Tag Archive for marketing tactics

Beware Free Gifts

This Christmas, I got many fine gifts from friends and family.

Some really cool “brew-in-bag” coffees from around the world.

Exotic orange tea. A book I requested. Skin lotion from Bath and Body Works. Some shirts and a new pair of blinding-white kicks.

Surprisingly…

Not one friend or family member asked for my credit card number or its expiration date prior to the giving.

Or asked for gas money because they had to bring it over.
Or asked for cash to cover their time to shop for it.
Or cash for the gift wrapping expense.

Or threatened to NOT give the gift to me if I wouldn’t promise to do something for them in the future.

I may be wrong, but me thinks…

If you promise to give me something free only if I will do something for you
in return, that’s a BRIBE, not a GIFT.

FREE GIFT is redundant btw. Gifts are, by their very nature, free.

Sorry for the rant, but I’ve reached my limit for marketers offering a FREE GIFT that’s dependent upon me making some payment, or for shipping, or for any future obligation whatsoever.

Or for a trial of this or that. Or if I have to do anything…

It’s not free. Nor a gift.

A gift is FREE. Zero cost or expectation from the recipient. No threat of charge later is appropriate either.

You might have a great offer. But an offer is not a gift. And seldom free.

The best offers, require no bribe. If the offer is great, I can’t NOT buy it.

Work on your offer.

Because what you’re really offering is a Bribe, not a gift.

You’re trying to trick me. You think I’m stupid.

Words matter.

I’ll just say, “No thank you” to your FREE GIFT!

Especially if you claim to be a marketing expert or guru.

Shame on you.

25 Reasons to Write a Book Now

by Bob Schwarztrauber
National Geographic reports that prehistoric dots and crimson hand stencils on Spanish cave walls, specifically the Cave of El Castillo in northern Spain, are now the world’s oldest known cave art. According to new dating results, this is perhaps the best evidence yet that Neanderthals were the Earth’s first cave painters. If that’s the case, then it seems pretty clear now that for over 40,000 years man has been trying to communicate with others. Trying to tell a story or relay some type of information. Way back then, before written language came into being, it was done through drawings. Now we have words as our modern means of communication. And like our Neanderthal ancestors, we all still have something to share. Here at the club our favorite sharing method is stringing words together to create some emotion, some change, some enlightenment in our fellow humans. Too often we think with tunnel vision though. We want to write a book. But that’s often not enough motivation to cause us to begin the writing process. It’s way too easy to remain an object at rest. So as additional motivation, here are 25 reasons why you should finally get that book written and open wide the doors of opportunity for you and your family: 1. To influence millions around the world 2. To educate millions 3. To raise awareness for your cause 4. To earn respect as a published author 5. To stand out among your friends and peers 6. To demonstrate your expertise 7. To have others pay for your “advertising” 8. To entertain 9. To leave a lasting family history or legacy 10. To offer something better than a business card 11. To offer as a gift or premium 12. To raise funds for charity and non-profits 13. To create additional sales revenue 14. To create automated streams of recurring income 15. To give purpose to your retirement years 16. To attract like-minded friends and associates 17. To direct offline clients online 18. To offer as door prize at industry, association or club events 19. To create prestige and trust 20. To create media and speaking opportunities 21. For durability, biz cards get tossed while books remain on the shelf as a subtle, constant reminder of you. 22. For personal pride 23. Your book research will expand your expertise 24. Your shared knowledge generates leads and sales 25. TO MAKE MORE MONEY!!! Any ONE of these…could change your life forever! The cave men knew enough to leave their mark on the world. How will we remember you? If you’re ready to get started now, this book might help you get done faster. It has for others. Book Writing Magic: How to Write Your First or Next Book in Just 7 Days!