James Burt’s latest ‘e-Wealth Daily’ article is titled “Boost Your Business with Testimonials”. [‘e-Wealth Daily’ Article]


James Burt’s latest ‘e-Wealth Daily’ article:

Boost Your Business with Testimonials

They were once called “references.” You wanted to get that great job or that great placement, but you needed someone to vouch for you. It was a way for the prospective party reviewing
you to be assured that you were all the good things you said you were.

If you are an entrepreneur, you call them “testimonials.” They can be of the utmost value to you. And if you are an info marketer, they can bring back success time and again.

Whether you buy a paperback novel, an air conditioning repair service, or a pair of shoes endorsed by a well-known athlete, testimonials are regularly used to sell consumer products in all parts of the world. The reasons are simple: people want to have access to products and services that others, often those most famous, swear by as exceptional. Many people think this is just a payoff by companies to certain celebrities in order to sell more products. But quite often testimonials are given to products by regular folks who are genuinely satisfied. There
are probably certain products that you or your own trusted loved ones would happily put their name on for recommendation.

If you are an information marketer, a good batch of testimonials can really help you promote your products and info services. If you can acquire the thumbs up from other associates, clients, and especially like-minded business peers, you stand an enhanced chance of getting your info products more exposure and getting an unofficial seal of approval from
the consumer community.

Testimonials are based on the old merit-not-inherit maxim — you really have to earn them. With this comes a way info marketers can go about seeking testimonials.

If you’ve been working for a while, it’s best to start reviewing your old client and associate lists. Examine those people who you’ve worked with a lot for your info marketing business.
Regular clients are the best, but don’t forget your publishers, designers, business partners, and info sources. Think of who would honestly say good things about you, your professionalism, and your services.

This might sound bad, but I think it’s worth including: be sure to examine your lists to see if anyone on your list has earned a certain professional reputation themselves. It’s not usually good to pick favorites in life, but here you might make a special consideration and prioritize your prospective testimonials. Someone who represents a well-regarded company or name and who is willing to give you a strong professional recommendation can really add clout when attracting more business to your info marketing business. Obviously, you should take any good words spoken about you and your business at any time, but it never hurts to see who the person
saying them is.

After you complete your lists, it’s time to start doing a bit of soliciting. I recommend sending out a personal and confidential e-mail to the most important potential associates on your lists
and ask them if they would be willing to provide you with a testimonial. Like a job reference, it’s absolutely important to ask first. If you use client or associate testimonials without
permission, not only are you breaking a code of trust with others, but you are also permanently damaging your professional career. People will shy away from you if you don’t ask for their approval beforehand.

Once you get a good set of three to five testimonials, check to see what and how your associates will word the testimonials. I have seen a few cases where they will even let you write your own and sign off with their name. Otherwise, they will just two or three good lines about you and your business. Quote them directly and start thinking of where to include them in your
products, online material, or even promotional products. Quoted back-page blurbs and a page of testimonials on your web site are good spots to start. Be sure to thank your testimonial providers personally, too. Never take a good testimonial for granted. These folks are your bread and butter, so it’s good to show appreciation.

Testimonials are probably one of the true golden components of your business. It’s great to work hard and do good work, but it’s equally important to know that you really are doing this good work. It never hurts to know this and it can really show others that you are a serious and dedicated info marketer. They may want to see just how good!

e-Wealth Daily

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The e-Wealth Daily Bulletin brings you daily tips, advice and breaking news related to home businesses, small businesses and internet marketing. Our team of experts gives you the information you need to take your business pursuits to the most profitable level. Founded by Adrian Newman in 2003, the e-Wealth Daily Bulletin and www.ewealthdaily.com are a division of Lombardi Publishing with online newsletters reaching over 100,000 subscribers each month.

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