Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Thank You Note Examples - How to Grow Your Business With Relationship Marketing

Thank You Note Examples that will Explode your Business Growth

Thank you note examples could be the secret sauce to your business growth. Thank you notes are the most enduring form of gratitude. They're still the #1 source of referrals, loyal customers, & business growth.

Here are 3 thank you note ideas that will drive your business to new heights this year.

Thank You Note Examples - How to Grow Your Business With Relationship Marketing

The Recency Thank You Note Example:

How recently did the given customer purchase from you?

The funny thing about recency is that you can and should use thank you notes to motivate both extremes.

You'll want to thank your most recent customers for joining the fold. In as personal and sincere of language as you can muster. Personal, informal, heartfelt language cuts through all the advertising noise of every day business life.

You'll also want to send thank you notes to the customers who have least recently ordered from you as well! This thank you note will serve to remind that distant customer of why they were happy to choose you in the first place. And that you still remember and appreciate their selection of your services.

Such simple and refreshing thank you notes will keep you top-of-mind, and bring customers back for more, sooner rather than later.

The Frequency Thank You Note Example:

You'll want to also acknowledge the customers that come back most regularly. These folks probably don't need prompting - they're already patronizing you more than anyone else! But all the more reason why they should be acknowledged and thanked.

This thank you note would focus on the pleasure you have in serving them regularly. And perhaps also ask questions about how you can serve more effectively. That way, you get better before they NEED you to get better.

You keep the relationship fresh by over-delivering on value.

The Monetary Thank You Note Example:

By now you have probably realized that I'm using the RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) method of evaluating customer behavior.

In monetary, you want to send a thank you note to the customers who have spent the MOST with your business. Be they recent customers or not... be they frequent customers or not. These are the customers that will have the lion's share of impact on the continuity of your business. If they become recent and frequent customers - your business explodes overnight. If they go the other way - placing infrequent orders, you will have a much less predictable income stream.

Thank these businesses then, who have entrusted you with their hard-earned cash.

Gratitude Sells.

In a world where there is almost infinite choice for consumers, relationships matter. Human connections matter. And as such, the simple act of writing a thank you note, is immeasurably valuable. Some call it Relationship Marketing. Others even use the term Appreciation Marketing.

Regardless of what you call the act of writing thank you notes in your business, I can guarantee that it will transform your business. Imagine if people at every level of your company were empowered to write thank you notes, and to share thank you note examples?

Whether driven from the top-down, or bottom-up of your company, the act of writing thank you notes, and sharing thank you note examples, will have an immediate impact on your standing in the industry.

An important caveat is that you should give for giving's sake. That is - while this can be used to increase customer loyalty and customer retention, any giving that is primarily motivated by what you'll get out of it will ring hollow.

So be a happy giver.

Give a thank you note a day. Share thank you note examples.
It will change the way you see your customers (they're more than just names and numbers).

And as a side benefit, your business growth will explode.

Thank You Note Examples - How to Grow Your Business With Relationship Marketing
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More on Relationship Marketing

Discover my #1 secret business weapon for Building Customer Loyalty [http://www.rat-race-escape-artists.com/customer-loyalty-concepts.html].

Demystify the writing and designing of effective thank you notes [http://www.rat-race-escape-artists.com/thank-you-note-examples.html] in a business setting.

Bolaji Oyejide

Friday, December 21, 2012

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - One Tool the Marketing Toolkit

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs; it's old hat for a marketer, right? After 65 years what can possibly be new for today's sophisticated, internet-based marketer? Plenty. The Hierarchy of Needs deals with human needs and can still be a useful tool in a sophisticated marketer's toolbox. As a refresher, the basic needs are:
physiological safety love esteem self-actualization

Comprehending Maslow is more intricate than quickly glancing at a chart of the basic needs. Unfortunately, that is about all of us receive in most marketing books -- if they mention the man at all. A well-developed marketer will gain a more sophisticated understanding from a thorough reading of the original article.

In studying Maslow, one finds he never claims to have authored a theory that answers all aspects about human motivation. It is not an "end-all, be-all" as to what motivates us. Yet the Hierarchy adds an additional perspective one can reference when creating an ad campaign. I find Maslow to be one tool among the many I use when seeking to deliver maximum value to a client. When I fix something at home, I often use a hammer, a drill and sometimes several wrenches. I could attempt to repair every broken door or appliance with a pair of pliers, but that's not very efficient and usually I end up marring a surface or stripping the head of a bolt or screw.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - One Tool the Marketing Toolkit

In a similar way, if I am building a promotion for a client I may combine my understanding of the Hierarchy of Needs with Campbell's explanation of the Hero's Journey, and the Ries and Trout Positioning ideas. I might well consider a half-dozen other psychological and marketing theories, depending on the extent of the campaign and the time allotted to it.

Maslow can often provide a ground floor to work from, especially when we try to determine what set of needs our target audience likely needs fulfilled. "Man is a perpetually wanting animal" Maslow writes, and yet we need to establish which of the needs we think are already satisfied, at least partially, in our target audience. Then we can determine which of the "unsatisfied" needs to focus on as we develop our campaign.

There is a vital point I glossed over when I first ran across Maslow in a simple "chart form". He indicates that only percentages of the needs are filled at any one time. Most people simply don't neatly fill each stage entirely, and then move up to the next stage.

This fact, that only a percentage of the needs are fulfilled at any time, allows us to craft unique, focused campaigns targeting multiple needs.

The next article will address specific applications in creating a marketing hypothetical campaign for a bank. For our campaign, we will use the concept of Duty (as part of the Esteem needs) and combine it with the Safety and Love needs.

Maslow is a fascinating read.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - One Tool the Marketing Toolkit
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Craig Lutz-Priefert is President of Marketing Hawks [http://www.marketinghawks.com], a firm providing complete marketing services to business. Craig also authors marketing advice on his blog, Funmarketer.

Marketing Hawks offers marketing services for businesses in financial services, health care, manufacturing, banking, direct marketing, insurance and legal services.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Marketing

The term marketing implies the single goal of profit. It is categorized into two, direct marketing and indirect marketing and there is a significant line of difference between the two. Direct marketing is basically business from manufacturer to consumer without the involvement of middlemen, whoever it is. This is generally done by mailing the consumer or contacting him directly, so he can know about the products. The use of media advertisements is very limited and whatever little use is made includes only the demonstration of their products with call back numbers. Direct marketing is a boon and a bane, both in some respects:

Advantages:

- Direct marketing involves direct business. So it is cost beneficial for consumers, as there is no price hike due to wholesalers or retailers.
- Marketing executives can state certainly of the exact response to their products.
- The profit or loss can be more accurately judged.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Marketing

Disadvantages:

- Sometimes, direct mailing offends the customers and many do not endorse it as they say it inhibits their private lives.

But most marketing managers are in support of this kind of business. The various forms in which direct business is made are:

- Direct mailing: Here, paper mails are sent to the selected groups of people, who likely to give positive response e.g. the paper mails of latest food processor is sent to all homes where house wives are resident so that immediate response is seen. Also CDs can be used as demonstrating media.

- Email Marketing: Here, emails are sent to all the selected customer categories with repeated intervals of time. But most of these are put into trash and spams. So the effectiveness of this form cannot be predicted.

- Telemarketing: In telemarketing, calls are made directly to the consumers and the concerned product is advertised. People sit at call centers to sell products on behalf of their clients. But this form of direct business is quite unpopular and most people oppose the uninvited calls. It was initially made illegal but later on new laws were re-enforced and calls are now made only to those who don't mind them.

- Voicemail: Telemarketing created a lot of consumer opposition and consumers would abuse the ones advertising on the phones. In order to avoid this, voicemail marketing was introduced, wherein; the entire advertisement is digitally recorded and presented.

- Use of coupons: Coupons are attached to direct mails and sent to the consumers. These generally advertise and give cost benefit to the consumers. So they avail these coupons and respond fast.

- Television marketing: Advertisements are given on the television and demos are with toll-free call back numbers or certain websites for the consumer to get in touch with the manufacturers.

- Broadcast faxing: This is the least popular form of direct marketing. The ads are directly faxed to the consumers.

Direct marketing can thus become successful only if the entanglements with the consumer are good. It can be B2B or B2C. It measures exact consumer response.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Marketing
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James Copper is a writer for http://www.capsco.co.uk

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Marketing 101: 5 Direct Marketing Tips

Marketing is one of the most complex aspects of any business and getting it right can be tricky. Direct marketing is one of a host of marketing tools that can be very effective if done well but this is often easier said than done. So here are some direct marketing tips to help you get your direct marketing campaign on track.

Tip 1 Decide who you are going to target and which media you are going to use

Knowing who your ideal customer is means you can target your campaign well. It is also extremely important to decide early on whether your campaign is going to be by direct mail, telephone, newspaper or magazine ad?

Marketing 101: 5 Direct Marketing Tips

Tip 2 Always do a test campaign

Seasoned marketers advise that a test campaign is a must whether you are just starting out or have done a number of direct marketing campaigns before. This is one of the lesser known direct marketing tips. A test campaign helps you minimize risk but most importantly since you will be keeping records of what you do and the responses you receive it will provide valuable information about your customers allowing you to build a database and fine tune your campaign to generate high responses and get maximum conversions.

Tip 3 Develop benchmarks

Ascertain what the usual response and conversion rates are for the media you are going to use for your direct marketing campaign as they can range from 5% to 40 or 50%. This piece of research can help you make realistic projections and prepare yourself mentally and financially should you not get the amount of responses you wanted. The aim here is to minimize failure. Proper preparation means your campaign may be better than average and may beat the odds.

Tip 4 Be civil and polite

Whether your campaign is in writing or via telephone always be civil and polite to your potential customers. Being rude and offensive, mispronouncing names or spelling them wrong can alienate customers.

Tip 5 Make sure your customers know they are valued

If you're operating from a list of clients who have purchased products or services from you before little things like birthday or holiday greetings and special discounts go a long way to letting them know they a valued and can increase the likelihood that they would purchase from you again. They are also more likely to recommend your business to their friends or relatives who may be looking for similar products or services.

If you're operating with a brand new list or cold calling a free gift for responding or placing an order can make a difference between success and failure. This goodwill gesture need not be expensive but it can set you apart from your competitors, after all everyone loves receiving gifts and feeling valued.

This is one of the best direct marketing tips that you can incorporate into your campaign strategy and one that could increase response rates considerably and give you maximum conversions for your efforts.

Marketing 101: 5 Direct Marketing Tips
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Friday, December 7, 2012

It Works Marketing Review - Body Wraps, Compensation, and MORE (It Works!)

The It Works Global Story

If you're searching for a comprehensive overview of the It Works Global opportunity... you've found it! Established in 2001, It Works Global is a complete health & wellness company based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan and directed by CEO, Mark Pentecost.

The It Works natural product line ranges from herbal supplements to skin care and body slimming applicators. Distributors all across the globe have caught the vision and within only 5 years of operation, the organization realized a goal that many never experience - the freedom of being a debt-free company.

It Works Marketing Review - Body Wraps, Compensation, and MORE (It Works!)

Their flagship product, which is responsible for much of their success, is the Ultimate Body Applicator. Scientist & Product Development Specialist, Luis Mujares, created the product over 20 years ago in his pursuit to cure skin cancer.

During his research, he found that as the skin was healed, it became tighter, toner and much more firm. These botanical ingredients were then bottled up and sold exclusively to cruise line ships and high-end spas.

In 2001, It Works Global bought out the rights and the product has since been featured on ABC, CNN, Opportunity World Magazine and at the Oscar and Emmy gift suites.

So... Does The "It Works Wrap" Really Work?

When I was first introduced to the concept of a body wrap - I rolled my eyes. But, in April of this past year, I attended an Expo in Cincinnati where I saw the It Works Global team wrapping expo participants and visitors of the American Massage Therapy Association.

I saw over 100 people wrapped that day, and never have I experienced such genuine excitement from strangers-all in one place. While I don't know any of those people on a personal basis, I do know that many of those people came back from that expo with a bit of themselves missing from their waistline.

So, needless to say, I started to believe that this wrap, and this company had something incredible going on...

How Does The "It Works Wrap" Work?

As a person becomes increasingly overweight, they don't get more and more fat cells... the ones they have just grow larger. The reason these fat cells expand is due to the excess of toxins. Clients are encouraged to drink lots of water in order for these toxins to be flushed out.

A typical side effect after the use of a single 45 minute application is a tighter, more toned, measured area! (not bad for an hour of relaxing... )

The wrap is then discarded, but the ingredients have already penetrated to the deeper layers of the skin. Measurements are checked again 72 hours later, since results are also progressive. (In other words, there may be more results over the course of 3 days.)

How Do You Get Paid With It Works?

The It Works compensation plan is unilateral and has 6+ levels of pay you can earn, depending on your status in the company. You'll make 15% on all distributors and loyal customers you directly enroll.

During an expo, party or gathering, you'll also make instant retail profits from any wraps or supplements sold at that time. Commission checks which are a result of your organization's growth are also paid out on the 15th of every month.

Here's a brief snapshot of the commission payouts:

Distributor= 15% - personally enrolled or 10% (on first level), 10% (on second level)
Executive= Same as above plus 5% (on third level)
Ruby= Same as above plus 5% (on fourth level)
Emerald= Same as above plus 5% (on fifth level) and 2% on sixth level and beyond
Diamond & Above= Same as above plus LOTS of leadership bonuses (aka - "license to make money")

Bonuses available to all distributors:

Fast start bonus: Every time you sign up a new distributor and help them get 2 loyal customers within their first 30 days, you get 0 cash! This is paid out on a weekly basis on Fridays (you don't have to wait until your monthly check to get it).
"Car" Bonus: No, you don't get a "car" but you sure could finance one with 0 a month once you get 60 loyal customers. The company will allow you as long as it takes to make this happen!
Wrap Rewards: Every time you gather 2 loyal customers, you have the opportunity to purchase a box of wraps (4 in a box) for just .95. (Retail price: .00) You can easily see the quick potential to earn some additional income here!

What Can You Expect With It Works Global?

There are numerous training materials offered to the It Works Global team. These include: webinars, live chat, weekly conference calls, online training videos, up-line support, boot camps, and the annual It Works Global conference. The resources available to you as a new distributor to become successful are plentiful.

What Makes It Works Different From Other Opportunities?

It Works offers consumable products that are vital to health and wellness. That means people will keep coming back for more. This is the difference between selling something people want vs. selling something people need.
It Works Global provides a unique, first-to-market product - the Ultimate Body Applicator. There is nothing else like it on the market.
The possibilities of the target audience are substantial. People fall into two categories: those who are healthy and those who are not. Either way - you have their attention. These products help maintain good health but also promote a positive change in lifestyle for those who are not where they want to be.
Unlike other network marketing programs, you are not limited to home parties and gatherings. You could obtain distributors and customers through advertising to salons, spas, gyms, expos and by utilizing online tools.
There is a major difference between the It Works model and that of direct sales. With networking, you build up residual income, which will work for you even when you are not working. Obviously, you'll make the most of this opportunity when you are engaged yourself, but there is also a great reward for training others and that shows up in your paycheck.

How Do You Join?

To become a Distributor and obtain the rights to sell the entire product line, you'll need to purchase a distributor kit at . The basic kit contains wraps, an assortment of sales aides, distributor/customer order forms and a business building DVD.

It Works Marketing Review - Body Wraps, Compensation, and MORE (It Works!)
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My husband and I were able to quit our full-time careers (in Psychology and Aerospace) because of our It Works Global business.

If you'd like to find out the secret to our success, and join our rapidly growing team... check out: "It Works" Review

P.S. The price of the 9 distributor kit occasionally changes, and we have tips to help you SAVE, so it's best to contact us before joining!:)

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Strategic Vs Tactical Marketing

Understanding that there is a distinct difference between strategic marketing and tactical marketing will aid any marketer in their development of a solid marketing plan. If you are like me and used to be a good Direct Mail or traditional Brick-and-Mortar marketing professional than you may be offended by what I am about to tell you. If you read this introduction with an open mind, you may just find that what I am about to say is true and has been for years.

There are two types of marketing:

1. Strategic Marketing and

Strategic Vs Tactical Marketing

2. Tactical Marketing

Strategic marketing has to do with What you Say, How you Say it and Who you Say it To. In other words, it's the content of your marketing message.

Tactical marketing is the execution of your strategic marketing plan as far as generating leads, placing media, creating marketing tools and implementing a follow-up system. In other words, it's the medium your message is delivered in.

How Big Is The Distinction Between Strategic and Tactical Marketing?

The distinction between strategic and tactical marketing is huge. Most people mistakenly assume that when you talk about marketing that you're automatically talking about Tactical Marketing such as:

* Placing ads

* Lead generation

* Creating brochures

* Sending out mailers

* Attending trade shows

* implementing a follow-up system

They fail to realize that the strategic side of the equation:

What you Say

How you Say it

Who you Say it To

- is almost always more important than the marketing medium where you say it. To succeed as an Internet Marketer, a thorough understanding of this difference is crucial.

The basic definition of good communication is:

* Have something good to say

* Say it well

* Say it often

The best marketing and advertising in the world can not make a bad company good. Oh it may generate some attention and make some advertising agency a lot of money or win them an award (Pets.com), but saying something good about a company that can not execute what it claims is a recipe for failure.

A traditional advertising agency will use the C&R method of marketing Creativity and Repetition tries to capitalize on some creative ad using something that is unusual or exciting and then blast it all over the world using TV, Bill boards, newspapers, magazines, etc. in an attempt to build "Brand" awareness.

It is my hope that by reviewing this website and some of the articles you find here, you will begin to realize that there is a very specific strategic approach to internet marketing and begin to use some new methods in the way you approach internet marketing After all, where else can you create a headline, and ad or an offer and get feedback on its effectiveness within hours?

Strategic Vs Tactical Marketing
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Joe Cavell has been a marketer and business development coach for 30 years. He is the owner of Marketing Innovations LLC, a consulting firm in New Jersey and has taught marketing seminars at Kean University and various business events.
Visit his Success Tips Blog
Marketing tips can be found at http://www.SuccessTips4U.com