Eliminate the time between the idea and the act, and your dreams will become realities. ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

For those of you who are not subscribers to my Words of Wisdom blog I invite you to read the June 14th entry that began this discussion; for those that are you may want to refresh your memory refreshing your memory by going back and scanning that particular blog entry. You will find it here: http://gmarks.wordpress.com, yes, indeed it did move from Blogger to WordPress.

In that discourse I touched on what you need to give your testimonials credibility. Now that you know what to use let's cover another critical area; how to get good testimonials.

There are many ways to obtain testimonials all of which require you to ask or simply listen. You may think it silly of me to mention the latter, however if you merely listen with an intent to hear instead of focusing always on what you will say next when your customer is talking to you, whether in an email, discussion board, chatroom, or face-to-face, there is a good chance you will hear or read something that will jump out at you and say, "I am a testimony!" When that happens simply ask the speaker/writer if you can quote them. Very likely the answer will be not only affirmative but will make them feel honored.

Hiccups...I am sure Webster would define this malady differently, after all I don't know the medical term or even the cause of them. What I do know is that they are annoying. If allowed to go unattended they can even seem to take over every part of your being. They interrupt what you are doing and put a temporary pause in whatever you are trying to accomplish.

Now, if your business gets the hiccups it can be the beginning of the end. There you are totally focused and committed to your business goals when all of a sudden out of nowhere an unexpected hiccup develops. It might be a life challenge or just a little attention grabber. Regardless of the cause it still interrupts the best intentioned business plan and left unattended the hiccups can develop into a more serious condition. If you simply try to ignore the interruption the hiccup caused the downward spiral can be treacherous.

So next time your business is experiencing the hiccups stop, take a deep breath, attend to the issue and then get right back to business. Stay focused and realize that this is merely a temporary interruption and you will certainly realize your goal.

Subject: Give Your Friends The Gift of Time with {Benefit Your Service Provides}

Dear {first name},

I have a problem and need your help.

Just like any other business, our {type of business or service} needs new clients to stay in business. Of course we thought about advertising but that seemed awfully expensive and a little risky. Then a friend suggested we let a few of our best clients give away our services as free gifts to their friends for a special treat.

So that's exactly what we're doing for the next 6 weeks. And here's how it works:

1. Who do you know that could use a little extra time? A friend, neighbor, a relative? Just jot down their name and contact information on an email message and send it back it us, or call our office with their information.
2. Then we'll send your guest a free gift certificate for {service with high perceived value but little hard cost} (a ${xxx.xx} value) coming from you.
3. There are no strings attached and absolutely no-obligation for your referral to {buy from us again/ even to have any other service done.}

As you might guess, we're expecting a large response to this offer and I've only set aside a limited amount of free {product or service} so it's important that you let us know right away who you've selected.

Just pick up the phone and call our office at {xxx-xxx-xxxx} to give us the name of your guest and we'll take care of the rest from there. Or if you prefer, simply email us the information. Either way, your guest will be treated to a vacation from {some painful experience your product or service eliminates} -- while you get to look good and we get the opportunity to expand our business. That way everybody wins.

Thank you again for your continued business.

Sincerely,
(Your name)
(Your title)
(Your contact information)

P.S. Here's a special chance to look great and show your friend or loved one that you truly care - give away free {product/service} to a valued friend, relative or a neighbor. Give them the gift of {freedom from ----}!

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This is just one idea for an actual email campaign that we welcome you to personalize and utilize. If you need a complete email campaign or phone script specific to your industry or service please contact us at info@nibrocmarketing.com and we will be happy to assist you.

As you know, whenever I see someone doing something remarkable online, I can't resist examining their success. If I can learn something, I want to share it with my customers! That's what today's marketing tip is about.

Traditionally, people who want national exposure for their product, service, or message, have had to spend millions of dollars for national marketing campaigns. But with the growing influence of the internet, things are changing. There's YouTube videos, podcasts, email campaigns, article marketing and other no-cost or low-cost viral marketing methods for getting your message out to both a national and international audience.

The question is: Can someone who is taking the internet by storm transfer virtual fame into the "real world?" That is what presidential candidate, Congressman Ron Paul, is hoping will happen with his wildfire online popularity.

Nibroc Marketing Solutions welcomes Anna Campbell to our Feature Reader Spotlight. After reading last June's issue Ginger was invited to be a speaker at her Christmas In July function. She specifically asked me to speak on the subject I penned in that issue.

When I realized that fact and mentioned that she must have read her marketing ezine she confirmed and replied,

"Thank you! I definitely did! I loved the ezine!!! Your ezine is full of information that we need and we can use!"

Anna Campbell has been an entrepreneur for many years now and believes in finding your true purpose and happiness in life. She enjoys working with those that believe in dreams and are willing to work to achieve them. She has owned a candle company, printing company, and an event coordination company. She has also been an avid volunteer within her community, helping her local schools, community association, business groups, and other related organizations. She is an optimistic introvert that believes that the world is what we make of it. If we work hard and honestly, then the world is a better place for our existence.

Women Business Owners is a global non-profit corporation with a home office in Humble, Texas. Our group was created with the goal of education and support for women business owners throughout the world with online resources and networking and referrals. We share information pertaining to: setting up businesses, building a business, and maintaining a business. We provide information for each step your business will take in our Resource Directory.

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