3.
FEATURE ARTICLE:
* Exclusive *
"Autoresponder Marketing Masters Series"
By: Mike Merz
An Interview with motivational master Bryan Hall of BryanHall.Net .
Bryan Hall is a Motivational Expert and Success Coach,
based on teachings powered by his infamous "Peak
Performance ... Peak LIFE!" philosophy.
He has worked in the Internet Marketing arena since late
1995, teaming up with such notables as Rick Beneteau,
Carmen Maranon, Neil Shearing, Linda Caroll, Richard Igoe,
Brian Garvin, and Joshua Rose, among numerous others.
Bryan's articles and tactics have attracted major corporations
like Janimation and SiteMatic, and he was one of the
speakers invited to the first ever Kauai NetExpo.
Introductions aside, it's time to query Bryan in reference to
the role autoresponders play in his day to day operations
Online.
MM
Greetings, Bryan! I'm so glad you were able to find time to
stop by.
BH
Thanks, Mike! It's my pleasure to be with you here.
MM
How important are autoresponders in your own individual
approach to marketing your business, and yourself, Online?
BH
Well, Mike, I have a different approach to marketing my
business than what most people tend to consider
"marketing". My "style", if you will, is geared far more
toward networking, creating and building friendships,
giving and sharing with others. Through that, most of
my "marketing" needs are fulfilled.
But, in respect to what you're asking me, I'm a firm believer
in using autoresponders to market your business, especially
from the standpoint of following up with prospects, current
clients, publishing messages and sending them out in-mass
to my list, etc. Follow up is an absolutely VITAL part of
doing business, online or offline.
I believe it's important to your success to stay at the front
of the minds of those who have or may buy your services
and products. You can't do that by expecting people to keep
coming to your site, for instance. You have to make them
remember you. If you don't remind those prospects or your
existing clients, for that matter then don't expect them to
remember you.
MM
Have you developed any unique methods of utilizing
autoresponders that you'd like to share with our readers?
BH
To be honest with you, I do a LOT more personal, one on
one contact with people, via email. However, when I do
utilize my autoresponders, I personalize them and make them
as "me" as possible. I think there's a lot to be said about
making the greatest use of tools like that to promote
relationships with your clients and prospects, rather than
simply sending out yet another sales letter, whether
personalized or not.
For example, when someone subscribes to my e-list, I have
my auto-follow-up system set up with a message to
automatically send that person a message a few days later
just to say hello and see what that person thinks. I ask what
people think, how they feel, etc. and create a rapport with
them. That message, for instance, is a short, sweet,
personalized follow-up. You wouldn't believe how many
people receive that and email a response back to me with
their thoughts, telling me what they have going on in their
lives, etc., etc. So, does it work? Yes, it works very well.
And I've created a lot of friendships from that.
In the past, with previous lists and sites I've had, I've always
utilized autoresponders especially follow-ups and used them
to send out articles, newsletters, follow-ups with new
customers and prospects ... "the works". The best way to
explain anything "unique" I've done with this aspect of
business is that I've always put "me" into it. In other words,
I make my messages "you-nique", as I like to say.
It's the difference between doing what everyone else does,
what everyone says is the right or wrong way, and just
being myself. I've seen a lot of great successes in my time on
the 'Net, and I attribute a lot of it to having more of a "sixth
sense" about things as well as simply speaking, writing, etc.
from my heart.
More people out here would find much greater success
simply by allowing themselves to BE themselves.
MM
You've managed to build a few rather large subscriber lists in
your time ... how did you go about it?
BH
Mostly through networking with friends, referrals, and word
of mouth advertising. I've also always utilized affiliate
marketing, except with my latest site (so far), which would
typically draw more people to those sites, to those lists, and
"into the process", if you will, of being followed up with,
networking with me, or most other aspects of what I focus
on.
Another way I built those subscriber lists was by writing
and gaining massive exposure through that. One gains a
world of credibility when they write and get published to
large audiences. So, when an article would appear, one of
the first things that reader will do is to visit the author's
site. The next thing they do, typically, is to subscribe to
that author's list.
Of course, I haven't put out any articles for a few years.
Although, I'm writing as much as I can right now to share
my message in a newsletter I'm about to launch (online and
offline versions), as well as for my book projects. Written
expression of one's beliefs, teaching and giving to others
through that medium, is one of the best ways I know of to
become recognized as a credible authority on your given
field of expertise.
And yes, it definitely builds those subscriber lists. In fact, it
practically guarantees that your subscribers will be active
READERS, which makes a HUGE difference in your business
and can easily mean the difference between success and
failure, in this aspect of running a business.
MM
It's often said that building a list of targeted prospects is the
key to Online success ... what's your opinion on this?
BH
I don't necessarily agree with that, Mike.
I believe the key to online success comes from deeper within
yourself; your belief in yourself; what you give of yourself;
and whether or not you set yourself apart from the sea of
other marketers somehow ... in fact, whether or not you
somehow "be you-nique" in what you do.
A list of targeted prospects may be ONE of the keys to
success online. But far too many people selling that bag full
of hope to the average success-seekers especially online
don't even realize how or why they truly succeed, or not.
People can call me crazy all they want, but, your business
will be far more successful if you focus your efforts on
giving of yourself to others in a way they want and need. If
you build a list of targeted prospects, all you have is a list.
What you DO with that and HOW you do it is what makes
that list a successful aspect of your business.
Take a list of a million people and try to sell them something
with the everyday, run-of-the-mill message. "Oh, yay you
got a 20% open rate and a 2% response, of which you
converted 30% of those tire-kickers into sales. Woo-hoo!!
Aren't you just SO awesome?" And "it's ALL in the list!"
No.
Inject YOU into that message, show that you CARE about
that one single person, give of yourself to them somehow,
as individuals, and see what happens. "Targeted" becomes
"direct-hit bulls-eye". People would rather just listen to the
latest self-proclaimed, ego-exploding "guru" and do what
they do ... and then sit around wondering why they aren't
successful.
Well, duh everybody and their dog is trying to do the very
same thing that "guru" is doing. And there's NO originality
in it, except at the "point of entry" what that "guru" did at
the start.
OK so, try this ...
Go to McDonald's and try to sell them a hamburger from the
burger place around the corner. You know what I'm saying
here? There's very little in that idea to make it unique. So,
you struggle for each and every sale.
Learn a different way. Take a different perspective. Put YOU
into whatever you do. THEN step up to the plate and see
how far you hit the ball.
Building a list of targeted prospects doesn't mean squat if
you don't know what you're doing in the selling aspect of it,
or if you don't know how to put something unique into it.
Yes, the list IS important. But is it all-important? Not even
close!
MM
Are you currently publishing a newsletter? What does it
focus on?
BH
Actually, no, I'm not. One of my current projects IS to get
a newsletter going. I'll have a freebie ezine, published
bi-weekly, and also a membership which will include a
newsletter, in online and offline (print) formats, private
members' discussion list, and some semi-one on one
coaching services, in fee-based availability. I'm working on
the paid subscription/membership idea with my very good
friend Josh Hinds.
Those newsletters will be focused on motivational,
inspirational, peak personal performance and achievement,
spiritual growth, beliefs, etc. There will be a slight mix of
marketing tactics and techniques, too.
Currently, though, my e-list is just that: a list. I send out
alerts about site updates, special events, and so on. It's not
on a schedule or anything; I just send out messages when
I have something important or special to share with my
subscribers.
MM
In closing, is there anything you'd like to share with our
readers in regards to what Bryan Hall is up to these days?
BH
Sure, Mike thank you!
My ebook with Joshua Rose, "Peak Performance ... Peak
LIFE! A Breakthrough Interview and Guide To Your
Success" was just released two days ago, with rave reviews.
That's the big thing right now. Aside from that, I'm running
my free forums, working on several projects - like the
projects Josh and I are working on writing, coaching, and
networking with several new friends. Another project Josh
Hinds and I are working on is a new ebook project (print
publication also coming) with the biggest names in
motivation, marketing, speaking, Internet, coaching, and
more.
MM
Thank you so much for your time, Bryan.
It's been a pleasure.
BH
Thank YOU, Mike! I appreciate it! : )
Future "Autoresponder Marketing Master" interviews are
being booked as of this writing to be run in DEMC in the
months to come ...
So stay tuned!
Who would YOU like to see featured in our series?
Send your requests to ... and I'll do my best to track them
down! ;)
Regards,
Mike Merz
###
Mike Merz is a well known Internet Marketing expert,
specializing
in Online newbie campaign start ups, and is the owner of ...
Internet Marketing For Newbies - http://im4newbies.com
Top 5 Internet Marketing News - http://top5news.im4newbies.com
Infoproducts To Sell! - http://infoproducts2sell.im4newbies.com
The IM4Newbies Internet Marketing Community -
http://internetmarketingforums.im4newbies.com
=============
4.
~/~ SOHO HELP DESK ~\~
http://www.demc.com
"How To Stop Spam"
Our discussion on how to stop spam continues in today's
Help Desk. You'll find some good suggestions and tactics
on reducing spam. Plus your fellow DEMC readers share
their comments and questions about the spam problem.
If you have any questions, answers or feedback for our
next issue just send an email to - helpdesk@demc2.com
And, remember participating in the SOHO Help Desk is a
great way to get free exposure for your business as we
include your tag line and contact URL with your message.
So send in a response today ! Email: helpdesk@demc2.com
=== HELP REQUEST ===
From: Bill Thomas
Since we're on the topic of "spam"... I have found a way to
beat spam! I feel it may be as much as (99%) effective.
My Question: How do I go about getting it out to the public
as a "product" for sale, and not lose it to someone else?
It is said that, "to build a better mousetrap, will have people
beating a path to your door"... I may have found the new
"mousetrap"! any ideas? help? suggestions?
Bill Thomas
Send your answer to: helpdesk@demc2.com
=== RESPONSES FOR KEN ===
Ken's Question:
> If there's one thing more annoying than spam email, it's
> popups. ... Any suggestions would most certainly
> be appreciated.
From: M. Tom Eagar
Hey Ken,
Just thought I'd give you a heads up on the best
pop-up killer I've ever found and I've tried many.
http://www.adsgone.com
Make it a great day!
M. Tom Eagar
Professional Global Marketing
Creating World-Class Digital Products & Services For Your Business!
http://www.professionalglobalmarketing.com
=== MORE RESPONSES FOR JUNE ===
June's Question:
>I'm getting more and more spam emails lately and they're
>driving me mad. I would like to know what kind of tools
>or tactics you use to reduce the number of spam emails.
>I would appreciate advice and suggestions from you.
From: Sharon Bray-McPherson
June,
Here's how I have significantly cut down on the amount of
spam email I receive.
What I did is really very simple, and everyone can do it,
although it does take a little time.
Instead of immediately deleting the spam I get, I have started
using the unsubscribe link that is included in a lot of the
UCE that I receive. If the message contains a link for
unsubscribing I click it. About 90% of them really have
removed me from their mailing list. I will also reply to
messages and ask them to remove me if the message
appears to be sent by someone who may be responsible
and reputable. Of course those that ask you to reply to a
Hotmail, Excite or Yahoo email address to be removed are
just a waste of time.
Another way I have cut down on the amount of mail I
receive is by unsubscribing to a lot of the ezines that I
received and never read. It helps the publisher get a more
accurate idea of who is actually reading their publication,
it cuts down on used bandwidth, and it helps keep my
inbox from getting so cluttered.
Actually, sometimes I get so few messages that I start
to feel lonely. :-)
Sharon Bray-McPherson
Gallant Marketing Group... Providing Innovative Tools, Resources
and Training for the Serious Network Marketer.
http://www.thatmlmsite.com
===> My Secret to Preventing Spam
From: Jason Hale
Hello June,
I have one spam-preventing tactic most people don't think
about it, but is much too important to overlook.
The philosophy behind the tactic is simple. If a spammer
doesn't have your email, he can't spam you. My tactic
prevents spammers from getting their grubby hands on
your email in the first place.
Of the thousands of pieces of spam I get via my multiple
email aliases, less than 5% are sent to my personal email.
In other words, all business emails readily available on my
web sites are being harvested by scummy spambots and
are eventually spammed.
For those who aren't fully aware, a spambot is a piece of
software that starts out on a web page and scans the page
for two things: hyperlinks and email addresses. A spambot
should not be confused with regular robots, also known as
spiders or web-crawlers. It stores the email addresses to
use as targets for spam, and follows each hyperlink to a
new page, starting the process all over.
Anyway, I now encrypt all emails that are posted on any
of my web sites. My emails are invisible to spambots,
but my site visitors can still send email with no problems
whatsoever.
If you want to prevent spambots from stripping emails from
your website, I have a free, simple utility on my site that
allows you to encrypt your emails instantly.
In the same amount of time it takes to type in your email
address, the spam prevention utility will create a tiny
snippet of code for you to place on your website.
Once you upload your web page, your emails will be
invisible to spambots, and still fully functional for your
site visitors.
The best part... there's NO charge for this spam stopping
service. Just visit the link below and encrypt as many
emails as you want.
Good luck.
Jason Hale
http://superduperweb.com/secure_email.html
===> Another Reader's Spam Definition
From: Suzan Burdick
My definition of the worst kind of SPAM is Unsolicited
response to ads.
The emails which say - "I just saw your ad and see that
we are both doing work at home. Here is some software
that you might find helpful. There will be a letter from
the company soon."
These spams cost money, especially when they're answers
from a pay for click ad we put on a site. i.e. Google etc.
I get them all the time!
Sincerely,
Suzan Burdick
http://www.workathomerealmoney.com
===
Please keep sending in your feedback. The help and
resources we've been able to share has been terrific.
Send in your questions, answers and thoughts by
emailing: helpdesk@demc2.com
Be sure to include your SIG and contact URL with your
post as we'll be sharing any viable ideas/information in
an upcoming issue of DEMC E-Magazine.
=============
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