DECEMBER 2002
Greetings & Salutations: If you are like most people in the U.S., you drive an automobile - but - how often do you really think about what you are doing while you are behind the steering wheel? -- You don't think about applying pressure to the accelerator. You don't really remember how you decide how much pressure to apply ... too little, you slow down in the middle of traffic ... too much, you get a speeding ticket. Or, how about steering the car? -- Without remembering what you are doing; or how you are doing it, you easily keep the car in your lane of traffic. And, when you want to turn left, or right, you just turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go and guide the car smoothly and accurately into the correct lane of traffic in the chosen direction ... without considering the coordination of steering, accelerating and braking you have accomplished. You don't think about it, you just do it. But, it wasn't always that way. If you will remember, back when you were first learning to drive you probably had a hard time just keeping the car between the ditches. -- It took a conscience thought ... and no little effort ... to get the car to go where you wanted it to go, at the speed at which you wanted to go ... without bumping into, or running over, something. The reason you drive so well (I hope) today is because, at the time you were learning to drive, your dreams of driving yourself to and from school events, or to a job, or cruising with your friends ... chasing girls (or boys) ... was all-important to you. Nothing else was quite as important. Your social life and economic future were irretrievably linked to your ability to drive an automobile. Driving an automobile meant freedom ... freedom from depending upon your parents ... freedom to go the places you needed or wanted to go when you wanted to go ... freedom to explore places you had never been before and do things you had never done before ... freedom to be yourself. -- If you didn't learn to drive an automobile, you knew you would forever be dependent upon someone else to get you to where you wanted to go. Aren't those 'reasons' for learning to drive an automobile very, very similar to the 'reasons' you've wanted to own your own business? Owning your own business means freedom ... freedom from depending upon someone else for a paycheck ... freedom to have the things you need or want when you want them ... freedom to pursue the activities you just can't afford on a paycheck ... freedom to be yourself. -- But, in all too many cases... It Just Ain't That Important! Think about it. -- Learning to drive was all-important to you when you were young because, if you didn't drive, you simply couldn't survive in our mobile society. Even the survival of the human race seemed dependent upon your learning to drive. After all, if you couldn't drive, you would be less likely to find a mate and procreate. But, owning your own business isn't quite that imperative. Without a business of your own, you can still get a job and earn enough to afford, at least, the basic necessities of life. And, even people who have never held a job have mates and procreate ... and procreate ... and procreate some more. Beyond that, when you were learning to drive a car, you were more than willing to pay the price to achieve your goal. -- Even though you had giant butterflies in your stomach every time you seated yourself behind the steering wheel you persisted. There were times you just knew you would never learn to control that great iron-beast, but you persevered. -- After all, your social and economic life depended upon you learning to drive ... not learning would mean the death of your hopes and dreams. While owning your own business is a worthy goal, less than 2% of those who pursue that goal do so with any kind of dedication. -- They have the desire but not the ... Imperative Motivation! Talking about 'motivation' is easy - but - getting 'motivated' is not an easy task ... especially when there is no imperative (life or death) reason to become motivated. Face it, most people would like to be rich and successful ... or at least be better-off than they are. -- Some dream of driving a luxury car, living in a big home in a fine neighborhood, and taking vacations at exotic locations around the world. Others envision paying-off their debts, having a little-extra in their saving account, and being able to just go on a vacation. The dreams are real - but - unless the person having those dreams is 'motivated' to make their dreams a reality, it will never happen. After all, they won't die if they don't achieve their goal; no matter how grandiose their goals may be. Young people won't die if they don't learn how to drive a car either - but - they firmly believe that, if they don't learn how to drive, they won't have a life; which is just about the same as being dead to them. When you think about it, it really is a ... Sad Commentary On Life! While over 90% of the young people in this country find it imperative that they learn to drive a car, less than 2% of those who want a better life ever do anything to achieve it. It is especially disheartening when you receive a 'note' like this: "Jim, please take me off your mailing list. I have been reading your materials for over 20 years. In all that time it has never made me any money. I'll be 65 this year. I really wanted to make some money from your programs but I guess I'll just have to live off my Social Security." Sad. -- Over the same 20 years he was reading my material, I was making millions upon millions of dollars doing exactly the same things; the very same way, I was teaching him (and all my other readers) to do it. Although there are thousand upon thousands of books, booklets, reports and courses on the market on almost every subject relative to making-money, no one has yet discovered a way to get the people who read that information to "use" it. What is the "Imperative Motivation" that separates the 2% who succeed from the 98% who only dream? -- Maybe we will never know. It's up to you!
Greetings & Salutations:
If you are like most people in the U.S., you drive an automobile - but - how often do you really think about what you are doing while you are behind the steering wheel? -- You don't think about applying pressure to the accelerator. You don't really remember how you decide how much pressure to apply ... too little, you slow down in the middle of traffic ... too much, you get a speeding ticket.
Or, how about steering the car? -- Without remembering what you are doing; or how you are doing it, you easily keep the car in your lane of traffic. And, when you want to turn left, or right, you just turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go and guide the car smoothly and accurately into the correct lane of traffic in the chosen direction ... without considering the coordination of steering, accelerating and braking you have accomplished.
You don't think about it, you just do it. But, it wasn't always that way.
If you will remember, back when you were first learning to drive you probably had a hard time just keeping the car between the ditches. -- It took a conscience thought ... and no little effort ... to get the car to go where you wanted it to go, at the speed at which you wanted to go ... without bumping into, or running over, something.
The reason you drive so well (I hope) today is because, at the time you were learning to drive, your dreams of driving yourself to and from school events, or to a job, or cruising with your friends ... chasing girls (or boys) ... was all-important to you. Nothing else was quite as important. Your social life and economic future were irretrievably linked to your ability to drive an automobile.
Driving an automobile meant freedom ... freedom from depending upon your parents ... freedom to go the places you needed or wanted to go when you wanted to go ... freedom to explore places you had never been before and do things you had never done before ... freedom to be yourself. -- If you didn't learn to drive an automobile, you knew you would forever be dependent upon someone else to get you to where you wanted to go.
Aren't those 'reasons' for learning to drive an automobile very, very similar to the 'reasons' you've wanted to own your own business?
Owning your own business means freedom ... freedom from depending upon someone else for a paycheck ... freedom to have the things you need or want when you want them ... freedom to pursue the activities you just can't afford on a paycheck ... freedom to be yourself. -- But, in all too many cases...
Think about it. -- Learning to drive was all-important to you when you were young because, if you didn't drive, you simply couldn't survive in our mobile society. Even the survival of the human race seemed dependent upon your learning to drive. After all, if you couldn't drive, you would be less likely to find a mate and procreate.
But, owning your own business isn't quite that imperative.
Without a business of your own, you can still get a job and earn enough to afford, at least, the basic necessities of life. And, even people who have never held a job have mates and procreate ... and procreate ... and procreate some more.
Beyond that, when you were learning to drive a car, you were more than willing to pay the price to achieve your goal. -- Even though you had giant butterflies in your stomach every time you seated yourself behind the steering wheel you persisted.
There were times you just knew you would never learn to control that great iron-beast, but you persevered. -- After all, your social and economic life depended upon you learning to drive ... not learning would mean the death of your hopes and dreams.
While owning your own business is a worthy goal, less than 2% of those who pursue that goal do so with any kind of dedication. -- They have the desire but not the ...
Talking about 'motivation' is easy - but - getting 'motivated' is not an easy task ... especially when there is no imperative (life or death) reason to become motivated.
Face it, most people would like to be rich and successful ... or at least be better-off than they are. -- Some dream of driving a luxury car, living in a big home in a fine neighborhood, and taking vacations at exotic locations around the world. Others envision paying-off their debts, having a little-extra in their saving account, and being able to just go on a vacation.
The dreams are real - but - unless the person having those dreams is 'motivated' to make their dreams a reality, it will never happen. After all, they won't die if they don't achieve their goal; no matter how grandiose their goals may be.
Young people won't die if they don't learn how to drive a car either - but - they firmly believe that, if they don't learn how to drive, they won't have a life; which is just about the same as being dead to them.
When you think about it, it really is a ...
While over 90% of the young people in this country find it imperative that they learn to drive a car, less than 2% of those who want a better life ever do anything to achieve it.
It is especially disheartening when you receive a 'note' like this:
"Jim, please take me off your mailing list. I have been reading your materials for over 20 years. In all that time it has never made me any money. I'll be 65 this year. I really wanted to make some money from your programs but I guess I'll just have to live off my Social Security."
Sad. -- Over the same 20 years he was reading my material, I was making millions upon millions of dollars doing exactly the same things; the very same way, I was teaching him (and all my other readers) to do it.
Although there are thousand upon thousands of books, booklets, reports and courses on the market on almost every subject relative to making-money, no one has yet discovered a way to get the people who read that information to "use" it.
What is the "Imperative Motivation" that separates the 2% who succeed from the 98% who only dream? -- Maybe we will never know.
Now, let's do some ... Questions & Answers, Comments & Other Good Stuff! John Schulte President of the National Mail Order Association wanted me to tell you ... "Hello Jim. -- I don't know if I told you about our new web site for direct marketers, or not. But, I thought you would be interested ... both for yourself and your readers. -- The chat and discussion board is free for people to use, they just have to register at the site for a username and password. -- http://www.DMchat.com -- is meant to be a forum for all direct marketers from around the world to come and share thoughts and ideas, ask questions & give answers, exchange experience, find new business connections, to learn, and for simple industry camaraderie. It will give small businesses, who have less resources and oftentimes do not have the resources to attend conferences, the opportunity to dialogue with other direct marketers." Thank You, John ... I signed-up ... will be visiting & I'm telling my readers about it.
Now, let's do some ...
John Schulte President of the National Mail Order Association wanted me to tell you ...
"Hello Jim. -- I don't know if I told you about our new web site for direct marketers, or not. But, I thought you would be interested ... both for yourself and your readers. -- The chat and discussion board is free for people to use, they just have to register at the site for a username and password. -- http://www.DMchat.com -- is meant to be a forum for all direct marketers from around the world to come and share thoughts and ideas, ask questions & give answers, exchange experience, find new business connections, to learn, and for simple industry camaraderie. It will give small businesses, who have less resources and oftentimes do not have the resources to attend conferences, the opportunity to dialogue with other direct marketers."
Thank You, John ...
I signed-up ... will be visiting & I'm telling my readers about it.
Pat Montagano wanted to know ... "I would like to know how can I promote my Professional Finding Service, on the internet for the most exposure spending the least possible money or no money at all. -- I would need something easy to understand nothing complicated so I can start. -- I look forward hearing from you." Pat: Actually, promoting any kind of "Finding" service is difficult because people don't even know they need your services when you tell them about it. -- The best bet is to "find" something ... then "find" the people who might need it. -- No easy, cheap way that I know of.
Pat Montagano wanted to know ...
"I would like to know how can I promote my Professional Finding Service, on the internet for the most exposure spending the least possible money or no money at all. -- I would need something easy to understand nothing complicated so I can start. -- I look forward hearing from you."
Pat:
Actually, promoting any kind of "Finding" service is difficult because people don't even know they need your services when you tell them about it. -- The best bet is to "find" something ... then "find" the people who might need it. -- No easy, cheap way that I know of.
Carla Cameron was in a quandary ... "I want to start an import-export agency. -- I would like to know what you think about the course offered by Wade World Trade and if there is any other way I can learn what is required. -- I am not interested in taking on inventory or stock, I just want to set up deals and collect my commission. I also don't want to have to sign any deals that oblige me to be responsible for the inventory. -- What are the duties of an import-export agent, and how would I go about finding buyers for my products, outside of my country. I am in Australia. -- I need some expert advice, because I need an unbiased opinion. I would like to get started and I don't have a lot of money." Carla: Shhh ... don't tell nobody ... import/export is one of the simplest businesses in the world. All you have to do is "sell something," "get paid" & "ship the product." -- No need to take any extensive courses. You just run your advertising in the publications that cater to the industry in which the products you are selling are used ... in the countries you want to sell into. -- You can find the directories of periodical publications through your public library ... just ASK the librarian. My course on exporting, "Sell American" probably won't help you that much because it is primarily directed to the U.S. market - BUT - my Finder's Fee course could be of benefit because a Finder can work anywhere in the world with any product or service you can imagine. -- You can learn all about it in the FREE Report at: finders.html
Carla Cameron was in a quandary ...
"I want to start an import-export agency. -- I would like to know what you think about the course offered by Wade World Trade and if there is any other way I can learn what is required. -- I am not interested in taking on inventory or stock, I just want to set up deals and collect my commission. I also don't want to have to sign any deals that oblige me to be responsible for the inventory. -- What are the duties of an import-export agent, and how would I go about finding buyers for my products, outside of my country. I am in Australia. -- I need some expert advice, because I need an unbiased opinion. I would like to get started and I don't have a lot of money."
Carla:
Shhh ... don't tell nobody ... import/export is one of the simplest businesses in the world. All you have to do is "sell something," "get paid" & "ship the product." -- No need to take any extensive courses. You just run your advertising in the publications that cater to the industry in which the products you are selling are used ... in the countries you want to sell into. -- You can find the directories of periodical publications through your public library ... just ASK the librarian.
My course on exporting, "Sell American" probably won't help you that much because it is primarily directed to the U.S. market - BUT - my Finder's Fee course could be of benefit because a Finder can work anywhere in the world with any product or service you can imagine. -- You can learn all about it in the FREE Report at: finders.html
Testing is great - but - don't forget to repeat the ads that work. Just had one of my students tell me about the 50 tests he ran this past year. Only 2 of them produced good results - but - he kept testing, & testing, & testing ... without ever re-running the ads that produced. The purpose of testing is to find something that works. When you find it, go with it ... don't just keep testing.
Just had one of my students tell me about the 50 tests he ran this past year. Only 2 of them produced good results - but - he kept testing, & testing, & testing ... without ever re-running the ads that produced.
The purpose of testing is to find something that works.
Jimmy Stewart, Flea Market Guru wrote ... "Thanks for putting-out a useful newsletter, with hints and resources that have helped me in my e-commerce endeavors. I come from the old school of mailorder (starting in the late 50s) and now combine both (Internet and Mailorder), which, as you suggest, is the only way to go to operate at full potential on the Internet. And I have been successful at both; albeit, I haven't made millions, but I do all right. Anyway, my expertise is the flea market dealer business, and I have a website -- http://www.FleaMarketGuru.com -- devoted to that subject, with how-to-do-it manuals (hardcopy; no e-books for me); true wholesale, close-out, and liquidation product sources; and a free newsletter: The Flea Market Digest. All new subscribers get the free report "What Sells In The Flea Markets" and those who are interested can subscribe at: http://www.FleaMarketGuru.com/page_7.htm -- Please keep your Business Lyceum coming." Thank You, Jimmy ... I truly appreciate your kind remarks. -- Visited your website & signed-up for your ezine. Hey gang ... if you've ever thought about making some bucks at the Flea Markets, Jimmy's stuff is go-o-o-o-od. -- Try it. Your bank account will like it.
Jimmy Stewart, Flea Market Guru wrote ...
"Thanks for putting-out a useful newsletter, with hints and resources that have helped me in my e-commerce endeavors. I come from the old school of mailorder (starting in the late 50s) and now combine both (Internet and Mailorder), which, as you suggest, is the only way to go to operate at full potential on the Internet. And I have been successful at both; albeit, I haven't made millions, but I do all right. Anyway, my expertise is the flea market dealer business, and I have a website -- http://www.FleaMarketGuru.com -- devoted to that subject, with how-to-do-it manuals (hardcopy; no e-books for me); true wholesale, close-out, and liquidation product sources; and a free newsletter: The Flea Market Digest. All new subscribers get the free report "What Sells In The Flea Markets" and those who are interested can subscribe at: http://www.FleaMarketGuru.com/page_7.htm -- Please keep your Business Lyceum coming."
Thank You, Jimmy ...
I truly appreciate your kind remarks. -- Visited your website & signed-up for your ezine.
Hey gang ... if you've ever thought about making some bucks at the Flea Markets, Jimmy's stuff is go-o-o-o-od. -- Try it. Your bank account will like it.
Thomas Lomax needed to know ... "I have a question -- Besides a business, or real estate, what other "income-producing assets" would a bank loan money on to purchase? -- For example, could I borrow money to buy trust deeds, or someone else's lottery winnings? (Buying cash flows, I think it's called.) -- Thanks so much for your time. I appreciate it." Thomas: Unfortunately, banks are forbidden by their regulations to lend money for the purpose of "investments" - so - I doubt you can get any of them to fund the cashflow instruments for you. Sorry.
Thomas Lomax needed to know ...
"I have a question -- Besides a business, or real estate, what other "income-producing assets" would a bank loan money on to purchase? -- For example, could I borrow money to buy trust deeds, or someone else's lottery winnings? (Buying cash flows, I think it's called.) -- Thanks so much for your time. I appreciate it."
Thomas:
Unfortunately, banks are forbidden by their regulations to lend money for the purpose of "investments" - so - I doubt you can get any of them to fund the cashflow instruments for you.
Sorry.
Terry Gibbs asked me to tell you about his new ebook ... "I think my new book is a great fit for your clients. -- It's a guide to eBay Consignment Sales. I sell thousands of dollars a month on consignment, and put together all my experience in the book. -- I even included the legal contract I had a lawyer draw up for me. -- I have never had an unhappy consignor, but the contract is an absolute necessity. -- The contract is worth more than the cost of the book." Actually, I very rarely give much credence to email like this - BUT - since so many of you have asked me questions about selling on eBay ... which I have never done ... I downloaded the book and read it. Hey ... this guy's got it all together - so ... If selling on eBay interests you, do yourself a favor and get your grubby little paws on this tome of "how-to" wisdom ... written by someone who is really doing it. http://hop.clickbank.net/?doddy/Nalroo4
Terry Gibbs asked me to tell you about his new ebook ...
"I think my new book is a great fit for your clients. -- It's a guide to eBay Consignment Sales. I sell thousands of dollars a month on consignment, and put together all my experience in the book. -- I even included the legal contract I had a lawyer draw up for me. -- I have never had an unhappy consignor, but the contract is an absolute necessity. -- The contract is worth more than the cost of the book."
Actually, I very rarely give much credence to email like this - BUT - since so many of you have asked me questions about selling on eBay ... which I have never done ... I downloaded the book and read it.
Hey ... this guy's got it all together - so ...
If selling on eBay interests you, do yourself a favor and get your grubby little paws on this tome of "how-to" wisdom ... written by someone who is really doing it.
Charles DeBose wanted to know what to do next ... "Below is the message I recently received from a manufacturer in South Africa about a herbal product I want to import to sell here in the U.S. -- I contacted the Customs Office for information to answer the question concerning required documents raised in the e-mail. The Customs Office referred me to the Dept. of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. -- I contacted both of those offices. -- The Dept. of Agriculture only deals with unprocessed plants. The FDA referred me to its web site and told me to call back if I had any questions. I called back and was advised to hire a Customs Broker. The assistance I need is twofold: 1. What would you advise as my next step? -- 2. Can you recommend a good Customs Broker?" Charles: Before you contact a Customs Broker, call the U.S. Department of Commerce ... tell them what you will be importing and from where you will be importing it. They can tell you exactly what documentation you may need. -- The Department of Agriculture & FDA are "regulators" ... they don't know diddly about the importation of goods. As far as selecting a Customs Broker, just check the Yellow Pages in any "port" city ... a "port" city is any city where international shipments can arrive ... by airplane or boat. -- Can't remember where you are located but, if there is a big airport nearby, call the airport & ask for the Customs Officer. ASK the Customs Officer to refer you to a Customs Broker in that city ... since most Customs Brokers are retired Customs Officers, he'll know who they are.
Charles DeBose wanted to know what to do next ...
"Below is the message I recently received from a manufacturer in South Africa about a herbal product I want to import to sell here in the U.S. -- I contacted the Customs Office for information to answer the question concerning required documents raised in the e-mail. The Customs Office referred me to the Dept. of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. -- I contacted both of those offices. -- The Dept. of Agriculture only deals with unprocessed plants. The FDA referred me to its web site and told me to call back if I had any questions. I called back and was advised to hire a Customs Broker. The assistance I need is twofold: 1. What would you advise as my next step? -- 2. Can you recommend a good Customs Broker?"
Charles:
Before you contact a Customs Broker, call the U.S. Department of Commerce ... tell them what you will be importing and from where you will be importing it. They can tell you exactly what documentation you may need. -- The Department of Agriculture & FDA are "regulators" ... they don't know diddly about the importation of goods.
As far as selecting a Customs Broker, just check the Yellow Pages in any "port" city ... a "port" city is any city where international shipments can arrive ... by airplane or boat. -- Can't remember where you are located but, if there is a big airport nearby, call the airport & ask for the Customs Officer. ASK the Customs Officer to refer you to a Customs Broker in that city ... since most Customs Brokers are retired Customs Officers, he'll know who they are.
Ryan Berg wanted me to participate ... "Thanks for sending out a great newsletter. Yours is one of the only ezines I read ... you don't put out the same old crap that it seems like everyone else is regurgitating. I actually learn things from you, which is pretty rare from a free ezine. -- I also really respect and appreciate your vast marketing experience. It doesn't seem like many people, even true marketing "experts", can even compare to all that you've done and know. -- I always try to find and learn from the best in whatever field I'm dealing with, so I feel lucky to have come across you! -- I'd like to propose a deal that will be mutually beneficial for both of us. This deal can stay small, or grow into something bigger ... with the benefits staying small or possibly growing into larger benefits for each of us. -- I just finished creating an offer that, I think, stands out from most of the "how to make money" stuff. It's a brand new offer, but I have had a chance to do some testing and so far it's done well. -- You can take a look at it here: http://www.doublesalesguaranteed.com/special/index2.html." Ryan: Thank You for your kind remarks ... I truly appreciate it. Unfortunately, at this time, I have too many projects to take on another - but - I have mentioned your program to my readers. Thank You for asking.
Ryan Berg wanted me to participate ...
"Thanks for sending out a great newsletter. Yours is one of the only ezines I read ... you don't put out the same old crap that it seems like everyone else is regurgitating. I actually learn things from you, which is pretty rare from a free ezine. -- I also really respect and appreciate your vast marketing experience. It doesn't seem like many people, even true marketing "experts", can even compare to all that you've done and know. -- I always try to find and learn from the best in whatever field I'm dealing with, so I feel lucky to have come across you! -- I'd like to propose a deal that will be mutually beneficial for both of us. This deal can stay small, or grow into something bigger ... with the benefits staying small or possibly growing into larger benefits for each of us. -- I just finished creating an offer that, I think, stands out from most of the "how to make money" stuff. It's a brand new offer, but I have had a chance to do some testing and so far it's done well. -- You can take a look at it here: http://www.doublesalesguaranteed.com/special/index2.html."
Ryan:
Thank You for your kind remarks ... I truly appreciate it.
Unfortunately, at this time, I have too many projects to take on another - but - I have mentioned your program to my readers.
Thank You for asking.
Calvin Lee wanted to know ... "Your new reports are excellent as always & many thanks for sending it to me. -- As you know I generate incomes from OUTSIDE/COMMISSIONS-BASED ONLY sales for a NVOCC/International Freight Forwarder selling international ocean freight forwarding services to importers & exporters. -- May I ask you ... what are the most effective ways for me to generate more biz WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY PERSONAL VISITS TO OUT OF THE STATE/CROSS-COUNTRY IMPORTERS/EXPORTERS? -- The industry's norm is, sales will pay a visit to each client to generate new biz, but what would be some alternatives for me? -- Direct mail? -- Fax? -- Email? -- Follow-up calls? -- would you please kindly give me some ideas and thanks a million!!" Calvin: If I were doing it, the first thing I would do would be to telephone the Exporter's office & ask to speak to someone in "shipping." I would NOT try to sell them anything. -- My purpose would be to get the "name" of a real person in charge of the shipping department ... get their direct telephone number, FAX number, and mailing address (it may well be different from the front office). Don't try to be cagey ... just ASK them "who" is in charge of the shipping department, the telephone & FAX number, and the mailing address. -- If they ask why you need it, simply tell them that you may be able to save them some money on their future shipments and you just want to know who to contact LATER. After you get the name and other contact info, send a "short" note to that specific person introducing your self & ASKing ... "Would you like to save some money on your next trans-oceanic shipment?" (or whatever) When you have a ocean carrier headed to Hong Kong (or wherever), call the specific person and ASK ... "Do you have anything going to Hong Kong this week? If you do, we have a carrier leaving on Monday (or whenever)." It will take some time but after a while they will call you to see if you have a carrier going wherever they need to ship to. Like everything else in business ... it takes more time than you may want but the results are worth the effort.
Calvin Lee wanted to know ...
"Your new reports are excellent as always & many thanks for sending it to me. -- As you know I generate incomes from OUTSIDE/COMMISSIONS-BASED ONLY sales for a NVOCC/International Freight Forwarder selling international ocean freight forwarding services to importers & exporters. -- May I ask you ... what are the most effective ways for me to generate more biz WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY PERSONAL VISITS TO OUT OF THE STATE/CROSS-COUNTRY IMPORTERS/EXPORTERS? -- The industry's norm is, sales will pay a visit to each client to generate new biz, but what would be some alternatives for me? -- Direct mail? -- Fax? -- Email? -- Follow-up calls? -- would you please kindly give me some ideas and thanks a million!!"
Calvin:
If I were doing it, the first thing I would do would be to telephone the Exporter's office & ask to speak to someone in "shipping."
I would NOT try to sell them anything. -- My purpose would be to get the "name" of a real person in charge of the shipping department ... get their direct telephone number, FAX number, and mailing address (it may well be different from the front office).
Don't try to be cagey ... just ASK them "who" is in charge of the shipping department, the telephone & FAX number, and the mailing address. -- If they ask why you need it, simply tell them that you may be able to save them some money on their future shipments and you just want to know who to contact LATER.
After you get the name and other contact info, send a "short" note to that specific person introducing your self & ASKing ... "Would you like to save some money on your next trans-oceanic shipment?" (or whatever)
When you have a ocean carrier headed to Hong Kong (or wherever), call the specific person and ASK ... "Do you have anything going to Hong Kong this week? If you do, we have a carrier leaving on Monday (or whenever)."
It will take some time but after a while they will call you to see if you have a carrier going wherever they need to ship to.
Like everything else in business ... it takes more time than you may want but the results are worth the effort.
Linda Carroll has a great deal going ... "I so thoroughly enjoyed reading your archives! -- I had to chuckle over the references to the slide rule when you were younger. I tell my daughter that when I was in school, calculators were the size of a dictionary ... now she has one in her cell phone. She can't images that. -- I was reading a report that said that e-commerce sales for the holiday period are predicted to be about 10 million. The first thing that hit me was that there are tons of small businesses that don't have any idea how to get some of those sales and don't know how to promote their site. -- So, I put together a promotion in which a handful of small businesses (ideally 12-18) participate in a holiday even that sends people to all participating sites to win prizes. It runs for one full month, from November 25 - December 25 and all sites will get a lot of promotion and exposure over that month. -- You can read details of what the businesses that participate get here -- http://www.12daysfree.com/merchants.html -- You can also see the holiday event itself at -- http://www.12daysfree.com -- Some of your readers may be interested. -- Keep up the great work with your newsletter." Thank You, Linda ... Glad you found something of value in the archives. If any of my readers are interested, they'll get in touch (I'm sure).
Linda Carroll has a great deal going ...
"I so thoroughly enjoyed reading your archives! -- I had to chuckle over the references to the slide rule when you were younger. I tell my daughter that when I was in school, calculators were the size of a dictionary ... now she has one in her cell phone. She can't images that. -- I was reading a report that said that e-commerce sales for the holiday period are predicted to be about 10 million. The first thing that hit me was that there are tons of small businesses that don't have any idea how to get some of those sales and don't know how to promote their site. -- So, I put together a promotion in which a handful of small businesses (ideally 12-18) participate in a holiday even that sends people to all participating sites to win prizes. It runs for one full month, from November 25 - December 25 and all sites will get a lot of promotion and exposure over that month. -- You can read details of what the businesses that participate get here -- http://www.12daysfree.com/merchants.html -- You can also see the holiday event itself at -- http://www.12daysfree.com -- Some of your readers may be interested. -- Keep up the great work with your newsletter."
Thank You, Linda ...
Glad you found something of value in the archives.
If any of my readers are interested, they'll get in touch (I'm sure).
Well ... that's it for this month. -- In order to make every issue responsive to YOUR needs, please send me your questions; or tell me what sources or resources you need to build your business; or give me any thoughts you want to share with your fellow members. Believe it or don't ... I ain't a mind-reader. -- If'n you doesn't tell me what you need, I may never touch upon the information, sources or resources you need. This is your publication for you to use to your benefit ... I am just your moderator. Until next month, keep well ... J.F. (Jim) STRAW Grande Panjandrum
Well ... that's it for this month. -- In order to make every issue responsive to YOUR needs, please send me your questions; or tell me what sources or resources you need to build your business; or give me any thoughts you want to share with your fellow members.
Believe it or don't ... I ain't a mind-reader. -- If'n you doesn't tell me what you need, I may never touch upon the information, sources or resources you need.
This is your publication for you to use to your benefit ... I am just your moderator.
Until next month, keep well ...
J.F. (Jim) STRAW Grande Panjandrum
With the news about someone suing McDonalds because their son got fat ... "When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again." -- Edith Hamilton, historian
With the news about someone suing McDonalds because their son got fat ...
"When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again." -- Edith Hamilton, historian
Can you stump the old master? -- Betcha can't! Over the past 40 years (man and boy), I have made bundles of money in direct selling, service contracting, wholesale merchandising, entertainment (I was a professional Trumpet player, vocalist & Radio Announcer), freight forwarding, import/export, retail merchandising, warehousing, real estate, electronics manufacturing, finder's fees, closeout merchandising, financial brokerage, business consulting, steel fabrication, gold and coal mining, offshore banking, mailorder, writing, and publishing. -- That being the case ... No matter what business you're in ... whether you're just starting, well on your way, or at the top of the heap ... I've probably been where you are, done what you are doing. -- So ... Anytime you have a question about 'how' to do something in your business - or - if you have any comments about anything I've said in issues of this e-Letter; or if you want to add your 2 cents worth ... just "ask" me or "tell" me. Send your Questions, Comments or 2 Cents Worth to ... with "Question" - "Comment" - or, "2 Cents Worth" in the SUBJECT. If I, personally, don't have an answer to any question you may ask, I will contact some of the professionals in your field of endeavor (I will probably know one or more personally) to get the real 'skinny' for you. Note: If you want to ask a question anonymously just tell me so when you send in the question. -- Nobody but you and I will know who asked the question.
Over the past 40 years (man and boy), I have made bundles of money in direct selling, service contracting, wholesale merchandising, entertainment (I was a professional Trumpet player, vocalist & Radio Announcer), freight forwarding, import/export, retail merchandising, warehousing, real estate, electronics manufacturing, finder's fees, closeout merchandising, financial brokerage, business consulting, steel fabrication, gold and coal mining, offshore banking, mailorder, writing, and publishing. -- That being the case ...
No matter what business you're in ... whether you're just starting, well on your way, or at the top of the heap ... I've probably been where you are, done what you are doing. -- So ...
Anytime you have a question about 'how' to do something in your business - or - if you have any comments about anything I've said in issues of this e-Letter; or if you want to add your 2 cents worth ... just "ask" me or "tell" me.
If I, personally, don't have an answer to any question you may ask, I will contact some of the professionals in your field of endeavor (I will probably know one or more personally) to get the real 'skinny' for you.
Note: If you want to ask a question anonymously just tell me so when you send in the question. -- Nobody but you and I will know who asked the question.
Return to the Archives Home FREE Reports FREE Newsletter About Us Copyright - 2002, J.F. (Jim) Straw. All rights reserved.
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Copyright - 2002, J.F. (Jim) Straw. All rights reserved.