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How I Have Used Twitter in the Past 30 Days…

July 20, 2008 - Posted by Shama

3 Comments

By: Shama Hyder

So, there is a lot of speculation about Twitter and it’s real purpose. Is it a total waste of time? What do people actually use it for?

Here I will briefly chronicle how I have used Twitter in the past 30 days…

Hired an Intern.
Shared a movie review-after going to view what several of my friends recommended.
Gave marketing advice
Received mutiple referrals when I asked for an esthetician in Dallas
Got interviewed by a top blogger
Scheduled a talk with a potential JV partner
Got contacted to join in on a panel at BlogWorld
Got MUCHO advice from pet owners about raising our new mascot.
Shared all blog posts (attracted traffic and readers to the blog).
Invited more folks to join the Marketing Mastermind group on Facebook.

And this is just what I remember off the top of my head! = )

Asking Past Clients for Referrals-Best Practice Tips

July 19, 2008 - Posted by Shama

2 Comments

By: Shama Hyder

Recently, we decided to launch a referral campaign for one of our clients. They have just opened a new office in Texas, and would like to get the word out to past and present clients. Since we don’t specialize in direct mail type pieces, I turned to the one man I know who is the best in his field. Dean Rieck of Direct Creative.

I asked:

Are there any best practices when doing a direct mail piece to current and past clients asking for referrals? As copywriter extraordinaire-I thought you might have some insight!

Dean replied:

I’ve always taken the straightforward approach when asking for referrals. During a phone conversation, I’ll just tell them that referrals are important to me and that I’d like the client to feel free to recommend me to others.

I’ve not done this in a direct mail piece, but if I did I’d be just as upfront. Maybe send a few business cards and say that while I’m choosey about clients, I know a referral from that client would carry a lot of weight. That way I get in flattery while asking for a favor. I might also send them a gift, like a free report or a recent article I wrote, as a thank you in advance. That gets reciprocity working as well.

I think the key to referrals is to build the groundwork well ahead of time. Do favors for your clients. Then when you need a favor, they’re indebted to you. I learned that from The Godfather.

I guess I owe Dean a favor! = )

Help: Name the Puppy and Win a $100.00 Gift Card from K9 Cuisine

July 11, 2008 - Posted by Shama

162 Comments

By: Shama Hyder

I love my job. = ) Running a virtual company has its perks, and when you have amazing clients-it makes the job EVEN better!

A new member has joined our After The Launch team-an 8 week old male Maltepoo (maltese and poodle mix). He is the 2nd official mascot (the 1st is a 2 year old cat named Chuchi).

The puppy was originally named Bubba, but it doesn’t seem fitting. So, we are hosting a contest!

Name the puppy and WIN!

Suggest a name for the puppy in the comments.

If we choose that name, you will win a $100.00 gift card from our client K9 Cuisine. Best part-they offer FREE shipping! = )

This contest will close on July 21, 2008, and a winner will be announced!

Winning Name: SNOOPY! Thank you for submitting all these WONDERFUL names. It was a tough choice, but something about a dreamer pup from another era fit well. Winner will be contacted directly.