If you're old enough to know your total cholesterol count off the top of your head (217), you may remember a man by the name of Jim Fixx.
My parents have been married for 55 years. In 1973, just before their 25th wedding anniversary, I distinctly remember asking my mother the following question: "Haven't you and Dad run out of things to talk about?" (Even back then I was a troublemaker.)
One question I am asked often is, "How much feedback does your electronic newsletter generate?" (Another question is, "How did you manage to lose so much hair in just 43 years of life?," but that's a topic for another day).
I just had a great idea. About four or five times a month, I find myself at some sort of business lunch. Whether with a client, prospective client, colleague, whatever, it's the rare week that goes by where I'm not lunching with someone in the middle of the work day.
Reader question: "I have placed photos and links to my books (on my web site) in my newsletter. Thanks to the tracking information I receive, I can tell who has clicked through to view the books. I was thinking that maybe in a month or so, I should send these few folks an email offering 20% off my books. Not mentioning that I know they clicked through, of course."
Let me ask you a question. Suppose a new restaurant opened in your town, and immediately took out an ad in the local paper with the following offer: "Send us $20 and we'll send you some food." Would you take them up on this proposition?
For those of you old enough to have never seriously considered getting your tongue pierced, you may recall the 1992 US presidential elections, principally involving Bill Clinton, George Bush and Ross Perot.
My memory of the specifics is a bit hazy, but one thing about that election has stayed with me. Everywhere you went that year, you'd run into passionate Perot supporters - handing out leaflets, wearing buttons, eager to engage anybody and everybody in a debate on the virtues of their candidate.
Hi Michael:
I am just getting started on creating my e-newsletter. Do I need a program to help manage and maintain my subscribers? And if so what programs would you suggest? I have seen some such as Broadcast and Constant Contact. But I have no idea how to choose the right one or if I even need one. Help?
Cathy Holden
This past February 6th was a big day for me; it was the 15th anniversary of the day I met my wife. Not only do I remember the exact day, I remember the exact moment. I was hosting a party at my apartment that night, and Linda showed up on the recommendation of a mutual friend. I clearly remember going downstairs to answer the doorbell, and wondering who the beautiful woman was waiting for me in the lobby.
Hi Michael:
I'm trying to figure out the best way to build a list as quickly as possible. I could purchase an "opt-in" email list and send them a newsletter -- I have recently positioned my pages for SEO and I could do a PPC campaign (I've already tried and it's luke warm). I thought I'd check with you and see what your thoughts might be.