4 Customer Finding Power Tactics

Bet you’ve never thought of these ways to get new customers!

If you have, I’ll bet you haven’t acted seriously on any of them. How do I know? Because less than 5% of entrepreneurs actually use these power methods. Those who do, tend to be leaders in their industries. Not only because of they use little known strategies, but also because of the mindset that comes with it.

 

Anyways…here goes – four unusual ways to find new business.

 

You current Clients:

How often do you source new clients from your current clients? This happens through a referral program. Don’t be like most who underestimate the power of this. It’s already proven that prospects that find you by referral are more likely to spend, and spend big than almost any other source.

 

Make it a priority to design a referral program (there are dozens of ways) that suit you business. Don’t leave it to chance. EVERY single client you have should have the ‘opportunity’ to bring you more business, for additional benefit to themselves.

 

Previous prospects

Just because someone didn’t three months ago, doesn’t mean they wont today. Things change, new opportunities, circumstances and all sorts may prevent someone from buying the first time they intended to.

 

If you understand that, then you’ll see why it’s important to keep in touch with people who are interested in your product, even if they wont buy immediately.

 

This is another reason why it’s so vital to keep a regularly updated database of everyone who interacts with your business.

 

Previous Customers

Another overlooked source of business. If you service is good, and they’re still in your market reactivate them as a client. If you service was bad the first time, apologize, and find a way to make it up to them and activate them at the same time. Maybe they left the first time, because they found a better price, or because you ran out of stock, or maybe your receptionist was rude (God forbid). Whatever the case, you’d be surprised how many of these people would still be open to doing business again, with the right strategy.

 

 

Non-competing salespeople

If your sales people sell computers and someone else sells IT services, it’s likely you’ll have a lot of very useful info for each other. By building relationships with non competing business that target the same market as you do, you’ll achieve faster and easier. This is one of my personal favourites.

 

Regards

 

Max

P.S. Even though in this post I’ve used the words ‘customers’ and ‘clients’ interchangeably there’s a very important and little known difference. It’s so huge that, if you really knew it you’d probably easily grow your biz. Send me a personal email about who you are and what you do and I’ll tell you what it is, why it’s important and how to work it – all in one paragraph!

The Problem With Learning From Mistakes.

“The trouble with experience is that by the time you have it you are too old to take advantage of it”

So what’s a smart entrepreneur to do?

The answer seems obvious… Learn From Other People’s Mistakes. If you know what mistakes they made, then you’re less likely to repeat those mistakes…right?

Nope.

I’ve got 3 problems with the ‘Learn from other people’s mistakes’ concept.

1. You cant learn about success by studying failure. How much can you really learn about running fast, by studying slow runners? Not much (at best). These are two different things completely. Just because a failure didn’t advertise, doesn’t mean advertising is your smartest marketing option. Know what mean?
2. Failures often don’t know why they failed. So even if you tried to learn from from a failure, he probably doesn’t know the real reasons he failed. At best he can give you shallow ’surface level’ reasons like “I didn’t have enough working capital’ – when in reality, the reason he didn’t have working capitol is what you need to know.
3. You cant attract success by focusing on failure. At a certain point, learning anymore about failure will bring it into your life. It’s the Law of Attraction. You get more of what you focus on. Why do you think kids often repeat the mistakes of their parents, even though they already know they shouldn’t do it – ie generational alcoholism.

SO again, what’s a smart entrepreneur to do?

You guessed right – Learn from other people’s success. That will do the trick.

Of course IT IS possible to learn from your own or other people’s mistakes…but that shouldn’t be a focus.

Some say, we learn the most from our mistakes.

That’s not a rule, just a common pattern. The reason is because most people are more aware of their failures than their successes – but not you…not anymore right?

Now go succeed at something!

Max.

So what’s a

Top 10 Reasons Why Speed Matters.

Top 10 Reasons Speed Matters In Business.

Speed matters. Especially in business. Maybe more than you think. If you’ve been taking your time, procrastinating, or just plain wasting time – then here’s 10 reasons to stop it…fast.

And if you’re looking for ways to speed up your business success, check out the tools on our new website (The site isn’t complete yet…but if you need a logo for your biz, you’ll wanna see this now).

Top 10 Reasons Why Speed Matters In Business.

1) Because sometimes there’s only one prize.

Like when two guys go for the same girl. There’s no second prize. She’s only marrying one of you. Snooze you lose. Sometimes there’s only one tender, only one license grant, only one.

2) Because number one feels better.

Ask any Gold medalist if he’d have rather had the silver. Ask any Silver medalist if she’d have preferred the Gold.

3) Because saving time means time to do more.

Finishing one task means you can do another. If you have a one week holiday. Reading a good book is great…but reading two good books – wow. If you can setup your business quicker, you’ve got more time to make money.

4) Because 1^st place makes you a celebrity.

The Guinness Book of World Records proves it. The Olympics proves it. Heard of Heusain Bolt the world’s fastest runner?

5) Because no one remembers who came second.

Do you know the name of the World’s second fastest runner? Do you know who the second best golfer in the world is? Neither do I. Do you care? Neither do I.

6) Because some deadlines are actually real.

Not all deadlines are important or even real – but many are. Delivering the stuff on time increase your credibility, strengthen your friendships, up your profits and more. Missing the deadline for the big job tender means you’ve lost it, no matter how great you are. Taking too long with that quotation means, that money will just go somewhere else.

7) Because opportunities don’t last forever.

2010 World Cup business opportunities are just that – for the Year 2010. If you wait until month before the world cup, you’ve already missed it.

Because number one gets the biggest prize.

Number two and three sometimes get nothing more than leftovers. Just ask Microsoft’s Bing how much they wish they’d gotten into internet search before Google – and the impact it would have made on their bottom line.

9) Because a sense of urgency is motivating

In urgent situations, people demand more from themselves, avoid distractions and quit procrastination. A sense of urgency often makes us work more effectively and efficiently.

10) Because time is a none renewable resource.

You can almost always replace a dollar – but never a minute. A decade gone…is gone. 2009 is almost over – you’ll never get one again. Don’t waste what’s left.

Regards

Max

P.S. Feel the need for speed?

If you do, then check out our new website. It’s where you’ll find all the tools we use to help entrepreneurs fast forward their success. As i said, the site isnt complete yet – but in a day or two it’ll have A LOT of tools you can use to fast-forward your success. In the mean time though, If you’re starting a business and need a logo, find out how to get it done fast, affordable and very easy. See quickbiztools now.

“The Arnold Schwarzenegger Marketing Lesson”

Years ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger taught me an extremely important marketing lesson… Here’s the story (true Story):

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Max Soutter

As a kid, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a Hero to me. Saving the world, killing aliens, busting the bad guys…and of course…that bike (who could forget the Terminator Bike).

I loved him so much so, that I decided, I would launch a ‘Nick Name Branding Campaign’. The goal – to get my friends to call me

‘The Maxinator’

(You know, from Arnold’s Terminator Movie?). Or how about ‘Max Soutternegger’. Had a ring to it.

This ‘nick name branding campaign’ went on for quite a while. I wore a black jacket (except mine wasn’t leather), i tried talking like the Terminator – except my voice hadn’t really broken yet). I even wore 2 pairs of socks, just to be closer to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s height! Then there was the thing about my mom not wanting to get me a bike (something about me being too wild on the roads).

The hardest problem though, was that them daft friends just couldn’t see the resemblance! They just struggled with granting a skinny guy an Arnold Schwarzenegger nick name. No matter how much I tried, my branding lacked intrinsic credibility.

As the years went by, the campaign died (a slow, severe and reluctant death). Years later, my body had blossomed and I discovered I was for the first time – as tall as Arnold Schwarzenegger in REAL life – but alas, it was all too little too late. Turns out people were more concerned about his width, than his height*.

So here’s the point.

When it comes to marketing and branding…credibility is all important. You can waste a lot of time, resources trying to appear to be something that no one believes you are. It’s not really about reality…accountants deal with reality…marketers have to deal with perceptions. So just because you are the best, doesn’t mean people perceive you as that.

Credibility is whether or not people perceive your branding or marketing story to be the truth. Is it believable.

Credibility and perception is why the ‘Zimbabwe Sadza Joint’ cant sell their cokes for the same amount as Meikles Hotel can – no matter how much they spend on marketing. It’s the reason why Spar can sell exactly the same Christmas toys for 5 times the amount you’d get them downtown.

Credibility is why it’s almost impossible to be perceived as the highest quality and the cheapest at the same time. It’s the reason why it’s almost impossible to be perceived as the fastest whilst also offering the greatest personalization for each client. It’s the reason why, nicely packaged biscuits often out sell poorly packaged but better tasting biscuits.

Here’s the lesson: Make sure that whoever and whatever you’re trying to brand yourself as, you’ve factored in the credibility issue. Make sure that you’ve given great consideration to how believable your latest offer or claim is.

Max

p.s. “I’ll Be Back!”

* I’ve discovered since i wrote this post a few weeks ago, that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s height is in fact a big deal to many people (on Google)! For the record…it’s  6′ 2″ (1.88m), i believe. That would make him 0.1 shorter than i am!

It’s A Mind Job.

Sometimes, staring out the window, seemingly lost in space, is extremely productive. All depends on what you’re thinking (visualizing).

If you’re worrying about your dog eating the cat at home, you’re wasting time. If you’re fantasizing about winning the lottery, you’re wasting time. If you’re remembering an argument you had with a friend you didn’t know on Facebook, then you’re really wasting time!

On the other hand, if you’re ‘Visionizing, well that’s different.

Visionizing is what I call it when I take the time to go over my vision everyday – in my mind. I place myself in a future time and I vividly imagine all the details as if it were real right now. What it sounds like, looks like, smells like…I make it multi-sensory and exciting..

Why do it?

Cuz my mind can’t differentiate between imagined reality and actual reality. Neither can yours. It’s a proven fact. Why do you think you couldn’t sleep after watching that Horror movie? Because you replayed it in your imagination…and your mind thought there was real danger.

Listen Bob: By Visionizing everyday, 5 or 10 times a day, you can imprint a new way of seeing or believing into your brain. You can convince yourself that person you want to be, is in fact who you are already. You can reprogram yourself past your current limitations, attitudes and perspectives. Success is a mind job.

Top performers all over the world absolutely always use this technique. Some do it intentionally, other without even knowing it. They’re constantly seeing themselves crossing the finish line before everyone else, or closing the biggest sales, or romancing their wife.

The great thing about visionizing is that is absolutely works! Do it for your business, your studies, your family, your ministry – anything. The trick is to make it vivid, make it multi- sensory and make it often. Just 3 times a day, 10 minutes at a time for a start.

This will work wonders for your everything you apply it to. Free your subconscious mind of all the things you don’t want to happen. Don’t think about them, visualize or talk about them. Start daily visionizing a compelling new future.

Option B is to play another game of solitaire or get back to your 467 friends on Facebook and make friends w. See how far that takes you? I think, like me you prefer the Option A.

“Sorry, We Dont Do That Here!”

“Sorry, I don’t do that”.

Smart entrepreneurs say that a lot. Why?

Because knowing what you don’t do is smart business and it’s smart resource management. It’s often a good sign of a healthy business, of a good strategy, of a disciplined individual.

Why?

Because you cant be clear on what you do do, if you’re not clear on what you don’t. You cant be focused on what you will do, if you’re not sure what you wont.

It’s why you need a Unique Selling Point (USP). Because it tells people what you do (and therefore what you don’t).

Your ‘To Not Do’ List is almost as important as your ‘To Do’ list. It informs you on what is opportunity vs distraction. It reminds you of why you do do certain things…for example

Lets say you’re a marketing consultant and i ask you to help me with a business plan. If you say “Sorry Max, I don’t do that”, what’s my next question?

“Well, Why Not Bob?!”

Of course your answer needs to be better than “just because”. If you’ve actually thought it through, then it will reflect focus and even insinuate expertise.

People disciplined enough to not do certain things are often paid more, trusted more and referred more. I mean would you hire a consider a brain surgeon who is also a master pediatrician, gynecologist, psychologist and basketball star?

Or would you prefer the Brain surgeon who says “No, i don’t have anytime for that other stuff…, my passion is brain surgery – nothing else”.

Sure it may seem like his missing out on all those other ‘opportunities’ coming his way, but his not. He’s just focused…and therefore more credible and likely to deliver well.

So what don’t you do? Go on, make a list.

Oh, by the way, besides knowing what your business doesn’t do, it’s worth developing a personal productivity ‘To Not Do List’. Tim Ferriss offers a few ideas for you – Here are a few of my favorites (partly because I’ve been there).

1. Do not e-mail first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
   
2. Do not agree to meetings or calls with no clear agenda or end time
   
3. Do not check e-mail constantly — “batch” and check at set times only

See the full article here

Examples of Leverage

Had two emails yesterday, both asking for an example of leverage – so here goes.

1. 1) You’ll pay the same amount to advertise a 10x 5 advert in the newspaper whether you get 5 responses for 50. By leveraging an understanding of your market, buyer psychology and effective marketing…you’ll create a far more appealing offer = same cost, more results.
2. Waste time daily your email marketing to a limited list, or leverage technology and this opportunity. Now you can reach 15 000 people every week for the next 6 months for less than a dollar a day…all automatically. Less effort + less cost, but more customers.
3. Spend the next 5 years trying to improve your weaknesses OR hire someone who is ALREADY strong in those areas. You’ve just saved yourself time and frustration.

Get it? These are very basic examples, but absolutely powerful. There are literally hundreds of ways to leverage for success. A great starting point is to embrace the mindset shift – you’ll start to notice opportunities all around you.

For example, a few months ago, i found a great site that highlights websites on a rotational basis. It’s a great way to get more traffic to your blog. And how do you do it? All you have to do is link to them…like this

Entrepreneurial Success…What’s the main factor?

In entrepreneurial success, what makes all the difference? Is it money? Brain power? Good ideas? Or maybe it’s hard work? I say no to all of the above. There are countless examples to prove each of these wrong. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs don’t come from a prosperous family or get straight ‘A’s in school.

So maybe it’s HARD WORK?

I mean no pain no gain right? But then how do you explain the millions of people who work extremely hard all day, every day – and NEVER get out of the rat race? Or How would you explain Richard Brandson’s claim in a recent interview –

“I don’t work any harder than a really Good Secretary or Manager”.

SO again…what makes the difference in entrepreneurial success?

I believe there is an answer. LEVERAGE. Every single successful entrepreneur in the world has used leverage extensively in his business. He’s leveraged the skills, time, knowledge, experience and money of others.

More recently (last 20 years or so), especially with the proliferation of the internet, smart entrepreneurs have been leveraging the internet and a vast array of online communication, automation and other technologies.

Leverage takes you far beyond the limitations a limited skill set, a lack of knowledge or money or even a 24 hour day. Leverage enables you to get big results from small efforts.

Leverage is the master key in business.

If you haven’t read my book ‘Cash Baron Secrets’, then you probably don’t know the 4 secrets for maximum leverage. Download it now, it’s free.

Yours for smarter business

 

Max

 

P.S. Interested in a way to leverage technology with Zimbabwe’s most advanced email marketing system, then email me at max.soutter@gmail.com. Make ‘auto biz marketing system’ your subject header and you’ll instantly receive the details.

What Year Albert Einstein Die?

Albert Einstein died in the year of 1955, April the 17th. He was 76. Albert Einstein experienced internal bleeding caused by the rupture of an aortic aneurysm, by the end of the next day he was dead. But so what?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You could ask that i suppose. I mean unless you’re a history, science buff, why would you care – right?

Wrong.

I bring up the death of Einstein for one reason;

Did you know that 5 decades after he’s death, thousands of people are STILL asking and learning about him from the internet alone?

The accomplishments of Albert Einstein make up a long list…more importantly, so do his contributions. Apparently all this makes him very difficult to forget. In fact they even kept his brain (check out the pic from National Geographic).

 

 

 

Of course Einstein isn’t the only one whose had a great impact. I heard recently that the powers that be are considering making Nelson Mandela day an international public holiday! No bad for some who spent almost 30 years in prison.

I’ wouldn’t be surprised if America one day declares a ‘Barrack Obama Day’.

Ok here’s the point of all this…Jay Abraham asked a question once that challenged me to the core

“If your business closes doors today, will the market miss out on anything?” The answer is a definite no for most businesses and entrepreneurs – fortunately though, you still have time to do something about that.

Provide a service worth talking about, make a contribution worth remembering. Go ahead, be more than just another meaningless dot in history.

Life is about more than just personal satisfaction, business is about more than just money.

Think about it – i know i will.

Max Soutter

p.s. oh by the way, thousands still ask about Hitler too – and He died a whole 10 years before Albert Einstein did. The number one question they’re ask – “Why did Hitler hate the Jews?”.

The world wants to remember Albert Einstein, and they wish they could forget Adolf Hitler. How will we feel about you? Will we feel anything at all?

Auto Biz-Marketing System

Ok, I know some of you have seen My Auto Biz-Marketing system on Dipleague Zimbabwe and a few other places – i’ve been getting emails about it since this morning.

Please hold your horses… it will be made available for fast movers ONLY as of tomorrow. We’re just finalizing a few things to make sure you get the best results. I’ve also added an extra last minute profit boosting feature!

If you’re interested in making an early booking you can send me an email. If you don’t what the Auto Biz-Marketing system is, come back tomorrow and check it out in all it’s glory.

Yours for higher profits.

Max Soutter

How To Construct A Killer Stadium Pitch

Ok I promised you that I’d show you how to design your ‘stadium pitch’. You remember what a stadium pitch is don’t you? If not – Check it out before you continue.

Now even if you never get to stand in a stadium, it’s likely you meet someone almost daily who needs to know what you do in a clear, persuasive, differentiated and memorable way. You can either keep stumbling through these marketing opportunities, or you can design a killer pitch that arm you for persuasion.  Here’s how…

1) Get Attention With A WOW Statement.
The first thing you say in person or in writing is extremely important… start off with an attention getter! You can do this in one of two main ways…

a) Use a WOW statement that makes someone say (wow…I didn’t know that – or wow, tell me more)
b) Use a well crafted Unique Selling Point (USP). A USP is basically a differentiating statement that establishes what problem you solve and why you’re the best or only person who does it. A proper USP will be attention getting to someone in your market.

2) Poor On The Bad News.
A lot of people have a problem with this one – not wanting to be negative. Look, I’m a VERY positive person. In fact many who know me consider me overly optimistic…yet even I use this.

Why?

Because it works! You see if you don’t know what the bad news is for your market, then you don’t know what’s driving them. Its no lie that bad news makes a deeper impression on the vast majority than good news.

A recent study revealed how more than 90% of people will do more to avoid losing Ten Thousand Dollars then they would to actually gain it. The fear of loss is a much greater motivation for them. It’s unfortunate, but not to be ignored by a smart marketer. Make sure you ad a quick and powerful statement  or two that highlights the bad news, disadvantage or danger you market is currently facing.

The goal is not to create a negative pitch, but to set up the case for the urgent importance of your solution. Sometimes without this, your ‘good news’ may lack context or fail to connect with your audience.

3) Solve the Problem & Differentiate.
Now that you’ve shown them the problem, show the solution. Not a general solution though…show how YOU specifically are the best solution. That’s done with a powerful Unique Selling Point (USP). Discover your USP by completing this statement;

My competitors only do this____________ BUT I do this___________

• My competitor only gives you three days to pay but I’ll give you a 3 month payment plan
• My competitors only provide 3 types of product X to choose from, I’ll give you a choice of 15 of the top brands to choose from.
• My competitors take two weeks to complete the job, but I’ll do it for you in 7 days or less.

Be specific, not general. Be clear, not vague. Don’t say ‘better’, ‘cheaper’, ‘faster’ etc unless you can quantify it. That’s what makes a promise more believable and compelling.

Here it important to find the match between the most important distinction in your market, and the distinction that you can definitely deliver.

4) Make The First Action Step Clear And Easy.
If you’ve been compelling and if you’re talking to the right person, their next question will likely be…”So what next?” or “How to I start”. Don’t assume people know how to engage your services. Spell it out.

For example
“All you have to do is visit my Eastgate office, fill in a short form and it’s yours”

“Get started by visiting our office this Tuesday with a 50% deposit”

Where to use your stadium pitch?

Everywhere! In your chance encounters, for your sales presentations, in all your marketing materials etc. Once you’ve mastered and tested and settled on the best stadium pitch – make sure you use it all the time. Avoid the temptation to just wing it. Make it look natural and un-rehearsed, but always use it.

Look, there are quite a few things that go into a really killer presentation and it’s implementation, but the above should give you some good direction on how to greatly improve your own.

Want Professional Help With Your Presentation? I can make it happen for you for a less than you think. Contact me. In a short period of time, you’ll have a killer pitch that will position you as a leader and get the phone ringing with new business. It works for websites, adverts, brochures, sales letters, presentations, sales pitches etc. Describe what you want and I’ll send you a informal quote. Click Here To Contact Me

The Next 30 Seconds…What Will You Say?

They call it the stadium pitch and here’s how it works…

Imagine being in a stadium with 10 000 people, all potential buyers of your product. You’re on stage with a mic and the opportunity to address the crowd about why to buy your product, and why buy it FROM YOU!

Great opportunity… except for a tiny problem

They’ve already been there for 10 hours listening to long boring presentations by other entrepreneurs! It’s hot, no chairs, and what’s more… It’s just been announced that whoever wants to, can NOW go home. You have just 30 seconds before it’s too late.

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO GRAB THEIR ATTENTION, KEEP IT

AND LEAD THEM TO BUY YOUR PRODUCT?!

Your first sentence is what’s called your Headline. If it’s weak, no one stops to listen. If it’s the same thing your competitors have been saying the whole day, They’ll ignore you and buy from someone else. If it’s all about how great and exciting YOUR product and YOUR company are…no once cares.

So again…what do you say to them?

Not knowing the answer to that question is basically the problem for most businesses. You have no real way to capture the attention of their market, keep it and profit from it. You assume that just because you’re talking, the market is listening –

You can’t see the thousands of potential buyers,

walking away from you every single day!

Want to solve the problem?

Do it with a stadium pitch. It’s a 30 second, or one paragraph statement that immediately captures attention, explains what you do and distinguishes you from your market.

Tomorrow, I’ll develop the idea of stadium pitches further. I’ll show you a few excellent examples and a few formulas on how to construct yours. Be sure to tune in!

In the mean time do you have one already? If you do, email it to me for a free critique, I analyze it for free and show you how and where you can improve it. If you don’t have a stadium pitch but you have a tag line or slogan you use…send that to me and I’ll do the same.

Until then, be thinking. Don’t simply echo your competition, don’t be boring, don’t be irrelevant.

Max

What Are You REALLY Selling? Bet You Don’t Know!

Funny enough, few know the real answer to this question – but before you laugh, do you? I can if you do just by looking at your ads. For example does your marketing look like this…

“Computers & Printers For Sale”

“House Hold Goods Available”

“Plumber For Hire”

Adverts like this indicate that you’re clueless about why people actually buy your product and what makes them part with money for it. Why? Because you’re appealing to the head, instead of the heart.

People VERY rarely buy from a logical stand point, including me. Even the most rational consumers don’t. That’s just not how the human brain works to make buying decisions. The fact is, we all buy with our emotions…and then use our logic to justify what we have decided we want with our feelings. Motivation is a feeling, not an equation.

In other words you’re not selling cosmetics,

You’re selling the hope to become irresistible to men!

You’re not selling a holiday in Kariba,

You’re selling the promise of escape from boredom or frustration at the office, a family occasion we’ll never forget.

You’re not selling carpets

You’re selling an impression I want to make to my visitors, the proud home owner feeling, finally feeling safer when my two year old son dives off the couch)

Are you starting to get the idea?

Understanding this difference is what separates irresistible adverts from the kind your market doesn’t pay attention to.

You must study your market and find out what motivates them to buy what you’re selling. Whatever that is… focus on it. Assure them that this is in fact the very thing your product provides.

Simply focusing on a your product is like assuming people buy Mercedes for transport. If all He wanted was transport from point A – B, he’d look for the cheapest car available. No he wants to feel something about himself, create a certain impression… guarantee that feeling with your product and you’re in!

Yours for smarter business

Max

Why Should We Talk About You?

There are a few questions your marketing needs to answer if it’s going to be successful.

Questions like “Why should we buy from you instead of one of your competitors?” Why should we buy now instead of next week, next year or next never? What makes you so special? And so on. One of the less considered questions, yet just as important is this one…

“Why On Earth Should We Talk About You?

You see you want us to talk about you. You need it. It’s free advertising. It’s greater credibility. When we your market start talking about you to each other, that means your brand is finally going somewhere. It means you’re actually reaching us…we keep you in mind when we want to buy…or refer someone else. It’s simple

Mind Share = Market Share.

We’re not stupid though. We won’t talk about you just because you ask or just because you need us to. We won’t even talk about you just because you’re good. Good is expected. If you’re not good, then we’ll bad mouth you and complain about you. But to get us talking well of you…

You’ve got to be more than just good.

You have to be out standing. Note-worthy. You have to offer something, say something, do something outside of our everyday experience. You have be so far better, or different to your competition that we have no choice.

Is there anything about your product/service that’s truly conversation worthy? No? Well then, don’t expect much word of mouth. Expect to spend more and more money to get our attention. Expect to work harder, longer just to get us to remember that you exist. Expect to have your more outstanding competitor getting all our word of mouth.

So again… Why Should We Talk About You?

Albert Einstein Once Said…

Other Popular Posts

1. Why Should we talk about You? All about word of mouth for your business.
2. What are your REALLY selling? If you think it’s your product/service…you’re wrong!
3. The Arnold Schwarzenegger Marketing Lesson. True Story – why people don’t believe that I’m Arnold Schwarzenegger and why they wont buy from you.
4. Download My Book: Cash Baron Secrets. Do you know the four secrets of business leverage and marketing success? Free Download, No opt-in!

I’m a BIG Albert Einstein fan.

Picture of Einstein

My wife knows this, thus when shopping recently, she came across a T-Shirt with good ol Albert on it, she got it for me (thanks sweetie). It’s a perfect fit, great colours and…

I now consider it my ‘thinking t-shirt’ (others prefer ‘thinking caps’)

Anyway, it’s all got me thinking about some of the things Einstein said and how they apply to your business and entrepreneurial life. So here goes… 3 Einstein quotes with my genius comments on each!

Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds.

Wanna be a somebody? Want to triumph over mediocrity? Get ready for criticism. It’s that simple. The people around you may not be ready or willing to make that journey of transformation with you. i say…

• If they work for you…inspire them. If they won’t be inspired – fire them (or at least demote them off the management team)!
• If you work for them, inspire them. if you haven’t enough influence, change jobs. Better yet, consider starting your own business!

“A person starts to live when he can live outside himself.”

Amen! The biggest hinderence to success for most people isn’t a lack of talent, skill, knowledge or even a great idea. It’s certainly not because they lack money. It’s often selfishness – but WAIT. Before you say “ah that’s not me” take this quick 3 point test

1. Are you more in love with your idea and your product than you are with your market?
2. Does your marketing contain more ‘me’ and ‘we’ than ‘you’ and your’?
3. Do you ever make money from your clients even at the expense of what’s best for them?

Believe or not, the answers to these questions have a great deal to do with your long term success and your ability to enjoy success when it comes.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

This is probably the number one reason a good academic education rarely equals success in business. Business school can only teach you what millions of others already know. Imagination on the other hand, can distinguish you. It can inspire big ideas and a great vision. Of course imagination is only MORE important – so (humbly) i’d add to Einstein’s quote

Imagination is more important than knowledge – BUT GET BOTH!

Got an inspired thought? leave a comment.

Other Popular Posts

1. Why Should we talk about You? All about word of mouth for your business.
2. Using The F Word. Why customers lose hearing the F word and how to use it effectively
3. What are your REALLY selling? If you think it’s your product/service…you’re wrong!
4. The Biggest Mistake Of 2009. By this time you’ve probably already done it dozens of times…and it’s costing you big time.
5. Download My Book: Cash Baron Secrets. Do you know the four secrets of business leverage and marketing success? Free Download, No opt-in!

Change Of Number

Just a quick one,

I know quite a few people have had trouble getting hold of me lately, that’s because my Cell number has changed.

New Number Is 0913 710 746

You can still use the usual email address.

Max

Top Personality Mistakes In Business…

Are you in business? Or about to be? Then take note of this interesting list of personality mistakes in business

Personality Problems

1. Not Mentally Strong: A certain attitude is required of successful entrepreneurs. Do you have what it takes to lead rather than to be lead?
2. Inability to Analyse: Successful entrepreneurs need an analytical spirit. Can you be analytical and even a little bit critical in order to guarantee business success?
3. Inability to Self Critique: As a business owner, you need to be willing to self critique. A business owner who is not critical of his or her self is an unsuccessful one.
4. Lack of Desire: You have to be passionate about your industry, niche or business in order to succeed. Do you lack desire for your business? Then you are destined to fail.
5. Low Motivation: Just like desire, motivation is critical for business success. If you are lacking motivation, perhaps you are in the wrong business. Get motivated or get another job.
6. Over Confidence in Expansion: While expanding may be a necessary part of business, if you become over confident in your ability to expand, your business will surely flop.
7. Making Rash Assumptions: If you walk into your business making assumptions, you will have trouble acting on real information.
8. Failing to Take Responsibility: When you are an entrepreneur, you have to accept responsibility for failures in your business; you cannot simply shirk them off onto someone else’s shoulders.
9. Procrastination: If you procrastinate, or are lazy, or otherwise simply cannot get things done, you are NOT suited for entrepreneurship.
10. Overzealousness: Your business will not go from 0 to 60 on day one. You need to be prepared for a slow battle, and shoot for “slow and steady” business growth.

See the whole article of 50 mistakes here -

Free Advertising With GetMoreInfo

Want FREE Online Advertising?

I’m not talking about online classifieds…those are okay… but their extremely limited. I’m talking about full scale , real deal adverts.

Full page - no limitations on how many words you can use

Add pictures (jpeg, gif etc) to communicate better and make your ads more attractive. Also you can include your company logo is you have one and your advert’s credibility goes up!

Include PDF or powerpoint downloads to provide more and better info

Did i mention it’s free?!

Actually for the best thing about GetMoreInfo’s service is that you can do it all via email! That’s right – you just write out your ad in gmail/hotmail/outlook – whatever you use – then press send to the email address provided for you! Your attachments are automatically converted into downloads…can it get ANY easier?!

Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself – http://getmoreinfo.wordpress.com or send a blank email to gmisubscribed@gmail.com

There’s a lot more you can do with the system but you’ll find out when you start using it…so what are you waiting for? check em out now -

I posted my book – Cash Baron Secrets there and have already gotten some great results – see it here – http://getmoreinfo.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/cash-baron-secrets-free-download/

Also noticed a few other great ads…like the one about how to buy a car for $20! I haven’t tried it yet, but that sure caught my attention!

Max

P.S. Over 100 businesses and entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe alone have already joined… get in while you still can

3 Rules For Using The ‘F’ Word On Your Customers

Not attracting enough attention to your business? Maybe it’s time you started using the F word? No…not THAT one – the other one – “FREE”. Actually contrary to popular opinion, it does take skill to market something that’s FREE – profitably. Here are my personal rules for freebies

1)    If it’s not worth buying, don’t try to give it away free.

That means don’t try to give away something that offers no real value to the client…something that HAS TO BE free for anyone to accept it. If people feel that your free stuff has no value, they’ll assume the same for your paid stuff.

2)    Put just as much effort into your freebies as you do for your paid products.

Don’t think “well, I’m giving you this for free, so be grateful even if the service is bad. That just leaves clients with a bad impression of your service, not a gratefulness for your generosity. Pull out all the stops, make it something people can be excited about receiving. Something they’ll talk about.

3) Give Freebies To Those Who Can Afford To Buy.

Why’s this important? Because freebies have a way of attracting a useless audience. If you’re not careful, your freebies will attract people who don’t understand the value their getting – so they wont talk about it, or even remember it… which basically means you’ve wasted your time.  

Why Give ANYTHING away free? After all, aren’t we in this to make a profit?

Yep!

Think of free gifts (valuable free gifts) as an investment – a purchase of future client. It’s a way to eliminate the initial perceived risk of transacting with you, so that wallets are easier to access next time round.

Prospects think – “If your free service is that good, wow, your $200 must be amazing!”

That’s why it’s important to give not just anyone when you’re limited by numbers. Give freebies to your market, not the masses. The people whose needs will be met by your gift, who can afford to buy it, but will be thrilled to get it free (thereby likely to talk about it, appreciate it, use it and benefit from it and ultimately and remember you.

So what are you waiting for? Start using the F word today. You prospects will love you for it!

Speaking of free… have you got your free downloads yet?

Get This Free Ebook

Download Cash Baron Secrets FREE

Yours for higher profits,

Max Soutter

P.S. Did you get your questions to THESE common entrepreneural  questions yesterday? The answers are same whether you’re in Zimbabwe or USA, whether you’re dealing with inflation, recession or just a hard time. See your answers here

Your Zimbabwe Business Questions Answered

Got questions on how to start or market your business in Zimbabwe?

I don’t always get a chance to answer all the emails I get – especially questions. Not because I don’t want to, but because I can get really busy sometimes. Anyway, I took sometime out last night to answer a few of your questions. These are some of the most common questions I get – (not directly related to my products or services.)

I haven’t gone industry specific as I would in a personal email so that the answers would be more generally useful.

1)     What If I Don’t Have Money?

So what? You have more options available to you than you think. For example;

a)     List all the things you’d spend on if you had the cash. List the businesses that supply these services/products. Find out what they need that you have or can get and offer them a barter trade. If it sounds simple, that’s because it is. To be sure, not everyone will be interested, you may have to call around – but then again, in many cases you only need one or two people to say yes.

b)     Borrow smart. Family, friends, other businesses, etc. Usually you want to borrow slightly more than you actually need, just in case. Negotiate for the best terms (time/interest). Alternatively, borrow from someone who can make use of the service you provide in your new business. This creates upfront or future creative repayment options for you. Avoid borrowing for things that don’t generate revenue directly.

c)      Creative finance. Can you trade money for equity? Will they accept a delayed payment in exchange for higher interest rates?

Here’s an opportunity to setup your business without cash.

2)     When Is The Best Time To Start A Business?

When is the best time to plant a tree? Ten years ago. But the second best time is today. You can waste a lot of time trying to catch the perfect timing to start. In most cases you’ll only know how good your timing was after you’ve done it. You can’t tell in advance exactly which opportunities will come up and when. What you can do is be prepared when they do.

3)     How Do I Start A Business In An Area I Know Nothing About?

You don’t. Business is difficult enough as it is, don’t further complicate things for yourself. Personally, I’d only do that under 3 circumstances

a)     That’s when you can partner, outsource, delegate your area of incompetence.

b)     When this area is very easy to learn is a short space of time.

c)      When I can innovate the business to minimize or completely eliminate the importance of the competence I lack.

4)     How To Transition From One Industry To Another?

a)     First step is to take with you everything from the old business that’s useful in the new (assets, employees, databases, relationships (contractual), brands (& all intellectual property) etc – Especially your key relationships

b) Make Sure You’ve got the fundamentals & Note the 20%. 80% of business operations are directly transferable from one industry to another. For instance, accounting principles work the same no matter what business you’re into. Take special note of what’s in the 20%…what exactly makes this industry different in operations, marketing, management etc

c)      Start setting up the new business before you’ve left the old. Establish a sustainable cash-flow. Create a basic operational capacity. Of course if you’ve got huge savings, you can afford to be less careful about your transition. Generally though, don’t try to be a hero and don’t take unnecessary risks. Play is safe and wise.

5)     How To Transition From Employee To Entrepreneur?

a) Understand the incredible mindset/ attitude shifts you’ll have to make. Being an entrepreneur is not the same as being an employee without a boss. The difference is huge.

b) Realize that your primary function will be “Head Of Marketing” no matter what your current skill set now.

c)      Be ready and willing to endure a few months of unsteady cash flow … either simplify your current lifestyle or save up before you leave your job (at least 3 months worth). Also, being an entrepreneur isn’t 8am – 9pm… especially in the beginning – yes, even if you’re working smart.

d)     Make it gradual if you can. Work part time at first if possible – then setup as much as you can before you make your move.

6)     What do you think about partnerships in a new business?

Essential and dangerous. Don’t go into partnership for the wrong reasons.

a)     Because you came up with the idea together

b)     Because you’re friends

c)      Because you’re already partners in your current business

The only reason to partner is because each partner provides a unique contribution that’s essential for the businesses success. If you have to partner with someone because you cant afford to pay them.. be careful – make it temporary and avoid going the equity route if you can. Finally ensure that each partner is rewarded according to value, not position – and make it contractual.

7)     Are there any types of businesses you don’t recommend?

Yes.

a)     Don’t start a business with an unproven or untested market- unless

b)     Don’t start a biz that solves a problem you don’t really care about.

8)     What kind of business do you recommend?

a)     The kind that has a hungry market

b)     The kind that makes the kind of difference you care deeply about

c)      The kind that offers the sort financial rewards that you’re after.

d)     The kind that’s congruent with your values, gifts and God given purpose.

9)     How do I know when to give up?

Don’t listen to people who say never give up. There are times when it’s the smartest thing to do

a)     When you HAVE to compromise your values, ultimate vision or your integrity to succeed.

b)     When the market no longer needs the solution you’re offering.

c)      When what it takes to succeed is beyond what you’re willing to invest (spiritually, emotionally, financially, with time and other resources.)

d)     When what you’re willing to invest cannot offer you the rewards you’re after – I’m not talking only of financial rewards.

When you’re tired, discouraged, frustrated or distracted…these are not good times.

10) What Is Your Top Marketing Strategy?

I use a lot of different ones depending on the Situation – but definitely Joint ventures. A close second would be word of mouth. They have 3 things I love in common

a)     They get other people’s resources working for you. Their time, money, relationships, reputation, skill sets.

b)     You don’t need much money to implement them

c)      They are extremely flexible, with many different angles to approach them

11) What’s the Most Important Thing In Marketing For Growth?

I’d have to say it’s deeply caring about your contribution – being committed to solving a problem, because you care about them. It will come through in your service, your offers, the products you develop and the strategies and tactics you employ.

12) Where & How Do I Start On My Marketing Strategy?

Defining your unique selling point (USP). You USP answers the question of “Why  should I buy from you with so many other options?” A good USP is a unique, specific, simple & memorable. It doesn’t need to sound clever – a 12 year old should understand it. Once you’ve settled on the most profitable USP you can deliver on,

a)     Integrate it into every marketing piece and tactic you use.

b)     Shape your business (or service) around that USP, so that you always deliver on it.

c)      Make sure everyone in your organisation is focused on it – from CEO to cleaner.

13) What are the 4 leverage keys for Other people’s Money?

Ah…for that you’ll have to read the book! But it’s a free download and you can get Cash Baron Secrets here

14) How can I get more customers?

Already answered that in The Customer Thief – free download!

Yours for higher profits,

If I haven’t answered your specific question… feel free to pop me an email and I’ll get back to you when I can. If you make your question as specific as possible with lots of details, I’m more likely to send you an individual reply.

Max Soutter –

Click Here To find Me On Google

Trade A Cell Phone Line For A Website… If You Hurry!

What’s worth more? That cell phone line that isn’t bring you business, or a corporate website worth $200, no monthly hosting fees and a strategic advantage over your competitors?

You Tell me.

If you’d prefer the website…let me know today – i’ll be swapping with cell phone lines for an up coming promo i’m doing. This is just for the first 5 takers…then it’s over.

Fill in your contact details below and i’ll get back to you… or give me a call on my office line – 04 756 411 (ask directly for Max).

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3 Ways To Grow Your Business

Looking to grow your business? Expand your market share, increase profits and so on?

Truth is there are probably hundreds of learning options available to you. The internet, libraries and book stores are full of info on tactics you can use. Problem is, there’s so much of it out there it’s hard to make heads or tails of it. Consultants make a lot of money by complicating simple concepts – but grasping it is simpler than you may think

Actually there are just three ways to grow ANY business

Get more customers.

Get each client to buy more frequently

Increase your profit off each sale.

Every startegy or tactic will fall into these 3 categories.  Simple right? Yet thinking of it this way allows you to see what you should be focused on.

For example, Should you be focused on bringing in more leads?

That’s the first place most businesses turn – yet it’s often the hardest and least profitable. It requires that you spend more marketing dollars to get the word out, which is always more expensive than just marketing to an already established customer base.

However if you’re a new business or you have a thin customer database, then you’ll want to attract new leads. In the customer theif you’ll learn how to do this faster, easier and more profitably – check out the draft version here – no fancy graphics, no grammar checks and a few missing chapters – yet already a few people have sent me testimonials – like this one

“…was surprised when my cousin emailed this to me. It definitely doesn’t look as ‘finished’ as Cash Baron Secrets, but the ideas in there have totally changed my business strategy. Within two days of using the info in there my advertising results in the Herald went by about 50% – thanks (looking forward to the final version” Kuda Moweni.

“This is tight Max, thanks. If i focus on these principles, i can easily increase my earnings with in the next 1 week.” Jason Kolani Muwenizani.

Of course , with in each of these 3 ways are hundreds of tactics and nuances. My advice… don’t use the same old tactics your industry is used to seeing. Borrow and steal ideas from other industries, companies and organisations.

If your industry is used to focusing on newspaper classifieds, maybe it’s time you tested an aggressive internet strategy? A referral program, cross-sale, up-sale, deap-sale, joint ventures, newspaper advertising, direct mail — i could go on and on.

Let me know how it’s going

Max

P.S. You know the drill… Right click, save, read, make money.

You Can also download Cash Baron Secrets or even just read it online CLICK HERE

Read Cash Baron Secrets Online

Now You Can read Cash Baron Secrets Online…Right Here, Right Now – Just Click Here to get started reading

OR CLICK HERE To download The PDF Version For Easy reading Later.

Go to page 2 to start reading Cash Baron Secrets

Download Cash Baron Secrets FREE

Copyright NoticeYou may freely distribute this book online, sell or give it away on your website, upload tobulletin boards, email to friends or associates. However this book, it’s title or the

design graphics may not be edited or changed in anyway, shape or form.

Legal Notice

While attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, neither

the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibilities for errors, omissions, or

contradictory information contained in this document.

This document is not intended as legal, investment, or accounting advice. The purchaser

or reader of this document assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and

information. Max Soutter, Business Setup Group and bizsetup.wordpress.com

assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of

any purchaser or reader of these materials.Copyright Notice

You may freely distribute this book online, sell or give it away on your website, upload to

bulletin boards, email to friends or associates. However this book, it’s title or the

design graphics may not be edited or changed in anyway, shape or form.

Legal Notice

While attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, neither

the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibilities for errors, omissions, or

contradictory information contained in this document.

This document is not intended as legal, investment, or accounting advice. The purchaser

or reader of this document assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and

information. Max Soutter, Business Setup Group and bizsetup.wordpress.com

assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of

any purchaser or reader of these materials.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Use Zimbabwe Newspapers To Steal Customers

It’s easy to steal customers in Zimbabwe. One way is with killer newspaper advertising.

To be clear, i’m not talking about killer LOOKING ads, i’m talking about money MAKING ads. For the next few days I’ll cover the strategies, tactics, mindset and insights needed to steal your markets attention with your advertising. (Customer Thief: Have you read the book?)

Effective advertising goes far beyond just placing a big ad in the Herald newspaper with lots of colour and a nice logo…I’m talking about the principles that get results. Once you learn the science of advertising – in Zimbabwe you can practically rule, I know, I’ve done it.

Firstly understand that the following is a list of principles – not short term techniques. That means it

• Doesn’t matter where – Herald, Sunday Mail, Fingaz, Zimbabwean, Independent  or a magazine etc
• Doesn’t matter whether you’re doing display or classifieds ad
• Doesn’t matter what product or service – selling property, car sales, computer, cell phones, furniture, events management, consultancy, etc…once you know how – you know how.

So here we go, in no particular order 15 tips on creating winning newspaper ads in Zimbabwe…

1. Focus your time on developing a strong headline for your ad. The headline is the ad for your ad and has by far the greatest impact on your results. I typically write between 10 or 20 headlines before I settle on one. Don’t settle for the first thing that enters your head…it’s probably not nearly as smart as you think.

2. Capture attention and speak directly to the reader about something that’s important to him immediately in your headline. Forget what’s important to you, forget your logo and your company name…your focus now is completely on your prospect.

3. Once you headline has done it’s job (which is to attract the interest on the right reader), then focus your ‘body copy’ on presenting a compelling offer with as many benefits as you can afford to include (You’re being charged per-word).

7. To catch a prospect, think like him. It’s about what he want to know, not what you want to say. Benefits are what your prospect is most interested in…give him what he wants.

8. NEVER ever try to close the sale in a (short/small) classified ad. You’ll waste your money and get less response than you could’ve. Use the two-step formula for maximum results. Use your classified ad to find hot leads. When those leads contact you (via phone, email, whatever) that’s the time to go for the close. There are multiple reasons for this…trust me – it works.

9. Make it easy for people to contact you. This is especially important in Zimbabwe with cell phone networks as bad as they are. If they can call/email or visit…that’s the way to do it.

10. Write your ad as though you’re talking to one person. Have that person in your mind when you write. This makes your communication more personal, effective and it’s easier to build rapport.

11. Use simple design options to make your ad stand out. A double thick border, a different colour, a block on the headline…be creative without wasting money.

12 Use the F word. Offer something Free if possible. People respond to that like nothing else. A free report, info pack or even a free quotation – whatever.

13. Evaluate your competition. I’m amazed by how so many are content to pay and publish ads that look exactly like their competitors ads. Just go through the herald classifieds and look at the real estate/ computer or vehicles for sale section. It’s dumb – don’t duplicate your competitors…stand out. A better offer, a different design layout, a unique approach.

14. Forget grammar – delete words in classified ads. Edit your ads for unnecessary words that take up space and cost money without contributing to the marketing effort. ‘the’, ‘and’ etc. This isn’t an English exam, it’s a business exam.

15.  Choose your category or section carefully. This is worth very careful thinking and can often make a huge difference – especially in classifieds ads. If you’re wise, you’ll test different sections with the same ads and key the results.

There you have it, that’s it for today. Advertising works, if you work it. It’s probably the most used marketing tactic…yet one of the least understood. An ad that has been tested over time and maximized based on solid strategy and market feedback is worth gold to you. I’ve done my part…now do yours.

Tomorrow – 10 questions to ask before you write a single word of your advert. These questions are what make the difference between an amateur and a master customer thief.

Get ‘The Customer Thief’… (Pre-release Version)

Get This Free Ebook

Hi there,

Want the ‘insiders pre-release version of The Customer Thief?

customer thief pre-release version

Wowza, thought i’d be done with the final by today… but i’m in the middle of a crazy project + they’re a few more goodies i wanted to put in there for you – so that’s delayed the whole process. Was tempted to make you wait a little longer but i’ve received so many (strong) requests that i was forced to put out a early bird version here.

No gramma check, fancy graphics and illustrations – just plain hardcore customer theft content you can start using today.

Sound good? Get it while it’s hot…

customer thief pre-release version

Yours for higher profits

Max

The Customer Thief – Max Soutter

Actually, Some Thieves Sleep VERY Well At Night!

Stealing customers is not only profitable and satisfying, it’s also ethical and legal. In fact, once you learn and apply the 5 keys taught here in, you’ll feel great about your business AND your newly stolen customers will thank you for it.

In “The Customer Thief”, Max Soutter explains shows you what to do when your customers won’t buy and your competitors won’t share. Isn’t time you started snatching wallets and picking pockets in your market place?

CLICK HERE to download The Customer Thief

Please take note: the download is an insiders ‘Pre-release version’ Fill in the form below if you want the final version when I’m done with it.

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Zimbabwe Business: Get Clients For $10usd Or Less – 5 ways

After years of working with Zimbabwean businesses all shapes and sizes, I’m amazed by how difficult and expensive some people make their marketing. They see full page ads, high priced websites, huge bill boards and massive sales teams and assume that marketing has to be expensive to be effective. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Here are just 5 (of many) ways to get more customers, make more money and grow your business in Zimbabwe (or anywhere) with a ridiculously small budget.
1) Classified ads. Classifieds can cost as little as 3usd at the Herald newspaper. Unfortunately, the way most classifieds are placed means that you waste even the little budget that you do have. Here are a few tips…

a) Don’t attempt to SELL in a classified (or any kind of small ad). If you don’t have enough space to tell a convincing sales story and present a decent presentation, DONT! Instead write a sentence or two to get the attention of your target market and arouse their interest enough to enquire for more info. This is where www.getmoreinfo.wordpress.com can work great for you. Refer clients to your specific page/link where you’ve put enough info for them to make a buying decision. The more expensive, unique or complicated your product, the more important this is.
b) Don’t be boring! The average classified section in the paper can have anything from 10 – 1000 competitors – all selling the same product the same market. Unless you’re different or special there’s no real reason to call you instead of your competitor. Remember in results based marketing, it’s more important WHAT you say, than HOW you say it.

2) Email It! It cost’s less than 2usd for 30 mins at an internet cafe and ‘free’ at your office. Developing an email database of clients and prospects is basic strategy for a business that’s going anywhere. Write an attention grabbing subject heading (one that will get your email opened) send it to everyone on your database. Offer them valuable info, then refer them to your getmoreinfo page for more info on your offer

3) Sacrifice a $1usd! That’s about all it costs to send an SMS classified to the Gazette newspaper! Come on… they’ve been advertising this for ages and so few people still use it. All the better for you if you’re the only one in your market promoting your product in a half empty classifieds section of a national newspaper! Follow the tips above for effective classifieds.

4) Develop a referral program. There are dozens of ways to do this that ANY business in Zimbabwe can take advantage of. Basically, it mostly comes down to these three things
a) Develop an offer worth talking about.
b) Make it easy for people to refer people to you.
c) Reward them for their efforts. By the way, ‘reward’ doesn’t always mean cash…there are many other ways to do it.
5) Join www.getmoreinfo.wordpress.com Even before it’s official launch, it’s gaining lots of interest. Having your company/product/services info on that site, well written is worth gold to you. Nothing beats being able to advertise your business to potential thousands by simply sending an email! Get in while it’s still free to join – or even better, for just $50 get Gold Membership. Listen, the site isn’t even finished being designed yet, but has already received over a hundred visits – get in early for a great advantage. Find out more here.
By the way if you haven’t read Cash Baron Secrets, why not? Once you’ve read that, you won’t ever have to be limited to ‘cheap marketing’. There’s a story in there about how i got a company to ‘finance’ over 12 months of marketing FOR me…100% FREE! Download it at no cost here.

Regards

Max Soutter
p.s. Thanks to everyone whose been following my estate agency challenge. www.propertyplace.wordpress.com – in record time, has overtaken 96% of local property websites including most of the ‘Big Boys’.

Do you know of any more ways to market effectively alcheapo? Do share with everyone…

South African/ Zimbabwe Visa Restrictions Removed: What This Means for You

So, visa restrictions to South Africa have now been removed. It’s great news for most Zimbabwe consumers and even businesses… but not for all. I’ve been telling entrepreneurs that things are changing for over a year now – get ready.

This development is just the beginning… Zim entrepreneurs will soon be facing serious competition from out SA friends…will you be ready? Here are a few things you can expect to happen (over time)…

1) Most obviously, prices will become more competitive. As more Zimbabweans now have access to products and even services from ‘the source’ you can expect prices will go down even further in most areas.

2) More people may venture into your type of business. Every time a barrier to entry is removed in business, more people will enter that industry. This represents both opportunity and challenge for you as an entrepreneur.

This is why it’s important for you to know how to create competitive barriers in your market. If your business is vulnerable just because Visa requirements to South Africa have been removed, you’re in trouble.

3) More people will become interested in 2010. Almost every person with at least a teaspoon of entrepreneurial juice – you’ve thought about what opportunities 2010 may avail to you.

4) Over-time I hope and suspect that business ideas in Zimbabwe will improve. I believe we’ll see entrepreneurs move from short cut, instant gratification business models, to more substantial longer-term models.

5) We’ll see an improvement in the quality of local goods and services. Those who got away with terrible services or products will soon find themselves out of business if they don’t move with the times.

6) Of course as Zimbos get increasingly fussy, knowing they can get the same or better service in SA or from SA businesses, Zim entrepreneurs will have to shift gear and go to another level in customer service. Smiles, prompt service a free extras will become a more common feature of Zimbabwean business!

7) New types of businesses. Whilst many of the usual will grow stronger, we’ll see new ideas begin to infiltrate Zim. As things slowing improve, individuals become less survival oriented and start looking into what else they want in their lives. As they become more exposed to other options, it opens up opportunity for smart businessmen and women to take advantage.

Marketing will all of a sudden matter! Now instead of merely putting your logo in the newspaper, you’ll have actually have to have something to say – something more than “Hurry While Stocks Last!” or ”Sale Now ON”. Strategy, market info and so on will increasingly from now on gain in importance to Zim business. When you cant sell merely on scarcity or price…real marketing begins.

9) The Internet will become a much more important medium. With internet cafes springing up everywhere these days, it’s already happening. Those who know how to use this exciting medium will gain a massive advantage, especially in communicating to regional or international markets. But even those targeting local prospects will gain exciting new strategic advantages. It’s amazing how few local businesses actually have a website, let alone know how to maximize it’s use. The time is soon coming when not having a website, will be the equivalent of being illiterate – you’ l be relegated to the ‘rural areas’ of the business world.

10) Businesses will increase outsourcing to SA. With access to more skills, not readily available in Zimbabwe, wouldn’t you? Naturally, this affects the value of skills and the security of jobs here. It also avails opportunities to those who can facilitate the process.

I could actually go on and on. I don’t know how to predict the timing of all this, but it’s most likely sooner than you think. The point is, recognize that things are changing a lot faster than most business people realize. Investors are coming in, partnerships are being created, plans are being put in place etc.

What should you be doing about all this in your business? Get to it!

10 STEPS TO SUCCESS IN DIRECT SALES (ZIMBABWE)

In Zimbabwe, direct sales in far from a common concept to many Zimbabwean Entrepreneurs, yet every year thousands of men and women across America sign on with direct selling firm-Tupperware, Amway, or a cosmetic company-hoping to make money enough for new draperies, a new davenport, or some new clothes. They sell a little merchandise to a few relatives and close friends. Then they are through. They quit before they give themselves a chance to learn the basics of success in sales. “I am simply not a born salesperson,” they often say.

No one is born a salesperson, any more than one is born a doctor or born a lawyer. Sales is a profession. To be successful in any profession one must learn not only the basic techniques, but also how to apply those techniques. Success in sales makes use of all the abilities one is born with, plus all those acquired through education and experience.

If you are looking for a career opportunity or “extra income” to help with the family budget, direct selling offers you dream-fulfilling possibilities. However, you must give yourself time to learn the techniques of sales. Ask yourself. “How long does a doctor to be study? A lawyer to be study?”

WHAT IS DIRECT SELLING?

Direct selling is marketing a product directly to the consumer with no middleman involved. Most reliable firms are members of the National Association of Direct Selling Companies. They bring to the public fine products that are modestly priced in order to insure mass consumption.

Most direct selling companies furnish their representatives with a starter kit and essential supplies below-cost prices. In many instances the investment is under $100.

There is an old adage which says “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Many of them were able to change their lives for the better. They took their families on nice vacations. They purchased a piano or an organ and provided music lessons for their children. They saved money for college education. They redecorated their homes, bought needed furniture. One highly successful saleslady built a new home.

The rewards of direct selling are many

1. You can be your own boss.

2. You can set your own hours.

3. You can own your own businesses with little or no investment.

4. You can pay yourself more than any boss would ever pay you.

5. You can give yourself regular raises as your business grows.

It is only fair to tell you that there are failures, too. There are people who will not work for themselves. When working for a boss, they rise early, are well-groomed, and get to the office on time. However, when they are their own boss, they are still in a bathrobe, drinking one more cup of coffee at 11:00 A.M.

If you can be your own boss and discipline yourself to do what has to be done when it has to be done, direct selling offers a most unusual earning opportunity.

THE TEN STEPS

Here are ten steps that will assure your success:

1. BE A GOAL SETTER. What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to save for college education for your children? A new car? A new home? You can have whatever you want, but you must want it enough to do the things that have to be done to get it. Whatever your goal, write it down and set a target date for reaching it. Divide the time period into blocks of achievement that are reachable. Work consistently toward accomplishing each day, each week, each month what you set out to do. Goal-setting is a must in every area of life. Little is ever accomplished without definite goals.

2. BE A LIST MAKER. Each evening list all the things you want to get done the following day. That gives you an organized approach to each day. As each task is finished, mark it off your list. It is amazing how much gets done when one works with a “things-to-do” list. Also, have a notebook listing appointments, potential clients, repeat clients, and referrals, and keep it with you at all times. You will be adding to it constantly.

3. BE ENTHUSIASTIC. Enthusiasm is the high-octane “fuel” that salespeople run on. Enthusiasm generates its own energy. Energy and good health are synonymous with busy, happy people, people who are achieving.

4. RECOGNIZE THAT THE MAGIC WORD IN SALES IS “ASK.” In direct sales we don’t have to wait for business to come to us. We create our own business by asking for it. Ask for appointments, then you can do business. Ask for business, then you will close sales. Ask for referrals, then you always have a full list of potential clients. Be quietly, yet firmly aggressive.

5. EXPECT NO’S. Realize that no’s are not personal. In sales, as perhaps nowhere else, the law of averages works. Every no gets you closer to a yes. Keep track of your ratio. It will help improve your techniques. Are you getting ten no’s to one yes? Is your ratio five to one? Remember, the yes’s are your income. Also remember that “no” does not necessarily mean “no.” Often a “no” is simply a stall for more time to think. It may be a request for more information about your product or your service. What your client is actually buying is assurance. Assure here by your helpful attitude and your complete honesty, that you want what is best for her. She will most likely respect you and do business with you.

6. SCHEDULE TIME WISELY. A schedule is the roadmap by which salespeople travel. It takes the frustration out of the day. It assures that the necessary things get done and get done on time. Plan your work then work your plan.

7. BE POSITIVE IN YOUR ATTITUDE. Success in sales, as in all areas of life is 90 percent attitude and 10 percent aptitude. All of us must work at developing habits of constructive thinking. I am proud to be a salesperson. Sales make the wheels of our economy turn. Bernard Baruch, advisor to several presidents, is quoted as saying, “If every salesperson sat down and took no orders for twenty-four hours, it would bankrupt our country!” Every company that manufactures any kind of product depends upon salespeople to move that product. Without salespeople business would be paralyzed.

Remember, sales is one of the highest paid of all professions. Statistics show that good salespeople enjoy incomes far above the average.

8. HAVE AN OFFICE AREA. Most direct salespeople work from their own homes, but it is essential to have a place where you can work in a organized and efficient manner. An office plus a strict working schedule gives you dignity. Both are absolutely essential for efficient operation and accurate record keeping, so important to the success of any business.

9. BE INVOLVED. Most sales organization offer contests to stimulate production. Include winning contests as part of your business goals. Contests make your business fun as well as adding considerable dollar value to your income.

10. LEARN TO HANDLE MONEY INTELLIGENTLY. A regular nine-to-five job usually means a paycheck at the end of the second week. Direct sales “reps” handle money constantly. Direct sales is instant income and constant income. Therefore. it is absolutely necessary to become an efficient money manager.

Deposit every penny collected from clients into a checking account set up especially for its business. Since bank statements show an exact record of all monies collected, and business expenses can be verified by canceled checks, record keeping becomes simple and accurate. Everything except a few “petty cash” transactions can be directly taken from bank statements.

Money saved regularly and put at interest, soon develops a second income in addition to earned income. A long-term goal, which is realistic in direct sales, is to be able to live in retirement off the interest earned on savings. Would financial security mean a lot to you? If so, ask yourself these questions:

* Am I honest?

* Do I really like people?

* Am I willing to learn?

* Am I willing to work?

* Am I capable of being my own boss?

If your answers are yes, to find a good product for the direct sales market, one that you like, one that fills the need of a lot of people, and go to work for yourself! You can turn dreams into reality.

What Is A Business Setup Kit?

A Business Setup Kit is the ultimate business start-up package.

It’s a combination of a turnkey business with a business tools package. With the business setup kit, you can start and fully setup any business in record time, with ease.

When you order a Business Setup Kit, it’s like getting an established business, for the price of a cheap startup. Systems, tools, procedures and assets already put together for you.

Includes Everything To Successfully Operate Your New Business:

1) Company registration - Get legally setup quick and easy

2) Logo & stationery kit design – expert design

3) Corporate Website – Ready made/ custom made website

4) Human Resources Management Kit – ready made checklists, tools, and templates

5) Marketing Management Kit – ready made checklists, tools, and templates

6) Finance Management Kit – ready made checklists, tools, and templates

7) Industry specific tools and soft assets (subject & specific to your type of business)

All the above…already put together and waiting for you.

Want more details? See Our brochure

Zimbabwe Newspapers: Bad News is Good News

Zimbabwean journalists aren’t interested in writing any Good news in the newspapers. They don’t look for it and i suspect, even if they found it, it wouldn’t make it into the paper. That said…there is A LOT of good news and business opportunities in the papers. Not intended, but it’s there – especially for businesses.

Shocking right?

Of course, to see it, you’ll have redefine what good and bad news really is for your business.You’ll have to learn to see the opportunities revealed in the bad news.

For instance if you read that businesses are closing down. Is that goodnews or bad? Depends.

• Can i buy assets cheap from the business that just closed down?
• Maybe that means less competition for me.
• Can i find out why they closed and avoid the same mistake – free education
• What if i can go after their experienced and qualified employees, that ordinarily maybe hard to find…
• Or what if…i think you get the picture.

The point is businesses exist to solve problems. No problems, no opportunities and no businesses. Entrepreneurs, Businesses and institutions and even economies fail when they start to take bad news at face value. That’s when they become problem conscious. They start to blame MDC/ZANU PF, they blame their parents, their pastor etc. You’re not like that are you?

Here’s how i look at it

Bad news happens when needs arise. Good news happens when someone saw the need, ignored the negativity and turned it into an economically viable solution. You’ve got to decide how you’ll interpret the news around you. They’ll be lots of good, or bad depending on what you’re looking for.

Max

p.s. Here’s an example. You want to start a business but you’ve got no money? Well if you’re creative and determined here’s how to turn that into good news!

How To Start A Business With No Money

Want to start a business but have no money? Now’s your chance.

For the next 7 days only, you can get a Business Setup Kit on a purely barter trade basis.We’re accepting all kinds of things…cell phones, lines, laptops…be creative. If you’re really serious about starting your business, then this could be a chance of a life time.

Remember the Business Setup Kit is worth thousands of dollars and already under priced for now. Find out more by reading our brochure.

You’ll get everything you need to get going with your new business so don’t miss out.

Finally, ‘Customer Thief’ is almost done (way over due), so if you want a free copy, stay tuned…i’ll be posting it for free download for just a few days… dont miss out.

Max

p.s. be creative about the barter trade deal, nothing is out of bounds so send me an email or give me a call to propose a trade. See the Business Setup Kit brochure here.

p.p.s. Check out my last book free to find other creative ways to do business without money -

Zimbabwe Business: Business In Zimbabwe Standing Still

It’s true, business is standing still in Zimbabwe. Talk to any business owner and he’ll tell you how much money he’s owed – and how no one is paying up. You’re probably going through it yourself. There’s very little genuine economic activity taking place – and what a great opportunity for you!

Think about it.

When is the best time to overtake and make progress…when you competitors are running, or when they’re asleep? This is the time to gain market share… now that competitors are losing it. If you cant do that, then gain ‘mind share’ and if you can’t do that, then gain whatever kind of share you can!

Your choices are few. Either;

OPTION A
• Shrink back, fearful and discouraged
• Outsource your responsibility and response ability to others
by joining the blame game – Zanu PF, MDC, your parents,
pastor or whoever you want.
• Abandon your dreams of significance and contribution.
• Downsize your ambitions from greatness, to mere survival.

Don’t get me wrong, there are many and very good reasons to be discouraged and angry at political, business, church, education leaders. There are good reasons to become fearful of the present and lose hope for the future – to become selfish and self centric…but don’t.

OPTION B
Put to work these invisible forces of good in your life and business. Demand more from life – your skills, talents, opportunities time & every resource. Demand that the doors of possibility and prosperity be opened to you. Refuse to accept limitations and achieve your goals in 2009… no matter what.

Faith and hope are the very core of the entrepreneurial spirit. Selflessness and service are the backbone of the entrepreneurs business. Without these, you’re a victim, a weakling, a mediocre man or woman.

I truly believe that this is the best time to be pressing in to achieve business success – even in Zimbabwe. Don’t wait for circumstances to support you, let them catch up. You can beat your biggest and most fierce competitors by being bigger in spirit. While they complain, wait and procrastinate you move forward. You can gain incredible advantages that aren’t available in easier times. While they’re business is standing still, you’re moving forward.

Regards

Max Soutter

It all comes down to knowing how to turn bad news into good news and finding the opportunities hidden in problems…see that post here.

Biggest Business Mistake Of 2009

After 3000 hours of research and study I can tell you what the biggest mistake in business is. Turned out I didn’t even need to study to learn it.

It’s worse than investing in the wrong idea. It’s worse than having to redo a thing not done properly. Worse than hiring the wrong guy. It’s worse than over paying, undercharging, or any other strategic mistake. It’s…

Talking without acting.

We all do it once in a while – especially around about this time of the year. We talk about what we’re going to do – even write it down. We tell family and friends how 2009 things will be different. “I’m going to start that business, invest in marketing, pay for that service” etc Then after the hype is gone… nothing.

We forget. Procrastinate. Get distracted. Whatever.

Make this mistake once you’re likely to miss out on a great opportunity. Keep on making it, you’ll end up not just a failed entrepreneur, but a failure in life.

My advice? 2009 has come. Attack it. Not with words alone. With action. Swift, aggressive and consistent action. Use your words to embolden and inspire yourself into action. Use pressure to get your juices flowing into action. Refuse to be of the mediocre lot who talk of impressive things and don’t follow up. You’re of a different kind – you’re a success, you’re someone going somewhere.

A poor plan implemented is better than a brilliant plan, not implemented. If you made that business mistake in 2008, don’t do it in 2009

Max Soutter

p.s. There is one other mega mistake that’s a close 2nd for me…especially in Zimbabwe – check it out here