Posts for the ‘Small Business Marketing Advice’ Category
How to make a book a bestseller
The proof is in the pudding. See article from today’s NY Times, “With Kindle, the Best Sellers Don’t Need to Sell” by Motoko Rich. The author begins the article with a riddle: How do you make your book a best seller on the Kindle? Answer: Give copies away. But many of the big publishers still find the strategy untenable because they aren’t changing with the times and adapting to new technology and today’s market.
Why is is that those with the most security (influence, power, money, etc) seem to be the least likely to change with the times? Of course, yes, I know “They’re afraid to risk what they have,” but to me, it seems counter intuitive. Maybe it’s the way I interpret the world but the more security I feel the more risks I’m willing to take and the more adaptive I’m likely to be.
The Single Best Way to Get the Biggest, Baddest Results on the Planet
My latest Entrepreneur Magazine article offered as an exclusive on American Express Open Forum. Enjoy. Comment. Tweet and FB it.
No Comments »Keynote clips of Michael Port
Predictions, Trends and Resolutions for 2010
Prediction
Relevancy will overtake marketing, at least in theory. The reality is advertising dollars are declining. The hit and miss marketing days are over. Creative marketing is already taking hold. Businesses are experimenting with new ways to market and get new clients. But, none of this is going to matter in 2010 if you aren’t relevant. Sales and marketing must be personal and relevant. It’s got to say, “I know something about you and I can help you.” Your marketing has got to give clients something they can relate to immediately. This is absolutely the most effective way to start real, trust building conversations that will eventually lead to solid client relationships and eventual sales. Mark my words, the only great marketing in 2010 will be relevant marketing.
Trend for 2010
If you are in business or sales, you’re going to have to prove you are trustworthy. Sure, that’s always been the case, but 2010 is going to put sales professionals under a microscope. Customers are going to be far more discerning in the trust department. The New York Times called 2009 the “Year of the Bamboozle.” Trust has been compromised by a good portion of the private, public and entertainment sector. So, now it’s even more important to listen first and build trust based on your clients’ needs. When you talk about your products and services, listen for immediate reactions. Do your customers think you can deliver what you say you can? Be acutely aware of how you continually build trust and how you are going to prove you can deliver what you promise.
Resolution
Resolve to make 2010 a year of full self-expression and take a series of actions that will increase your likeability factor. The one-way sales pitch is long gone. Corporate speak will only isolate you. People do business with people they like. And, when people like the source of a message, they tend to trust the message or, at least, try to find a way to believe it. Thus, your likeability and full self-expression has an enormous impact on your bottom line. Strive to be your best, most authentic and likeable self and you will be well on your way to becoming the obvious choice for your potential clients.
No Comments »Michael Port PBS TV Interview for One On One w/ Steve Adubato
This is a TV interview I did for One On One with Steve Adubato. It’s about 10-minutes long. Usually TV interviews are fast and furious and about sound bites. This show is better than that. We had time to sit down and really talk. I enjoyed it very much. I hope you do too.
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