Sending Direct Mail During Uncertain Times
By Debbie Allen, Rights Reserved

With the latest Anthrax scares, you may want to think twice about sending promotional pieces that go 'bump' in the mail. More than 60% of Americans are at least concerned that letters they receive may contact anthrax bacteria, according to the Washington Post. During these uncertain times our world is more aware and nervous of anything out of the ordinary.

During periods such as these when envelopes are suspect, consider shortening your message and sending out postcards or a folded one-page newsletter that is stapled at the bottom. This will not only eliminate any suspect envelope, it will save you marketing money and get your message noticed quickly.

In my book, Confessions of Shameless Self Promoters, contributing author, W. Mitchell shared his success secrets about sending postcards. He calls his postcards breadcrumbs and sprinkles them out to his database on a regular basis. 

W. Mitchell states - Most people don't care what you can do for them because they are too focused on their day to day tasks. You must find a way that will interrupt their thinking and then leave 'breadcrumbs' so that later they can come back to find you. Otherwise they are not going to remember you. Send them something that people will have an interest in retaining. I send out 3 x 4 inch postcards monthly that states a message that helps people take responsibility for change. I have discovered that some people keep these messages around for years because of the useful quote or tip.

When W. Mitchell confessed his marketing secret with me, I instantly changed my direct mail strategy and began a postcard campaign containing different quotes and/or tips every other month. It works! I have even had clients call me on the phone and ask if they could use my tips or quotes in their company newsletters or post them on their Website. More free exposure and marketing! This shameless self promoter just loves when that happens.  

Use postcards to generate leads, close sales, persuade customers to buy more and encourage prospects to give you a try. But do this by sharing special tips or strategies based around your expertise.

Examples of some successful postcards mailings:

• Webcards to promote your Website or online newsletter
  These are postcards that feature your Website photo on the front of the card. I used this postcard to promote my online newsletter and update my database by getting e-mail addresses from my existing customer list.
  Check out www.Web-cards.com to easily order online.

• Top 10 Tips or Strategies by YOU the 'Expert'
  This postcard featured my top ten success strategies. It received lots of attention and I'm sure it is hanging on many office walls around the world. Check out my success strategies posted online at http://www.businessmotivator.com/success.htm

• Quotes that will motivate people to remember YOU
  Often my postcard contain a motivational quote similar to the strategy shared by W. Mitchell. The front of the card displays my quote along with my photo. The back of the card includes my mission statement and expertise.  Check out this great resource for unique postcard ideas and low prices http://www.colorforrealestate.com

• Testimonials by satisfied customers
  On the front of the card a photo is posted again and features my expertise. My photo puts a face with my message and is always on all my postcards. You may want to feature your product photo or rendering of your business location. Whatever you feature keep it consistent with each mailer.

The back of this card features testimonial quotes from satisfied clients. Give your prospective customers a good reason to do business with you - people want to do business with successful people and with people they know they can trust. Testimonials from your clients are powerful marketing tools.

• Touching their hearts and giving back
  My latest postcard addressed the tragedies of Sept. 11th.  The front of the card featured my photo draped with a red, white and blue flag and the message - Your audience's competitive advantage (photo) Debbie Allen. The back of the card featured the statement - Don't just choose a good speaker, choose one that makes a difference! Donation of $100 to American Red Cross for any bookings before December 31st.

Quality and low price postcards:
http://www.modernpostcard.com
http://www.1800postcard.com

Quality and low price color brochures:
http://www.Tu-vets.com

Use these ideas and brainstorm your own to stand out from your competition. Always remember to add your visual, expertise, catch phrase. Tell them why they need to do business with you, what makes you the expert and why they should pick up the phone and call YOU today.

by Debbie Allen

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Bio: Debbie Allen is one of the world’s leading authorities on sales and marketing.  She is the author of five books including Confessions of Shameless Self Promoters and Skyrocketing Sales.  Debbie has helped thousands of people around the world attract customers like crazy with her innovative, no-cost marketing strategies and secrets to sales success.  Her expertise has been featured in Entrepreneur, Selling Power and Sales & Marketing Excellence.  Sign up for her FREE 6-week e-Course Business Success Secrets Revealed ($97 value) and take the online business card quiz to rate your marketing online now at www.DebbieAllen.com.