Monday, November 29, 2010

Cyber-Monday 40-40-10 Promotion

Hi Everyone,

The other day I was thinking: Most small business owners want to get good marketing and business advice, but probably aren't able to afford to hire a quality marketing consultant or copywriter. That is, until now.

I know what it's like to struggle in business and wish I could talk to someone and pick their business brain to get profitable ideas for my business. That's why I decided to launch this Cyber-Monday 40-40-10 promotion.

Why did I call it this? I saw a Black Friday "40-40-40" promotion from a good online marketer. I decided to tweak it a little bit for my business and clients.

For a 40-minute consulting call on any business, marketing or sales challenge, 10 business owners can have access to my time - and pick my marketing brain - for only $40. You're probably asking: "Why are you doing this?"

1) I sincerely want to assist business owners who may be struggling, and find ways they can sell more of their goods and services without breaking the bank with expensive advertising. I know what it's like starting out, and wishing you had someone who could help you out.

While I'm not a millionaire (yet), and haven't accomplished everything I want to... I've gained a ton of experience over the past 6 years and want to share it with other biz owners at an affordable rate.

2) In the process of helping other business owners, I'll get a better idea of where people need help - and what services I can provide that will help more entrepreneurs succeed.

3) Christmas is coming soon, and I want to make a little extra money to help buying presents. Is that an honest enough answer? :)

To take advantage of this offer, send an e-mail to: brian.ochsner@gmail.com, then copy and paste: "Cyber-Monday 40-40-10 Promotion" in the subject line. This will make sure that I see and open your e-mail ASAP, and that you don't get lost in cyber-space.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, mine was nice and relaxing in a very rural area. Best Wishes for a great December, and I'll have another post up soon.

Friday, November 19, 2010

How to Attract More Leads From Trade Shows

A consulting client is attending a trade show in March, and wants to know how to get the best marketing results. Most companies have a box or fishbowl where you can put your business card in for a drawing, and hopefully win a valuable prize. The ultimate goal is to get a qualified prospect's contact information, follow up with them after the show, and make a sale.

It's more difficult today than it used to be to follow up and connect with qualified prospects, get a meeting with them... then make the sale. Sometimes weeks or months can pass by before someone returns your call or e-mail, which makes it a really frustrating and long sales cycle. However, I thought of a solution that makes it easier to get prospects into your marketing funnel.

What is it?

It's mobile marketing. Someone can text a phrase, words or numbers to a text address, and they've opted-in to your list. If you're exhibiting at a trade show, place a big banner in front or elevated above your booth, with large-font, readable copy that tells how they can opt-in to your text list. It's a copywriting challenge, but it should also tell them what they'll receive when they opt-in to your text list (chance to win a free prize, free info, etc.).

It's fast, easy and can give you better results than the old fishbowl. If someone can't get to your booth - or doesn't have time to stop by - you've made it easy for a trade show attendee to opt-in to your list.

A great mobile marketing program is provided by a company called Text Cast Live.

Full Disclosure: If you click on that link and make a purchase, I will receive compensation for that purchase. I don't make many recommendations nowadays - and when I do, it's only for top-quality, reputable products, services or people.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, you'll probably see the next blog post in December - take care.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Don't Just Do Something, Sit There and...

Came up with this post this morning as I was brainstorming ideas for a copywriting client. Most workdays I usually get up, shower, log on to my computer and get right to work. This morning, I decided to do something that most people don't intentionally do (because it takes some effort).

Lately I've noticed that I haven't been as productive as I want to be, even though I was "doing something" at my computer. But I wasn't real focused or intentional about what I wanted to do, and the tasks or goals I wanted to achieve.

What is this task that most people avoid like the plague, that I was engaged in this morning?

Thinking of how I can create more value for my client and her business. Henry Ford said it best:

"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why do few engage in it."

Even though I haven't completed as many tasks, I'm more productive today than I would have been going straight to the computer and "doing something" without a plan or purpose. I feel like time isn't getting away from me - and I'm getting more accomplished and providing more value for my client.

If you're not as productive as you'd like to be, focus on doing less and thinking more.