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Below are a list of resources -- in
the form of books, software tools, seminars and self-paced programs, that I have found to be useful in
my business. I hope they serve you well too.
Software/Tools
Generating Referrals Online
Tell-A-Friend
Pro (TAFPro) is a tool that I use to leverage the power of
networking online. I use it to ask for referrals from my clients
and customers, when they subscribe to my newsletter or make a purchase. This
is a powerful tool that allows you to do much more than collect referrals. You
can use it to collect feedback and comments from your users, have contests,
and so on. Here too, you get live support -- so if you need help setting up or
have questions, you can always email or call. For
complete details and a demo of the system, click
here. This
company has another product called Your
Own Affiliate Program. I have not personally used this myself. However
I mention this product here since I like their TAFPro so much, and also
because it may be useful for someone else (like you).
Keeping in Touch
AWeber
Communications is the software tool I use to keep in touch with
people, within the context of my business. Ever since I discovered it, I've
used it to keep in touch with past clients and customers, automatically
distribute information to prospects, to distribute articles to my subscribers,
to do market research ... and I'm still finding new uses!
It
is a complex and sophisticated tool, so you do have to put in some thought about
how you want to use it. What I absolutely love about them, is that they
provide support, via phone, email or live chat. I use it often! They
also provide a 30-day free trial period. If interested, use the form below to try it out:
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You Hate to Follow Up
Mind if we do it for you? AWeber's unlimited autoresponder follow up increases
sales, lowers costs, builds lasting customer relationships, and
increases your profits!
Find out how with Unlimited Autoresponders.
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Books
The Accidental Salesperson
My
all time favorite book on sales! I rate it "excellent" because it is packed with information yet
easy to read. And it's funny! This book provides a step-by-step guide on generating leads and
converting them into customers. The author uses anecdotes and refers to movies that really bring to life the concepts he presents
(I found this very helpful). He also provides tools and templates to give the reader a jumpstart on applying the concepts in the book.
Business By Referral: A Sure-Fire Way to Generate New Business
Written by Ivan Misner, the founder of Business Network International (BNI) and Robert Davis, this book clearly
shows how to use the power of networking to generate business.
I liked this book because it's easy to read and provides a wide
range of strategies and tactics to help you build the ideal network for
your business, as well as use your network effectively. If you like tools and templates to help you systematize your networking, this book has an appendix full of them.
What the book doesn't provide, is how to overcome any inhibitions you may
have about networking, how to find your natural way of cultivating
relationships and so on. These I cover in my Effortless
Networking program, which can be a good complement to this
book.
Nonstop Networking: How to Improve Your Life, Luck, and Career
I have to admit, I haven't read
this book yet. It's on my list. However, I decided to make an exception
and add it to my list of resources since it comes highly recommended by a
colleague whose opinion and judgment I trust. I'll
update this section with my comments after I've read it! In the meantime,
I did check out the reviews online (they're almost all positive), and also
took a look at the table of contents, which seems to be comprehensive. So
I hope this book serves you well .
Negotiating for Dummies
To
get what you want, whether in networking or in any other context, you
need to ask for it. And often, you have to follow up your request by
negotiating for an outcome that everyone involved in is willing and able to do. I
recommend this book because I like the content, the modular format and and the
anecdotes and stories sprinkled throughout. Some
of the things that stand out for me are the section on how to manage your
emotions during sticky situations, the chapters on staying in control of a
situation through clarity, and the "Top Ten" section which
summarizes the main points and offers all kinds of additional resources.
What Color is Your Parachute?
Can't
really have a networking resource section without this classic book! This
is truly a resource for those who want to understand and leverage the power of
networking to find jobs or change careers.
However, some of the information in
here can also be applied in other contexts. For instance, you can easily use
the information in the chapter on "How do you find the person who has the
power?" to find the "right person" or the "decision
maker" in an organization to talk about your business, products or
services.
Other
The
System Seminar
A
comprehensive and in-depth seminar on internet marketing from Ken
McCarthy, who I discovered is one of the earliest people involved in using the internet for marketing and
e-commerce.
He worked with the founders of Netscape and many of the pioneers in the field since
the early 90s to understand and leverage the internet as a powerful marketing tool. And
his seminars are based on his experience (and success), as well as that of his many graduates.
The next 4-day "System
Seminar" is scheduled for May 18-21, 2006 in Chicago. For details, click
here.
Smart
Beginners - The Foundation Course
This home-study course on internet marketing is also from Ken McCarthy, the founder of The
System Seminar.
This program has been tested on a wide range of people, from
absolute beginners to people who are already doing over $1 million US a year
online.
One seven figure veteran said: "This course filled me in on a lot of
tricks I wasn't aware of. More than paid for itself the first week."
What I like about his material is that it's grounded in business
basics and common sense. There is absolutely no hype or hoopla. The content is completely practical, concrete and immediately
usable. I love it.
Professional Effectiveness and
Productivity
This is a 90-day eCourse that I
created to help business professionals improve their professional
effectiveness. It covers topics like how to:
For complete details, click
here.
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