Free Stuff… giving to get
by Marty Marsh
If you’re like me you like to get stuff for free. Ever notice on those late night infomercials that when they finally tell you how much you have to spend, they say, “but wait, there’s more!”? Or when buying a product off the Internet you’re offered several extra bonus products to entice you to buy? Ever notice that most of the time we want the free stuff more than the item we’re paying for?
It’s human nature to enjoy getting something for free even when we have to lay out some cash to get it. Ever buy something because you can get a rebate? We all have and your customers do the same thing.
Here are some suggestions for giveaways to get you more business:
- Special Reports. Write up the top 10 benefits you offer and put them in a special report and title it something like “Don’t Make These 10 Mistakes When Buying (whatever it is you sell)” or “10 Questions to Ask Your Realtor (or Funeral Director, or Pest Control Guy).” You get the idea.
- Specialty Items. Key chains, mugs, t-shirts, pens, magnets. Something tangible they can walk away with or that will be bulky to mail.
- Free No-Obligation Consultations. Share your expertise for free. A perfect time to ask questions and to determine the real needs of your prospects.
- Samples. No matter what you sell, even a service, you can sample your product. If you sell cookies, that’s a no-brainer. Services? How about a free seminar, workshop or a slice of your time?
- Gifts. Send thank you notes with a piece of fine, wrapped chocolate. Send a gift certificate for a treat at a fast food place. Send a book of coupons for discounts on future purchases.
What would you like to do next?