Dusted mine off this morning, and after reading it and comparing to one or two others, realized that it is not an introduction at all, and thus, not very effective.
What are your thoughts as to what should or should not be included in a letter of introduction, that you would give to your prospective client?
Length, structure, paper stock and ink?
Would love to hear your thought on the subject.
Eric
Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.
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Replies
Eric-
Keep it short, make it about the customer, not you. Focus on why the customer should consider you over the next guy. And the PS is the most read part of a letter, so save something good for that.
Why don't you post what you've got?
Check this booklet out at my firm's site:
http://www.foxandcompany.com/pdfs/PersuasiveBusinessLetter.pdf
There are other marketing notes you might find of interest:
http://www.foxandcompany.com/publications_marketing_notes.htm
Wow,
Thanks Rick, I'm sure I'll find much useful information in there.
I created and once used "A Consumer's Guide to Residential Remodeling" as a sales tool.
Looking over it, I can't believe it is now nearly eight years old. It's 11 pages long.
I attempted to weave into it annectodal evidence to persuade clients to hire me.
Some of it is pretty directly plagerized, though highly altered, some of it is out of date as well.
I received some good feedback on it several times, I think the gist of what i was attempting to do at the time was to attempt to agree to some degree with the common perception that the industry is full of crooks and hacks, how to avoid them, how to spot a proffesional, and at the same time infer that I was one of the latter and not the former.
Having seen Sonny Lykos' "The Process", my publication may be seen as possibly similiar in goal, but not presentation.
Eric
So, like I said, I really don't have a simple letter of introduction.I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
[email protected]
Eric-That's not a bad strategy... we've helped several clients create packages that included some sort of "useful" publication: For example, "10 Important Rules When Hiring a Contractor"You then create those "rules" so they suggest the risk of doing it the wrong way... with the other guy. And that you will do it the right way.You can then use your brief intro letter to introduce the booklet (which may only be 2 pages)... which has some perceived value.We have even run advertising programs to advertise such booklets (Call today for a free "How to _____" Primer). It's a great way to meet new prospects, couched in the messages you want them to hear.Good luck
Like I said...........it's NOT!
I need one.
Happy reading. Just hope the copyright police aren't lurking.
Eric
I'm leaving off the last page of copyrighted material.I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
[email protected]
ok.........here's a first shot.
EricI Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
[email protected]
Eric-Your letter is pretty good actually. Better than most.I did a quick rewrite... The main purpose of which is to address the reality that most people just don't read letters carefully. So, I pulled out the key differentiators into bullet form so they will jump out upon a quick scan.I also emphasized the loyalty aspect. I don't suspect many people will actually call your past customers, but offering it is a statement of confidence.I think you need a stron PS. What one other message would you like to leave them with?
Eric, don't beat around the bush....just post your new one and let us rip you apart!
It doesn't hurt that bad, that's why I keep doing it.
C'mon...don't be chicken!
blue
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!