Dear Fellow Entrepreneurs,

My martial arts instructor always tells me to relax. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this. Well, I think I’ve finally figured out a way to metaphorically relate to what my instructor is trying to teach me. (I use the present tense because he STILL has to tell me to RELAX during every class!)

This metaphorical comparison has to do with, you guessed it, marketing! YES… one of my favorite topics. You see, many people struggle with marketing and sales because they need to RELAX and have a little fun. Good marketing really boils down to a social interaction between two people. And if you’re uptight and only concerned with “making a sale,” well this will come through loud and clear to your prospect. Here’s where I’m going with this. Try to relax and have fun when you’re designing your next marketing campaign or promotion. Now, you still have to follow all the age-old direct response marketing rules, but you must remember to have fun.

Here’s a little example of a video I created this morning to act as a “teaser” or “preview” for an upcoming membership sales promotion for my USCCA business.

http://www.deltamediallc.com/tyranny/

Remember, this is just the “preview” video. It’s supposed to kinda leave you hanging.

All the best!

 
Tim Schmidt

June 18, 2009
Brian B
How can you find Company Executive Email addresses for email advertising purposes?

Hi Brian,
The LAST thing you want to do is send an unsolicited email. You should ONLY do email marketing with lists of people who have requested information from you. Okay… with that being said, now let’s solve your problem! I will have to make a few assumptions here since I don’t have your full story. So, since you’re trying to reach the top executive of a company, I’m going to assume you’re selling a product or service that is expensive and acceptably profitable. So with that assumption being made, I’ll assume you can afford to spend a little money to acquire these leads.
Here’s what I’d do…

1.) Write a 10 page “insider’s report” for executives in your industry. For example… “How to Identify the Top 7 Ways Employees Attempt to Embezzle Money” (This would work if you’re selling forensic accounting services or something like that!)

2.) Rent a mailing list of executives in whatever industry you’re in and MAIL them a single sheet of paper that directs them to a website where they can download this report for FREE.

3.) When they arrive at the website you simply tell them that not only will they get their free report, but you’ll also send them a FREE weekly “insiders’ newsletter”… all they have to do is enter their email address and name.

4.) So… 5,000 names will cost you $500 to rent. The mailing piece will cost you $5,000 to print and mail. You’re offering something for FREE so a 5% response rate is somewhat reasonable. That works out to 250 leads that cost you $22 each. But now you can build that relationship with these 250 prospects for very little money since you’ve got their email address!
-Tim

Ever feel like this dog chasing his tail? I have!! A new marketing strategy will get you straightened out.

June 18, 2009
Bill 
Just wanted to know when you will be releasing your free eBook–Tim Schmidt, TRIBAL FORMULA. Thanks, Bill
Hi Bill,

I will be releasing TWO free eBooks sometime in the as-yet-to-be-determined future. Their titles will resemble “Tim Schmidt’s Tribal FORMULA Revealed Volume 01 & Volume 02″. They are both currently in development! Stay tuned.
-Tim

June 16, 2009
Ben H
Hey Tim there is a gun store in my area and the owner is at an age to pack it in.  Do you think the climate is sound enough to buy a reputable gun shop?  I know this is not much info but I was curious, thanks.

Hi Ben,
First I’ll make a few assumptions. 1.) The gun shop in question is at least somewhat profitable. 2.) The gun shop owner is willing to sell you the business for a reasonable price. 3.) You are ready and willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to make this business work. Okay… IF all three of my assumptions are correct then YES, YES, YES… this is the BEST TIME EVER for you to get into this business. Ben, if you decide to go ahead with this, keep in touch. I’d love to help you with your marketing plans!

All the best!

 
Tim Schmidt

June 6, 2009 - 8:09:59 PM
John 

Dear Tim,
I was reading that you did a presentation at the Underground Online Marketing event. I am starting an industrial products association and was wondering if you have the handouts or anything that I could use to get a head start on this venture. Thanks! John
Hello John,
As a matter of fact, I am putting the finishing touches on a FREE e-book entitled, Tim Schmidt’s Tribal FORMULA - Revealed! Heck, I’m also going to be holding a FREE webinar on July 2nd, 2009 that covers all the nitty gritty aspects of what I’ve learned over the last 10+ years of building my businesses. Stay tuned for more information.
-Tim

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June 4, 2009 - 11:50:45 PM
Scott L

Hey Tim,
I have read your blog and gotten your emails for a while now. I have a great deal of respect for what you are doing and accomplishing. I was impressed with the emails and PDF regarding Tribal marketing as well. I do have a suggestion for you to help you improve the profitability of your company. Normally I would charge a nice consulting fee for this but wanted to provide it to you for free. I would suggest testing the following on your sign up page. You currently offer three choices. Web only $27 Magazine only $37 Mag and web $47 I would suggest testing the following. Web only $27 Mag only $47 Mag and Web $47 If you know Mike Hill or have read Predictably Irrational you will see a big increase in your mag/web subscriptions. I sincerely enjoy your work and hope you are doing well. A former chemical engineer Scott Lovingood www.AskTheWealthSquad.com

Hi Scott,
Dang, that is some SOLID advice.  Believe it or not, but I recently purchased the book “Predictably Irrational” (I just haven’t read it yet!).  It sounds to me like the price change you’re suggesting would have a sort of “decoy” effect?  I can’t wait to test this and thanks AGAIN for the great advice.

This video doesn’t really have to do with business or marketing.  But instead with ourselves and our internal motivation.  People don’t take our goals away from us, we give them away.  I like what Will Smith says here, we have to “protect our dreams.”

All the best!

 
Tim Schmidt