JULY 2004
Greetings & Salutations:
Just because it's new to you, doesn't mean it's "new."
At least once ... sometimes two or three times ... a year,
I am approached by someone with a "revolutionary" idea.
He, or she, absolutely "knows for a fact" that at least
ten-jillion people are just dying to get their grubby-little-paws
on this thingamajig (product, service, whatever). -- In all too
many cases, the "revolutionary" idea they have is already
on the market, or it has been tried, and failed, a dozen times
before.
Like the time I invested $30,000 in a "new" company
that was going to make me rich(er) by selling retrofit mechanisms
for casino slot machines. -- According to their proposal, every
casino in Nevada had hundreds of 'old' slot machines in storage
because the casino couldn't find replacement parts for the old
machines. -- They had designed a computerized mechanism; using
small servo-motors, that would fit into any make or model slot
machine ... replacing the old mechanical mechanism ... making
the machine usable again.
Hey ... I checked ... there were hundreds of 'old' slot machines
in storage at the casinos. So, I bought into the company.
What the promoter ... a 'computer' designer ... didn't know,
and I didn't find out, was that there were already a wide variety
of retrofit mechanisms on the market - and - the 'old' slot machines
were in storage because the casino's customers had
quit playing those older models ... opting for the newer models
with more bells and whistles.
So, before you pursue a "new" product or service,
check it out to be sure it really is "new." -- Just
because you've never seen it offered, doesn't mean that someone
else isn't making it, selling it, or providing it.
Then again ...
Just because it's not new, doesn't mean it can't be made "new."
If your research reveals that your "revolutionary"
idea isn't "new," you still might be able to make it
"new," by changing its design, improving its
quality, or adapting its uses. -- Then, it might really be "revolutionary."
Back when I was in the Women's Wig Business, many of our customers
had complained about the effects of static electricity
on synthetic-fiber wigs. -- Since the synthetic-fiber used to
make wigs is only slightly different from nylon, the "hair"
on the wigs would collect static electricity and either stand
out in an uncontrollable frizz, or attract dust, bits of paper,
and other light debris from the air.
When I received the first flyer offering "Anti-Static
Wig Spray," I called and ordered a case ... even though
no one in the industry had ever heard of the company offering
this "revolutionary" new product. -- Later, talking
with the "inventor," I learned that his wife
had told him about the static electricity problem she was having
with her wigs.
At first, he had tried to find a way to "ground"
the wigs, so they wouldn't collect static electricity. -- That
didn't work. -- Then, he noticed a can of an anti-cling spray
... used to eliminate static-cling from clothing ... on the shelf
at the store. He took it home and sprayed it on his wife's
wigs. Voila ... no more static electricity problems.
So, he contacted the manufacturer and had the anti-cling
product private labeled as "Anti-Static Wig Spray."
The rest is history. He made his fortune before everyone
else in the business discovered anti-cling spray,
and began having it private labeled to reduce static electricity
on synthetic-fiber wigs.
By the way, his "Anti-Static Wig Spray" ... in the
same can as the anti-cling product but with his label ... sold
for almost four times the price of the same product sold to eliminate
static-cling from clothing.
Not a new product - but - a "new" idea.
New is only new because it hasn't been seen before.
Now, let's do some ...
Questions & Answers, Comments
& Other Good Stuff!
Vinodhsen Ethirajulu was in a quandary
...
"I have bought your finder fees book. -- The content
seems to be really terrific. I say it is terrific because
the case studies reflect the real life finder fees situations
I met, like bottleneckers, daisy chains, etc. -- Now I have a
question. -- Can I use the same tactics to arrange a deal between
a Chinese foundry (they supply machine castings to companies
like Caterpillar, Cummins, Honeywell in USA) and potential buyers
in USA ,though I am in India. I am particularly fearful
about Chinese companies as I heard that they are not bothered
about written commitments. -- Is that true? -- I am asking
about the commission if the deal goes thru and I follow the rules
in your book religiously; not being a bottlenecker or daisy chainer."
Vinodhsen:
Yes ... you can do deals between companies in any country.
If you follow the exact procedure I have outlined in my course,
you won't have much trouble. Just remember, to approach
the Chinese company the same way you would any other company
and ASK for the commission. If they don't want to pay
a commission, move on to another company that will.
It makes no matter where the company is located ... business
is business the world around; when you are dealing with "real"
businesses.
Fred Dowell wanted to know ...
"I recently bought your book 'Free and Clear' for $10
and thought it was a good deal. I had a question about
Mail Order. -- Is mail order still viable today or is it beginning
to lose out to the internet? -- I noticed I got one flyer from
your company, but you seem to be more active on the internet.
Also, I received a lot of material recently about mail order
from Melvin Powers. Some of the testimonials were pretty
hard to believe. I wonder if this is a few years back before
the prevalence of the internet. He or his successors, also
promote SMC for their product line. That stuff is flooded on
EBay and most of it seems to be kind of 'knick knack' stuff anyway.
-- I've come to believe you are a basically honest marketer and
wondered if you would critique the other main Mail 0rder
programs (especially M. Powers) with your own."
Fred:
Mailorder ... direct mail marketing ... is even better
today than it has been in years. Since most of the wannabees
and gross amateurs are trying to make their fortunes on the Internet,
there is less and less competition in the mail.
Mel Powers has been around longer than I have ... he is one
of the real "masters" of the art - and - SMC products
are viable, but most of those selling the products don't know
what they are doing so they usually don't make much money.
Those who will not learn must face the
consequences of their ignorance.
Tim Hamm was looking for direction
...
"Knowing what you know and from an unbiased opinion,
which program among the Power Tools, if you were to start as
a business today, has the best profit potential and longevity.
-- I'm picking your brain here."
Tim:
Who is the most beautiful woman in the world?? -- Depends
upon who's looking, doesn't it?
The same holds true in choosing a business. The choice
depends upon what advantages you seek and what disadvantages
you will accept.
It's all in the eye of the beholder.
There are very, very few opportunities that couldn't be the
"best" for some one.Ý It is all a matter of
persistence.
Look around you. There are millionaires in every field of
business endeavor. There are millionaire garbage collectors ...
millionaire bankers ... millionaire shop keepers ... millionaire
day-care operators ... millionaire internet marketers ... etc.,
etc., etc.
As Albert Einstein said, "Anyone can be a genius, if
they pick just one specific subject and study it diligently just
15 minutes each day."
The same holds true in business. -- Just pick one specific
business. Do it every day until you do it successfully.
Most people don't fail, they just fail to stick with any ONE
thing until they have mastered it.
As Benjamin Disraeli said, "The secret to success is
the constancy of purpose."
What would be "best" for me ... since I have a very
high risk threshold ... wouldn't be the "best" for
anyone seeking any kind of security; or privacy.
To succeed in business, you must leave your comfort zone and
tread into untried waters ... willing to take the risks.
It will have to be a decision you make.
Lateef Olajide said ...
"I just finish packaging my new free ebook titled "Zero
To Hero." -- Your Subscribers can download a FREE copy."
"Zero To Hero"
Exclusive interview with 7 top Net Marketers Spilling their
Guts, revealing absolute truth about doing business on Internet.
-- Plus Success Stories and super marketing tips.
Get your personal copy FREE, at:
http://www.lateefolajide.com/zerotohero.html
David Maleney was looking
for a way to market his services ...
"As someone who produces quality products and has tons
of experience, I thought you would be the ideal person to ask
for advice. -- I run a bathroom suite repair business.
I don't re enamel the baths but I can remove any stain, repair
chips and restore the gloss level. I thought it would be
a good idea to approach local shopkeepers and suggest leaving
leaflets on a 10% commission basis. I've got an A4 size
ad for the shopkeeper to place in the window. This describes
my services and tells the reader to ask inside the shop for details,
where the shopkeeper can hand out a leaflet to the reader. --
I don't know what it's like in America, but here in England,
local shopkeepers don't like a hard sell, so I am trying to find
a way to approach them without putting them off. -- I have paid
to put postcard ads in shop windows which have given me a very
poor response. -- I also supply materials to Bath Refinishers,
but they are slow to order and I need to find a way to get them
to order on a regular basis. -- I would be grateful for any advice
or resources that could help me. I don't want to send out
my 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son to work!"
Dave:
Sorry to tell you this - but ...
The method you are using ... having shopkeepers
hand out flyers (even at a 10% commission) ... is highly ineffective
unless the "shop" relates directly to bathroom fixtures.
Otherwise, the potential customer has no immediate need for;
or interest in, having their bathroom repaired. You'll
just waste the expense of having the flyers printed.
Suggest you use much the same flyers - but - distribute those
flyers door-to-door in older neighborhoods; where the bathrooms
probably haven't been touched in years. Receiving the flyer
at home, the home owner will walk into their bathroom and see
for themselves that it needs repair ... creating their own "immediate
interest" in your services. (Same expense ... more
productive.)
Another way, would be to pay the 10% commission to the Girl
Scouts (Girl Guides in England, I think). Have them distribute
the flyers in the older neighborhoods and give them the commission
on any resulting orders. -- You might do the same with
other non-profit organizations that may be looking for fund raising
programs.
Then again ... send your 5 years old daughter out door-to-door
with your flyers. Have her knock on the door and tell the
person who answers the door, "My Daddy wanted me to
give this to you." (Just kidding ... but, it would
be highly effective.)
Hope that gives you some ideas.
Arthur Abel needed some advice
...
"I have went through the course "Finder Fees".
-- I am a little bit confused on something. I realize that
the best way to make money in this field is through sales people.
-- My confusion lies with where and how to find the buyers for
these salespeople??"
Arthur:
Going through sales people is just ONE way to increase
your catalog of "suppliers" who will pay you
a fee for sending them a customer. -- Not necessarily the best
way - but - one way it can be done.
If you want to use sales people as your primary suppliers,
here's how I did it ...
At one time, I had about 25 sales people who sold various
kinds of retail merchandise for display in various retail stores.
The companies for which those sales people worked provided
them with leads generated by their advertising to specific categories
of stores.
I simply figured out unusual places where they could establish
displays of the merchandise they were selling.
As an example: One of the sales people had racks
of "sunglasses" that they placed in retail clothing
stores and drug stores. I figured the sunglasses
would sell well in "automotive stores" to drivers.
So, I wrote a letter to all of the automotive stores asking them
if they would consider selling sunglasses in their store.
I turned the responses over to the sales person and he established
accounts with those stores and paid my fee.
Figure out where the sales person "isn't" selling
their products or services. Then, approach those places.
Ed Williams asked ...
"I wanted to ask you if there were any Good Gifting Programs
that were worthy of participating. Please use your contacts
to find out what ever you can and share it with us. -- I constantly
receive stuff like this every day in the mail. The only program
I thought was credible was called THE LAST PROGRAM. It really
explained the CASH GIFTING PROGRAM IN GREAT DETAIL."
Ed:
No matter what they say, "Gifting" programs are
nothing more than glorified chain letters.
They can't put them out of business as fast as they start
up.
Cathy Qazalbash was ready to
get started ...
"I have just completed your mail order book and really
enjoyed it. I am very keen to start but I have just a couple
of questions. -- Firstly how much money would I need to make
a realistic start with mail order marketing? I have $500
put aside for this purpose right now. -- Secondly would it be
possible to sell digital products with this kind of marketing,
or should I stick to hard goods? -- Thirdly I am planning on
starting a subscription letter. Is this a viable form of
marketing for this product and what would be the best subject
to build a subscription letter around? -- Making Money is quite
a large subject. -- I currently publish 2 free newsletters online
one about marketing and the other on starting home businesses.
-- Could I get really targeted subscribers for my newsletters
by mail order marketing. If so how would I do this?
-- Lastly how easy would it be for me to do copywriting for mail
order companies? I currently write Ad Copy and Articles
for online business promotion. -- Is it really very different?
I understand I would need to partner with a graphics expert.
-- I am sorry for all these questions but I am cautious by nature
in business and would like to start right."
Cathy:
You can start with $500 ... it will just take
you a little longer to build your customer base.
More money might be spent unwisely anyway.
Really, you can sell any kind of products by mailorder
... as I have. As a matter of fact, email marketing
is only mailorder with a few
differences.
You can learn all about publishing a newsletter in the January,
2003, issue of my e-Letter, at:
Jan03.html
The subject of your newsletter should be something you know
about and for which you can find other people
who have the same interest.
To get subscribers to your online newsletters by mail,
simply do a mailing offering the newsletter... just as
you would for any other product.
Copywriting is a good field - BUT - it is one
of the hardest fields to get into profitably.
Most successful ad copywriters start out by doing ad copy
for free. Then, when they have built a reputation, they
can use what they have done to prove their ability.
Joe Bridges sent me a review
copy of ...
"Tips & Tricks of the Trade for Profiting
in Futures"
I read it. -- It's pretty straightforward ... provides methods,
techniques and strategies that you can use in the Stock, Futures
and Forex markets right now! -- These methods work in any market
and any time frame.
Check it out, at:
http://www.trade2bfree.com
Deitrick Barr has something
to share with you ...
"I have been a reader of your newsletter every since
I purchased your "How to Get Filthy Rich Selling Real Estate
You Don't Own" a few years ago. -- Thanks to you I got into
real estate using your great information. I'm still
doing it and making money. -- I have something I would like to
pass on to your subscribers that would like to make money in
real estate. -- With this program all you have to do is find
property for an Investor real estate group and they will pay
you $1,000 to $25,000 if they purchase the property that you
located for them. It does not cost anything to join this
program to make money in real estate helping this company out.
All they ask is if you would not send them bogus information
about the property. They will even teach you if you don't
know anything about Real estate. -- Thanks once again for your
great information that changed my life!"
Okay, Gang ... you check it out at:
http://www.A-Legit-Business.com
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
Thoughts For The Month!
"There is a great difference between knowing and understanding:
you can know a lot about something and not really understand
it." --Charles F. Kettering
"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being
wrong." -- Joseph Chilton Pearce
Copyright - 2004, J.F. (Jim) Straw. All rights reserved.