boat with any captain and do this. But no ... we went with "Captain Dan the Bluefish Man" (who smelled like his specialty). Dan took us on his special boat to this special place off the island where the bluefish were, and we even used special bait that the bluefish liked. And we had great success - they just kept biting!I realized that if you know exactly what you're going after, you're much more likely to get it. The same goes for reaching your target market.
STEP 2:
Find other people, companies, or websites that are ALREADY reaching your target market en masse.Sit down with a cup of coffee this weekend and do some online research regarding your target market. What sites are they already visiting? What newsletters or magazines do they already read? For example, if your target market is stay-at-home moms, find the most popular sites they visit. Find the most popular e-zines they read.Come up with a list of your top five websites and top five ezines that are already reaching your ideal client or customer.
STEP 3:
Contact these websites and ezines and see if they will
- REVIEW your book, products, services, or ezine for their readers. If so, send them a review copy and follow up a week or two later. Request that when they run the review they mention your e-zine and direct people to your website to sign up
- accept guest ARTICLES. If so, then submit one of your best, with a short bio that links people back to your website to sign up for your ezine.
- SWAP ads or recommendations for each other's websites, products, or services. If you have an ezine that reaches the same target market they want to reach, this is a great win-win.
- do a CO-REGISTRATION deal. If you already have a good amount of e-zine subscribers and website traffic, they may be open to adding your e-zine to their ezine signup form if you do the same on your part. (Ideally folks should just check a box to subscribe to the additional e-zine automatically.)
- run a recommendation or ad in exchange for a COMMISSION on resulting sales. For example, you give them the ad to run, tagged with a link that lets you know if any sales come from it. (This is easy for you to do if you have an online affiliate program.*)
- accept PAID advertising. Banner ads, text ads, and other paid placements obviously cost you money, but if it's your only option and you really want to reach these folks, go for it. But be sure to track your results so you can see if it's working. (You'll need a link tracking program to do this.*)And these are just a FEW ideas to get you started!Remember, your #1 goal is to get people back to your site to sign up for your e-zine or other email list, because THAT is how you guarantee the chance to market to them repeatedly!(*I use and recommend www.QueenCart.com for automating your affiliate program and tracking all your ad links.)© 2004-2009 Alexandria Brown International Inc.
Online entrepreneur Ali Brown publishes the award-winning 'Highlights on Marketing & Success' weekly ezine with 36,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.AliBrown.com
Friday, February 20, 2009
Alexandria Brown's Free Teleseminar 5th March
Alexandria Brown just sent me a note about her free teleseminar on March 5th and I wanted to let you know before the spots were all taken
Alexandria Brown
If you have not heard of Alexandria Brown, then I highly recommend you listen to her free teleseminar on 5th March.
Ali Brown's Teleseminar
Alexandria Brown is one of my mentors. Why? Because she epitomises everything I believe in when it comes to business online:
- honesty
- integrety
- superior value
- dedication
- never say die attitude
- positive
- lifestyle
She is one of those great rags to riches stories that has a well deserved happy ending. She inspires me and motivates me to succeed in my chosen field and she really genuinely wants to help women succeed in life, whatever that may be for them.
Alexandria does not hold very many free teleseminars, she reserves her coaching for her high end paying clients. But she appreciates that people are doing it tough at the moment and really understands what that use to feel like for herself.
Ali Brown's Teleseminar 5th March
So she had kindly offered to run a free seminar on the 5th of March. So if you really want to learn from a very smart, intelligent and hugely successful amazing woman, how to increase the profits in your business in the current economic climate, then I highly recommend signing up for the call.
What you will learn on the call:
On this call you'll learn:
- The 5 ways you can recession-proof your business... startingtoday.
- Why the Internet is still the BEST way to build a businessFAST, and how to get started.
- 3 mistakes entrepreneurs make when taking their businessonline... and how YOU can avoid them.
- How to create easy information products that can generate youpassive income while you work or play.
- How you can claim $500 OFF Ali's brand new 2009 Online SuccessBlueprint System -- featuring DVDs, CDs, and more!
Numbers are limited and they will fill up fast purely because Ali does not run these free seminars very often at all.
If you wish to sign up just use the link below.
Ali Brown's Free Teleseminar 5th March
Have a great day.
PS. Just wanted to let you know that Ali always over delivers when giving these workshops and teleseminars. I promise you will get so much value you will be bursting at the seems to start implementing some of her strategies straight away. See you on the night.
Cheers
Pammieb
http://www.pammieb.com/