YOUR PITCH: Introduce Yourself

Oh, I can't help but throw this out... you didn't specify newspapers so you're probably referring to journalism in general. But I'm going to pick on newspapers specifically...

Why should we care about newspapers at all? We've made a lot of mistakes along the way while building Biznik from a "I've got an idea" conversation over the breakfast table. The biggest one, in my view, was the time and money we spent courting newspaper coverage. Now, one of the newspapers we tried unsuccessfully to convince to write about us is on the verge of vanishing.

Rather than thinking in terms of pitch, is it possible that it would be better to think in terms of relationships? With your customers, first. With bloggers and other influential opinion leaders, second. And with journalists, sure, if you have time left over.

OK. Here's my pitch:

Introducing "Sound Biz Platinum."

"Conventional wisdom" says take it step by step, build on your successes, create a product funnel, and grow your business. I say, "How's that working for you?" Are you tired of trying harder and going this way and that without getting anywhere? Do you want to make $100,000 (or more) by taking advantage of the Internet to market your business?

Why not cut out the middle and go for the gusto. Make quantum leaps not baby steps. Create what you want by getting out of your own way.

How much is a 1-year personal coaching program worth if it brings in $100,00 in the first year?

$50K? $20K? Here is what its worth to me: When your Internet eBusiness revenues total $100,00 you pay 2/3 of the tuition. You pay 1/3 of the tuition in advance. We'll talk about that more later.

This exclusive protege coaching program is by invitation only. I have ten spots and will absolutely close the group on April 1st - no fooling.

Over the next 12 months you will receive:

*one monthly one-on-one coaching session

*two monthly group coaching calls

*three weekend workshop intensives

*weekly newsletter

*weekly just-in-time coaching call

You'll learn how to:

*leverage your time so you work less to accomplish more

*know what to sell and to whom

*create quality digital products that people will gladly pay $47 and up to own

*build a following of customers no just a list of lookers

*get people to your website and stay and

*much, much, more

I am letting you in on this because I believe you have what it takes to make the leap. Apply by email. Complete the survey and if you are accepted you will be notified and the charge will show on your credit card as SBP2009

Your tuition is divided into two parts. The total tuition comes to $10,000. $2,997 is your first installment. When you have grossed $100,000 in sales then the other $7,003 comes due. There is an installment plan available if things are tight now. BUT, there is no installment plan once you've done $100,000 in business.

If you respond by March 19th and are accepted, I'll take $500 off the initial installment and apply the discount to the total tuition.

Here's the question you have to ask yourself. Do you really want to be successful or am I just blowing smoke?

Well? Do you?

end of pitch

Your comments and feedback are cheerfully requested. I will be making this offer to select people in my network and groups and will only accept applications until April 1st.

Happy to be the first to put myself out there.

Richard

Brandi, thank you. Very good input. I skipped the pain points and went to the benefits.

How would you suggest highlighting the fact that the cost is not 10k upfront? I said clearly that clients pay 1/3 up front and only pay the rest when they hit a certain revenue level. So they will have received the incredible value and results before they pay the final 2/3. But that may not have been as clear as necessary. Suggestions?

I actually borrowed the split payment concept from a psychologist who has an Internet marketing eCourse. He has been doing ti this way for some time, apparently successfully. He plays up the integrity piece of business and carries that over to final payment.

Also I have revised my offer downward to $3k with $997 up front and 2003 due later. At that price payment options would be limited to two payments but handled through automatic credit card processing.

I want it to be accessible but have great perceived value as well. This is obviously a technique I will be teaching as part of the program.

Just got off a call with my coach and fellow members of a platinum protege group I belong to (10K per year). One of the tips today was the value of offering payment options in this economy. My own experience has been that there are always options, even if not advertised. No one benefits by not being able to participate. The key is to qualify people not only by income but by track record and energy.

That said, if you don't believe your services are worth what you are charging, why would anyone else? And if you don't believe in your value, you won't express that to others and attract their business.

So, appreciate your value, charge accordingly, and do what you can to make it accessible without giving away the store.

oh, this is a good one for me....it;s late at nite and I can't sleep and I have some ideas running around in my head as things get even more solid in my head bout this biz...

I'm an interior decorator, specializing in meaningful, affordable, eco-friendly options for every day people, namely singles in the dating scene and couples merging spaces or already living together.

Call it the LoveNest niche. Making space for love, making love in your space.

What isn't working...not generating enough biz. What isn't working...not having an assistant.

Focusing on how to pull my market into my sphere and feeling overwhelmed as well. Many ideas.

Radio show in the works where we'd get paid for our time. It's the product review feature of my biz...eco home interior products...the his n her spin on review, the He said She said angle. Far as we can see, no one is doing this angle, and for couples market, our spin is perfect.

There is a book in my head too. Coffee table style. Could start as an ebook but the concept really sells in my head when its in full color print, for us tactile people. I hate ebooks personally so I feel really uninspired about creating one. I want to "get in it" when I'm reading book. Online doesn't offer that for me.

i've got a tomato tomahto idea in my head...

you say interior decorating i say space therapy

you say costs too much i say not me

not sure where that is going but i'm experiencing some misconceptions about my services so it may be a good angle to work on...

My services haven't been selling much lately. I do have product ideas I'm working on which I could teach in classes or sell the patterns, rather, and sell the patterns. They are low budget, high impact....which is impt in these times for people.

I can also do quite a lot in a space for only $200, not including product. we're back to the affordability factor here...that I AM.

eco-friendly options on a budget for every day people...namely dating singles and couples.

I"m sure Brandi that you have some amazing way to throw those ideas together :) I have ideas on co-hosting some events that target my market and bring in other biznikers that cater to those markets for a joint event that the people would love!

i'm babbling. There's a start for me, at least! There is more cohesion in it growing.

THanks for starting the group. Looking forward!

Blessings,
Amy
eco-interior decorator/LoveNest specialist
EcoKind Design

I have to disagree with our founder and his sour grapes response.

Sure, most papers are struggling and more than a few have gone under. But millions of people still read them. And a struggling paper in a mid-size or even a small market still has far more readers than the average person has followers on a social networking site.

And showing an article about your business to a potential client is still more impressive than showing them your latest Tweets. Or an article here, for that matter.

Appearing in traditional media still helps build credibility.

Getting publicity in a local paper can lead to national exposure -- on TV and syndicated radio.

I believe small biz owners should pursue a two-pronged approach that combines traditional and social media.

Yes, much of the game has changed. But a very large part of the game is still powerful and profitable -- if you know how to play it.

Here is my pitch. I welcome your critique

Many businesses are frustrated because they are not able to translate their strategies into results. They are concerned that failed strategies will affect their long-term success. They are worried about the future of their businesses.

We are a business advisory & coaching firm helping business executives build great enduring companies. We act as a trusted advisor to the executive team and help these business leaders execute strategies by implementing a proven process called the CEO Advantage. This process helps translate strategies into execution and results.