If you really want to stand out from the crowd you’ll need to change your marketing perspective. In fact, you’ll probably need to spin around 180 degrees.
Here’s what I mean.
Many marketing consultants recommend something called give-to-get marketing or reciprocal marketing or a similar approach. The theory is that you do something nice for your prospects. customers or clients which somehow makes them feel beholden to you. Then, when they’re shopping around for products or services similar to the ones you offer, they’ll feel a subtle desire to reciprocate and hire you or buy from you.
But here’s the thing: Even if you think you’ve got your target market’s best interests at heart, offering a hook, or an ethical bribe with the intention of hooking your catch means, almost by definition, that you’re in it more for your own good than for theirs.
Think about that for a second.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t offer bonuses, or provide a free report or other genuine value. I’m not saying that at all. What I am saying is that if you really want to stand out from the crowd you need to offer your products or services with no strings attached. Sure, give away free stuff, but first and foremost build a relationship with your prospects and make sure that you are offering real value.
Let’s make this personal. If you give me something for free and there is no value there, it costs me in wasted time at the very least.
And there is a price to be paid for that and you will pay it in terms of a less-than loyal business relationship. After all, if you bought my loyalty, someone else can up the price and buy my loyalty instead.
So consider doing something radical for a change. Perhaps not all the time, but definitely some of the time. Offer added value with no strings attached and really stand out from the crowd.
More thoughts on how to give more in the video below. Your thoughts below the video.
Hi Debbie,
The name Debbie Benstein is associated with integrity, forthrightness, honesty, helpful guidance in a straightforward business manner that one can take action on.
You’re one to model, imho, when one desires to stand out in a crowd.
When one is beginning in an internet business, it’s often a challenge to find a mentor or coach one can trust and rely on.
Goodness knows I’ve experienced a few stumbles along the way.
Yet, I know I can count on you to be consistent in your integrity and the honest way you run your business, as well as communicate your concern for people who enter your sphere.
Awesome example of one who walks her talk!
Great post and quite thought provoking.
Thank you,
Martha
Hi Debbie:
I came to your site to check it out when you responded to my request for help in Earn1kaday forum. I’ve listened to Part 4 before Part 1 🙂 and like it. I’ll have to go back and check out the others.
You make a very good point. I’ll admit that I have been influenced by bonuses in the past, most of which will never be used, and almost all of which I’ve forgotten that I have. I wonder how many bonuses are given with that exact hope and knowledge in mind?
Like you, I’ve come to respect quality over quantity any day. There’s way too much inferior stuff flying around online. One of my favorite sayings, when I can’t remember something, is that MY hard drive is getting full.
It’s so refreshing to come across an ethical marketer. It looks like I’ve added another one to my small list. One yesterday and one today is quite encouraging and rare.
Regards
Rhonda