[jacquic]

Put that way, it seems very doable for us starting out. Thanks.

Given our cost of living rather than the rate of exchange, I'm inclined to switch straight from dollars into pounds - what do other UK Warriors charge?

[Fernando Veloso]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Hey AP,

I'm curious as to what your business cards etc. define you as?

Like I've been using "Website Marketing Specialist" on my business cards, but on further though I think that is putting me in the "I do website stuff" box and enough in the "marketing consultant" box.

Do you just call yourself a marketing consultant? marketing specialist? etc.

What about the rest of you, what do you refer to yourselves as?

~Dexx

So far: Marketing & Design Consultant.

But will do some brainstorm on this while waiting for other ideas

[Dexx]

Great reply Curleyjohn!

You nailed it exactly, even the most basic IM techniques can still make a great impact for offline businesses, even something as simple as an email follow-up series of 5 messages over a month span that cross-sell or up-sell additional packages.

You get 5% of those customers to make an additional purchase it actually works out to a 25% increase in profit due to the fact that money was saved on not having to RE-send advertising and marketing materials to get those sales from new customers etc.

Then you educate the business on offering upsells / cross-sells in store (think how many times you get offered to purchase an extra warranty for computer products etc.)

Then you could even get to a point where you show two businesses how they can use their lists and joint-venture promote each other etc.

What AP does IS VERY analytical yes, and gets amazing results, but there is no reason why even the most basic online marketer can't provide such strategies to local businesses AS THEY CONTINUE TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES on additional strategies through mentors like Dan S Kennedy, Gary Halbert etc.

So let's try and keep the negative thoughts of "people can't do this" turned into "What CAN people do with what they know NOW"

Cheers,

~Dexx

[Hail-To-The-Redskins]

Hi Jacqui,

Once again it very much depends on the client and what business niche they're in.

For example, I have only really started my consultancy business and have 4 clients in 4 very different niches - where the average transaction for these businesses ranges from 10 pounds to 800 pounds.

So I price them accordingly, based upon what I think the impact will be to their business. So its ROI based.

I started and needed cash quickly and so probably priced myself a little lower so that I could get some cash flow in, but just as important is the experience and confidence of sitting in front of business owners - getting used to asking the right questions.

I'm gaining in confidence with every meeting and then you read a post like this and it just educates you to another level.

So in summary, it does depend on the business. If you ask the right questions you will get a feel for what their 'likely' budget will be, and then you price it accordingly.

Thanks

Simon

[Dexx]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

So far: Marketing & Design Consultant.

But will do some brainstorm on this while waiting for other ideas

hrmm...I'm thinking of rebranding myself as a "Direct Response Marketing Consultant" but I don't know if businesses will truly grasp what that is...

I would do just "marketing consultant" but thats sound so generic and "ohh...ya we've dealt with those"... need a USP-type title! Benefit driven!

Perhaps "Marketing Analysis Consultant"?

Since we analyze their existing marketing, and show them strategies to improve it for the best results?

~Dexx

[ijohnson]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Hey AP,

I'm curious as to what your business cards etc. define you as?

Like I've been using "Website Marketing Specialist" on my business cards, but on further though I think that is putting me in the "I do website stuff" box and enough in the "marketing consultant" box.

Do you just call yourself a marketing consultant? marketing specialist? etc.

What about the rest of you, what do you refer to yourselves as?

~Dexx

Dexx,

That's a question I have also. I came across a website the other day where they offer offline services to small business but they emphasize building relationships. Their tagline is " . . . communication tools . . . !" They referred to themselves as "communication consultants".

"Marketing Consultant" is such a broad term. I think adding a modified to it, like "Offline Marketing Consultant" or "Offline Marketing Strategist" would be more to my liking.

~Iris

[slvrsrfr]

Originally Posted by Dexx

So let's try and keep the negative thoughts of "people can't do this" turned into "What CAN people do with what they know NOW"

Cheers,

~Dexx

As a wise man once said: If you think you CAN or if you think you CAN'T, you're right.

[jacquic]

How about

"Warrior Consultant"

or

"Warrior Consulting"

They will at least ask!

Of course, we then can say (after the questions and benefits), "Using the techniques as taught to us by the professionals who are the top in transforming businesses, we..."

Or somesuch.

[slvrsrfr]

Originally Posted by Dexx

What about the rest of you, what do you refer to yourselves as?

~Dexx

I think I might rebrand myself as god

As AP says: "... They think I'm God."

Or maybe the dude who helps the other dude get dudes to buy stuff

Sorry, I'm being silly. I think marketing consultant is good enough for me, or communications consultant like someone said before. Or heck, even just small biz consultant.

Jason

[MarketingNinja]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Hey AP,

I'm curious as to what your business cards etc. define you as?

Like I've been using "Website Marketing Specialist" on my business cards, but on further though I think that is putting me in the "I do website stuff" box and enough in the "marketing consultant" box.

Do you just call yourself a marketing consultant? marketing specialist? etc.

What about the rest of you, what do you refer to yourselves as?

~Dexx

Hey Dexx,

Try going for something out of the ordinary, on the side of outrageous.

My business is Marketing Ninjas. Sounds a bit cheesy, but the fact is, there's entertainment factor there and it gets people talking. My title on some of my cards is "3rd Degree Blackbelt Marketing Ninja". Again, sounds kind of cheesy, but it's different. It gets people talking. Humor lowers people's defenses. It's easy to talk to someone when they're more relaxed. So I've scored points for being different, and getting noticed, the only thing I have to overcome now is being taken "for real", and that's simply done when I have a sit down with the client. I already have a great questionnaire, and as I ask clients the questions, and they start to fill me in with answers, I use my knowledge of marketing and systems to offer some easy and effective on-the-spot advice. This secures my knowledge level or expertise.

Why not try something like Cashflow Specialist or Profit Growth Technician or something a little bit out of the ordinary and more fun like that?

Cheers,

Jeff.

My other cards

[David Neale]

I downloaded and took a quick look at your header. It is over 500K in size. I have a feeling it was actually a PNG file that was simply renamed to JPG.

I have converted it to JPG and now it is about 40K (will load more than 10 times faster)

I have attched your new file. You can find it at the bottom of this post. Just click the thumbnail and when the full version appears just right click > save target as.

Originally Posted by Curleyjohn

You know, it seems that there are people who still think that a "normal person" can't do this without an extensive education or experience. I just don't believe that to be true.

If you are new to business in general, then you can always promote your services without listing them as a commodity. Owners just want to see results. You can focus on driving traffic and call it business growth without having, yet, developed the ability to diagnose the problems of that business. To have staying power you need to then be learning how to grow the business from with in.

This thread in general came at a perfect time. I was in the process of changing my business model from commodity selling to consulting. I'm lucky enough to have owned two businesses in the past and have some decent exposure to running businesses.

In an attempt to help others and of course myself, I'm going to fall on the sword and offer my site up as a learning tool. Please keep in mind that this is a work in process. My header and logo will be redone shortly. Please skip the services pages, they will be changing, I just don't know to what. (Suggestions would be welcomed). I say fall on the sword, because having strangers with tons of web experience critique my efforts makes me nervous.

I have the ability to change out the video to one I have made that is just an over view of the company that can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/user/fatazbike Toledo Marketing Inside Out

The website is Toledo Web Design|Toledo Internet Marketing|Toledo SEO|Toledo Marketing
Business cards and other blogs/mini blogs/articles/social media are all pointing to this site and my report.

As a side note: I have been unemployed since May of '09 from the auto industry. I have created a lot of this content, but the website is a template that I bought here on WF that included the video and report. At this point I have very little capital to work with but I do have time. I've been working the social marketing aspect for leads with fairly dismal results. 3 opt ins in the last couple of weeks. My SERPs are good. I'm getting ready to do some direct mailings to companies with at least 1/4 page YP ads and poor organic results. I'm a little afraid of squandering the little money that I do have. Need to shock and awe but not quite sure how to do that without a book although I do have some reports and articles that I could probably combine.

Once again, thank you to all that have contributed to this thread. Especially to you AP, who I am eagerly awaiting the answers for our homework.

[Dexx]

Hrmm perhaps "Marketing Strategy Consultant" or "Marketing Strategy Specialist"

~Dexx

[Bigdanmedia]

Hey all. Long time member and lurker here. I created a PDF of 15-pages of this amazing very rich thread and posted it on MediaFire. Download it if you want to print and read offline. Incredible incredible incredible read.

www mediafire com/file/n3xi2zzu4dw/WF-Offline-Marketing-Thread.pdf

Since I dont have enough posts count yet, had to take out the '.' in the obvious places.

Enjoy

[Dexx]

Originally Posted by 12as24

I hope you found my contribution thought-provoking and helpful; however, I need some help from you. I am perhaps one of the youngest warrior forum members at 15 years old and am clueless as to how I should approach businesses. I am uncertain whether business owners will even bother to sympathize with someone my age, and not just ask me to leave...
Thanks in advance,

Ayush

You could always try to approach businesses and see how it goes, but I think the reality of the situation is that there's a very slim chance that a business owner is going to admit his marketing is being done by a 15 year old...you know what I mean?

Your two options are then:

1) Sales Presentations and consultations through webinars and over the phone

2) Hire and train B2B sales reps on how to close deals, and then you take over the implementation and follow-up with the client over the phone.

Chances are you will eventually have to meet the business owner face-to-face, but ideally it will be after you have gotten them great profitable results...then they can start branding you as the Marketing "Whiz Kid"

Just my thoughts

Cheers,

~Dexx

[Fernando Veloso]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Hrmm perhaps "Marketing Strategy Consultant" or "Marketing Strategy Specialist"

~Dexx

You know Dexx, Strategy is one of the words I've been learning to use more and more.

It's very effective while explaining our stuff. Heck, I even use it with my new systems: "This is a system that use this strategy and that one to deliver this and that..."

It's a powerful word - yet there is NO need to explain whats inside. People love strategies.

I like Marketing Strategy Specialist - I believe it works.

Fernando

P.S.: Marketing Strategist? Is this correct?

[ShawnC]

There's a point i'm trying to make, and it seems to not be getting across (something I need to be aware of and take into consideration in the future).

I'm not here to be negative and tell people they can't do this.

I want to drive people to bring their A-Game. I want people to not only look at the numbers that are possible, but to look at the quality of work they aim to deliver.

Because that's what WILL create long-term stability for you. Strive to be the best at what you're doing. Don't settle at any point in the game. You deserve it and so do your customers.

CurlyJohn. You had an excellent reply and I agree with everything you said. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[sb]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Hrmm perhaps "Marketing Strategy Consultant" or "Marketing Strategy Specialist"

~Dexx

Halbert called himself the "Prince of Print". Maybe the "Prince of Profit" would work for us. I used to call myself "The Marketing Machine" but dropped it in favor of a USP. Other ideas are "Marketing Wizard", "Marketing Maestro", "Marketing Ace".

I don't know how I'm supposed to get any work done with all you guys and gals coming up with all this great stuff that I'm addicted to reading...

Dang, just checked and princeofprofit dot com is taken.

[Dexx]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

You know Dexx, Strategy is one of the words I've been learning to use more and more.

It's very effective while explaining our stuff. Heck, I even use it with my new systems: "This is a system that use this strategy and that one to deliver this and that..."

It's a powerful word - yet there is NO need to explain whats inside. People love strategies.

I like Marketing Strategy Specialist - I believe it works.

Fernando

P.S.: Marketing Strategist? Is this correct?

Actually the word System is very powerful too:

Marketing System Designer

Marketing System Technologist

Marketing System Strategist

Marketing System Consultant

...or maybe...

Automated Marketing Consultant

Automated Marketing Systems Consultant?

"We design automated marketing systems built around proven marketing strategies to slash your business' marketing expenses while increasing profits within 30 days"

How's that for a USP?

~Dexx

EDIT: Wikipedia had this to say about the word Strategist...

A strategist is a person skilled in designing and planning action and policy to achieve a major or overall aim.
A design strategist has the ability to combine the innovative, perceptive and holistic insights of a designer with the pragmatic and systematic skills of a planner to guide strategic direction in context of business needs, brand intent, design quality and customer values. [1][2][3][4]
An economic strategist is a person who can create a sustainable commercial advantage by applying innovative and quantitative ideas and systems at a sell side financial institution.
A trading strategist contributes revenue to the business in which his team is embedded by developing and delivering innovative trade ideas, models and analytic systems to the trading desk.
Working closely with investment managers, a principal investment strategist contributes revenue by providing principal investment analytics and alternative product structuring.
A sales strategist develops innovative trade ideas and assists in the marketing of those trades to buy side clients.
A banking strategist partners with investment bankers and capital market experts on corporate finance and capital structure analyses to identify and execute banking transactions.
Within the financial services industry, strategists are known as “strats”.
An IT Strategist develops an IT strategy that is aligned with the business strategy to implement systems to give business processes efficiency and productivity gains and therefore a possible competitive advantage.

[MichaelAppleton]

Really great post and a massive thank you to both AP and Dexx.

This post has given me so many great ideas and I will soon be setting up my capture page.

If anyone feels like sharing some of the capture page techniques, please feel free. I have set mine up using a powerpoint video showing the benefits of having an SEO'ed website and why they should be using an autoresponder. Then I was thinking wether I should use a simple contact form or an optin form?

Again I want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in sharing some really priceless information.

[sb]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

You know Dexx, Strategy is one of the words I've been learning to use more and more.

It's very effective while explaining our stuff. Heck, I even use it with my new systems: "This is a system that use this strategy and that one to deliver this and that..."

It's a powerful word - yet there is NO need to explain whats inside. People love strategies.

I like Marketing Strategy Specialist - I believe it works.

Fernando

P.S.: Marketing Strategist? Is this correct?

I'm rereading a consulting course I bought from Bob Bly back in 2003. It's interesting that he states, "Since SPECIALIZATION is the key to professional success, you must select one facet of your expertise as your SPECIALTY and one segment of your client universe, which would have a need for this special expertise. In that way, you will have a model marketing program which you may change accordingly.

As stated before, although wrong, the client is more comfortable with a SPECIALIST in his industry. Thus, you must promote yourself to him as such."

He goes on to say, "It will become necessary to fragment your consultancy into a few "divisions" so that you may credibly market yourself as an expert in every specialty you select and in each industry to which you market."

Attempting to promote all of your services at once to the entire world in order to "cast the widest net possible for the largest revenue possible" is a waste of advertising and promotional dollars: it also brands you as a generalist, which brings no esteem at all."

[SpyGuy]

Quick question: If a business is listed on Google Maps, they're pretty much at the top of the search listings. So why would they want to give you money to get them to the top of Google ... when they're already there? Doesn't Google Maps kinda throw a wrench into this whole idea?

Lets say there are 25 good targeted keywords that the clients customers would use to search for their service/product.

Out of those 25 - only 10 of them will show on Google Maps.

(check this link for the ULTIMATE FREE GOOGLE MAPS KEYWORD TOOL AND TRAINING - Google Maps FAQ (dominate for free!))

Now lets say your client is only showing in G-Maps for a few of those 10 G-Maps keywords.

Your job would be to get them listed for all 10 of the open G-Maps keywords and as well, top SE rankings for the other 15 keywords that dont have G-Maps.

By doing this, you are connecting 25 different groups of targeted customers to the client rather than the 2 or 3 they currently have.

If I was going to explain it to a client, I would compare it to the Yellow Pages..... It's like having 25 ads on 25 different pages for the price of 1... rather than just 1 ad on 1 page.

Hope that helps.

[SteelDanno]

Great thread, took me hours to read but my head is pleasantly swimming with some new tricks to add to my marketing kung-fu.

I think that like a lot of people here I have the confidence to pitch the services and get the job done. I've walked away from many meetings where the customer is excited to work with me yet I know I am weak in the following key areas:

Price War: How to not get dragged down or sucked into an apples-to-apples price war on the deliverables. This happens to me more often than I'd like.

Meeting Control: Lacking the know-how on controlling the meeting and position myself so every step of the way the client has no doubt THEY are being interviewed (and need to qualify) in order for me to accept them as a client .. and not that they are interviewing me.

Questionnaires: Lacking the all too valuable questionnaires (which AP has so generously offered to provide [awesome!!]) which are incredibly valuable in not only diagnosing the customers situation (and therefor knowing what cures to prescribe) but also having the the customer feel "Damn, this guy knows his stuff! I so want to give this guy my cash and have him get started!"

Services Contracts & Agreements: And lastly (and probably my biggest weakness) is actual contracts and/or agreements. It's all well and fine to agree verbally but most business people (myself included) lack a proper, plain english contract that we can have our clients sign when they are ready to pull the trigger and hire us. The subject of contracts was brought up circa page 5 or 6 of this thread but wasn't really explored in any depth. Does anyone care to share one of their contracts or agreement (white labeled and modified so you are comfortable sharing of course) that we Warriors could use as template for our agreements?

OK that's me. Like most of the readers in here, really loving this thread and the contributions to it.

Cheers.

[EMaria]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Hrmm perhaps "Marketing Strategy Consultant" or "Marketing Strategy Specialist"

~Dexx

That's sounds good Dexx, or you could even simplify it more by being a "Marketing Strategist". Seems like another descriptive word needs to be added though.

[Aitor Astobieta]

Hello everyone,

First, thanks to AP, Dexx, DogScout and everybody
else who has contributed to this great thread.

If you guys want to know more about the
"shock and awe method" of direct mailing
to your prospects, mentioned by AP,
watch this video from Perry Marshall:

YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.

It shows quite clearly how publishing a book
and sending it to your prospects can help
to build credibility.

[sb]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Actually the word System is very powerful too:

Marketing System Designer

Marketing System Technologist

Marketing System Strategist

Marketing System Consultant

...or maybe...

Automated Marketing Consultant

Automated Marketing Systems Consultant?

"We design automated marketing systems built around proven marketing strategies to slash your business' marketing expenses while increasing profits within 30 days"

How's that for a USP?

~Dexx

EDIT: Wikipedia had this to say about the word Strategist...

A few more I thought of in the shower.

Strategic Marketing Specialist - Not bad

Marketing Martial Artist - Not great

Marketing Monkey - Probably not

Marketing Moron - Perfect!

[Dexx]

ProposalKit.com has great templates to use for contracts =)

[MarketingNinja]

Originally Posted by sb

Halbert called himself the "Prince of Print". Maybe the "Prince of Profit" would work for us. I used to call myself "The Marketing Machine" but dropped it in favor of a USP. Other ideas are "Marketing Wizard", "Marketing Maestro", "Marketing Ace".

I don't know how I'm supposed to get any work done with all you guys and gals coming up with all this great stuff that I'm addicted to reading...

Dang, just checked and princeofprofit dot com is taken.

Yeah, man! This is what I'm talking about! I didn't name myself a Marketing Ninja, it was a bunch of associates and clients I've worked with that started referring me to their friends and associates. "You gotta talk to Jeff man, he's a marketing ninja."

And it's always a conversation starter. So I decided that instead of calling my self a strategiest or something bland like that, I just decided to own it. I wear it loud and proud.

[SteelDanno]

Originally Posted by Dexx

ProposalKit.com has great templates to use for contracts =)

Dexx: Is that what you use?

[vitto]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Hey AP,

I'm curious as to what your business cards etc. define you as?

Like I've been using "Website Marketing Specialist" on my business cards, but on further though I think that is putting me in the "I do website stuff" box and enough in the "marketing consultant" box.

Do you just call yourself a marketing consultant? marketing specialist? etc.

What about the rest of you, what do you refer to yourselves as?

~Dexx

Front

LOGO
Improve Brand Awareness-Generate Leads-Increase Profits

Back
Name
Internet Marketing Expert
for Small & Medium Size Business

Contact info

yeah I know I took the position my self as the expert literally.

[Dexx]

Originally Posted by SteelDanno

Dexx: Is that what you use?

I have it, yuppers

[MarketingNinja]

Originally Posted by SteelDanno

Great thread, took me hours to read but my head is pleasantly swimming with some new tricks to add to my marketing kung-fu.

I think that like a lot of people here I have the confidence to pitch the services and get the job done. I've walked away from many meetings where the customer is excited to work with me yet I know I am weak in the following key areas:

Price War: How to not get dragged down or sucked into an apples-to-apples price war on the deliverables. This happens to me more often than I'd like.

Meeting Control: Lacking the know-how on controlling the meeting and position myself so every step of the way the client has no doubt THEY are being interviewed (and need to qualify) in order for me to accept them as a client .. and not that they are interviewing me.

Questionnaires: Lacking the all too valuable questionnaires (which AP has so generously offered to provide [awesome!!]) which are incredibly valuable in not only diagnosing the customers situation (and therefor knowing what cures to prescribe) but also having the the customer feel "Damn, this guy knows his stuff! I so want to give this guy my cash and have him get started!"

Services Contracts & Agreements: And lastly (and probably my biggest weakness) is actual contracts and/or agreements. It's all well and fine to agree verbally but most business people (myself included) lack a proper, plain english contract that we can have our clients sign when they are ready to pull the trigger and hire us. The subject of contracts was brought up circa page 5 or 6 of this thread but wasn't really explored in any depth. Does anyone care to share one of their contracts or agreement (white labeled and modified so you are comfortable sharing of course) that we Warriors could use as template for our agreements?

OK that's me. Like most of the readers in here, really loving this thread and the contributions to it.

Cheers.

SteelDano,

Take a look at MOUTemplates dot com. I've used this package for many joint venture projects I've put together. They're thorough, complete and easy to use.

Cheers,

Jeff.

[Curleyjohn]

I have converted it to JPG and now it is about 40K (will load more than 10 times faster)

Thank you soooo much for this. I spent the last 4 hrs working on my site and I'm fried out but it will be up first thing tomorrow morning. Thank you again.

[Curleyjohn]

I hope you found my contribution thought-provoking and helpful; however, I need some help from you. I am perhaps one of the youngest warrior forum members at 15 years old and am clueless as to how I should approach businesses. I am uncertain whether business owners will even bother to sympathize with someone my age, and not just ask me to leave. I have had 1.5 years of experience with internet marketing, but I am unsure of how to muster the confidence to actually contact these businesses. I'm not sure if the suit-and-tie approach will work because the business owners will think I am in over my head. Please advise on how I should overcome this confidence problem, or hire B2B salesmen. I am in the process of recruiting a VA to train right now but am simply clueless as to how I can get past this brick wall?:confused:

This really is a problem but could work to your advantage. I know that there are a lot of people that see younger people as a source of knowledge when it comes to technology. How many business owners out there get their kids to work the DVR at home?

Realistically I think that you need to get your foot in the door at just one business and work referrals. Do the work for free but require 5 referrals and make sure, before you do the work, that those are qualified referrals. Maybe start with a part time job or a friend of the family. How about a non profit organization?

Creating just one success will open the doors. In the mean time, study business and the tons of resources mentioned here so you can speak effectively to a business owners concerns.

Dexx is right though, you have a built in buzz about yourself that can be capitalized on quite effectively. Don't let your age define who you are. If you are "Billy the Kid of Marketing/Killing Sales Everywhere" then own it and make it work for you and not against.

[Dexx]

Originally Posted by MarketingNinja

SteelDano,

Take a look at MOUTemplates dot com. I've used this package for many joint venture projects I've put together. They're thorough, complete and easy to use.

Cheers,

Jeff.

Oh nice find!

I dont quite understand the big difference between "Agreements" and "Contracts" other than I believe contracts actually hold up in court vs just an agreement.

I know AP said he uses "agreements" and not contracts, so I'd be curious what his take on them are vs contracts.

Maybe it just comes off as less nerve-wracking to a business to sign an "agreement" and not sign a "contract?"

~Dexx

[Sebulba]

Originally Posted by MarketingNinja

Hey Dexx,

Try going for something out of the ordinary, on the side of outrageous.

My business is Marketing Ninjas. Sounds a bit cheesy, but the fact is, there's entertainment factor there and it gets people talking. My title on some of my cards is "3rd Degree Blackbelt Marketing Ninja". Again, sounds kind of cheesy, but it's different. It gets people talking. Humor lowers people's defenses. It's easy to talk to someone when they're more relaxed. So I've scored points for being different, and getting noticed, the only thing I have to overcome now is being taken "for real", and that's simply done when I have a sit down with the client. I already have a great questionnaire, and as I ask clients the questions, and they start to fill me in with answers, I use my knowledge of marketing and systems to offer some easy and effective on-the-spot advice. This secures my knowledge level or expertise.

Why not try something like Cashflow Specialist or Profit Growth Technician or something a little bit out of the ordinary and more fun like that?

Cheers,

Jeff.

My other cards

My Company is My Giddy Aunt, Inc. Kinda Cheesy too, but people remember it. I too need to figure out an effective USP and description.

[rrakausk]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Hrmm perhaps "Marketing Strategy Consultant" or "Marketing Strategy Specialist"

~Dexx

"Profit Growth Strategist" Dexx

[MarketingNinja]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Oh nice find!

I dont quite understand the big difference between "Agreements" and "Contracts" other than I believe contracts actually hold up in court vs just an agreement.

I know AP said he uses "agreements" and not contracts, so I'd be curious what his take on them are vs contracts.

Maybe it just comes off as less nerve-wracking to a business to sign an "agreement" and not sign a "contract?"

~Dexx

Thanks Dexx

Yeah, you're right. I stick to agreements because to have lawyers draft contracts gets expensive. Agreements work well in my experience so that expectations and responsibilities are written, and you have something to go back to if there is ever a misunderstanding. These have saved my butt numerous times. Would they hold up in court? I don't know that they would. Never been down that path. But again, it all comes to getting a sense of who you are dealing with. For me, if a client tells me they want a contract drafted by a lawyer, that's a red flag. But to each their own.

Cheers,

Jeff.

[MarketingNinja]

Originally Posted by rrakausk

"Profit Growth Strategist" Dexx

Booyah! Love it.

[DogScout]

I hope you found my contribution thought-provoking and helpful; however, I need some help from you. I am perhaps one of the youngest warrior forum members at 15 years old and am clueless as to how I should approach businesses. I am uncertain whether business owners will even bother to sympathize with someone my age, and not just ask me to leave. I have had 1.5 years of experience with internet marketing, but I am unsure of how to muster the confidence to actually contact these businesses. I'm not sure if the suit-and-tie approach will work because the business owners will think I am in over my head. Please advise on how I should overcome this confidence problem, or hire B2B salesmen. I am in the process of recruiting a VA to train right now but am simply clueless as to how I can get past this brick wall?:confused:

Target clients not local, no need for them to even wonder how old you are. Do your interviews by skype.

[bwh1]

Originally Posted by ShawnC

There's a point i'm trying to make, and it seems to not be getting across (something I need to be aware of and take into consideration in the future).

I'm not here to be negative and tell people they can't do this.

I want to drive people to bring their A-Game. I want people to not only look at the numbers that are possible, but to look at the quality of work they aim to deliver.

Because that's what WILL create long-term stability for you. Strive to be the best at what you're doing. Don't settle at any point in the game. You deserve it and so do your customers.

CurlyJohn. You had an excellent reply and I agree with everything you said. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Shawn

I totally agree with you here as well with CurlJohn's responses. It's not about Shawn and me having a negative mindset, it's about being honest with yourself and knowing your capacity to what level you can do this.

If someone has the package, GREAT - go for it.

And Shwan, in your prior post you told

And the problem grew because their Web Designer became their marketing consultant. Did their Yellow Pages ads. Soon the web designer was doing as much as they could, for very little pay.

That fact is actually the biggest opportunity for the folks in here which wanna get into Offline Marketing.

AP's success is build on REFERRAL business, that's why I post to be cautious and do what you really know about.

G.

[DHPeck]

While we are on the subject of Business Cards....

How many of you have a completely empty backside?? ... It is highly likely that what you put on that backside will generate far more response than your name, and your pretty logo.

How many of you have a VistaPrint logo on the back of your card? ....I hope to god I don't have to explain why that is a bad thing. ( and by bad, I really mean...the stupidest thing you could ever do as a professional)

I'll share my business card strategy as it has served me well. I have several business cards, each one taylored to a specific target type. While my title is a definitive statement of what I do, I go into it with the idea of crafting a card that will generate business for me when in case its 6 months later, they guy may have forgotten much about me, and he's holding not only MY card, but my competitors cards.

In that moment, my business card has to go to battle for me and kick Shizass.

I've used the back space of my card to put an industry related thought provoking factoid, or an incentive. I will mention a special exclusive newsletter, I will mention information on my site or a useful interactive utility. I will use testimonials, or mention additional benefits of doing busines with me...especially where I know I've got an insider industry angle on something. I will use the words of his language and push those special buttons.

I think of my business card as a postcard or a print ad rather than a name tag.

Where I really think I've noticed a difference in my BC card response is when I have been really aggressive in distributing them. I am not always dilligent but when I start leaving them everywhere and including them in correspondence, I see more result.
If you can give 5 away per day that is about 1200 prospect touches in a year. This is important for your clients as well.

Business cards are powerful, inexpensive and they are severely underutilized. Hopefully these ideas will spark even more ideas for you guys.

Respectfully,

Doran P

[LouCyphre]

Originally Posted by Dexx

Oh nice find!

I dont quite understand the big difference between "Agreements" and "Contracts" other than I believe contracts actually hold up in court vs just an agreement.

I know AP said he uses "agreements" and not contracts, so I'd be curious what his take on them are vs contracts.

Maybe it just comes off as less nerve-wracking to a business to sign an "agreement" and not sign a "contract?"

~Dexx

Dexx

It does get confusing as the two are often interchanged depending on the context. In general all contracts are agreements but not all agreements are contracts. It mainly depends on how an agreement is worded, and in the meeting of legal requirements, in having a court decide whether it is to be upheld as a contract.

Two examples:

I enter an agreement with you to provide a server installation and monthly maintenance for an x amount of dollars, and will be for a period o 6 months. If I never show up and just blow you off completely, and there was no fee paid upfront for a receivable yet, it is highly likely the agreement will not be upheld in a court of law. There was no action toward a portion of the agreement moving forward and thus cannot be a contract.

Same agreement as above, but we also have in a clause about any legal handling of a dispute. So I put in a server, and did two month's maintenance. You paid me for the server, and the first two month's service, but refuse to pay the third, or you pay everything yet I refuse to provide any service after three months. In both cases the court will have treated the agreement as a contract since there were legal requirements taken by both sides holding to the agreement (service-pay) and making it binding like a contract.

In the first instance, I could take you to court for breach of contract for the service fee that is owed and in the other case you can take me to court for breach of contract for lost business monies from the failure to provide my services.

It's not an exact legalese explanation, but hopefully that clears it up a little.

Chris

[MurphSmurf]

Would you guys mind answering a couple questions of mine?

Originally Posted by MurphSmurf

Quick question: If a business is listed on Google Maps, they're pretty much at the top of the search listings. So why would they want to give you money to get them to the top of Google ... when they're already there? Doesn't Google Maps kinda throw a wrench into this whole idea?

Quick question #2: Has anyone been successful getting clients living in a somewhat rural area with a smaller population? It seems like there would be endless opportunities living in a city, even a smaller city, but how many options do you really have when you can practically count all the mom&pop businesses in your area on your fingers and toes?

In that case, do you think it would be worthwhile to travel to more populated areas once or twice a month in order to get clients (even if it means not technically being "local" or being freely available for meetings/consultations)?

Thanks.

[SteelDanno]

Originally Posted by MarketingNinja

SteelDano,

Take a look at MOUTemplates dot com. I've used this package for many joint venture projects I've put together. They're thorough, complete and easy to use.

Cheers,

Jeff.

That looks pretty cool thank you. I'm an Open Office guy myself but could be persuaded to use Word if this is powerful.

Like Dexx (and I'm sure many others) I am curious about how AP handles this part of the process and/or what templates or tools he uses. He is the man of the hour after all

[SpyGuy]

Originally Posted by SpyGuy

Lets say there are 25 good targeted keywords that the clients customers would use to search for their service/product.

Out of those 25 - only 10 of them will show on Google Maps.

(check this link for the ULTIMATE FREE GOOGLE MAPS KEYWORD TOOL AND TRAINING - Google Maps FAQ (dominate for free!))

Now lets say your client is only showing in G-Maps for a few of those 10 G-Maps keywords.

Your job would be to get them listed for all 10 of the open G-Maps keywords and as well, top SE rankings for the other 15 keywords that dont have G-Maps.

By doing this, you are connecting 25 different groups of targeted customers to the client rather than the 2 or 3 they currently have.

If I was going to explain it to a client, I would compare it to the Yellow Pages..... It's like having 25 ads on 25 different pages for the price of 1... rather than just 1 ad on 1 page.

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by MurphSmurf

Would you guys mind answering a couple questions of mine?



Thanks.

I did answer Question#1 for you.... :p I love being over looked :rolleyes:

[MurphSmurf]

Originally Posted by SpyGuy

I did answer Question#1 for you.... :p I love being over looked :rolleyes:

Heh, sorry SpyGuy! I didn't see your post.

Thanks for the explanation & the link. I admit that I didn't know a whole lot (well, anything) about Google Maps until now.

[Curleyjohn]

@ MurphSmurf As Dogscout said earlier, conducting a majority of your business online would probably be the best way to tackle the small town problem.

[SpyGuy]

Originally Posted by MurphSmurf

Heh, sorry SpyGuy! I didn't see your post.

Thanks for the explanation & the link. I admit that I didn't know a whole lot (well, anything) about Google Maps until now.

No problem Its a BIG thread.

Make sure you go to that link and watch the vids and download the Google Maps Keyword Tool.

[slvrsrfr]

Originally Posted by 12as24

Please advise on how I should overcome this confidence problem, or hire B2B salesmen. I am in the process of recruiting a VA to train right now but am simply clueless as to how I can get past this brick wall?:confused:

Thanks in advance,

Ayush

Ayush,

For 15, you're way ahead of your peers dude, that's for sure. If I was in your shoes, I'd look at businesses who sell to your peer group. Maybe boutique clothing stores, snowboard shops, comic book stores and the like.

I'd go with a direct marketing campaign like has been mentioned before. Alternatively, what I might do is make up a quick video from pics about their store, images of snowboards, brand names they might sell. Then I'd market the hell out of it and SEO it to get it onto the first page. I'd target an easy keyword to dominate and have the vid drive traffic to their site.

Once it's on page one, I'd send the owner an email saying hey, I made this vid for you and it's on the first page of Google for "whatever" keyword and I'm having it drive traffic to your site.

If you like what I've done and you'd like to continue this service and others I can do for you...holla!

That's what I'd do. Then the guy has to take you seriously despite your age.

Hope this helps,

Jason

[reilly3000]

istock, can I ask you what you charge for managing a facebook fan page? what do you include with it?

FYI I did a fan page for a business including setup, one FBML custom page, and 2 hours of training and social media consulting for $300. The client was happy and has 90+ fans in a month. Guys, was I too cheap or too pricey?