Put on your boxing gloves. You may need them. We're going in for the knock out.
Over the years, the Internet has naturally become the primary means of marketing products, services, or information. This will always be the case. However, as popular as the Internet is, it is NOT the only profitable way to market.
In our modern day of high-speed technology, many seem to forget that the "tried and true" method of direct response marketing through print advertising can still prove to be another very profitable way to go.
Did you know that right now, right here in the 21st Century, the world's top direct response marketers are having more success than ever before with their "offline" marketing efforts? I'll explain why in a moment.
Seems hard to believe since everyone is online today, right?
It's mainly because basic human nature has not changed, nor have human buying triggers. Having something tangible in hand that can be touched is still trusted more than words or images on a computer screen.
In spite of the Internet's capability of reaching out to millions of viewers in a matter of minutes, a printed circular or post card in hand still goes a long, long way and has a different feel to it.
Plus, you have your prospects undivided attention since your ad is not side by side with many, many others. Don't forget the fact that a newspaper ad or post card can sit on someone's coffee table for days at a time. This is called "advertising shelf life."
I have magazines sitting around for weeks with ads that caught my attention that I have not yet done anything with. But I may because I know the ad is still sitting there. Get my drift?
Think about it, when you get a printed circular or post card that you can hold in your hand you tend to look at it as something a bit more real that is produced by an actual person whom you can identify with. You don't generally look at it as some unknown face or entity hiding behind a computer.
Although, online audio and video presentations are alleviating much of the impersonal touch as of late and is adding that all important personal touch that has been missing on the internet in years past.
I personally add pictures and audio to every web site I ever post and you should too. I am now in the final stages of adding a full three minute streaming video to one of my sites in the weeks ahead as well.
Printed forms of advertising and direct mail pieces have stood the test of time, and have proven themselves over and over again against everything that has come and gone.
Here's proof from the biggest advertising heavy weight of all time:
Google Adwords, the world's largest online advertising platform has just rolled out a feature for its users in which you can now place your advertisements in multiple national newspapers across the United States without having to actually even deal with the newspapers.
If Google has implemented an "off line" newspaper advertising platform within its "online" advertising platform, there is a huge demand for it. Why? Because off line advertising still works. Period.
Here's something else to think about:
Most people go online looking for information, not sales offers. So the chance of them running across your online offer is slim. However, when a printed circular or direct sales offer is physically placed in the hands of people, they will put forth the effort to seek out the source of the offer.
It doesn't matter if it's right up the street from them or online, the printed advertising piece established a certain form of credibility and allowed you to grab a different audience.
And here's the best part:
Due to the internet, you can now send your "offline" prospects back "online" to your web site for the best 1, 2 punch in existence.
You can attract them off line and drive them back to your online marketing system - the best of both worlds. Your web site can then properly highlight benefits and give access to the offer while automating much of the work.
With offline advertising, you don't have to worry about getting traffic to a web site, search engine optimization or any of the other popular online techniques. People coming online to your web site after reading your advertisement or printed direct sales piece are generally looking to buy the product or service offered.
The Internet should wisely be used in combination with off line marketing as an extension of your advertising and sales efforts.
ALL the top direct response marketing pros are now using a combination of off line and online marketing as an overall strategy. You attract a whole new audience off line that you may not have had the opportunity to get in front of online for whatever reasons.
More and more you will begin seeing web sites requesting your physical address AND your email address.
Most internet only advertisers will likely see their sales efforts pay off in a much greater way by combining print advertising and/or direct mail with their online methods. It's a bit more work but well worth it long term.
Now that you realize the benefits and advantages of offline advertising, do yourself and your business a favor and create an offline marketing campaign to partner with your online marketing campaigns.
Go in for the knock out punch!
But the question everyone needs to ask is where do you actually start finding these great people?
With that in mind, here are three tried-and-true places to find long-lasting mentors that can change your life for the better.
HOT SPOT #1) While a mentor is commonly thought of as someone you interact with one-on-one in a live setting, a mentor or coach can also be a book, CD or course where you get access to an expert in some topic.
For me, that was HUGE just starting out, since I had no name recognition (or big accomplishments in business) to bend someone's ear.
One thing to remember when looking for a mentor is that you're asking THEM to make a time investment. Which means you must show you're actually worth the time you want them to take (versus the majority of people who can talk a good game, but who don't take action).
By investing in their resources first -- and taking action -- you show them you are serious about the commitment needed.
HOT SPOT #2) Another great place to find mentors is via live events. If there's a certain expert you want to learn from, he or she most likely hosts live training events. This not only puts you closer to the expert, but also helps you network with other like-minded people in your situation.
In many cases, you'll make new long-term friends at these events...people who will support you (and vice versa) for years to come!
The key with using this method is you should expect to attend several events. You must show growth, action and accomplishment from one event to the next. That's the main way people will believe in your investment toward your goals.
HOT SPOT #3) Once you've shown a serious level of commitment, you'll want to pursue a mastermind group or coaching program.
I'll be honest -- some are hit or miss (and you should cut bait as soon as an association is dragging you down). But if you do your homework right, you can end up in a room with some people who are top notch players...which puts you closer to a mentoring relationship with the "expert" (who many times will facilitate the event). However, it also puts you in direct contact with other men and women of action.
Often times you'll find a mentor (or partnership) from the other people in the room. In fact going through these steps will be more than just financial success to you. It results in great friendships with many people.
Now keep in mind, a mentor does NOT have to be someone who is a "big name" either -- just someone who can help you get to where you need to go. There are millions of people out there who are more successful than you and me...and who would be willing to give back and help someone else.
Personally, I went through the exact same progression above. I bought everything I could get my hands on and started going to live events. In fact two of my very close friends, Yanik Silver and Jim Edwards, started out as people I just bought products from. Then they saw me at live events and saw me taking action.
Next I moved into a mastermind program...and now, years later, I'm great friends and business partners with them. We've gone on trips together, hung out with each others families, and have worked together for years.
A lot of this happens because you take action, get results and make sure your future mentors are aware of it. That's key!
By the way, sometimes a mentor relationship starts from simply writing a letter or getting a meeting with someone and asking for the help. Yes, it can be that simple!
Many people don't ASK for, TAKE ACTION on and PERSEVERE for what they want -- that's one of the big "secrets" to making it happen.
Both Andrew Cass & Chris Zavadowski are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Andrew Cass has sinced written about articles on various topics from Email Advertising, Video and Multi Level Marketing. Andrew J. Cass is a Home Business Development Expert and Professional Marketing Consultant. He is in the top 1% of income earners in the Home Business industry. To. Andrew Cass's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Chris Zavadowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from Reiki Therapy, Fitness and Investments. Chris Zavadowski, named this year's "Coach of the Year", has gained top recognition online and offline for his unique ways of growing businesses with the Internet, and he has served as an online mentor for thousands of business owners. For more of his bre. Chris Zavadowski's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.