When They Zig--You Zag

If you're like most consumers, the mail carrierAnd here's how to get a divorce from the pack
cometh and you are deluged with packages. Mostmentality...
of them asking you to send money. So youIt appears every marketer, publisher, coach,
separate your bills into pile A, and junk mail intoconsultant, speaker, and self-proclaimed gurus and
pile B. And if you get around to it, you might gogeniuses worth their salt are conducting
through pile B.teleseminars. People go online to register their
But if you are sending out a prospecting package,name and e-mail for a chance to listen to the call.
what can you do to get your mailers read? HowSome get to ask questions. And many get
do you motivate your prospects to open yourvaluable coaching lessons for participating.
package instead of getting sandwiched into pile B?I register for many of these and have run into
And what can you do to prevent them fromclashing teleseminar schedules. I have to choose
discarding it in the round file without looking itone over the other. Which causes a slight
over?dilemma.
One of the best ways is to send a package thatBut you won't have this problem prospecting
stands out from the pack:because if everyone in your industry is
Send an oversized envelope or postcard. Thezigging-you should be zagging. Don't follow their
larger envelopes get special attention becausefootsteps. Branch out on your own.
over 95 percent of the other envelopes areBesides standing out-create a marketing package
usually the smaller size #9 or #10. Get this, Ithat goes against the flow...
even got an 8.5" X 11" postcard: not once-butIf your peers are sending post cards: why don't
twice from a doctor's office. It caused a greatyou send gift cards?
deal of curiosity and I was compelled to read it.If they're using #10 envelopes: why don't you
Send colorful envelopes or bubble packs. Usesend a 6" X 9"?
brilliant colors that draw attention from theIf they're relying on e-mail: why don't you use
common off-white, blue, or ivory. Today'ssnail mail?
envelopes even have designs that appear likeIf they're sending letters: why don't you send a
gift-wrap. People tend to rip open gift-wrap first,CD/DVD?
or save it for a special moment.If they're passing out catalogs: why don't you
Send a bulky package. Most of the mailers lie flat.distribute a magalog?
Yours will grab more attention by bulging at theIf they're doing presentations: why don't you send
seams. It creates the perception of having ainvitations?
great deal more of something. Maybe there areIf they're posting flyers: why don't you send
extra coupons, special offers, or discounts oncoupons?
inventory stuffed inside.If they're writing articles: why don't you promote
And even more effective is sending a packagea special report?
with a bulge. There's a mystery value addedIf they're relying on advertisement: why don't you
when people receive a lopsided, or odd-shapedsubmit a media release?
package. People are naturally curious and assumeIf they're promoting their website: why don't you
there's a surprise freebie inside and can't wait todevelop a squeeze page?
find out what's inside.If they're giving away tchotchke: why don't you
Use teaser copy on the envelope. Write a juicypass out an informational booklet?
offer, a benefit statement, a fear of lossYou see, every time they zig-you zag. Don't be
declaration, a controversial argument, or anthe follower: become the leader. And when they
incredibly intriguing phrase on the front and/orstart copying you, lead from another direction.
back of the package. Pen a line that stimulatesThis way: you become the Alpha Marketer and
their senses into finding the answer inside.are always ahead of the pack.