As you probably know, Wednesday night I kicked off a program where I’ll be working with a small group of LCO’s to develop a customized profit-pulling marketing system.  The first call lasted approximately 80 minutes and I’m pretty sure everyone hung up with their heads jammed full of marketing insight.

One of the many things I shared with the group is what I would consider to be a the first step to developing a powerful marketing system.  You see, as small businesses we need every dollar we spend on marketing to be used effectively and effeciently.  We can’t afford to waste anything trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

The key to making sure we waste as little as possible is to make sure we’re spending our dollars on prospects and methods that will produce the greatest bang for our buck.  As such, the first step to making this happen is to create a list of highly targeted prospects that we’ll market to and cultivate over the next year.

A lot of businesses will blast out their message to as many people as possible, but they end up wasting a lot of time and money on prospects that just aren’t qualified or interested.  If we can create a list of prospects that we know match the criteria of prospects that are likely to become customers, our marketing dollars will be spent much more wisely because we’re not wasting any on the wrong candidates.

So, my suggestion to you is to create a highly targeted list of prospects you can market to over the next year.  If you’ll do this, I guarantee you’ll see an immediate improvement in your marketing efforts.

Well, it all starts tonight. At 8pm EST I’ll be meeting with a group of LCO’s that are looking to make 2007 a year to remember for their business. I’ve received many emails and calls from people asking questions about it and while I wish everyone could participate, I also understand that for some the situation just doesn’t permit at this time.

While I won’t be revealing everything we’ll be talking about and doing, I will be sharing some insights that come out of each session as we progress through this 6 week process, so be sure to stay tuned.

Now, if you’ve been sitting on the fence, NOW’S THE TIME TO ACT!

Here’s a brief overview of what the process will include:

• A series of 6 teleseminars where we’ll talk about how to build a powerful marketing system for your business, PLUS we’ll build a customized marketing system for YOUR business
• A series of 6 private one-on-one consultations where I’ll work with you personally to complete the various assignments and tasks required to create your very own marketing machine
• A truck load of various marketing materials designed to attract tons of qualified prospects, then convert them to paying customers, and then build a 30 foot psychological fence around them so they NEVER want to go anywhere else for service
• A complete marketing plan and plan of action that will last you the entire year so you’ll never have to wonder about what to do to drum up more business
• A series of 3 follow-up consultations that can be used at any time during the next year as a refresher or check-up to make sure you’re on track and on target to reach your goals

Remember, I guarantee you’ll add AT LEAST $15,000 to your bottom line next year or I’m on the hook for double your tuition. That’s right, double!

I’ve also made it extremely easy to cover your tuition. I know many people spent a ton on Christmas and all the associated festivities so I’m giving you 3 different payment options. Choose the one that works best for you budget.

Also, I’m not an accountant so please consult your’s about this one, but I’m pretty sure this is an expense you could write off when the tax man comes calling. Just think, you could let Uncle Sam pay to get your customized marketing system built!

Finally, I know there are a lot of skeptics out there so just yesterday I added one more ‘fail safe’ for you.

If you’re still not sure, but would like to try it out, go ahead and sign up for the program. If after listening to tonight’s session and then having the private consultation with me, you don’t feel as though I’ve given you MORE than your money’s worth, let me know and I’ll refund every penny paid. In fact, the money will probably be back in your account before you even notice it’s gone.

I’m super excited about this journey we’re about to take. I know there will be a small group of LCO’s ready to tear things up come next year and I’m looking forward to watching their businesses grow.

Again, there’s room for a few more so don’t miss your chance to get on board!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas day yesterday.   I did, in spite of spending most of the day with my wife’s family.  Fortunately, they’re all pretty normal and I get along quite well with them all.  I also had the chance to do most of the cooking (which is one of my passions) and we ate quite well, if I do say so myself.

As you’re probably aware, tomorrow is the kick off for my program where I’ll be working with a small group of LCO’s to help them build a completely customized marketing system for their business.  I’ve limited the size of the group to 15 LCO’s at most so I can work personally with each participant to build a system designed specifically for their business, and there are still a few slots available.

Be sure to read the entire message about a brand new fail-safe I’ve added for those still skeptical about making the commitment.

You can get all the details and sign up here:

www.lawncaremarketingmagic.com/fortunatefifteen.htm

If you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to join the group, here is a breakdown of the 6 teleseminars that will occur beginning tomorrow night at 8pm EST.

Part 1:  The Foundation of Your Profit-Pulling Marketing System

• The 3 pillars of any successful marketing SYSTEM
• Setting SMART goals
• Understanding the Lifetime Value of YOUR Customers
• Defining YOUR target market and creating YOUR ‘farm’

Part 2:  Creating Your Powerful Marketing Message

• Understand YOUR competition, what they offer and how you can use it as YOUR competitive advantage
• Tap into the emotional hot-buttons of YOUR target market and use it as YOUR ‘secret weapon’
• Create a marketing message that differentiates you and sets you apart from YOUR competition

Part 3:  Creating Your Arsenal of Hypnotic, Sales-Inducing Marketing Materials

• The keys to creating marketing materials that reach YOUR prospects when, how, and in a way that grabs their attention
• Create marketing materials that speak to your market at various stages of the sales cycle
• Understanding which marketing materials should be used for YOUR target market and how to get the best return on YOUR investment with each

Part 4:  Putting Your Customized, Profit-Pulling Marketing System into Action

• Know how and when to implement each element of YOUR powerful marketing system
• Keeping YOUR system in perpetual motion to continually develop new leads and customers
• Put YOUR system on virtual auto-pilot while you focus on the day to day activities of YOUR business

Part 5:  Forming an Army of Loyal, Unpaid Salespeople That Continually Bring You New Customers

• Tap into YOUR existing contacts to find an army of unpaid salespeople
• Work with centers of influence that already have a list of potential customers eagerly awaiting YOUR service
• Using technology to locate, qualify, and screen potential prospects and customers

Part 6:  Keeping Your Marketing System in Motion to Grow Your Business

• Create a customized marketing calendar to grow YOUR business
• Become the lawn care or landscaping expert and have everyone coming to you for guidance
• Continually sharpen YOUR marketing ‘saw’ in order to keep YOUR business growing

You can get all the details and sign up here:

www.lawncaremarketingmagic.com/fortunatefifteen.htm

Again, this is just a rough outline of the various subjects we’ll cover in the 6 part series.  Plus, in addition to the instruction and education, we’ll work through numerous tasks and assignments TOGETHER in order to develop a marketing system customized for YOUR business.

Feel completely lost when it comes to marketing your business?

Then this program is perfect for you!  Each element is designed to not only give you a thorough understanding of the steps that go into creating a powerful marketing system, but we’ll also immediately put in action the steps we talk about.  After each call you’ll have another key component to your customized marketing system, allowing you to quickly bypass your competition on your way to becoming the dominant player in your chosen market.

Don’t have a large advertising budget for 2007? 

No problem.  We’ll start with what you have and develop a plan to get the biggest bang for your buck, PLUS we’ll develop strategies to create a quick cash flow surge, giving you even more money to reinvest in your marketing.

You’ve already tried everything, but NONE of it works? 

I certainly understand.  Marketing can be extremely frustrating, especially when you’ve spent your hard earned money on things that just don’t work.  At the end of the next 6 weeks, I guarantee you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools necessary to select the proper methods and then DOMINATE those methods.  You’ll never have to feel like you’ve wasted hard earned advertising dollars again.

Still skeptical?  I certainly understand.  Even though I’ve set up several different payment plans PLUS I’m giving you a double your money back $15,000 conditional guarantee, I’ve decided to add one more step to take away any skepticism you might have.

If you’re interested in joining the program but aren’t quite sure, here’s what I suggest:

Go ahead and sign up selecting the payment plan that works best.  If after the first call tomorrow night and your first private consultation sometime in the next week you don’t believe I’ll be able to help you add at least $15,000 to your business, give me a call or shoot me an email telling me so and I’ll refund your money on the spot.  No questions asked and no hard feelings.

Remember, we’re starting tomorrow night at 8pm EST.  If you’re still on the fence then I encourage you to take advantage of this new ‘try before you buy’ option.  However, don’t wait around forever because once all 15 slots are taken, the door is closed forever.

Sorry for the lengthy message, but I wanted to be certain you had a thorough understanding of what is happening starting tomorrow.  Just make sure you don’t miss out!

On this eve of Christmas I hope you’re enjoying the spirit of this fantastic season surrounded by your friends and family. And if that’s not possible this year, then I hope this small greeting brings some holiday cheer to you.

We live in a very fast-paced world and I’m of the belief that every once in a while we need to stop, look around, and express appreciation for the blessings we enjoy.

As I did that just recently, you came to mind and I wanted to write a quick note to let you know just how much I appreciate the opportunity you’ve given me to share my passion about marketing with you. This past year has been a very exciting one for me personally and professionally, and you’ve been a big part of the reason why.

I wish you a very merry Christmas and hope this year finishes out on a positive note for you and your family. I look forward to continuing to bring you lots of great marketing insights and ideas next year to help your business reach new heights in 2007.

So, thanks again and enjoy every minute of tomorrow and the last few days of 2006.

Cheers!

First, I noticed that a large number of people didn’t receive my message yesterday about my latest attempt at online video so I wanted to take another opportunity to let you know about it.  I’m experimenting with this medium as a way to deliver these messages and even though I’ll be the first to admit I have a face for radio, I hope you find it helpful.

You can find it here:

http://tinyurl.com/yzzogn

Okay, if you read yesterday’s email then you probably noticed that once again there was an error with my email database service.  In order to make sure everything works correctly when sending HTML emails, I have to manually check the code to make sure it’s all correct.  Well, as you could see from yesterday’s message I didn’t do that.

Now, I wish I could say I did this on purpose, but that would be false. 

As I explained in my message back on 12/12, I have a system in place to help me manage the 1,500+ email addresses I send messages to on a daily basis.  Well, part of that system is a checklist of ‘To Do’s’ that I go through before each message goes out.

There are about 15 different tasks and items I go through and check-off before I send a message, and making sure the code is correct just happens to be one of those items.  The reason I go through this 15 step check-list is to make sure I’m not missing anything whenever I send you a message.

Unfortunately, yesterday was one of the few times I didn’t completely utilize the system I put in place and as a result, I screwed up.

So what can you learn from my mistake?

Just as airline pilots go through a thorough checklist of items before they take off, you too should use checklists or procedure maps in your business.  Go through each aspect of your business and map out each step or item that must be covered in order for a job to be done correctly.

Are you installing some new sod?  What are the exact steps taken to make sure it’s done correctly?

Are you hiring a new employee?  What steps must be taken to ensure all your bases are covered and this employee is screened thoroughly PLUS trained properly once finally hired? 

What about performing your platinum package lawn care service?  I imagine there’s a lengthy list of tasks that must be completed and items that must be checked on in order for the full service to be provided. 

Now, don’t just assume you and your crews will remember to perform every task and check ever item every single time because even though you probably will 95% of the time, that 5% could be what comes back to haunt you.  Just like it came back to haunt me yesterday.

Here’s another suggestion for you.  If you’ve ever had your oil changed at one of those minute-lube places, at the end of the service they usually give you a list of items that were completed plus any pertinent comments. 

You could easily create this type of list, use it as a checklist to make sure you’re not missing anything, then give it to your customer when the service visit is complete.  That way, you’re not overlooking any tasks that need to be performed or items that need to be checked, and your customer has a record of everything that was done.

Well, that’s all for today.  I do have a few more slots open for the program beginning next Wednesday so if getting your hands on a customized, profit-producing marketing system is of interest to you then don’t delay in claiming your spot. 

You can get all the details right here:

http://www.lawncaremarketingmagic.com/fortunatefifteen.htm

As you may or may not know, I’ve started experimenting with online video as a way of delivering my newsletter and messages. I’ve created a special video postcard I wanted to share with you. In it, I share with you the one thing that could help you grow your business like never before in 2007.